SAMOROST Reveals Visionary Mycelium-Based 3D Printed Furniture at Designblok

SAMOROST, a visionary project led by the Czech 3D printed construction company Buřinka, unveiled an extraordinary collection of sustainable furniture crafted from mycelium at the international Designblok festival. This innovative reveal combines the forces of mycelium, additive manufacturing, and a commitment to sustainability to challenge how we perceive and create eco-conscious design. Though mycelium has been used alongside 3D printing in the past, SAMOROST distinguishes itself as the pioneer in using this material as the main component in furniture.

The creation of this furniture involves the use of mycelium-based substrates. Within these, the mycelium’s hyphae grow, weaving dense networks as they feed on cellulose. Mycelium displays its adaptability by thriving in a variety of materials, such as sawdust, paper, cardboard, and others deemed non-recyclable or no longer usable. Infusing these materials with mycelium gives rise to a unique new substrate known as mycocomposite. The mycocomposite, the fundamental building material, is the critical component in the furniture creation.

Preparation of mycelium substrate.

Once the new mycocomposite is formed, the substrate is crushed and placed in a reusable 3D printed mold made from recycled plastic. This allows the hyphae within the mycelium to re-link and grow, resulting in an even stronger mycocomposite fitted in the shape of the mold. The substrate is then allowed to dry, where the mycelium dies. Once this process is complete, the final mycocomposite substrate can be processed to build furniture.

Designer Tomaz Kloza from MYMO, one of the partners for the project, further explained, “The table was created in such a way that no waste was created during production. For the ribs that the table is made of, we worked with rectangular reusable forms that were filled with organic substrate with mycelium. We achieved a specific curvature of the ribs by splitting the substrate in molds with an organic curve into two parts. The individual curves gradually evolve and the resulting table thus seamlessly blends between the individual ribs into a continuous organic shape.”

This innovative building material stands out not only for its eco-friendly design but also for its exceptional physical attributes, surpassing many advantages offered by traditional furniture materials. For instance, the mycocomposite boasts a weight akin to polystyrene but surpasses it in strength and support. It also exhibits remarkable thermal insulation capabilities while retaining flame resistance and hydrophobic properties. Lastly, the material takes a significant leap towards environmental responsibility as it is biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and has garnered complete health safety approval from its designers.

Mycelium Furniture in the Spotlight

One of the main attractions of the exhibit was a mycelium-based coffee table designed to mirror the organic appearance of a chanterelle mushroom. This table not only showcased the visual appeal of using mycelium, but also highlighted the furniture’s functionality, as it easily withstood a load comparable to that of a conventional coffee table. Other exhibit pieces included luminaires, acoustic panels, shelves, stools, and even a grill – each uniquely designed to resemble a mushroom in some way.

Buřinka, the driving force behind SAMOROST, envisions a path to sustainable living that aligns with nature. Having previously ventured into 3D printing with concrete, Buřinka recognizes the enormous potential of mycelium in sustainable living. Collaborating with MYMO’s mycelium research experts, the project was born, aiming to position the Czech Republic among the global leaders in sustainable construction and design. To learn more about the SAMOROST project, click here.

What are your thoughts on the use of mycelium within 3D printing to shape sustainable furniture? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.

*All Photo Credits: Stavebni sporitelna Ceske sporitelny (Burinka)