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.