Ply Project, founded by Japanese architect Kenichi Sato, has developed an integrated material called FLEX. This composite material is made from a flexible foam sandwiched between sliced layers of laminated plywood with simple cuts in its surface. Lightweight, springy and flexible, FLEX behaves more like a textile than a wood composite.

So far, this material  innovation has been patented and a small fine furniture collection has been developed. In addition to a flexible partition, Ply Project’s FLEX Chair series takes full advantage of  this material, using its ability to be soft and bendable, while also self-supporting. Lightweight and easy to move and manipulate, FLEX material can be attached to metal frames and forms with embedded magnets.

Founded in 2010, Ply Project’s design goal is to re-evaluate engineered wood products such as plywood and to then improve and diversify their material performance for the 21^st century.