NTU scientists, in collaboration with local ecology and biomimicry design firm bioSEA, have developed 'fungi tiles' that could help cool buildings down without consuming energy. From left: NTU Assoc Prof Hortense Le Ferrand; bioSEA's Dr Anuj Jain; NTU researcher Teo Jia Heng; NTU researcher Eugene Soh
NTU Singapore scientists, in collaboration with local ecology and biomimicry design firm bioSEA, have developed 'fungi tiles' that could one day be used to cool down buildings without consuming energy.
These tiles are made from mycelium - the root network of fungi - and bamboo shavings. Earlier research has shown that mycelium-bound composites are more energy efficient than conventional building insulation materials such as expanded vermiculite and lightweight expanded clay aggregate.
Building on this proven insulating property, the scientists added a bumpy, wrinkly texture to the tile, mimicking an elephant's ability to regulate heat from its skin. Elephants do not have sweat glands and rely on these wrinkles and crevices on their skin to regulate heat.
Lab experiments have proven the tile's ability to regulate heat effectively. Following this proof of concept, the scientists will now scale up production of these tiles and test them on building facades.
