Shining a light on the talented craftspeople of Thailand
Project Rattan was born of a strong desire to keep the history of Thai traditional arts and crafts alive whilst in turn supporting the local economy and protecting the environment.
In a market that is saturated with cheaper, inferior, and imported plastic products, we have built a bridge for designers to connect with factory workers locally in rattan and bamboo crafts.
No synthetics. No plastics.
Rattan is a natural material found in abundance across forests in Thailand, especially in the Southern part of the country. It has been used as a weaving and basket material for household objects and furniture since ancient times.
Rattan factories have been closing rapidly in recent years, by working with ‘the real people of Thailand’, Project Rattan is helping to shine a light on the unique skill set of these talented artisans and craftspeople.
We hope that by doing so, we can contribute to the continuation of factories which are currently on the brink of extinction.
"The use of rattan highlights the beauty and versatility of natural materials while underscoring our commitment to environmental sustainability."
Patrick Keane, Director EPA
No synthetics. No plastics.
Our team
Traditional Thai Craftspeople
Bio-degradable natural rattan
Grown in abundance across SE Asia
Harmonizing design & environment
Every project we undertake emphasizes the use of eco-friendly materials and processes, ensuring that our designs harmonize with their surroundings and enhance the well-being of the communities they serve.
Enter Projects Asia was created as a gentle rebellion against modern design and construction methods which have led to a loss of detail in architectural design and a preference for unsustainable materials. In response, we have built our practice upon the desire to showcase artisanal, sustainable, and original architecture at a commercial scale.
Aesthetically, we take inspiration from natural geometry and movement, shunning the angular lines dictated by mass-produced construction materials, opting instead for curvilinear, sculptural forms. Biophilic design principles guide our decision-making in service of our goal to create a point of difference, a talking point, a character, and a feeling that all users embrace.
We take time to get to know our clients’ aspirations and brand personalities, and consistently design with the end user in mind. Each individual site is analyzed to understand its features and the impact and progression of natural light, and seamless and intuitive directional movement flows are painstakingly designed to ensure spaces that are easy and enjoyable to move through.
Enter Projects Asia has increased tenfold in the past half a decade, despite the challenging global circumstances. We believe our work is contemporary and connects with people. Our designs resonate with a moment in time which is fiercely present, whilst remaining respectful of the past and mindful of the future & those generations who will inhabit it.
We are a fully Thai registered company operating out of Bangkok, with a growing and diverse client base across Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe and the USA.
T2 Kempegowda International Airport
Bangalore, India
Chiang Mai Gallery
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Sustainability
A commitment to sustainability is integral to every decision we make. Our core initiatives are centred around three pillars.
1. Materiality
In a reversal of industry norms, we are committed to using locally sourced natural materials and are proud to achieve a ratio of 90% plantbased and biodegradable materials in our constructions. In our airport project in Bangalore, we used more than 9km of rattan as a sustainable alternative to steel and concrete. Unlike bamboo, rattan stems are not hollow, providing increased durability and fire resistance; they are also lightweight, flexible, and suitable for outdoor use. The lightweight nature of rattan is an important feature of our prefabricated designs, which are shipped worldwide for a fraction of the cost and environmental impact of standard building materials. Our practice is committed to experimenting with new, sustainable building materials and is currently developing concepts which utilise metal alloys made from recycled materials, local unprocessed clay bricks and marineplywood.
2. Craft
Rattan making in Thailand dates back millennia, yet in recent years, this ancient heritage craft has suffered almost to the point of extinction due to the growing demand for cheap plastic furniture. Enter Projects Asia has been integral in preserving and resuscitating the Thai rattan manufacturing industry. The commercially viable and culturally sensitive employment we provide ensures younger generations are being trained in the craft, thus ensuring its legacy.
3. Culture
The artisanal Thai communities we work with still live traditional village lives, which balance craft work with tending to the land. Along with our factory partners, we are committed to ensuring these rural communities can secure culturally meaningful, wellpaid work while preserving the long-established rhythms of indigenous country life.
Sustainability
Enter Projects Asia is proud to have received the ‘Most Sustainable Architecture Practice in Thailand’ award in 2021 from industry magazine, BUILD.
Bio-degradable natural rattan
Grown in abundance across SE Asia
Naturally grown rattan
A truly sustainable material
Awards
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
