By Abbas Nazil
A large mushroom farm near Nairobi, Kenya, is pioneering the use of fungi as an alternative to traditional building materials, offering new hope for sustainable and affordable housing.
The facility grows fungi on an industrial scale, not for food, but to produce mycelium — the dense root structure of mushrooms that can be transformed into eco-friendly panels.
These panels, created by a local company using advanced biotechnology, are designed to replace conventional brick and mortar, which are often costly and environmentally damaging.
The process involves cultivating mycelium in controlled conditions where it forms a strong, fibrous network that can be molded into solid blocks or panels once dried.
These materials are lightweight, fire-resistant, and biodegradable, making them a promising alternative to cement-based products that emit large amounts of carbon dioxide during production.
Experts in Kenya say the innovation could significantly reduce construction costs while lowering the nation’s carbon footprint.
They believe mycelium-based panels could also enhance access to housing by offering cheaper materials that do not compromise structural integrity or safety.
Environmentalists have praised the initiative as a step toward greener cities, noting that fungi farming uses agricultural waste as feedstock, further reducing landfill pressure.
The growing interest in mushroom-based building solutions reflects a global shift toward biomaterials that can address climate change while meeting construction demands in developing countries.
As Kenya continues to face challenges of urban growth and housing shortages, the success of this fungi-powered innovation may pave the way for a new era of sustainable construction across Africa and beyond.