Tag Archives: mycelium

Introducing An Acoustical Material That Can Be Used Even For Outdoor Events

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In the dynamic world of sustainable design, Jonas Edvard stands out with his innovative approach to integrating organic materials into functional and aesthetically pleasing objects. His latest creation, the Myx Sail / Floor, unveiled at the Mindcraft Project 2023, is a sound-absorbing panel that showcases the remarkable properties of mushroom mycelium, hemp, and willow. This 1m x 1m panel not only exemplifies the structural possibilities of composite biomaterials but also represents Edvard’s commitment to responsible design practices.

Designer: Jonas Edvard

The Myx Sail / Floor project is a testament to Jonas Edvard’s dedication to exploring the symbiotic relationship between design choices and their impact on nature. Collaborating with a living material – mushroom mycelium – throughout the design and production process, Edvard creates a flexible room divider within a pre-designed mold. As the mycelium gradually grows and bonds with a plant fiber mixture, the panel takes shape, marrying flexibility with rigidity.

The designer draws inspiration from the natural role of mushrooms as recycling agents, breaking down plant matter into soil. His design philosophy revolves around a deep respect for nature, evident in his exploration of the intricate relationship between raw materials and human life. The Myx Sail / Floor prototype serves as a modular design that aims to emphasize how organic materials like mycelium can seamlessly integrate into our living and working spaces.

Jonas Edvard’s broader research study, conducted in collaboration with Arup Engineers in Germany, delves into the sound-absorbing qualities of mycelium. The panels are meticulously designed to absorb frequencies between 200 and 2500 Hz – the standard range of human conversation and interaction (same as glass wool). Edvard envisions the potential for natural, organic materials to become integral components of our buildings and interior architecture, contributing to a more sustainable life cycle.

The design philosophy revolves around responsible design choices and their impact on nature. His open-minded approach to design leads to experiments that yield new materials and objects from local or organic sources, often embracing a circular and sustainable ethos. In his testing phase, Edvard explores various material combinations to understand the design, appearance, and functionality of mycelium-based sound-absorbing material.

The Myx Sail / Floor sound-absorbing panel invites people to touch and feel the natural qualities of mushroom mycelium, hemp, and willow. Edvard aims to create an immersive experience, allowing individuals to sense the porous, lightweight, and stiff characteristics of the materials. By reshaping these materials into functional forms, he hopes to spark conversations about the value and aesthetics of natural origins, encouraging a new understanding of how these materials can be incorporated into our homes and living areas. Now the acoustic installation won’t just be on the walls and ceilings conventionally, but the floors too!

The Myx Sail / Floor is more than just a sound-absorbing panel – it is a tangible embodiment of sustainable design principles and a testament to the possibilities that arise when designers collaborate with nature. As Edvard continues to push the boundaries of material innovation, his work inspires the integration of organic, natural materials into our built environment, fostering a harmonious relationship between design and the natural world.

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Fungi could be the material that keeps your home fire-proof in the future

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Just the other night while I was on vacation, a fire alarm went off in our hostel and I slightly panicked that we would meet our end in a small albeit picturesque corner of the world. It’s not something that anyone would want but with the way most buildings are structured, it’s also a very distinct possibility. But what if there was a flame-resistant and sustainable material that can prevent things like this from happening and what if that material is fungi?

Designer: RMIT University

A team from a Melbourne university has now been able to create material from the chemical composition of mycelium that is fire-retardant and can eventually be used for building insulation. Basically, you’re turning fungi into mycelium sheets that can be used for the building industry and even other industries like fashion. Not only is it fire-retardant but it is alos sustainable and also scalable to some extent.

They were able to produce this paper thin layer that can be put over flammable substrates and this was done through the process of bioengineering these fungi. The mycelium turns into char when exposed to intense heat or fire so this is something that can used for building insulation if you want to keep the structure fireproof. They will also be able to collaborate with the mushroom industry to help it become a bit more scalable.

There is also that added bonus of the fungi being safe not just for humans but also a good thing for the environment. Bioderived mycelium is plastic and toxins free band is also able to produce naturally occurring water and carbon dioxide. The researchers are now working on creating bioengineered fungal mats to boost the fire-safety ratings in buildings as they aim to be able to reduce flame intensity in a sustainable way.

