
A world-first organic solution to creating clean and healthy waterways is being trialled in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, designed by local engineers, researchers and architects.
The three floating wetlands, affectionately known as ‘mushi’, (pronounced moo-shi), are a series of interlocking triangular-shaped modules about 80cm in diameter.
Instead of using traditional plastic, this version is based on mycelium – the underground network of fungi – combined with organic matter.*
Above the water, the dense foam-like ‘mushi’ is planted with native wetland species becoming a habitat for birds and insects, while underneath, the plant roots absorb excess nitrogen and phosphorous. The wetland prototype is the result of a research and design collaboration by studio edwards, Arup and Swinburne University of Technology.