A plywood stool inspired by traditional Japanese joinery, blending craftsmanship and modern manufacturing techniques to eliminate fixings, optimize material use, and deliver a sustainable, ergonomic design that highlights the natural beauty of plywood while offering a seamless, tool-free assembly process for consumers seeking both functionality and timeless elegance.
Context
Flat pack furniture is often seen as disposable and flimsy, lacking craftsmanship, with existing products prioritizing affordability over design; this leaves a gap for high-quality, affordable flat-pack stools that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing processes for a more sustainable and functional solution.
Project Brief
How might we…create a high-quality, mass producible stool from CNC-machined plywood sheets that embodies the elegance and craftsmanship of Japanese joinery. The target demographic is eco-conscious, design-savvy urban professionals aged 25-45 who value sustainable, functional, and aesthetically minimalist furniture.
Typical Product Lifecycle: Linear, from production and consumption to disposal, contributing to waste and resource depletion.
Circular Mindset: Close the loop by designing products for reuse, repair, and recycling, minimizing waste and extending the lifecycle of materials.
Proposed Solution
Design a stool that combines Japanese joinery with CNC machining to create a seamless, tool-free, and aesthetically refined product, optimizing material use for sustainability while blending tradition with modern practicality.
Material and Finish
Crafted from sustainably sourced, durable plywood with non-toxic, eco-friendly finishes, and designed for end-of-life recycling.
Efficient Manufacturing & Waste Management
CNC-machined to reduce material waste, featuring interlocking joints and no screws or adhesives for a more efficient, environmentally conscious production process.
Longevity & Circular Design
Built for durability (supports 100 kg) with tool-free assembly, designed for easy disassembly, repair, and eventual recycling to minimize environmental impact over its lifecycle.
Clean Lines / Slotting Joints / Flush Edges / Geometric Shapes
Materials
18mm FSC Sourced Birch Plywood
Unicolour Lacquer
Natural Clear Varnished
Dimensions
H 488
W 360
D 360mm
Weight
4.9kg
Black Stained
Natural Clear
Process
Plywood is CNC machined using flatbed router. Pieces are cut out of plywood following machining and are quality controlled before edge sanding. A lacquer is applied and a varnish to finish providing a durable clean finish.
Material and Finish
Crafted from sustainably sourced, durable plywood with non-toxic, eco-friendly finishes, and designed for end-of-life recycling.
Efficient Manufacturing & Waste Management
CNC-machined to reduce material waste, featuring interlocking joints and no screws or adhesives for a more efficient, environmentally conscious production process.
Proposed Solution
Design a stool that combines Japanese joinery with CNC machining to create a seamless, tool-free, and aesthetically refined product, optimizing material use for sustainability while blending tradition with modern practicality.
Clean Lines / Slotting Joints / Flush Edges / Geometric Shapes
Materials
18mm FSC Sourced Birch Plywood
Unicolour Lacquer
Natural Clear Varnished
Dimensions
H 488
W 360
D 360mm
Weight
4.9kg
Black Stained
Natural Clear
Process
Plywood is CNC machined using flatbed router. Pieces are cut out of plywood following machining and are quality controlled before edge sanding. A lacquer is applied and a varnish to finish providing a durable clean finish.
Proposed Solution
Design a stool that combines Japanese joinery with CNC machining to create a seamless, tool-free, and aesthetically refined product, optimizing material use for sustainability while blending tradition with modern practicality.
Material and Finish
Crafted from sustainably sourced, durable plywood with non-toxic, eco-friendly finishes, and designed for end-of-life recycling.
Efficient Manufacturing & Waste Management
CNC-machined to reduce material waste, featuring interlocking joints and no screws or adhesives for a more efficient, environmentally conscious production process.
Longevity & Circular Design
Built for durability (supports 100 kg) with tool-free assembly, designed for easy disassembly, repair, and eventual recycling to minimize environmental impact over its lifecycle.
Longevity & Circular Design
Built for durability (supports 100 kg) with tool-free assembly, designed for easy disassembly, repair, and eventual recycling to minimize environmental impact over its lifecycle.
