century-old japanese cedar unfolds into flat-pack furniture collection, FLAT/FORM

the collection extends the life and value of japanese cedar, supporting the reuse of local forest resources.

S.Itasaka edited by christina vergopoulou July 13, 2026 4 min

FLAT/FORM turns century-old cedar into flat-pack furniture

Designed by Satoshi Itasaka, FLAT/FORM is a furniture collection made from 15 mm-thick veneer panels produced from Japanese cedar trees more than 100 years old. Developed using timber supplied by Miyazaki-based forestry company GROWTHRING, the project combines traditional Japanese construction principles with a flat-pack system that allows each piece to be assembled, disassembled, repaired, and transported using only bolts and nuts. The collection explores how locally sourced timber can support new approaches to furniture production while contributing to the sustainable management of forest resources.

The collection draws on the Japanese traditions of origami and kimono, translating the transformation of flat surfaces into three-dimensional forms through furniture. Chairs and tables are cut from flat cedar veneer panels and assembled without adhesives, relying instead on mechanical connections. This glue-free construction enables individual components to be replaced or repaired while allowing every piece to return to a completely flat state for storage or transportation. Reducing packaging volume also lowers transportation requirements and material waste.

FLAT/FORM is produced from century-old Miyazaki sugi cedar harvested as part of a long-term forestry cycle based on selective harvesting and replanting. The veneer preserves the grain, texture, and structural qualities of mature timber while introducing a new application for the material through lightweight furniture. Rather than concealing the construction, the exposed joints and simple assembly system become integral to the visual language of the collection.

century-old japanese cedar unfolds into flat-pack furniture collection, FLAT/FORM - 1 — FLAT/FORM collection | all images by Yoshiki Uchida / Photo Design Studio Inc. (Japan)

h220430 rethinks the future of Japanese forestry through design

The project, developed by Satoshi Itasaka, lead designer of h220430, also responds to broader challenges facing Japan’s forestry sector. Decades of declining domestic timber demand, competition from imported wood, and an aging workforce have left many managed forests without regular maintenance. At the same time, renewed regional demand for timber has highlighted the need to establish long-term value beyond temporary market cycles. By developing furniture from sliced veneer, the project proposes an alternative use for locally harvested cedar while increasing the material’s value through design.

Using veneer also addresses practical challenges associated with exporting Japanese timber. International regulations governing the transport of raw logs limit overseas distribution, whereas processed veneer products can more readily enter international markets. Through FLAT/FORM, century-old Miyazaki cedar is reconfigured into furniture that combines traditional material knowledge, contemporary manufacturing, and a flat-pack construction system, extending the presence of Japanese forestry beyond its local context.

century-old japanese cedar unfolds into flat-pack furniture collection, FLAT/FORM - 2 — furniture is cut from 15 mm-thick veneer panels | No. 3 Lounge Chair with the panel from which it is cropped

century-old japanese cedar unfolds into flat-pack furniture collection, FLAT/FORM - 3 — the collection is made from century-old Japanese cedar | No. 3 Lounge Chair

century-old japanese cedar unfolds into flat-pack furniture collection, FLAT/FORM - 4 — flat panels transform into three-dimensional furniture | No. 1 Dining Chair (black)

century-old japanese cedar unfolds into flat-pack furniture collection, FLAT/FORM - 5 — origami and kimono traditions inform the design | No. 1 Dining Chair (green)

century-old japanese cedar unfolds into flat-pack furniture collection, FLAT/FORM - 6 — chairs and tables are assembled using bolts and nuts | No. 2 High Chair

century-old japanese cedar unfolds into flat-pack furniture collection, FLAT/FORM - 7 — each piece can be assembled and disassembled | No. 4 Desk

century-old japanese cedar unfolds into flat-pack furniture collection, FLAT/FORM - 8 — individual components can be repaired or replaced | No. 5 Side Table

flat-form-furniture-collection-century-old-japanese-cedar-satoshi-itasaka-h220430-designboom-1800-2 — exposed joints become part of the visual language | No. 6 Low Table (close up)

century-old japanese cedar unfolds into flat-pack furniture collection, FLAT/FORM - 9 — the furniture packs completely flat for transport | No. 6 Low Table

century-old japanese cedar unfolds into flat-pack furniture collection, FLAT/FORM - 10 — the cedar veneer highlights the natural grain of the timber | No. 6 Low Table

flat-form-furniture-collection-century-old-japanese-cedar-satoshi-itasaka-h220430-designboom-1800-3 — the project promotes the reuse of local forest resources | No. 6 Low Table

project info:

name: FLAT/FORM

designer: h220430 / Satoshi Itasaka | @h220430, @itasaka.satoshi

client: GROWTHRING Co., Ltd.

manufacturing: DAIWA-TSUKIITA CORPORATION

materials: 15 mm-thick veneer panels made from over 100-year-old Japanese cedar, M4 bolts and nuts

dimensions: No. 1 Dining Chair: W495 × D440 × H660 mm, No. 2 High Chair: W495 × D440 × H726.5 mm, No. 3 Lounge Chair: W605 × D660 × H550 mm, No. 4 Desk: W770 × D440 × H710 mm, No. 5 Side Table: W330 × D330 × H410 mm, No. 6 Low Table: W550 × D330 × H410 mm

photographer: Yoshiki Uchida / Photo Design Studio Inc. (Japan)

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