Isomi earns a Gold Award and BOC Finalist for Layer, and a Sustainable Award for Tejo, while participating in NeoCon for the first time
Mix, match, rebuild and repeat. Layer is Isomi’s most flexible modular desk system to date. Designed for longevity, replaceability, and material variety, the Layer system prioritizes adaptability and sustainability. Its modular design allows for the easy replacement of panels, enabling users to update the desk’s aesthetics with new materials. This eliminates the need to purchase a new desk for a refresh. All panels are mechanically fixed for easy disassembly, enabling the desk to be refreshed/redressed and reused, avoiding disposal.
Isomi, from the U.K., entered Layer in the Furniture Systems category of the Best of NeoCon, earning Gold and an overall Finalist for the Best of Competition among 294 products, and won a Sustainability Award for modular seating system Tejo, all while participating as a NeoCon exhibitor for the first time.
Flexibility is key to the Layer concept – it is designed to be quick and intuitive to assemble, enabling the desk to be moved, modified, and expanded and for components to be easily replaced whenever needed. This extends the lifespan of the desk, so it can be adapted to suit new environments and purposes over time. This reduces the environmental impact associated with production, transportation and disposal of unwanted furniture.
STAR of the show so far for me. I could see myself specifying this on many corporate projects. Love the customization, use of different material options like tile, and overall detailing! This is a stunning product — so many opportunities for different applications in a variety of work environments — hospitality, commercial and specialty medical. Great design, flexibility and finishes.
Best of NeoCon 2024 jurors
Traditional office desks often lack flexibility, and limit user customization. Isomi designer Paul Crofts, working with Product Design Consultant Gensler, created The Layer Desk to address this by offering a highly customizable and adaptable workspace solution. Its core innovation lies in the clip-on panel system. The Layer Desk offers a diverse range of panel materials, catering to both functional and aesthetic preferences. This system allows users to update the desk’s aesthetics with new materials, allowing seamless integration into various design schemes. This modularity extends beyond its interchangeable panels.
Layer is equally suited to any number of settings, from office to retail and hospitality to healthcare. Its modules can be clad in a mix-and-match material palette, allowing for a spectrum of tactile and visual expressions to suit any interior style. Due to its visual appeal, the Layer Desk has the potential to be specified in environments that require aesthetic expression and flexibility to cater to a dynamic workforce. This includes open-plan offices, co-working spaces, and creative work studios. In these settings, employees often have diverse needs and workflows. The Layer Desk empowers the user to personalize their workspace for optimal comfort and productivity.
Recycling cork waste into Tejo, a modular sofa system
Made by recycling cork waste from the production of wine stoppers, Tejo is the recyclable sofa system that helps preserve Portugal’s cork forests and marks a major step towards the circular economy. Combining soft contours, tactile surfaces, and clean, clear aesthetics, Tejo is a practical and environmentally conscientious seating solution. Each base module replaces plywood in its construction and is crafted solely from natural, renewable and recyclable cork material. Seating elements are designed to replace foam with natural latex and wool, while the fabrics are sourced from flax and hemp harvested in the U.K.
Tejo comprises three distinct main elements, each with a different depth: a bench, a single sofa, and a double back-to-back sofa. Additional elements including table units can be incorporated into the system, and planters can be added to introduce living nature and create biophilic spaces. Curved seating variants enable Tejo to be adapted to suit the size, shape and purpose of the space.
Great story of the product. The cork as the structure was so interesting. The all-natural fabrics really complemented the design. Very innovative design and use of materials and construction. Great concept and sustainability story. Unique aesthetic to compliment the sustainable story and material-driven process. Nice pairing of planters, offering of shapes and sizes allows for multiple use. The cork structure and reuse of the dust makes this very sustainable and a great approach to seating and structure.
Best of NeoCon 2024 jurors
Tejo does not contain surfactants. It is not based on PFAS, PFOA or PFOS chemistry and it does not degrade to these substances. Tejo features a frame crafted entirely from 100% recycled cork bonded with a solvent-free binder. At the end of its life cycle, cork can undergo mechanical recycling to create new agglomerate or be composted to enhance soil quality. Cork oak forests are biodiversity hubs, comparable in richness to rainforests. Maximizing the use of cork waste not only enhances the worth of this material but also promotes the conservation of cork oak forests.