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Mycelium & orange peels were used to create these visually appealing + sustainable partitions

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More and more of us have begun to integrate sustainability into our day-to-day lives, and this change in momentum is spearheaded by the fact that many designers are coming up with sustainable alternatives to almost everything – so we have more eco-friendly options to pick from, allowing us to lead greener lives. Every product that is necessary and utilized by us in our everyday routine has an eco-friendly alternative to it. Replacing our usual mass-produced designs with these greener options will make a huge difference to the environment and Mother Earth. But did you ever think of wall partitions going sustainable? Well, the Interesting Times Gang and OBOS did when they created the Veggro collection – a collection of sustainable partitions.

Designer: Interesting Times Gang and OBOS

Design studio Interesting Times Gang and cooperative homebuilder OBOS teamed up to create the Veggro collection, an interesting range of partitions made from mycelium and orange peel. Mycelium has grown in popularity as the material of choice for many designers. It is the vegetative part of mushrooms, or more specifically the thread-like main body of a fungus–of certain mushroom-producing fungi on agricultural wastes, and it’s vegan as well! The Veggro collection is currently in the prototype stage but will be available in two designs – Loom and Jugoso.

Loom is crafted from mycelium, and has a unique mushroom-inspired pattern, while Jugoso is made from orange rinds that will be 3D-printed into a fascinating geometric pattern, depending upon the fruit’s vesicles. Interesting Times Gang describes Veggro as a “biophilic interior design wall-as-furniture concept”. These sustainable panels will also offer acoustic insulation, and function as a decorative element. They are mounted on an ash wood frame and can be easily removed or replaced if you’re ever in the mood to give your living room a makeover.

Interesting Times Gang and OBOS have partnered up to deep dive into and research biomaterials that could decrease carbon emissions from house building, and the Veggro collection is the first result of their collaboration. A prototype of the collection will be put up at OBOS’ s Living Lab in Oslo, and it is open to being viewed in person by stakeholders in the construction industry.

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This sustainable 100% mycelium lampshade was grown into its unique shape in just 5 weeks

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We can grow our own food, sometimes we grow our furniture too, and now Estonia-based Myceen is paving the way for being able to even grow your own lampshades! Unveiled this year at the Dutch Design Week, ‘B-Wise’ is a uniquely grungy-looking lampshade that’s actually made from mycelium – the vegetative part of a mushroom or fungus that often grows underneath the surface while we just notice the mushroom caps that make their way through the ground or tree bark.

The pendant lamp, which measures an impressive 60cm wide, comes with a grungy appearance that is unique to each lamp. To make each lamp, the designers at Myceen take an empty mold and fill it with mycelium along with waste organic material from the timber and agricultural industry including sawdust and straw for the mycelium to feed on. In a matter of just 5 weeks, the mycelium grows into the shape of the mold and is then de-molded and dehydrated to prevent any further growth. With the appearance of leather, the B-Wise lamp’s shade is then ready for further treatment. The rest of the shade is made from a plywood and aluminum frame, complete with a ceramic socket and a lighting cable!

Designers: Myceen

This isn’t the first time mycelium’s been used as a natural alternative to other commercial materials. In fact, Sebastian Cox and Ninela Ivanova worked on similar smaller pendant lamps with a more traditional-looking design that could take anywhere between 4-12 weeks to grow.

With its unique ability to naturally grow into shapes while being relatively strong thanks to its intertwining fibers, mycelium is proving to be an exciting material to work with in the future. Not only is it obviously a great plant-based alternative to leather (given its rubbery, leathery texture), it’s emissions-free, compostable/biodegradable, and has interesting applications outside fashion too, including architecture, with NASA considering using mycelium to make sustainable housing on Mars!

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Sustainable modular acoustic panels are made from a unique blend of up-cycled textile and mycelium

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Foresta System is a modular acoustic panel design made from a unique blend of fungal mycelium and upcycled textile material.

Mycelium is like nature’s hidden superpower. Mushrooms can be used for anything from cooking, health and wellness, and even construction. Packed with industrial-level strength, mycelium is a natural fungi material that has recently been used as building materials for various construction projects.

Designer: Mogu

From home building to furnishing needs, mycelium provides an organic, yet durable construction material. Now used to create interior acoustic panels, the Foresta System designed by Italy-based Mogu takes a unique blend of mycelium and upcycled textile materials to create modular acoustic panels.

Constructed from a mix of mycelium panels, wood branches, and nodes, the timber frame that supports the different parts of Foresta can be mechanically fixed to the wall or vertical surface. Each node also carries integrated magnets that allow the acoustic panels to be mounted on the timber frame, allowing for easy removal and assembly.

