PROCESS

In order to substantiate our prototyping and product development, we have done comprehensive research about ICFs, mycelium, and the physical and chemical characteristics needed in their intersection.

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We started by finding baselines for insulation or R values commonly associated with XPS Polystyrene (styrofoam) and mineralized-wood-fiber ICFs. As well as the fire retardance, water resistance, and other common metrics associated with this technology. 

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We then consolidated as much research as we could find on the emerging material testing of mycelium, and correlated that with the needs of ICFs to pick substrates, mushroom species, and methods of hardening and finishing the material.

 

We have since used this body of data to guide our decisions in building and testing prototypes. We expect that eventually, we will have to conduct more detailed material testing ourselves, but we hope to refine and standardize our methods of building prototypes first so that we can ensure consistent results.