MycoTile’s Mycelium Panels Tackle Kenya’s Construction and Climate Challenges

As urbanisation surges across Africa, the construction sector faces a mounting dual challenge: meeting the demand for new housing while drastically lowering its environmental footprint. In Kenya, buildings and construction already account for a significant share of emissions and resource use. A Nairobi-based social enterprise, MycoTile, is offering an unexpected solution—mushroom-based insulation panels grown on agricultural waste.

Mycelium Insulation Panels: A Homegrown Alternative

Developed in collaboration with CrossBoundary Real Estate, Mosaic Co-living Residences in Nairobi has become a real-world demonstration of how fungi can help green the built environment. MycoTile’s insulation panels are made by growing mycelium—the root-like structure of fungi—on organic waste such as straw and sugarcane bagasse. The result is a structural material with high thermal and acoustic performance, which is entirely compostable at end of life.

Construction workers reinforcing a wall with mushroom insulation panels. Image credit: MycoTile

Compared to conventional insulators, MycoTile’s panels use 80% less water, require 50% less energy to produce then tradi, and are made entirely from non-toxic, biodegradable materials. They’re also naturally flame-resistant and help regulate indoor humidity.

These properties are attracting attention from developers looking to lower both operational and embodied carbon emissions. The mushroom material market is projected to surpass US$8.9 billion by 2034, according to Future Market Insights.

Rethinking Construction for the African Context

Kenya’s housing deficit is sharpest in urban centres like Nairobi, where students and young professionals face soaring rental costs and poor housing quality. Privately owned hostels have stepped in to meet demand, but they often rely on resource-intensive construction methods.

Mosaic aims to offer an alternative: 70 co-living units built with sustainable materials and designed to foster community and professional growth. The partnership with MycoTile is central to this vision. As CEO Mtamu Kililo puts it: "We’re delivering a superior product that outperforms traditional materials while drastically reducing environmental impact."

The panels are grown locally, transforming agricultural waste into high-value construction material. This not only reduces waste and emissions but also builds a circular economy that includes local farmers and fabricators.

Insulation panels made from mushroom mycelium. Image credit: Mycotile

The production process is straightforward and decentralised. Agricultural waste is pasteurised and packed into moulds. Mycelium is added, which colonises the substrate within days. Once fully grown, the material is heat-treated to stop further growth and pressed into panels.

The result is a light, breathable and high-performing insulator that aligns with both climate and economic goals. The panels can also be adapted for use as bricks or acoustic tiles.

With the building sector responsible for 37% of global CO2 emissions, construction needs scalable, affordable, and low-tech solutions. Mycelium insulation offers one path forward—especially for fast-growing regions like East Africa.