From Waste to Resource: A design-to-fabrication approach integrating recycled wood-mycelium mixtures for 3D printing in architecture

This research investigates the development of Recycled Wood and Mycelium Mixtures for sustainable 3D printing in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. The AEC industry is responsible for a large share of global resource consumption and waste generation, underscoring the need to integrate natural, biobased materials into construction practices. By utilizing wood waste from local industrial streams and combining it with mycelium (Ganoderma lucidum), the hyphal network of fungi, this research aims to offer a sustainable alternative to conventional materials while reducing environmental impact. Although progress has been demonstrated through casting, 3D printing remains a challenge. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of different gelling agents and wood particle sizes on material performance in liquid deposition modeling 3D printing. A mixture of psyllium husk and corn starch were identified as the most effective gelling agents and demonstrated potential printability within a large-scale setup, for biobased architectural components with high wood waste content. The research highlights the need to improve printing formulations in alignment with fabrication protocols to advance sustainable architectural performance through robotic additive manufacturing.