LIGHTING DESIGN
MYCELIUM PRODUCT DESIGN
BIOMATERIALS

Conk

Spring 2022 Studio Project

PROJECT TAKEAWAYS

Conk is a biodegradable wall sconce concept which is made out of a mycelium composite material. This project was a materials experiment which utilized an oyster mushroom grow kit for the mycelium spawn, and straw for the substrate.

This project explored a practical use scenario for mycelium material, which has very unique properties being that is lightweight and also quite strong. Further projects in this vein could include experimenting with different sized pieces of straw to see how they diffuse light.

CONSTRUCTION

Day 1

Day 14

Steps:

  1. Soak oyster mushroom spawn

  2. Sanitize growing containers

  3. Cut up straw into small pieces

  4. Pasteurize straw substrate

  5. Drain substrate and leave some moisture

  6. Inoculate moist substrate with spawn

  7. Put the inoculated substrate into the growing containers

  8. Leave in a warm place for two weeks (prior to fruiting)

  9. Compress the mycelium and dehydrate in the oven at a low temperature

Kendeda Booklet

Helix