The first of its kind to integrate mycelium into its build, Foresta has been granted the winning prize of the 2022 German Design Awards for its eco-conscious and innovative design. 100% circular by design, none of Mogu Acoustic products are made with synthetic material, nodding towards the company’s “extremely virtuous manufacturing cycle,” as the German Design jury suggests.

Made entirely from fungal mycelium and upcycled textile materials, Foresta is a collection of modular acoustic panels used to minimize the acoustic levels of noisy spaces like restaurants, offices, and retail businesses. Using the latest technologies in wood processing such as product parametric modeling, robotized production lines, and advanced manufacturing, Mogu was able to combine the refined aesthetics of wooden design with the cutting-edge nature of fungal mycelium to produce a truly innovative product.

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This 3D printed urban reef is constructed from mycelium to increase biodiversity in cities!

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Mycelium is a natural material taking over the sustainable design world one industry at a time! A Netherlands-based company is hopping on that train – they are experimenting with mycelium and computational design to create a series of 3D-printed urban reefs that will stimulate water circularity and biodiversity. In simpler terms, your concrete jungle where dreams are made of will be more jungle and less concrete so more living organisms can thrive!

Dutch designer duo Pierre Oskam and Max Latour came up with this innovative solution to make cities more biodiverse. It involves using natural materials to create structural ecosystems that can be integrated within existing environmental elements (eg. fountains). A 3D printer is used to create complex geometrical designs with porous materials like ceramics and composites (made from coffee grounds and mycelium). The moisture in the air is able to pass through and create the perfect environment for various fungi to grow thus bringing the structures to life!

“The most feasible option we are working with is ceramics, but since baking it requires a lot of energy we are investigating more sustainable alternatives,” says Latour. The studio is also experimenting with materials made from coffee and algae. At present, the team has developed two concept products as a result of their research, first in the form of the “Rain Reef” rain collector with an undulating shape that increases the contact area of the water and the potential hatching surface for vegetation.

“It is 3D printed with a porous material (made from a mixture of seeds, coffee grounds and mycelium), which can get saturated with the collected rainwater, making it accessible to vegetation growing on the outside,” explains Latour. “The intention is to develop a printable material which is porous, durable, sustainable and bio-receptive.”

The second product is the “Zoo Reef”, which Urban Reef intends as a substitute for fountains in cities. “There is a lot of potential for biodiversity stimulation around urban fountains,” says Oskam. “We propose a complex labyrinth of spaces which are all interconnected. By differentiation in sizes, orientation regarding sun, wind and rain, varieties of microclimates would develop.”

“Rather than determining top-down which organisms should live where, a range of potential habitats is generated.” They might be early in the research and development phase but Latour and Oskam’s Urban Reef project could have real-world applicators in the future. As an idea, it’s not so dissimilar from a living wall, except in this case the choice of materials and the structural design promotes their integration within cities without human intervention.

urbanreef1

“At Urban Reef we consider the city as a potential habitat to organisms, not exclusively humans,” the duo explains. “We position ourselves as human within the natural environment deviating from the modernist view of the human transcending nature. From that perspective, we aim to gain a profound knowledge of natural processes to both integrate those in our design methods as well as design with ecologies in mind.”

Designer: Pierre Oskam and Max Latour

urbanreef2

This sustainable structure is made of probiotic materials!

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Sustainable architecture is one thing but structures made of mushrooms and microbes are a whole new level! The Living is a New York-based innovative studio that puts biology, computation, and sustainability at the core of their work. They designed a structure from mycelium which is what NASA is experimenting with for housing on Mars and now they have designed ‘Alive’ – an architecture prototype to promote various microbial communities through the calibration of grain, light, and airflow. It showcases the idea of ​​living together with concepts related to different microbial communities, as well as to different human communities. Experience it virtually here!

Alive is pushing the boundaries for probiotic buildings and multi-species architecture. The installation is exhibited at the Venice Architecture Biennale to demonstrate how organic materials with microbial properties could be used in architecture to help create healthier environments for humans. It has a room made of rough organic, porous material that provides a large surface area and many different microclimates for various types of microbes. Alive also includes macro-spaces for humans and micro-spaces for microbes, as well as material interfaces for exchange between these different species.





The unique structure represents an evolution of ongoing research by The Living, the team constantly works with biologists and academics to explore the potential of multi-species architecture and how best to harness the microbes that surround us all the time. Advances in biological technologies such as bio-computing, bio-sensing, and bio-fabricating are offering new opportunities for using living organisms in architecture.

