Tilow and Kanna lighting by Tom Raffield

Tilow and Kanna lighting by Tom Raffield

Originating in a workshop set in six acres of ancient woodland in Cornwall, Tom Raffield’s lighting designs are inspired by nature and hand-crafted using sustainable wood using a pioneering form of steam bending.

Raffield’s latest collections, the Tilow wall light and Kanna Drum Pendant, offer a timeless, natural way to illuminate the spa environment.

“Each piece we create has been on an experimental journey – individual, organic and carefully considered,” explains Raffield. “We source everything from sustainable woodlands and coupled with the low-energy steam bending technique it’s a very ecological process with little wastage.”

Since discovering the age-old technique of steam bending wood while studying for his degree in 3D Sustainability & Design, Raffield has become one of the world leaders in his craft, allowing him to create intricate curves and twists that mimic organic natural shapes.

Said to represent the first strong branch that is born from an oak tree, Tilow (pictured) is an arc of oak that grows up and out to create dramatic downlighting or an ambient soft atmosphere. Available in two sizes, Tilow can be tilted to direct beams of focused light in any required direction, and can be fitted with either an exposed bulb or a Tom Raffield lampshade.

“A spa and wellness space should be populated by natural, organic forms and materials that bring biophilic design inside,” says Raffield. “The benefits of surrounding ourselves with nature are numerous, aiding relaxation, decreasing stress and even recuperating our physical and mental ability. Delivering spaces that keep this connection to nature in mind means people work better, live better and feel better.”

The Kanna Drum Pendant is an elegant tier of oak or walnut, the plywood inner structure of which supports a simple layer of timber, secured with brass screws to create a soft pool of downlight.

www.tomraffield.com