Bio-based Material

1 Mushroom Magic

Mycotech recently demonstrated mycelium’s potential as a renewable, carbon-absorbing construction material with the Mycotree model shown. The project stresses geometry and form as the main drivers of structural stability, with mycelium components grown in digitally fabricated moulds. mycote.ch

2 Surface Value

Designer Fernando Laposse is attempting to revive the heirloom corn industry in Mexico by morphing multihued corn husks into veneers for making wall panels and furniture. Totomoxtle was exhibited at London’s Design Museum as a nominee for the 2018 Beazley Designs of the Year. fernandolaposse.com

3 Reconsidering Coal

London designer Jesper Eriksson is transforming coal from a fuel that releases carbon dioxide to a material that encloses it, using it to form tiles and even furniture. This past fall he showed his explorations, which feature coal in its raw state or processed with a glossy, marblelike finish, as part of the London Design Biennale. jesper-eriksson.com