Mycelium in Construction
Assess mycelium composites for insulation, acoustic panels and non-structural building elements, including fire, moisture and code requirements.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Mycelium in Construction
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Fungal Biotechnology & Biomaterials. A Fungaris programme of its own, not endorsed by a university.
- 1.4Mode of study
- Online, with live sessions in a small group, recordings and a virtual campus.
- 1.5Duration (hours / ECTS credits)
- 3 months (12 weeks) · 72 hours in total · 6 modules of 12 hours · 12 live sessions of 2 hours. ECTS credits: not applicable (Fungaris own programme, not an official university degree).
- 1.6Language
- English
- 1.7Start and end dates / intake
- Next intake: 11 January 2027 to 2 April 2027. Enrolment closes on 4 January 2027. Following intake: 8 March 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Programme description
This course examines mycelium composites as building materials, from insulation and acoustic panels to blocks and boards for non-structural use. You learn how these materials are produced, how density and substrate choice influence thermal and acoustic behaviour, and how they respond in fire, moisture and durability tests. A dedicated module covers building codes, certification routes and the warranty questions that decide whether a material can actually be specified on a project.
The construction sector faces growing pressure to reduce embodied carbon, and architects are increasingly asked about bio-based materials. Mycelium is promising but still early, and specifiers need to understand where it is ready and where it is not. This course suits architects, building engineers and sustainable builders who want to assess these materials with confidence. Sessions are live and draw on real pilot projects and installations. Your final project is a specification proposal for using mycelium elements in a real or hypothetical building, including performance requirements, test evidence needed and risk mitigation.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in biotechnology, useful in areas such as construction, architecture and interior design, building materials manufacturing, sustainability consulting.
Mycology is moving fast and good practical training is still scarce. This programme gives you a structured path, taught live by people who work in the field, so you can apply what you learn with judgement and safety.
Objectives and competences
3.1General objective
To finish the programme able to apply its content professionally and with judgement. In short:
Assess mycelium composites for insulation, acoustic panels and non-structural building elements, including fire, moisture and code requirements.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Bio-Based Materials in Architecture; Mycelium Insulation and Acoustic Panels.
- Put them into practice: Producing Blocks, Bricks and Boards; Fire, Moisture and Durability Testing.
- Apply everything to a real case: Building Codes, Certification and Warranties; Pilot Projects and Design Case Studies.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Assess where mycelium composites can be used in a building.
- Interpret thermal and acoustic data for bio-based panels.
- Explain fire and moisture risks and how they are tested.
- Navigate certification and code requirements for new materials.
- Write a specification proposal for mycelium building elements.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Architects, building engineers and sustainable builders.
4.2Entry requirements
No biology background is needed. A basic understanding of building design or construction is helpful.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Architect specialising in bio-based construction
- Sustainability consultant for building projects
- Product manager at a bio-based building materials company
- Building engineer evaluating novel materials
- Specifier or technical advisor for low-carbon interiors
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Bio-Based Materials in Architecture | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Mycelium Insulation and Acoustic Panels | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Producing Blocks, Bricks and Boards | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Fire, Moisture and Durability Testing | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Building Codes, Certification and Warranties | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Pilot Projects and Design Case Studies | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| Total | 72 |
6 modules × 12 hours = 72 hours: 24 hours of live sessions, and the rest for campus study, exercises and the final project.
5.2Content by module
Hover or tap a module to follow the path from the first session to the final project. Open a module to see the topics it covers.
- Embodied carbon and bio-based materials
- Timber, hemp, straw and mycelium compared
- Where mycelium fits in a building
- Thermal performance of mycelium insulation
- Acoustic absorption and panel design
- Installation details
- Production of blocks and bricks
- Pressed boards and panels
- Quality consistency between batches
- Reaction to fire and fire retardants
- Moisture, mould and durability
- Interpreting laboratory results
- Building regulations and product standards
- Certification and technical approvals
- Warranties and liability
- Pavilions and temporary structures
- Interior and retrofit applications
- Lessons for future projects
5.3Company placement
This programme does not include a company placement. Practice is built into every module through exercises, case studies and the final project.
