When it comes to woven materials, the most popular and widely known material is definitely ‘rattan’. In the market, rattan is used as the main raw material for furniture, whether chair, sofa or table. However, when it comes to rattan in the form of facade, ceiling, or door, it may be beyond many people’s imagination. HAWAII THAI is a visionary by introducing synthetic rattan into other elements of the design and building industry apart from furniture. Explore design ideas and the direction of synthetic rattan in Thailand through an interview with Khun Alisa Viphavaphanich, Managing Director, Hawaii Thai Group.
From Architect’24, HAWAII THAI has launched new products that emphasized the diversity of woven work, which can be extended to interior design. In addition, feedback received from being an exhibitor has been used to develop new products in the following years.
“We want to make a difference. We see the Architect Expo as the year’s big event. Every year, we try to showcase new innovations to the industry, which is to present the possibilities of woven products, for instance, it can be used to build a pavilion. This not only affects design ideas, but also the consumers or end-users to visualize the finished product,” Khun Alisa mentioned the purpose of participating in the Architect Expo each year.
Supporting sustainability
HAWAII THAI also aims to make a difference, such as creating more outstanding designs of woven products. Such styles also respond to current trends, whether it is sustainability where the brand uses special materials for the products’ durability throughout their service life, helping to conserve natural resources, as well as having environmentally friendly production process. This has been achieved by looking at every possible aspect. In addition to using synthetic rattan as the main raw material in manufacturing furniture, HAWAII THAI has now taken another step by using synthetic rattan as a part of creating pavilions, ceilings, walls, doors or large four-poster beds. With development of designs, there are many products in addition to furniture, including tables and chairs.
Design without boundaries
How does HAWAII THAI’s business operations help promote and develop the design industry? Khun Alisa shared that the brand helps advance the design process because in working together with designers, ideas become more concrete. That is, when designers have different design ideas but are unable to find the right materials, HAWAII THAI fulfills this need. Projects that the brand has participated in promoting design include using synthetic rattan and HAWAII THAI materials in art works, designing sculptures in collaboration with lecturers from Silpakorn University, large-scale architectural design project in collaboration with private and public organizations using synthetic rattan and materials from HAWAII THAI for exterior decoration, etc.
Experience and discover works made from synthetic rattan with HAWAII THAI, at booth No. F206 at Architect’25, the 37th ASEAN’s Largest Building Technology Exposition during 29 April – 4 May, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Challenger Hall 1-3, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.
