Blog/Mycelium + Timber From Sebastian Cox

Through a laboratory of biofracture, Sebastian Cox, and Ninela Ivanova explore the potential of Mycelium in furniture design.

 

Mycelium+Timber light shades and stool by Sebastian Cox and Ninela Ivanova, Price upon request, Sebastian Cox

 

 

Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a mass of branching, white thread-like hyphae. This might sound like an unlikely starting point for homeware, but enterprising designers are finding ways to craft these natural fibers into a material akin to suede that can be used for designs ranging from tables to lamps.

Sebastian Cox and interdisciplinary researcher Ninela Ivanova are amongst the latest designers experimenting with Mycelium. Organising a laboratory of biofracture the duo explore the ancient relationship between wood and fungus, using strips of scrap timber sourced from Sebastian’s own woodland.  

The Mycelium+Timber collection comprises a series of stools and lights made using freshly cut wood waste from Sebastian’s woodland which has been Myceliated with the species Formes fomentarius. Each piece is created by the Mycelium as it grows and binds the wood waste together around lightweight purpose made frames to form strong and compostable pieces of design.

Through a combined expertise in mycelium, wood, and design Ninela and Sebastian have produced a collection which not only changes our perception of material culture but positively impacts the way people choose the objects in their home.

Looking for more Mycelium? We dissect the trend in Warehouse Home Issue Eight.

The Mycelium species Formes Fomentarius works most effectively with coppiced Hazel and Goat Willow; two species of British wood often considered as waste.

 

The process of using biological organisms to manufacture new materials is known as biofracture.

 

Mycelium+Timber uses this process to create functional and domestic design for the home.

 

Each piece in the collection is created by the Mycelium as it grows and binds the wood waste together around purpose made frames.

 

"Without nostalgia or sentimentality but with respectful inventiveness and new technology, we champion British woodlands through design, making and milling." Sebastian Cox