Dr. Michael Sailer at grow.build.repeat. by KIT

2020 symposium grow.build.repeat. by the KIT Faculty of Architecture

Dr. Michael Sailer gave a lecture about the possibilities of biological surface treatment with a living fungus at the symposium grow.build.repeat., held by the KIT Faculty of Architecture in December 2020. He gives insight in his research on the interaction of fungal cells with wood and other surfaces.

video: Aurora Motion Pictures
cut: Hanna Hoss

In his lecture “Functional surface treatments of Building Materials with the fungus Aureobasidium” at the symposium grow.build.repeat., he also presents different pilot projects the impressive results of the fungus treatment are proved with.

Dr. Michael Sailer is a biologist and scientific director of the company Xylotrade. Since 1996 he is involved in developments of coatings of biological origin as part of his doctorate. The aim of this research was to extend the service life of wood for outdoor applications using an environmentally friendly natural oil treatment. During this research, an such a wood treatment was developed that is based entirely on natural substances and biological processes and uses a specific fungus to protect the wood. In early 2016, Xyhlo Biofinish was ready for the market. Timber for the facade cladding of the first project (the health center „Da Costa“ in Putten, Netherlands) was impregnated with linseed oil and treated with Xyhlo Biofinish. In the meantime, more than 30 projects have been completed, including the participation in the project „De Loskade in Groningen“, in which the concept of „circular living products“ is tested on the basis of reusable building components.

Further information:
www.xyhlo.com