Biological Design Beyond Earth: Mycelium-Regolith Habitats for Space Exploration

This book explores how fungal mycelium can support the construction of habitats for future human missions to Mars. Addressing the challenge of transporting building materials from Earth, presented research proposes a bio-fabrication strategy based on two principles: combining mycelium with Martian regolith to maximise local resources, and employing self-assembly to reduce energy and operational demands. Through biological experiments and architectural prototyping, the research develops low-biomass mycelium-regolith composites and investigates how these materials can be organised through architecture (jamming) and biological (bio-welding) processes to form structural habitation systems. An iterative design framework integrates parametric modelling with hands-on fabrication, showing how materials can shift from passive components to active agents capable of shaping form, structure, and adaptation in extreme environments. The book is aimed at researchers, practitioners and students in space architecture, biodesign, and emerging construction technologies, as well as readers interested in living materials and space exploration.