“As a society, we are increasingly aware of how a good gut microbiome promotes individual health, and in a similar way, it is now clear that a good urban microbiome promotes public health. This means that instead of creating architecture and spaces that are sterile and antibiotic, we should develop environments that are alive and probiotic,” said David Benjamin, Founder and Principal at The Living.

This structure shows potential for creating urban microbiomes that would help cities evolve their architecture into more sustainable development by using bio-receptive materials for construction instead of concrete which would also cut down heavily on carbon emissions. The construction industry contributes to more than a third of the global carbon emissions and most of it comes from concrete!

Bio-receptive materials trap and host microorganisms in surfaces containing pockets with different temperatures, moisture levels, airflow and nutrients. These organic, living materials support colonies of microbes that in turn promote the health of people in their vicinity. This is a sustainable, natural and organic alternative construction material that works for both humans and the planet.

The Alive installation is constructed from dried fibres of luffa – an inexpensive, renewable and fast-growing vegetable that grows on vines in tropical and subtropical regions. Luffa’s fibrous surfaces form a strong and organic material that is ideally suited to hosting diverse microbes and could be easily adapted to form panelling products or partitions for use in architectural projects.

“The project is a prototype for the architecture of the future, but at the same time, it is relevant to current buildings. It can be easily adapted into many environments like today’s offices and restaurants, with partition walls and acoustic tiled ceilings, or tomorrow’s buildings with microbial facades that remove pathogens from the air,” adds Benjamin.

The design promotes the architectural potential of luffa and other probiotic materials while also creating spaces that allow different levels of light and airflow. Researchers and previous collaborators Kevin Slavin and Elizabeth Henaff will use a DNA sequencer to determine what species of bacteria lived in the material to continue the research and make this a material that can truly be used beyond exhibitions. Alive is truly eye-opening, with combined efforts of designers and scientists it is possible to find sustainable alternatives that can be scaled to solve bigger problems!

Designer: The Living

Mushroom-based Designs so sustainable + economical that they’ll convert you into Mycelium advocates!

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Mushroom has recently gained immense popularity as a sustainable and economical material for building almost everything – from housing structures to even lamps! Or more specifically, the vegetative part of mushroom called ‘Mycelium‘ has. It is the thread-like main body of a fungus–of certain mushroom-producing fungi on agricultural wastes, and it’s vegan as well!  Biodegradable and low-cost this delightful material can be used to design and produce a whole range of objects! And, we’ve curated a whole collection of these sustainable designs to convert you into ‘Team Mushroom’ for good. From a sustainable DIY helmet built from mushrooms to a mycelium-based grill design – these intriguing designs will have you wondering about the curious world of mushrooms. Can you envision a future where all your everyday objects are built from mushrooms? Can mushrooms have a purpose beyond simply jazzing up your stir fry? I think so.

The construction industry emits 4 times more CO2 than the aviation industry and that is enough proof they must focus on ecodesign to reduce their colossal impact especially when sustainable materials, like mycelium composites, already exist! This material is created by growing mycelium–the thread-like main body of a fungus–of certain mushroom-producing fungi on agricultural wastes. The mycelia are composed of a network of filaments called “hyphae,” which are natural binders and they also are self-adhesive to the surface they grow on. The entire process is based on biological elements that also help in upcycling waste and reducing dependency on toxic fossil fuels. Mycelium composite manufacturing can also be a catalyst in developing new bioindustries in rural areas, generating sustainable economic growth while creating new jobs. Even NASA is currently researching using mycelium to build sustainable habitable dwellings on Mars – if we have to move into a mushroom house, might as well test it on Earth first, right? The construction industry has to act now if they want to build in/a future.

Mycelium, or the vegetative part of a mushroom, has found itself in the limelight for being a cheap, sustainable, and vegan alternative to suede and leather. If treated correctly, it looks and feels just like leather, offering a cruelty-free and biodegradable alternative that doesn’t have as much of a carbon footprint either. Teaming up with researcher Ninela Ivanova, British designer Sebastian Cox’s “Mycelium + Timber” examines the viability of mycelium as a potential material in commercial furniture design. The mycelium fibers are bound to scrap strips of willow wood, which provides the base and fodder for the fungus to grow. The result is the absolute antithesis of mass production. Designed in part by nature, each lamp is unique, has its own aesthetic, and is beautiful in its imperfections.

