AWARD YEAR
2015
CATEGORY
Home
GOALS
Responsible Consumption & Production
KEYWORDS
4D printing, new materials, mycelium
COUNTRY
Netherlands
DESIGNED BY
Eric Klarenbeek
WEBSITE
http://www.ericklarenbeek.com/
Print and grow
A new way of 3D-printing living organisms using mycelium - a threat like material produced in fungus
3D-printers work by gradually melting and layering plastics, but instead of using plastics, we pile up local land-waste and the mycelium binds it all together. The machine simultaneously prints the infill and outer shell, which prevents its fresh mycelium and straw mixture from falling apart. After printing, we only have to wait for the structure to grow and gain its strength, which only takes a few days. This technology can be applied in a broad spectrum of applications. We started with the 'Mycelium Chair' as the archetype for a functional design object. Form-wise the chair is inspired by growth and reflects the unimaginable freedom of 3D printing. The popping out mushrooms are both aesthetic and a 'proof of concept' as you can clearly see the mycelium has successfully grown through its whole structure.