Mycelia House is a cultivation system for growing and showcasing the beauty of oyster mushrooms in the home.
The design promotes a move towards more sustainable and localised food practices, an appreciation of the fungi kingdom, and a deeper connection with nature.
Mycelia House, terracotta cultivation system — inaugural design
Mycelia House is a home cultivation system for growing oyster mushrooms. It’s inspired by DIY bucket grows and cardboard spray-and-grow kits.
It’s reimagined as a considered, sculptural object in the home - lending dignity to the mushrooms. Mycelia House is designed for oyster mushroom varieties that side fruit, with top-fruiting varieties coming soon.
Mushroom grow kits offer an accessible and engaging way for beginners to cultivate their own mushrooms at home, while also gaining insights into a more circular food system.
The terracotta design leverages its natural wicking properties to create an ideal microclimate for mushrooms to thrive. Simply add water to the tray and lightly mist around the vessel twice daily. Mushrooms typically begin fruiting within 5–7 days.
Each Mycelia House includes a grow guide booklet to support you on your cultivation journey. Please note: mushroom growth substrate is sold separately.
Company Values
Inspired by mycelium.
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The balance of being caring - in between careful and careless.
A process. A practice of listening, responding, tending to.
“Treat design like a gardening practice”- Neri Oxman, Biodesigner
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A relationship.
An evolving conversation.
Exchange of resources.
Symbiosis as living together.
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A process of digestion, integration, articulation and expression.
Bring clarity thtough communication.
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An openness to explore and build - to thread new connections and pathways.
Acknowledging nature’s life/death/life cycles.
Operating seasonally.
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A vision for unity.
Shared visions, working in collaboration, approaching complex issues with a multi-disciplinary lens.
The Designer and Founder, Caity Duffus
The project began as Caity’s Industrial Design Honours work in 2020 and has since grown into a small-scale commercial product rooted in craft. Follow the hyphae [here] to learn more.
The Network
Mycelia House has been shaped by a generous and growing network of collaborators, mentors, and supporters, and the intention is for this to continue expanding.
The project welcomes collaboration across disciplines - bringing creatives together to share stories, create experiences, and explore the beauty and application of fungi within our systems.
Caity received funding and mentorship support through the Carl Nielsen Accelerator Program with the Powerhouse Museum, without which Mycelia House would not be where it is today. Deep thanks to Ed Ko, Angelique Hutchison, Tashi Grey, and Adam Laws for their support, and to Ruffle Farm and Milkwood for sharing their mycological knowledge.
Standing behind every creative is a strong support network. With gratitude, Caity would like to acknowledge Robbi Pittorino, Vicki Grima, Andrew Simpson, Sabrina Piro, Jess Coulson, Joel Brauer, Nick Rita, Carolyn Hickey, Susie Hemsted, Mirna Novosel, Nicola Jephcott, Luke Reid, Glenn Duffus, and Sue Duffus.
