NUO FOR ARCHITECTURE, FURNITURE & INTERIORS
Real Wood. Now as soft, stretchable, and sewable as fine leather.
Forget everything you knew about rigid veneer: NUO is the patented real-wood semi-finished material with unprecedented 3D flexibility. Engineered for visionary upholstered furniture, organic 3D wall panels, and bespoke interiors.
From veneer to soft wood:
How NUO is made
Fine real-wood veneer, a flexible backing and a patented micro-laser engraving: see how our production transforms a classic natural rigid material into one that can be bent, folded and sewn.
Trade fair highlight | Design Nation Kortrijk
A Finnish acoustic icon meets soft real wood: The "sshhh 5" lounge chair by Evävaara Design
At the Design Nation trade fair in Kortrijk, a special premiere turned heads: Finnish design pioneer Evävaara Design presented its iconic "sshhh 5.1" acoustic sanctuary chair upholstered in NUO. What appears at first glance to be warm, luxurious leather reveals its true nature at the first touch: 100% real wood that wraps seamlessly, smoothly, and without creases around the organically curved cocoon shell – completely without expensive 3D molding tools.
01
Three-dimensional draping
Effortless covering of complex 3D radii and tight curves.
02
Easy processing
Processed with standard leather and upholstery tools (cutting, sewing, bonding, piping possible).
03
Tactile spatial presence
Combines the sheltered acoustics of the sshhh 5 with the authentic warmth and grain of real wood.
04
Timeless design
Originally designed in 2002, the sshhh 5.1 remains state-of-the-art today. Upholstered in fine NUO walnut veneer, its timeless character and visual wow factor are elevated to a whole new level.
nuo variety At a glance
Range & material structure
NUO bonds approx. 0.55 mm real wood veneer from sustainable forestry with a flexible textile backing and a patented micro-laser engraving. The material is 100% animal-free, reduces COâ‚‚ emissions by up to 60% compared to animal leather, and is delivered ready-to-process with a factory-applied dead-matt protective finish on request.
Fine real wood species from stock
Natural grain, warm character: our stock collection includes selected species such as the classics walnut, oak, beech and ash. In addition, bespoke custom developments are possible upon request – making NUO exceptionally attractive for exclusive furniture and interior fit-out projects.
4 laser engravings – from fine to bold
Four engravings, four expressions: subtle or striking – the laser engraving defines both the flexibility and the look of NUO. The smaller the engraving the more visible the wood structure. Custom developments are available on request for specific projects.
3 backings for every application
From flat wall panels to stretchable upholstered shells: with three backings – fleece, microfiber and cotton – you'll find the right build-up for every application.

GUIDANCE FOR PROCESSORS & SPECIFIERS
Fleece for flat surfaces.
Microfiber for 3D, upholstery and acoustics.
NUO is a semi-finished material for further processing. To ensure technical and economic success, select the backing that matches your application:
For classic panel manufacturers, joineries & interior fitters
NUO rigid
FLEECE FOR FLAT SURFACES
Developed with fleece backing for flat bonding onto rigid substrates such as MDF or plywood as well as large, gentle radii without stretching requirements. The color-matched fleece reliably prevents glue bleed-through.
applications: Flat wall and ceiling panels, cabinet fronts, doors, furniture surfaces
For 3D panel manufacturers, upholstered furniture makers, contract and yacht outfitters & designers
NUO prime
MICROFIBER FOR 3D · UPHOLSTERY · ACOUSTICS · LEATHER ALTERNATIVE
The high-performance variant with microfiber for demanding three-dimensional forming, sharp contour changes and upholstery work. It can be stretched, wrapped, sewn and piped like premium leather or heavy upholstery fabric. Its closed microfiber structure prevents glue bleed-through.
Applications: Armchair shells, upholstered furniture, benches, headboards, upholstered design elements, freeform 3D wall panels, column wraps, curved reception desks, acoustic frames.
For sustainability-focused applications without high tensile loads
NUO eco
COTTON FOR SUSTAINABLE LIGHT APPLICATIONS
Combines the natural real-wood surface with a cotton backing made from up to 90% renewable raw materials. Lightweight and flexible for decorative applications where extreme 3D elongation is not required.
Applications: Decorative elements, accessories, wall and furniture accents with maximum natural-fiber content.
KEY FIGURES & PROPERTIES FOR INTERIORS
Tested performance for furniture, walls and spaces
01 Up to 105% elongation
70.27% lengthwise / 105.17% crosswise with NUO prime – for 3D geometries without 3D molding tools.
02 300,000 flex cycles
Tested flex resistance (dry; 200,000 cycles wet) according to DIN EN ISO 17694 for NUO prime.
03 Over 50,000 Martindale cycles
Highest abrasion resistance (Category A, lacquered) according to DIN EN 14465 – built for demanding everyday use.
04 49 N / 68 N tear strength
High tear resistance (lengthwise / crosswise per DIN EN ISO 17696) for reliable upholstering, stretching and sewing.
Your contact person
Johannes Heydler
Sales & Production
With his impressive experience and extensive expertise in wood and interior design, Johannes is a valuable asset to our team. He has an in-depth understanding of the different types of wood, their properties and applications. He will advise you on the right NUO material for your projects and provide customized solutions for your individual needs.
Project inquiry & consultation
Let's talk about your project
Whether upholstered furniture, 3D panels, wall cladding or acoustic solutions: we advise you personally on the right version, send samples or further technical data, and calculate your quote – with individual project pricing from 500 m².
Contact Us
Luxurious look thanks to NUO
Loosli AG, Switzerland
The Vanity Namiura furniture program from the Swiss premium manufacturer Loosli is based on the reduction to the essentials practiced by many Japanese architects and designers, without sacrificing beauty and practical utility. The high-quality furniture is now also available with NUO in Walnut and Oak.