This mushroom helmet will grow on you as it grows. Yes, read this slowly and carefully: this mushroom helmet will grow on you as it grows. “What do you mean?!” you say and I assure you that statement is not wrong, there is an explanation for it. The Grow It Yourself Helmet is a sustainable product made from mycelium which is the vegetative part of a fungus. Mycelium is the thready hyphae that are tightly woven into mass branch-like networks making it a strong sustainable material. The network of filaments are natural binders and they also are self-adhesive to the surface they grow on. The entire process is based on biological elements that help in upcycling waste. The process of making this helmet also gets the kids involved in a meaningful activity that teaches them about sustainability and safety.

In researching fireproof materials to build a grill, Singer found mycelium, a fireproof, vegetative part of a fungus that’s safe and edible for humans. Mycelium hosts an array of properties that make it the ideal choice with which to build a disposable grill. Inexpensive and very easy to grow, mycelium is an accessible, sustainable alternative building material that’s water repellent, naturally insulating, and entirely biodegradable. After cultivating her own lot of mycelium, Singer constructed prototypes of MYC and envisioned the disposable grill lining the shelves of convenience stores and gas stations to bring the choice of sustainable disposable grills to the masses. Following the use of an MYC grill, instead of searching for the nearest garbage can, grillers can simply cut up and leave MYC at the campsite to biodegrade and fertilize the earth.

Developed by Bolt Threads and Designed by Chester Wallace, the Driver Bag is a debut for the one-of-a-kind mushroom leather. The bag serves two broad purposes. It’s design and styling make it ideal for owning and using in your daily life. The Mylo comes with a unique brown patina, reminiscent of distressed leather, and is just as resilient and stylish. Along with the black canvas trims, you’ve got a bag that looks as good as (if not better than) the next one, boasting two internal and three external pockets to segregate your items. The bag’s second purpose is to disrupt the leather market with an alternative that’s ecologically sustainable, cruelty-free, and can be produced in days instead of years, without the material waste and moral conundrum of using animal hides or toxic chemicals.

The Seventh Generation Beam is a customizable, subscription-based, plastic-free set that is designed to be the all-in-one sustainable oral care kit. The aim is to create 100% plastic-free packaging. The challenge is to rebrand a traditional product line and redesign the packaging system to be fully sustainable while utilizing no plastic or bioplastic. Biomaterials like tin, wood pulp, plant cellulose, food waste, grass, algae, and mushrooms are being considered. It will all be sustainably sourced, preferably materials that are at the end of their lives and can be composed into biomass to regenerate depleted farming soils.

This hive is elevated to mimic that of a natural hive. Placed 2 meters above the ground it protects the bees from critters and invaders that may want to steal honey or cause distress to the bees. It also allows for the bees to enter the hive from the bottom, which allows them to create comb with gravity as they would naturally. Second, the new hive’s material composition promotes a healthy climate while also keeping external sound disturbance to a minimum. It consists of cork, wood, and mycelium (a material made from mushrooms).

Created as a part of the Wallpaper* Re-Made project, these bio-composite containers are modeled to look like bento-boxes with a modular design that stacks up as your order increases, resulting in one larger box rather than multiple smaller boxes. This unique format provides a useful alternative to plastic containers (as it’s waterproof and leakproof too) and eventually reduces components by removing elements like lids (since the containers stack over and cover each other). Materials used to craft the packaging meet a range of criteria too, being heatproof, lightweight, recyclable, and insulating. The bio-composite polymer used to mold the containers themselves is made from cocoa-bean shells (a by-product of the cacao industry) by designer Paula Nerlich. The outer bag that carries the containers is made from all-natural materials too, including mycelium to insulate the interiors, a bioplastic known as Nuatan to provide a robust outer shell, a natural leather derived from pineapple leaves called Piñatex for the outer container’s lid, and Lexcell, a neoprene-free natural rubber used for the handles and straps on the bag and the Bento containers.

The Abacus’ most impressive feat is its commitment towards showing that tech can be sustainable too. In a world that’s literally drowning in e-waste because people want slim products, and slim products are notoriously difficult to recycle efficiently, the Abacus was made with a very clear cradle-to-grave strategy. As an all-in-one PC, the Abacus has a 63% lesser footprint than a desktop, and with a 31kWh/year power consumption rating, it’s about as energy-efficient as a lightbulb. The Abacus’ internal components are entirely reusable, and its outer body is made to be fully biodegradable. Moreover, even the product packaging is crafted from mushrooms, allowing it to easily degrade into the soil when inevitably thrown away. Who knew great tech could be cheap, energy-efficient, AND eco-friendly?! The tech giants could surely learn a lesson or two, don’t you think?

