TU Graz mycelium-enhanced clay material development

Researchers at the Technical University of Graz (TU Graz) are advancing sustainable construction through mycelium-enhanced clay technologies.

Initial developments focused on creating low-carbon building materials by mixing traditional clay with mycelium—the root network of fungi. Using 3D printing and a sugar-water inoculation process, researchers produced bio-welded components that eliminate the need for adhesives. While this offers a biobased alternative to conventional bricks, experts note that widespread adoption faces challenges from regulatory standards, design costs, and industry lobbying.

Building on this material research, scientists have transitioned toward functional cooling applications. By incorporating wood chips and mushroom cultures into the clay mixture before printing and firing, they created highly porous 3D-printed ceramic structures. These porous ceramics utilize evaporative cooling to reduce ambient temperatures, with experimental tests showing surface temperature reductions of nearly seven degrees Celsius.

Recent developments highlight a 3D-printed ceramic cooling system designed to lower room temperatures without the use of electricity, compressors, or refrigerants. The system employs porous ceramic cubes that utilize the transition of water from liquid to vapor to absorb heat from the surrounding environment. This innovation addresses rising global electricity demands for air conditioning, following reports from the International Energy Agency that building electricity consumption rose by over 600 terawatt-hours in 2024, accounting for nearly 60% of total global electricity growth. The project has progressed from material testing to the development and large-scale testing of wall prototypes at the Neue Technik campus in Graz.