Biodegradable Building Materials in Studio TOOJ’s Duk x Reishi Sculptural Furniture Series
During Milan Design Week 2025, Studio TOOJ unveiled the Duk x Reishi collection, a series of sculptural furniture pieces that merge innovative biodegradable biomaterials with traditional craftsmanship. This collection explores how mycelium-based Reishi, a leather-like biomaterial, pairs with carved solid wood to create pieces that challenge perception and promote sustainable design.
The Duk x Reishi Collection: Location and Concept
Studio TOOJ, founded by Ashley and Johan Wilén-Jong, developed the Duk x Reishi series between late 2024 and early 2025. The collection debuted at Le Labo’s Milan showroom from April 6 to 11, 2025. Named after the Swedish word “duk,” meaning “tablecloth,” the series utilises biodegradable biomaterials like Reishi to create a floating corner table, a side table, and a pedestal. Each piece uses solid wood sculpted to imitate the appearance of draped fabric, finished with Reishi to create a unique tactile and visual effect.
Biodegradable Building Materials: The Role of Reishi
Reishi, developed by MycoWorks, qualifies as a biodegradable biomaterial derived from mycelium—the root network of fungi. Unlike traditional leather, Reishi grows in labs, allowing designers to control thickness, texture, and strength consistently. This control expands creative possibilities, making Reishi a sustainable alternative that avoids animal products and reduces environmental impact.
Technical Features of Reishi and Its Application in Furniture
Reishi features a matte, textured surface that simulates soft fabric despite its solid state. Studio TOOJ combines this biomaterial with carefully carved wood structures to create optical illusions—pieces that look soft and flexible but remain rigid. The seamless integration of wood and biodegradable biomaterials highlights the potential for eco-friendly innovation in furniture design.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Mycelium-based biomaterial |
| Appearance | Leather-like, matte, textured |
| Sustainability | Fully biodegradable, animal-free |
| Customizability | Thickness, strength, texture |
| Usage | Furniture upholstery, design |
Implications for Sustainable Design and Architecture
The Duk x Reishi series demonstrates how biodegradable biomaterials can redefine design aesthetics while supporting environmental goals. Architects, product designers, and interior designers can explore these materials for sustainable, circular design projects. The collection sets a precedent for integrating lab-grown materials into practical, sculptural applications.
Conclusion
Studio TOOJ’s Duk x Reishi collection represents a significant step toward sustainable furniture design by incorporating biodegradable biomaterials innovatively. By combining traditional wood carving with mycelium-based Reishi, the series challenges visual expectations and encourages the adoption of eco-conscious materials in the construction and design industries.
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