Here are four collections – by Allermuir, Teknion, Geiger and Davis Furniture – that exemplified the material trend at NeoCon 2019:

A literal expansion of Layer’s award-winning Axyl chair, the bench version opens up the inverted cast-aluminum Y-frame base and tops it with an oak veneer plywood shell. Multiple hues are offered for the frame and seat; an upholstered option is also available. allermuir.com

A simple box becomes desk, table, stool, shelf and storage in this ingenious system. Made from pine plywood in one size (38 by 36 by 36 centimetres), the lightweight crate can be stacked or aligned in endless arrangements. Seating pads and wheel trays add to the versatility. teknion.com

Taking casegoods to a new level, this customizable kit of parts can be wall-mounted or freestanding. The various elements are offered in an array of materials, colours and finishes, including the natural flat-cut oak shown. geigerfurniture.com

Using 3D plywood technology that scores veneers to maintain their true texture, Jehs+Laub’s bar stool has a seamless saucer-like seat that’s as supportive as it is comfortable. davisfurniture.com