Mycelium Matrix

The Mycelium Matrix makes the invisible visible. It takes mycelium filaments, which are invisible to the naked eye, and presents them as various textures brought forth through the research of mycelium-based composites, materials grown from the vegetative part of mushrooms (mycelium) on agricultural waste such as sawdust or straw (substrate).

The aim for the installation is to present mycelium-based composites as materials with particular aesthetics, rich textures and organic character. Ranging from a velvety white overlay to light-yellow shades and rough substrate textures enmeshed with an almost invisible mycelium matrix, the panels offer a rich visual and tactile experience.

Since mycelium-based composites are materials that grow, their final properties and appearance depend on multiple factors, such as mushroom species, substrate, temperature and humidity, growth duration and conditions during the final growing phase. This results in a wide variety of colours and textures of this natural material.

The installation is designed with equal wall panels and, due to the varied material composition and treatment, looks like an explosion of variety that originates from unified principles. In addition to its aesthetic qualities, the installation aims to encourage one to get to know other properties of mycelium-based composites, such as biodegradability and compostability, thermal insulation and soundproofing, and the ability to take on simple and complex forms.

With all that in mind, it is no wonder that mycelium-based composites are becoming increasingly popular in various design fields or that they are equally interesting to professionals and designers (industrial designers, fashion designers, interior designers, architects…), as well as to ecologically minded individuals, companies, civic associations and researchers.

The Mycelium Matrix installation is a result of interdisciplinary collaboration, long days in the lab, practical design research, and persistent trial and error. It also stems from letting go of total control over design results and, instead, joyful acceptance of the mycelium matrix as a co-creator, in line with the more-than-human approach to design.