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Wednesday
Sep232009

Perennial Structure: Mycological Insulation

DateWednesday, September 23, 2009 at 1:58PM

For a structure to be perennial, it needs to change withthe seasons. It needs to be able to adapt to changes in the environment,and to take advantage of those changes. One way to accomplish this is touse insulating material that can be easily removed and replaced with changesin weather. Mycological insulation, analogous to existing petroleum-derivedstructural insulating panels, is made from agricultural waste and themycelia of fungus. It is strong, hydrophobic, fire-retardant, has acompetitive R-value, and is extraordinarily simple to manufacture. Studentsof the organic farm could easily create mycological insulation from readilyavailable, local materials. In winter, multiple layers of insulating panelscould be used. Because the panels are non-toxic, antibacterial, and ‘baked’before fungal spores are produced, they may be exposed to the insideenvironment. When these panels are no longer necessary in summer, they canbe removed and broken down as mulch. This mulch may be used on-farm. Whenmore panels are needed, more may be manufactured in a week or less. If thedesired shape of the material changes, all that need change is the form thatthe material is grown in. Local wheat chaff, which is produced on thePalouse in abundance at the end of each growing season, provides the growingmedium. However, the medium need not be wheat chaff—comparable wasteproduced by the organic farm may serve as well. The module may take on anyshape; anyone may participate in construction.

-- Emily A. RudeSoil ScienceAgriculture and Food SystemsWashington State University: SeniorCell: 206.321.3613emily.rude@email.wsu.edu

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