The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry consumes over 30% of global resources and generates billions of tons of waste annually, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices. This research seeks to address these challenges by utilizing wood waste from local industrial streams and combining it with Ganoderma lucidum spawn as a natural binder, aiming to offer a sustainable alternative to conventional materials while reducing environmental impact. Unlike traditional methods that often involve resource-intensive formwork, this research explores Liquid Deposition Modeling (LDM), a 3D printing technique, to minimize waste and enhance efficiency.
By developing a suitable recycled wood and mycelium mixture (RWMM) for LDM, this research aims to reduce environmental impact, enhance material performance, and promote sustainable construction practices, with the potential for large-scale applications in the AEC industry. This research integrates computational design and robotic fabrication to optimize the acoustic and thermal performance of RWMM components. By developing a design-to-fabrication workflow, it enables the production of high-performing, zero-waste building elements. The porous structure of RWMM offers good thermal insulation and sound absorption properties, contributing to energy efficiency and noise reduction in urban environments. Ultimately, this research seeks to position RWMM as a viable and sustainable material within the AEC industry, advancing both environmental sustainability and architectural innovation.