5.4Final project
A specification proposal for mycelium elements in a real or hypothetical building, including performance needs, test evidence and risk mitigation.
Methodology
6.1How it is taught
- Live online sessions, usually weekly, with a working professional and a small group.
- Recordings of every session, so you can catch up if work or time zones get in the way.
- Exercises and real case studies in every module.
- Tutoring: your tutor answers questions and gives feedback on your exercises and project.
6.2Platform and resources
A Moodle virtual campus with session recordings, readings, exercises and forums for each module. You need a computer, an up-to-date browser and a stable connection; a webcam and microphone are recommended.
Technical requirements →6.3Estimated weekly workload
About 6 hours a week for 12 weeks: one 2-hour live session on a weekday evening, plus study and exercises on the campus at your own pace.
Assessment
7.1Assessment system and weighting
Assessment is based on participation in live sessions, module exercises such as case analyses and a final project reviewed by the tutor.
7.2Requirements to pass
- Complete every module, by attending the live sessions or watching the recordings.
- Hand in the module exercises.
- Have your final project approved by your tutor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
At Fungaris, the Biotechnology school coordinates the content and quality of this programme. The academic director of each intake is named in the intake guide.
8.2Faculty
Taught by professionals who work in the field. The tutor for each intake is confirmed before the start.
Meet our faculty →Certificate
9.1Certificate awarded
Course Certificate
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognises them depends on that organisation and on local rules in each country.
9.2Issuing body / recognition
Issued by Fungaris (operated by Nexora Generation, S.L.) as a digital certificate. It is a Fungaris certificate of its own: it is not an official university degree and does not award ECTS credits.
About our certificates →Admission and enrolment
10.1Admission process (steps)
- Send your request through the form or write to admissions.
- Admissions reviews your profile and confirms the start date, the session schedule and the fee.
- You secure your place with full payment or a 40% reservation.
- You receive your campus access and welcome guide before the first session.
10.2Documents required
- A valid identity document.
- Contact and billing details (personal or company).
10.3Deadlines
Enrolment for the intake starting on 11 January 2027 is open until 4 January 2027, or until the group is full (maximum 20 students).
10.4Fee and payment options
Fee: £340
- Full payment before the start: £272 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation (£136) and 3 monthly instalments of £68.
10.5Grants, discounts and funding
Discounts: 10% for Fungaris alumni and 15% for groups of three or more people from the same organisation. Discounts cannot be combined with each other or with the full-payment reduction.
Your employer can pay for the programme and receive the invoice in the company name. Whether a public or employer training budget can cover the fee depends on your country, so check with them.
10.6Cancellation policy
The conditions for cancelling, withdrawing or moving to a later intake are explained in our cancellation policy and in your enrolment confirmation. Nothing there limits your rights under the consumer law that applies to you.
Cancellation and refunds →Additional information
11.1Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to study Mycelium in Construction?
No biology background is needed. A basic understanding of building design or construction is helpful.
How is Mycelium in Construction taught?
Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Assessment is based on participation in live sessions, module exercises such as case analyses and a final project reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
A specification proposal for mycelium elements in a real or hypothetical building, including performance needs, test evidence and risk mitigation.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognises them depends on that organisation and on local rules in each country.
What can I study after Mycelium in Construction?
The natural next step is Diploma in Mycelium Biomaterials.
11.2Alumni testimonials
We only publish verified testimonials from real students. This programme does not have any published yet; they will appear here once its first intakes finish.
11.3Admissions contact
Write to info@fungaris.institute or use the contact form. Admissions answers in your language.
Read before you start.
Keep branching.
Join the next intake.
Pay in full with a 20% reduction, or reserve your place with 40% and pay the rest in monthly instalments. All prices are stated in pounds sterling (GBP).