Mushroom Mycelium

Nir Meiri founded his studio Nir Meiri Design Studio in 2010, setting out to approach designing everyday objects with a remarkable philosophy. “Nothing lasts forever, we humans also age over time and I believe that products should also be able to ‘age’ as this is nature’s call.” Meiri explains. 

“We believe in a life-cycle  
and once a product reaches  
the end of its life it should  
be able to decompose and return  
to life as something else.” 

Nir Meiri

The inspiration for the material originates from nature, where Meiri meticulously selects raw and wild materials, to create innovative products that play on the tension between the domesticated and the untamed.  

In collaboration with London based startup BIOHM, Meiri developed a new method of mixing the vegetative part of the fungus in mushrooms called Mycelium with metal. This material can be used for building and manufacturing. The organic result was an extraordinary collection of table lamps that resemble qualities of wild mushrooms while maintaining an overall captivating minimalism. Meiri describes his new material as taking on its own form as it consumes organic and authentic waste. This process creates the textured surface of his furniture. Mycelium has a suede-like surface that can provide a soft touch when paired with firm materials such as stone, wood or steel.