Conventional construction materials like concrete and fired clay bricks have high environmental impacts due to their energy-intensive production and carbon emissions. There is a growing need for sustainable and scalable alternatives. Mycelium bricks, made from the root-like structure of fungi, offer a biodegradable, fire-resistant, and cost-effective solution, but current production methods are labor-intensive and lack consistency. This project aims to solve that by automating the process.
The goal of this project is to design and build a fully functional, automated machine capable of producing standardized mycelium bricks. The team will design a mycelium-based brick matching the dimensions of a standard European brick, ensuring compatibility with existing construction systems. Detailed model diagrams will illustrate the mechanical and thermodynamic functions of the machine, supporting the engineering and design process. A working budget will also be developed, prioritizing accessibility and minimizing environmental impact. Finally, a physical prototype will be created to demonstrate a modular and scalable design approach.
Major: Engineering Science
Subroles: Lead Designer for Incubator, Business manager and webmaster
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Subroles: Lead Designer for Mixer, Project manager and Treasurer
The team's advisor is Professor Yan