MYCELIUM DESIGN
extra & ordinary material
extra & ordinary material
Mycelium is the filamentous vegetative apparatus produced by many fungi. Combined with a woody substrate (straw, sawdust, textile waste, etc.), it forms a biocomposite material with multiple properties: naturally soft, light, waterproof and biodegradable.
The process of growing the material is completely natural: we cultivate the mycelium in molds to obtain the desired shape. The pieces are stabilized before fruiting by drying at 80°C.
Our expertise lies in creating materials and objects using mycelium: formal research, colors, textures, finishes...
Questioning the uses and applications of these materials is at the heart of our eco-design approach.
Finally, we're working on production methods for these biofabricated objects, using a low-tech approach to produce single parts or series of several hundred.
Mycelium biocomposites combine the properties of the substrate and the mycelium, which acts as a living binder that feeds on its support to create a solid network in just a few days.
The mycelium confers the following properties on mycomaterials: water resistance for up to 15 days, fire resistance (meets luminaire standard in glow-wire test).
Natural substrates such as straw (hemp, flax....), sawdust, plant fibers, shredded cotton or linen textiles, recycled cardboard... provide lightweight, thermally insulating and compostable materials.
The low-tech manufacturing process requires little energy: growth between 20 and 25°c, stabilization for 1 hour at 80°C and air-drying.
Aesthetically, mycomaterials are naturally creamy white with a velvety feel, offering an aesthetic that's both raw and delicate. Depending on growing conditions, the mycelium can turn reddish brown, khaki, gray... for a very rough, "old stone" look.
The substrate used will subtly modify the surface appearance, resulting in a more or less smooth finish.
We study different finishes to offer more creative possibilities: lime paint: for a very white finish and increased protection against humidity, natural paint (ochre pigments...) or natural varnish, inlay of decorated or coloured paper...
Design by Louise Rué Design