Designer Satoshi Itasaka introduces FLAT/FORM, a unique furniture collection conjured from 15 mm-thick veneer panels of century-old Japanese cedar. This innovative project, crafted with timber from Miyazaki-based GROWTHRING Co., Ltd., elegantly marries traditional Japanese construction techniques with modern flat-pack design principles. Each piece is easily assembled and disassembled using only bolts and nuts, offering reversible construction for easy transport and repair.
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Reimagining forestry and design
As the lead designer of @h220430, Itasaka explores solutions for Japan’s declining domestic timber industry. By utilizing locally sourced cedar veneer, the collection proposes an alternative use for timber, tapping into a sustainable production cycle. The project addresses issues caused by imported competition and an aging workforce, showcasing cedar’s enduring value while meeting international export standards.
A synergy of tradition and innovation
FLAT/FORM draws creative inspiration from Japanese origami and kimono, transforming flat veneer into three-dimensional structures. The collection includes chairs and tables, each cut from flat panels and assembled without glue, relying on mechanical connections. This approach emphasizes visible joints, adding to the collection’s visual coherence and functionality.
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The art of assembly
The collection’s various pieces like the No. 2 High Chair and No. 4 Desk highlight the simplicity and elegance of a bolt-and-nut assembly system. You could easily disassemble each item, enabling hassle-free transportation and reducing packaging waste. Repairs are straightforward, further extending the lifecycle of each furniture piece.
Designing for sustainability
FLAT/FORM’s minimalist design preserves the distinctive grain and texture of the Miyazaki sugi cedar, showcasing the natural beauty of 100-year-old timber. The exposed joints and flat-pack capability contribute to a reduced environmental footprint, promoting the reuse of local forest resources and sustainable forestry practices.
Project details
- Designer: Satoshi Itasaka, @h220430
- Client: GROWTHRING Co., Ltd.
- Manufacturing: DAIWA-TSUKIITA CORPORATION
- Materials: 15 mm-thick veneer panels from over 100-year-old Japanese cedar, M4 bolts and nuts
- Dimensions: Varies per piece, including No. 1 Dining Chair (W495 × D440 × H660 mm) and No. 3 Lounge Chair (W605 × D660 × H550 mm)
- Photographer: Yoshiki Uchida / Photo Design Studio Inc. (Japan)
Through FLAT/FORM, Itasaka and his collaborators champion a vision where design innovation meets sustainable forestry, offering functional beauty that transcends its origins.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What materials does the FLAT/FORM furniture collection use?
The FLAT/FORM furniture collection uses 15 mm-thick veneer panels from century-old Japanese cedar, M4 bolts, and nuts.
How are the FLAT/FORM pieces assembled?
Each piece in the FLAT/FORM collection is easily assembled and disassembled using only bolts and nuts, relying on mechanical connections without glue.
What traditional Japanese elements inspire the FLAT/FORM collection?
The FLAT/FORM collection draws creative inspiration from Japanese origami and kimono, transforming flat veneer into three-dimensional structures.