Elephant-Inspired Fungi Tiles Offer Passive Cooling for Sustainable Architecture
Scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore, in collaboration with local ecology and biomimicry design firm bioSEA, have developed an innovative building material that could offer energy-free cooling for the built environment. These hexagonal “fungi tiles” are crafted from mycelium—an organic, biodegradable material derived from the root network of fungi—combined with bamboo shavings and other organic waste.
The team drew inspiration from nature, adding a bumpy, wrinkled surface texture to the tiles based on elephant skin. Elephants regulate body temperature through the creases in their skin, which retain moisture and promote evaporative cooling—a principle now being applied to architecture.
A Bio-Based Insulation Solution
Mycelium-bound composites are increasingly recognised for their insulating performance, with thermal conductivity comparable to conventional materials such as glass wool and extruded polystyrene. In this case, researchers utilised oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) mycelium mixed with bamboo shavings and oats. The mixture was packed into moulds featuring the elephant skin texture—designed using computational modelling by bioSEA—and cultivated in dark, humid conditions over a period of four weeks.
The resulting material is not only biodegradable and derived from waste streams but also functions effectively as insulation, offering a promising passive cooling solution—particularly for buildings in tropical or humid climates.
Performance in Heat and Rain
The tiles’ textured surface significantly enhances thermal regulation. In lab tests, tiles with the elephant skin-inspired surface demonstrated a 25% greater cooling rate than flat tiles and slower heat absorption, improving overall energy efficiency. When exposed to simulated rain, their cooling performance further improved by 70%, thanks to the mycelium’s natural hydrophobic surface, which enables water retention and evaporative cooling.
For optimal effectiveness, researchers recommend installing the tiles with the flat side adhered to the façade and the textured side facing outwards. This setup allows maximum exposure to external heat while promoting passive cooling.
Moving Toward Scaled Applications
Following the success of the proof of concept, the NTU team is now collaborating with Singapore-based start-up Mykílio to scale up the tile design and conduct real-world façade testing. Enhancing mechanical stability and exploring different mycelium strains are among the next steps in the development process.
Despite challenges such as longer growth times (up to four weeks) and resistance from established insulation markets, this project represents a significant step forward in sustainable construction. It merges biomimicry and biobased innovation to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings while rethinking the way we manage thermal comfort.
Source: NTU Singapore News Release
Photos: NTU Singapore