Sometimes a piece of furniture bears subtle hints of its manufacturing process. In order to achieve the compound curvature desired in this chair, Foster + Partners Industrial Design, working with Isokon, developed wooden veneer blanks with a slit in them. Though the slit's purpose is to prevent the blanks from cracking as they're pressed and formed, it becomes a visual design element in its own right.

Developed with the renowned British wooden furniture manufacturer, Isokon, the 'Join' collection includes a lounge chair, a footstool, and a series of tables – and has evolved through a hands-on process of prototyping and iterative refinement. The innovative yet functional pieces have been designed to showcase Isokon's expertise in plywood production and layered veneer techniques.

Inspired by folding techniques and engineered through extensive full-scale prototyping, the plywood chair was developed by exploring how flat surfaces translate into three-dimensional forms. Sheets of veneered timber are cut into a distinctive pattern – resembling a 'trouser' shape – which, when pressed, forms the structural ergonomic shape of the chair. The seat is supported by matching plywood or metal tube legs, which seamlessly connect with the chair's form. An optional padded seat cover adds an additional layer of comfort.

The footstool matches the geometry of the chair's shell and leg design. The table is defined by its pure geometric form and functional design. It is available in three different diameters, which are proportional to its height. The tabletop includes a discreet lift-up grommet, concealing cables and plugs that are housed within the void of the vertical structure.

The 'Join' collection is available in birch, walnut, oak and stained finishes, making it suitable for both residential and commercial settings.

The Join series is in production by Isokon.