“Elephant Skin” Mycelium Tiles can cool down buildings

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), in collaboration with bioSEA, a local ecology and biomimicry design firm, have developed an innovative building material inspired by the remarkable heat-regulating properties of elephant skin. These “fungi tiles,” made from mycelium and organic waste, offer a sustainable and energy-efficient approach to keeping buildings cool, particularly in tropical climates.

Designer: Nanyang Technological University

Elephants, lacking sweat glands, rely on the intricate wrinkles and crevices of their skin to dissipate heat. This unique texture allows them to retain water, which then evaporates to provide a cooling effect. Inspired by this natural design, the research team created tiles with a bumpy, uneven surface using computational modeling and algorithms to optimize the texture for heat regulation. The “fungi tiles” are created by mixing the root network of oyster mushrooms (mycelium) with bamboo shavings, along with oats and water, and then packing this mixture into hexagonal molds featuring the elephant skin-inspired texture. The tiles are then left to grow in the dark for two weeks, followed by another two weeks in the same conditions outside the mold. Finally, they are oven-dried to remove moisture and halt further growth.

Laboratory experiments have demonstrated the effectiveness of these biomimicry-inspired tiles. The cooling rate of the textured mycelium tile was found to be 25% better than a completely flat mycelium tile, while its heating rate was 2% lower. Notably, the cooling effect of the elephant skin-inspired tile improved by a significant 70% in simulated rain conditions. This enhanced cooling in wet conditions is attributed to the hydrophobic nature of the mycelium-bound composite. The “fungal skin” that develops on the tile’s surface repels water, allowing droplets to remain in the crevices rather than immediately rolling off, leading to more effective evaporation and cooling.

Eugene Soh, a researcher at NTU and the study’s first author, explained that the tile’s design effectively slows down heat absorption while also allowing for rapid cooling of the underside. The water-repellent surface further enhances the cooling process by holding water droplets for longer evaporation. This innovative approach to building materials offers several potential benefits. By utilizing mycelium, a renewable resource, and organic waste like bamboo shavings, the “fungi tiles” present a more sustainable alternative to conventional energy-intensive building materials. Furthermore, their passive cooling capabilities could significantly reduce the energy consumption associated with air conditioning, contributing to a greener and more energy-efficient built environment, especially in tropical regions. While still in the early stages of development, these “elephant skin” mycelium tiles hold immense promise for the future of sustainable building design, offering a unique blend of nature-inspired innovation and environmental consciousness.

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