These amazing zero-waste buildings were grown from mushrooms

Grown Structures by Aleksi Vesaluoma and Astudio

Grown Structures by Aleksi Vesaluoma and Astudio

These living, growing structures use mushroom mycelium as a sustainable, organic alternative to conventional construction materials. Brunel University student Aleksi Vesaluoma developed a way to use mycelium–vegetative part of a mushroom fungus– as glue and create complex architectural structures. Vesaluoma worked together with architecture firm Astudio to build the Grown Structures series as prototypes proving that, eventually, building can be grown rather than built.

Grown Structures by Aleksi Vesaluoma and Astudio

When mycelium grows throughout organic materials such as straw, it binds the matter together like glue.

Grown Structures by Aleksi Vesaluoma and Astudio

The team mixed oyster mushroom mycelium with cardboard and poured into tube-shaped cotton bandage.

Grown Structures by Aleksi Vesaluoma and Astudio

These tube-shaped forms are then placed over mounds and placed inside a ventilated greenhouse for four weeks.

Grown Structures by Aleksi Vesaluoma and Astudio

During this time the material grows and becomes robust.

Grown Structures by Aleksi Vesaluoma and Astudio

The great thing is that the process turns organic waste into nutrients for the growth of the mycelium and is completely waste-free, since the structure can be biodegraded to benefit the local environment.

Grown Structures by Aleksi Vesaluoma and Astudio

Grown Structures have prompted several attempts at commercialization in the USA and the Netherlands.

Grown Structures by Aleksi Vesaluoma and Astudio

The fact that the fungi which grow on the structures can also be eaten makes the project perfect for pop-up restaurants.

Grown Structures by Aleksi Vesaluoma and Astudio

Grown Structures by Aleksi Vesaluoma and Astudio

Grown Structures by Aleksi Vesaluoma and Astudio

Grown Structures by Aleksi Vesaluoma and Astudio

Grown Structures by Aleksi Vesaluoma and Astudio