Growing space for mushroom cultivation

Rotterzwam has been growing mushrooms in unusual locations since 2013. We started in the basement of an abandoned swimming pool and in June 2019, we upgraded to a fully modular, scalable, and mobile urban farm based on containers.

We've collaborated with various entrepreneurs and organizations over the years, and our approach remains consistent. We have tested, verified, and applied knowledge of how to run a profitable small-scale mushroom farm in the city.

What we offer is what you can see in practice at our mushroom farm in the center of Rotterdam. The knowledge we share is based on what we experience and encounter daily at our farm.

Fully air-conditioned growing room
Our Mobile Mushroom Units (MMUs) are fully climate-controlled and optimized as a growing space for exotic mushroom varieties. They feature a ventilation system that ensures a sufficient supply of fresh air. Both outside air and recirculated air pass through a filter system and a heat exchanger. An air pocket distributes the air evenly throughout the MMU.

In addition to the ventilation system, the MMU comes with a humidifier that needs to be connected to the water supply. This humidifier can evaporate up to 2 liters of water per hour and is equipped with a timer. This humidifier also offers evaporative cooling within the unit.

The temperature in the grow room is controlled by a heat pump connected to the heat exchanger . The heat pump is located outside the MMU, and its capacity is sufficient to control the climate (heating and cooling) of two MMUs.

The MMU has a temperature range between 10 and 35 °C [depending on local conditions].
For growing exotic mushrooms, you need a temperature range between 15 and 24 °C.
The MMU has a humidity range between 45 and 95% [depending on local conditions] .
For growing exotic mushrooms you need a humidity range between 75 and 95%.

Electricity
To connect one MMU to the grid, you need a 1 x 16 amp 230 V connection. To connect two units, you need a 2 x 16 amp 230 V connection. The capacity for a heat pump is not included in this calculation.

Each MMU has LED lighting and a waterproof switch box for the fuses, an earth leakage circuit breaker and a digital electricity meter.

Format
Our MMU is built into a standard 40 FT High Cube Reefer. The dimensions are

Indoor: 11.62 (l) x 2.28 (w) x 2.53 (h) meters

Outside: 12.19 (l) x 2.43 (w) x 2.89 (h) meters

The Mobile Mushroom Unit is extremely well insulated and can be placed outdoors. The roof has 80 mm of insulation, the walls 60 mm, and the doors have 74 mm of insulation. Even in direct sunlight, the MMU maintains growing conditions within the desired range.

You need access to fresh air, so the Mobile Mushroom Unit should be placed in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors.

Plug and play
The MMU is delivered plug-and-play. This means that once you connect the power and water, the MMU is fully operational. You can then immediately start filling the unit with substrate.

MMU income
The yield produced by an MMU is calculated by calculating the yield in kg of mushrooms per period. This yield depends on a) the quality of the substrate and b) the grower's expertise.

a) When working with phase 3 substrate, you are dependent on the quality of the substrate your supplier provides. We know from experience that quality varies greatly from supplier to supplier. The only way to minimize this risk is to find a producer with a reliable track record. This takes time and expertise.

b) The interaction between the mushroom grower and the MMU is determined by how knowledgeable they are. We strongly recommend learning as much as possible about the subject. A wide range of training courses are available on this topic. Because we believe that knowledge is the foundation of successful cultivation, we offer a 25% discount on our Mushroom Master Program when you purchase an MMU from us.

Mushroom Master Program
The four-day Master's program Mushrooms has been developed to teach you
Learn all the elements you need to grow mushrooms in an urban environment and how to build a profitable business model around it.

In recent years, we've trained more than 40 entrepreneurs to start an urban mushroom farm. The largest and most successful urban farming projects in Europe focused on mushrooms have trained with us. Among them are Beyond Coffee in Denmark, Hut und Stiel in Austria, Le Champignon de Bruxelles in Belgium, and Helsieni in
Finland.

You will find more information about the programme, curriculum and dates here .

With the purchase of one MMU, we offer our e-learning course for free. (E-learning value: €250)
When purchasing two MMUs, we offer a 25% discount on the MMP. (MMP value: €2500)