Bar Bibi at Hotel Bardo in Savannah, Georgia, featuring our Ban Pa Ao Rice Husk Blue Sconce. Photo © Andrew Frazier
AT PERN BAAN, EACH DESIGN BEGINS WITH A STORY
The most foundational to our own journey into Thailand’s rich craft ecosystem is our collaboration with the heritage brass casting village of Ban Pa Ao, in Thailand’s Isaan region.
In early 2020, our founder Robert Sukrachandand fellow NYC designer Pat Kim traveled to this rural village in Ubon Ratchathani province. There, they met Loong Boonmee Lomwong, a master craftsman at the heart of a community that continues to practice one of Thailand’s oldest surviving brass casting traditions.
There are no shortcuts in Ban Pa Ao. No master molds. No industrial machines. Each piece begins with cow dung and termite clay—shaped, turned, waxed, layered, fired, and finally poured with molten brass. The result: beautifully imperfect lighting, each casting carrying the personality of this quiet village.
Ban Pa Ao Sconces in the Dining Room of AngloThai in London. Photo © Charlie Mckay
Today, that same craft is making its way into refined interiors around the world. We’re proud to share that our Ban Pa Ao lighting collection was recently featured in two standout hospitality projects:
Designed by Thai-American interior designer May Redding, AngloThai brings together British ingredients and Thai cooking traditions. Within its first months, the restaurant—helmed by chef John Chantarasak—earned a Michelin star. Our handcrafted brass pendants and sconces appear throughout the dining room and restrooms, their warm patina echoing the depth of the cuisine.
Ban Pa Ao Heavy Antique Sconce’s in AngloThai’s dining room. Photo © Charlie Mckay
A refined retreat in Savannah, Georgia,Hotel Bardoblends Southern heritage with contemporary elegance, shaped byAtelier Pond’ssophisticated interiors. OurBan Pa Ao sconcesare installed in thelobby, restaurant, and lounge areas, adding a sculptural, human layer to the hotel’s rich material palette. The project was recently namedBest Boutique Hotelof the Yearby Interior Design Magazine.
Rice Husk Blue Ban Pa Ao Sconce’s adorn the wood paneled walls of Saint Bibiana restaurant at Hotel Bardo, Savannah. Photo © Andrew Frazier
It’s deeply gratifying to see these pieces—born from such an analog and ancient process—not only complement the design language of luxury spaces, but also meet the rigorous technical standards required in hospitality. Every Ban Pa Ao piece is made to integrate with modern electrical systems, and we can provide custom UL-listed fixtures as needed.
EXPLORE THE BAN PA AO LIGHTING COLLECTION
