The Mycelium Tub is a pivotal continuation of Houtlander’s ongoing exploration into the traditional and material possibilities of the tub chair. This design represents a radical leap into a bio-fabricated future, where the boundaries between biology and manufacturing are intentionally blurred.

The evolution of the Houtlander Tub began with a collaboration with the Zulu weavers of Hlabisa, featuring hand-woven backrests in the time-honoured style of traditional basketry. A subsequent iteration utilised local Merino wool in a tapestry style, introducing a soft, tactile warmth to the ergonomic frame. This third chapter, however, moves beyond natural fibres into the realm of waste transformation.

By utilising byproducts such as sawdust and paper that are typically discarded, Houtlander has replaced conventional chemical binders and glues with mycelium—the root structure of mushrooms. This living organism binds waste particles together as it grows, essentially "cultivating" the chair’s form rather than constructing it. Conceptually, the piece is a conscious embrace of temporality; it challenges the consumer to reconsider the environmental impact of goods that cannot naturally decompose. The Mycelium Tub is fully compostable at the end of its life cycle, returning to the earth as nutrients for new life. It stands as a tangible answer to a critical question: how long should furniture last? Exactly as long as it is needed, and not a moment longer.

Phillip Hollander is the founder of Houtlander, where a deep-seated passion for craftsmanship challenges the boundaries of traditional and contemporary furniture making. Hollander operates at the intersection of aesthetics and function, driven by the conviction that a tactile understanding of the making process is an intrinsic part of design. This philosophy is anchored in the Japanese principle of Kaizen—the relentless pursuit of efficiency and the elimination of waste to uncover the soul of an object.

Houtlander is one of South Africa’s most internationally decorated design studios. Their accolades include winning the Design Indaba ‘Most Beautiful Object in South Africa’ (2019) for the Interdependence Bench, and multiple ‘Best Furniture Design’ awards at 100% Design South Africa. Their work has been exhibited at Milan Design Week with Rossana Orlandi, at Downtown Design Dubai, and the Grand Palais in Paris. In 2022, Houtlander achieved a career milestone when their Hlabisa Bench was acquired for the permanent collection of the Pompidou Centre in Paris. Through high-profile collaborations—from the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) to visual artist Trevor Stuurman—Hollander continues to position master-crafted South African design on the global stage.