I AM MSHRM
The future of construction with 3D printing and fungi
A pioneering development project rethinking the construction industry through circular materials and additive manufacturing
I AM MSHRM is an ambitious research and development project created in collaboration between Dansk AM Hub, BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group and a range of specialised partners. The project demonstrates how 3D printing and bio-based materials such as mycelium can reduce waste, CO2, and resource consumption in construction.
The result is a modular, demountable building system consisting of 3D-printed frames made from recycled plastic, filled with cultivated fungal mycelium. The system can be assembled, disassembled, reused, or composted—and represents a new approach to circular and flexible construction.
The challenge
The construction industry accounts for a significant share of global CO2 emissions and is also characterised by substantial material waste and a low level of innovation. At the same time, cities are growing, and unused urban spaces and temporary needs for flexible buildings are emerging.
The challenge is to create new building solutions that reduce both waste and CO2—while also being economically and practically viable.
The solution
I AM MSHRM introduces a new building system based on additive manufacturing (3D printing) and biogenic materials.
The system consists of:
- 3D-printed frames made from recycled plastic
- Mycelium infill (fungal roots) that functions as an insulating and structural material
- Modular elements that can be assembled into arches and complete structures
The building can easily be dismantled, moved, and reassembled—or enter a biological cycle after use.
Key points
- Up to 80% lower CO2 emissions than traditional construction methods
- Modular and scalable building system
- Designed for reuse, disassembly, and composting
- Produced using local and recycled materials
- Combines digital production with biological processes
The technology
Additive manufacturing enables the production of complex geometries that cannot be realised efficiently using traditional methods.
Advantages of the technology in the project:
- Production without the need for moulds and with minimal material waste
- Rapid iteration and adaptation of design
- Integration of functions directly into the print (e.g., joints and identification)
- Local production with reduced transport
The technology serves as a link between digital design and physical construction.
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Materials and circularity
The project combines recycled plastic (rPLA) with mycelium—a biological material with unique properties:
- Mycelium is grown within the structure and “baked” into a solid material
- The material is biodegradable and can be composted
- Production can take place using local resources and waste streams
- The entire system is designed to be part of a circular cycle
This means the building both reduces waste and creates value from existing resources.
About the project
- 3-year research and development collaboration
- Developed by Dansk AM Hub and BIG
- Realised in collaboration with MDT, Naturpladen, and BIG Engineering
- Consists of 11 unique panel types assembled into arch structures
- Demonstrated as a physical pavilion
Perspective and potential
I AM MSHRM showcases new possibilities for the construction of the future:
- Temporary housing and emergency relief solutions
- Flexible urban spaces and pavilions
- Locally produced building systems
- Community-based construction without heavy equipment
The project has also inspired increased use of biogenic materials and 3D printing in the construction industry and points towards a more sustainable and adaptive construction logic.
Read more about the project
I AM MSHRM is the result of an ambitious idea turned into reality. In the brochure, you can explore the entire journey—from the first thoughts on circular construction to the development of a complete, modular system based on 3D printing and mycelium.
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