It’s just mind-boggling to consider how beautiful and functional plywood furniture can be. The Join Collection by London-based Foster + Partners, launched at the London Design Festival 2025, developed in collaboration with renowned British furniture manufacturer Isokon, is a perfect example. The collection comprises a chair, a footstool, and a table, all made of plywood.
The design team wanted to demonstrate what plywood can do visually and economically to effectively ‘push the boundaries.’ Isokon, experts in plywood manipulation and production, have proven ideal partners for this exceptional furniture collection. Through this collaboration, the designers have been able to explore how a flat surface can be transformed into a three-dimensional form.
The Join furniture collection was inspired by folding techniques engineered through extensive prototyping. The chair in the collective is made from sheets of veneered timber cut into a unique trouser-like shape that, when folded, forms an ergonomic and comfortable seat.
The chair’s legs can be made of matching plywood or metal. For added comfort, there is an option to include a padded seat cover. The footstool, on the other hand, complements the chair’s minimalist design and is available in three sizes proportionate to its height. As mentioned earlier, the collection also includes a table, characterized by a round top featuring a small void that can be used to conceal cables and plugs.
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Isokon has long believed in the lightness and flexibility of plywood, and this collection proves that belief pretty well. Viewed from a distance, the chair truly resembles an inverted pair of trousers, giving it a distinctive and unmatched appearance. Who could have imagined that plywood could be turned into such distinctive furniture?
One of the best aspects of the collection is its timeless and modest aesthetic, which allows it to serve as both functional furniture and a piece of chic home décor. Join Collection is available in birch, walnut, oak, and stained finishes, making it suitable for both residential and commercial use.
