What makes The Old Mushroom Farm, Howick, such a unique destination on the Midlands Meander is its architectural richness. The disused farm buildings have been renovated and re-purposed into an interesting venue to explore for the day or retreat for the weekend. Come with us on a virtual architectural tour of The Old Mushroom Farm renovations.
The Old Mushroom Farm’s architect, Nick Crooks, has a signature style that can be spotted in the classic-looking red-brick buildings around Howick. Because the farm buildings already existed on The Old Mushroom Farm, Nick was presented with a unique and exciting architectural challenge. Nick has made it his mission to transform the dilapidated agricultural infrastructure into people-oriented spaces. Nick values aesthetics and is on a mission to convert ugly, thoughtlessly designed structures into intentional and beautiful spaces for visitors to explore and enjoy.Â
In this edition of The Old Mushroom Farm Architectural Tour, our focus will be on the Tunnels and Central Walkway.
The Tunnels are the heart of The Old Mushroom Farm - a hub of activity where KZN-based artisans have set up studios, workshops, and eateries to produce and sell their wares. An event space and an apartment also operate from the tunnels, offering visitors a unique Midlands holiday or entertainment experience. These tunnels are where the mushroom growing used to happen, but they’ve since received a spruce-up, letting in light, fresh air and friends.
Renovations of the old farm tunnels began in 2019. The mushroom growing had already stopped several years before, and the tunnels were being used as store rooms and rough factory spaces - and were falling into disrepair. Nick's vision was to transform the space into an artisanal hub where makers could find community and where visitors could engage directly with artists at their craft in a unique and interesting setting.
Today, The Old Mushroom Farm believes in showcasing the doers - TOMF tunnels are made up of passionate small business owners who are hands-on working at their craft. Most of the tunnels are set up with a shop-front and a workshop/ kitchen/ studio at the back. Plus there’s room for more- If you are a nature tourism agency or KZN activities-based tour guide, we want you! There is so much that the KZN Midlands has to offer in terms of adventure or nature-based tourism, the patrons just need a guide! Please email info@theoldmushroomfarm.co.za for tunnel rental enquiries.
During the farming days, most of the mushroom growing took place in these nine dome-topped tunnels. There are 9 tunnels because the mushroom growing and composting process takes place over a 9 week period. As one tunnel was being harvested, the growing beds were being prepared in the previous, ensuring a constant supply of fresh shrooms. The tunnel growing rooms had to be kept impeccably clean, were dark, humid, and warm- the ideal environment for fungi to grow. The mushroom Growing Tunnels have since been transformed into bright, light and airy people-oriented spaces, buzzing with activity, great coffee and handmade products.
A fun fact about all The Old Mushroom Farm renovations is that our building footprint has not changed over the years. We're not developing the land, rather we are breathing new life into disused buildings that already existed. In fact, we are rehabilitating the land. Invasive species like kikuyu grass, brambles and wattle trees are regularly being cleared out. Nick has planted a stunning indigenous forest alongside the stream in the valley which has now canopied. Take a detour at the dam on the walking trail and enjoy a tranquil sit in the shade. You may even spot a buck.
Here’s how the growing tunnels have been renovated:
The Central Walkway was added. Its pitched roof was built of steel beams and corrugated iron, creating a sheltered passageway between the tunnels for pedestrians.
Nick added these two brick arches, propped by ornate columns to support the Central Walkway roof where it extended in front of Playhouse 5. Nick made these incredible columns from scratch - he found the original - a heavy old cast-iron column - on one of his scrap yard treasure hunting expeditions and made a mould of it so that he could make multiple copies. He cast these ones out of concrete.
The tunnel's old insulated front doors were removed, and larger door openings were cut into the brick walls on either end. The old doors were replaced with spacious modern steel and glass ones letting light pour in.
The floors were screeded with smooth, polished concrete and the lighting was updated.
Some of the 124 square meter tunnels were split in half so that artisans had the option to operate from smaller spaces. Walls with half-moon windows were built across the middle.
When you visit The Old Mushroom Farm Tunnels, you’l find:
The Tunnel Apartment Accommodation, Cosmic Crystals shop, Nude Soaps factory and shop, The Makers Market studios and shops, Alkaline factory and shop, Playhouse 5 event and live music venue, Activ8 Performance gym, Home Slice cafe and bakery, Midlands Books & Collectables shop, Rock Paper Scissors shop and studio, and Onyx Rain handmade chocolate shop and studio.
And that’s just the tunnel section! There is lots to do and see at The Old Mushroom Farm. Surrounding the tunnels you’ll find the Children’s Play Area with waterslide and trampoline, TOMF Walking Trail, The Community Food Garden, Exploring Coffee Country Cafe (Pizzeria), Sally’s Midlands Mixes (Granola), & Kin event and conference venue, and The Old Mushroom Farm Accommodation, fruit orchards, photographer’s and artist’s studios, and Crooks Concrete encaustic tile factory. All this is in the middle of the picturesque Karkloof countryside scenery- green pastures and rolling hills. So, plan your day trip or book to stay for a holiday because The Old Mushroom Farm in the KZN Midlands is well worth a visit.
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