As a self-professed mycophile, I’ve always been fascinated with the promise of using mycelium – the root-like structure of fungus – as a sustainable building material used for everything from clothing to buildings. That enthusiasm is always tempered by a bit of skepticism when considering issues related to scaling its production into a durable and cost-efficient commodity, and only a tad superficially, transforming the raw material into finishes and forms the public will receive as pleasing. The MushLume Lighting collection stands out as one of the more promising ventures using the fungus among us.
Every one of MushLume’s lampshades are grown from spores into networks of fine, fuzzy, thread-like structures called hyphae. The process begins with a hemp substrate inoculated with mycelium spores. Under the right conditions – moderate temperatures and humidity levels – the mycelium begins to colonize the substrate, eating their way through the hemp, breaking it down, and in turn, binding it together.
The emerging solid structure is grown within custom-designed clear lampshade molds carefully lined with hemp. If everything goes to plans, the mycelium fills every nook and cranny to create a dense, cohesive structure. This stage of the process is crucial as it determines the final shape and strength of the lampshade; any lapse in its growth and you end up with an unevenly grown lampshade.
After the mycelium has grown to fill the mold, it is then slid out to be dried (mushrooms and mycelium are mostly composed of water). This step halts further growth and solidifies into an inert material, ensuring it maintains its shape and durability. The result is a lightweight yet robust lampshade that boasts a unique, organic texture we’d describe as somewhat reminiscent of mid-century woven fiberglass lampshades popularized in the 1950s with a hint of rough concrete.
Founded by BioDesigner/Biomimicry Specialist Danielle Trofe and in partnership with Design Studio Manager, Lujan Brown, MushLume’s bio-fabricated lampshades are an example of speculative design evolving into tangible products suitable for residential and commercial space application.
Aesthetically, the lampshades possess a distinctive, organic look that can vary slightly with each piece, making every lamp a unique design. The natural patterns and textures of the mycelium create a warm, inviting glow when illuminated (think, mood lighting).
An amusing note is MushLoom includes a disclaimer about the edibility of their lampshades: “The lampshade is grown using mushroom mycelium, but will definitely not taste like a mushroom. And we do not recommend ingesting your lampshade. However, your lampshade is made from only natural materials that are safe and healthy for both people and the planet.”
MushLume offers a collection of mycelium-made pendant lights, table lamps, and chandeliers. But our favorite might be the Hemi Sconce design, with its semblance to cup fungus.
One of the most compelling aspects of the MushLume Lighting collection is its minimal environmental footprint. The entire production process is eco-friendly, requires little energy, and a uses a fraction of water compared to traditional manufacturing methods. Mycelium is also biodegradable, meaning these lampshades can be tossed into a backyard compost or landfill to safely decompose naturally. But according to MushLume, if placed in the right dry indoor conditions, their lamp’s mycelium lampshades should last for decades – the most sustainable option of all.
For more about the MushLume Lighting collection go to mushlumelighting.com.