Living Moss Bath Mat by Nguyen La Chanh.

Designer Nguyen La Chanh proposes a unique and ecologically sound idea for your bathroom, a bath mat made of living moss.

Nguyen La Chanh designed this brilliant living moss bath mat as a project for her degree at ECAL Switzerland. However after photos became published on several blogs, and countless comments started pouring in asking where it could be bought, she is taking steps to put “Larosée” into production.

We all love the sensation of living green on our feet, and Nguyen La Chanh designed a product that brings this sensational feeling in the center of our home. The living moss bath mat: “Larosée” is an ecological product manufactured using sustainable production methods and recycled materials.

The bathmat is comprised of a rigid frame made of plastazote latex foam into which various species of moss plugs are nested. Nguyen La Chanh used a blend of ball, island and forest moss varieties to produce the vibrant example you can see in the picture gallery.

Certainly, some readers might be concerned that their recently washed feet might become dirty after standing on the moss carpet. You can be reassured to learn that there is no soil involved in this living bath mat at all. Instead, the moss attaches itself to the recycled vegetal latex foam in a similar way as it attached to stones and rock formations in the wild.

The moss draws any nourishment it needs by absorbing humidity from the air and through soaking up the water from your feet. You should feel pleasant knowing that every time you step out of the shower, you forming a deep symbiotic relationship with your living moss!

Another concern some might have are bacteria living in the moss. This however is another misconception. Many species of moss have antibacterial properties, some even being used as antiseptic dressing in wartime scenarios. Moreover certain species also have antibiotic properties on human-affecting bacteria and were commonly used by ancient civilization for treating many kinds of infections.

Effectively moss as a living material it regulates itself and fights off disease. Therefore, the living moss alternative bathmat is far more hygienic that a regular bathmat, especially if you use particular species of moss.

An excellent idea by Nguyen La Chanh, nicely thought and exceptionally executed.