MYCELIUM
We harness the power of mycelium - the vegetative filament root structure of mushrooms - to grow our materials using organic and synthetic substrates that are the by-products or 'wastes' of other industries.
[The vegetative part of a fungus / a network of fine white filaments]
We have produced a mycelium insulation panel that will be the world’s first accredited mycelium insulation product. We are also developing new products and alternative applications for mycelium.
Mycelium not only outperforms petrochemical/plastic based construction materials in thermal and acoustic insulation but, as a natural material, it is also safer and healthier. Mycelium does not contain the synthetic, resin-based compounds that can cause harmful toxic smoke and the quick spread of flames during a fire.
To grow our mycelium, we identify commercial and agricultural by-products that would otherwise go to landfill. Our entire manufacturing process only has a positive impact on the environment, meaning it is completely regenerative. Our manufacturing process is estimated to be carbon-negative, sequestering at least 16 tonnes of carbon per month.
Benefits
Thermal Capacity
Initial thermal testing indicates that mycelium insulation can outperform the vast majority of market- leading synthetic and ‘organic’ insulation products.
Biohm’s mycelium insulation panels are able to achieve a thermal conductivity of 0.024W/m.K., surpassing the values that can be achieved by market leading but unsustainable materials such as glass fibre (0.032-0.044W/m.K.), mineral wool (0.032-0.044W/m.K), expanded polystyrene (0.036W/m.K) and extruded polystyrene (0.029-0.036W/m.K). We are confident that with our ever-evolving research, Biohm will be able to increase this capacity.