ShroomShield is a mycelium-insulated sound wall designed for use along highways and infrastructure corridors. Instead of conventional insulation materials, the system uses mycelium—a biodegradable, bio-based material that absorbs sound, filters fine dust particles, and offers a significantly lower environmental footprint.
The design is based on a demountable and replaceable panel system. Mycelium insulation elements can be hoisted in from above and slide out at the base during maintenance, allowing the wall to be refreshed without dismantling the entire structure. This approach extends the lifespan of the system while embracing the natural lifecycle of the material itself.
Beyond acoustics, ShroomShield addresses air filtration, moisture protection, and durability. The layered façade logic protects the mycelium from direct exposure while still allowing it to perform acoustically. The result is a sound wall that is not only functional, but also expressive—its faceted surface turning infrastructure into a visible landscape element.
As with all Bucky Lab projects, the idea didn’t stop at drawings. The team developed a 1:1 scale detail model, focusing on the base condition and sliding mechanism, translating material ambition into a buildable and testable system.
ShroomShield was developed by:
Tim Naburs, Thys van Hoogdalem, Olivia Nhân Nguyen, and Maurits Roijen
Supervised by:
Dr.-Ing. Marcel Bilow, Ir. Nadia Remmerswaal, and Ir. Hugo Nagtzaam
and made possible by Aldowa bv
ShroomShield shows how even the most utilitarian elements of our built environment can become circular, adaptive, and materially intelligent. A reminder that façades—and infrastructure—can do more than just block sound.
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