Mycelium Cocoon: Additive Robotic Fabrication For Mycelium Building Envelopes

This project investigates the potential of mycelium, a biological material, as a construction material for building envelopes, using an innovative additive robotic fabrication strategy inspired by the Clay Rotunda project. The methodology involved developing mycelium-inoculated building blocks and assembling them into prototypes via a robotic arm. Appropriate substrates and fungal strains were selected, and moulds were designed to shape the blocks. A parametric design tool was employed to devise the assembly and determine the robotic arm's trajectories. A bespoke end effector was developed to facilitate the gentle holding and placement of the mycelium blocks. Consequently, a scaled prototype was constructed as proof of concept. This article represents the initial phase of an ongoing state-funded research project to develop construction technology using mycelium as a sustainable binder with an innovative digital fabrication technique.