Understanding the Role of Controlled Environments for Producing Mycelium‐bound Composites: Advancing Circular Practices for Integrating Biotechnology into the Construction Industry

The architecture, engineering, and construction industry is undergoing a significant shift, steering buildings away from resource‐intensive processes toward becoming instruments for climate mitigation. In this transformative landscape, integrating circular bio‐based alternatives and reducing emissions through biotechnological and enzymatic processes have significant potential. Specifically, mycelium‐bound composites have emerged as renewable alternatives for new materials and added‐value wood products. Despite their numerous advantages, integrating these materials into current engineering practices presents challenges deriving from the complex nature of the material´s production process and the transfer from the laboratory to the industrial scale. In this regard, the design and engineering of novel controlled environments are fundamental in maintaining optimal growth conditions during material production. This, in turn, influences the overall material performance and potential use in construction. This perspective article examines the role of controlled environments (CEns) in producing mycelium‐bound composites (MBCs). It offers a novel perspective on how the design and characterization of CEns can facilitate the integration of these materials within the construction sector. The successful adoption of such materials offers a blueprint for novel circular models that valorize biological resources and expand the range of applications for MBCs in the construction industry.