A floating wetland named ‘mushi’ for the Yarra made from organic waste and mycelium mushroom. Purifying the river and providing habitat for wildlife. The floating leaf-shaped wetland is made from a series of interlocking triangular shaped modules. These are made from a mixture of mycelium, obtained from mushroom roots and organic waste.

The concept aims to improve water quality and provide habitat for wildlife, utilising waste products to form a floating island. Native wetland plants can be grown within the mycelium and waste mixture, developing into habitat for native birds such ascoots, moor hens, swamp hens, reed warblers, golden whistlers and yellow thornbills. Below the surface plant roots extend into the water providing absorption of excess nitrogen and phosphorous. Plants such as sedge grass, reeds, glassworts, career appressa and marsh flower provide habitat for birdlife and native plants. The floating wetland concept was shortlisted for the NGV Victorian Design Challenge.

A prototype was developed in collaboration with ARUP & Swinburne University. It was showcased as part of Melbourne Design Week 2021 in the Royal Botanic Gardens.