Created as an “experimental science collaboration that explores the design and functionalities of novel, bio-based, microbially grown materials”, Korvaa uses a fungal mycelium for the foam cups, fungi film as a leather substitute to cover the foam cups, and microbial bioplastics for the outer body. Designed to explore the possibility of using new, bio-based materials to create regular consumer products, the headphones were perhaps the perfect playground. They have size, weight, and ergonomic constraints… plus they require parts that are both hard as well as soft. Korvaa required multiple iterations to arrive at the materials that were finally used in its construction. Some parts needed to be cultured and grown in a mold, while others needed to be freeze-dried to be worked with.

This automated mushroom chamber uses smart technology to grow and harvest your own mushrooms at home!

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Mella is a household mushroom fruiting chamber that uses smart technology to automatically grow and harvest a variety of mushrooms.

Over the past couple of years, our homes have become test kitchens for everything from colorful sourdough bread to dalgona coffee. Now it’s time to make some counter space for an at-home smart mushroom fruiting chamber.

Mella, an innovative new kitchen appliance from FirstBuild, a co-creation community backed by GE appliances, uses smart technology to grow and harvest your own mushrooms at home.

Smart technology has made mealtime simpler than ever. With smart technology, we can program our appliances to do the hard parts for us. Mella’s automated programming brings just the right amount of fresh air and humidity into the fruiting chamber to allow mushrooms to mature at the right time and speed, growing into full-size, edible mushrooms. With automated technology running the show, seasoned mycelium harvesters and recreational growers can sit back and enjoy the show.

Located on the outside of Mella’s chamber, the water basin can easily be refilled to funnel in just the right amount of water to combine with fresh air and become humidity for optimal mushroom-growing conditions. Then, the hygrometer indicates the humidity levels inside the chamber so that users can always keep tabs on the best conditions for harvesting mushrooms. Four LED lights also pour light into the chamber to ensure the mushrooms receive the necessary amount. Finally, a WiFi-compatible program controller allows users to adjust Mella’s settings as they see fit to help mushrooms grow.

Summing up Mella in their own words, the team behind FirstBuild notes, “Made for those mad about mushrooms Mella controls and automates the inputs necessary to grow delicious, edible mushrooms in the comfort of your home.”

Designer: FirstBuild

 

A Mycelium grill design, made from edible fungus can be biodegraded and fertilizes the earth!

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MYC is a sustainable disposable grill made from mycelium, a biodegradable and fireproof vegetative part of a fungus that’s safe and edible for humans.

With the end of summer already closing in on us, camping is all the more popular and so are barbeques, which means the garbage is getting left behind once the grill’s off. Disposable grills allow barbeques to take place outdoors without the hassle of lugging around a portable one, but the familiar aluminum grills often get left behind at the site once the BBQ is finished. Industrial design student Stephanie Singer created MYC, a sustainable disposable grill made from fungal mycelium as an alternative to the aluminum disposable grill.

In researching fireproof materials to build her grill, Singer found mycelium, a fireproof, vegetative part of a fungus that’s safe and edible for humans. Mycelium hosts an array of properties that make it the ideal choice with which to build a disposable grill. Inexpensive and very easy to grow, mycelium is an accessible, sustainable alternative building material that’s water repellent, naturally insulating, and entirely biodegradable. After cultivating her own lot of mycelium, Singer constructed prototypes of MYC and envisioned the disposable grill lining the shelves of convenience stores and gas stations to bring the choice of sustainable disposable grills to the masses. Following the use of an MYC grill, instead of searching for the nearest garbage can, grillers can simply cut up and leave MYC at the campsite to biodegrade and fertilize the earth.

While mycelium constructs the chunk of MYC, Singer sought out additional accessories to make the grill operable. Discussing the various biodegradable materials used to build MYC, Singer says, “MYC consists of a bowl made of fungal mycelium, a grate made of bamboo sticks, and dried corn cobs as fuel. The product is available as a compact grill kit and is protected by a minimalist cardboard cover. Dried corn cobs are used as fuel, as these are a waste product in the field in EU agriculture when growing fodder corn. As soon as the embers are ready, the bamboo sticks can easily be placed in the bulges on the side to create a grate.”

Designer: Stephanie Singer

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