Mycelium Brick Fabrication System

The Mycelium Brick Fabrication System (MBFS) is a partially automated machine designed to produce mycelium-based bricks from agricultural waste. Mycelium materials are grown from fungal networks that bind organic substrates such as sawdust or crop waste into lightweight composite materials.

Structure Composed of Mycleium Bricks

This project explores how automated fabrication systems can improve the consistency, scalability, and accessibility of mycelium material production, which is often currently done through labor-intensive manual processes.

My Role

I designed and developed the incubation system used to grow the mycelium bricks after inoculation.

The incubator provides the controlled environment necessary for fungal growth and material formation. My work focused on designing a system that could maintain the environmental conditions required for consistent brick production while remaining modular and scalable.

Incubator Sketch Front View

Sustainability was a key consideration in the design of the incubation system. The machine was developed to minimize environmental impact while supporting the growth requirements of mycelium materials.

Incubator Sketch Side View

To support this goal, the structure incorporates natural and renewable materials such as cork and wood for the base and insulation. These materials provide effective thermal insulation while reducing reliance on synthetic foams and plastics.

Incubator 3D Render

I attached a video demonstrating testing of the incubation circuit. In the video, the temperature probe is placed in hot water, causing the fan speed to increase. When the probe is moved to cold water, the fan slows down.

Incubation circuit test video

The purpose of this test is to confirm that the Arduino is properly communicating with the temperature sensors and controlling the electronic components accordingly. This verifies that the system responds appropriately to changes in temperature.

Since the incubator must maintain a constant temperature and humidity, it is crucial that all electronic components react accurately to environmental conditions.

This project is currently in progress. We have completed the development and design phase and have moved into the construction phase of the system. The project is expected to be completed in early May. Click here to follow live project updates.