SkLO: MODERN DESIGN, MADE LOCAL

Here’s a quick language lesson for you: In Czech, “Sklo” means glass. You pronounce it |sklo|; it rhymes with “glow.” The word is a fitting name for a global glass brand based in Healdsburg—especially since the product itself hails from craftspeople in the Czech Republic.

SkLO, which operates out of a modest warehouse just off Matheson Street in town, specializes in two distinct collections: made-to-order light fixtures and glass objects of varying kinds. All the pieces are handmade, designed by Sonoma County husband and wife team Paul Pavlak, a trained and practicing architect, and Karen Gilbert, an acclaimed craft artist and metalsmith; the designs are then produced in collaboration with glass blowers in the regions of Bohemia in the Czech Republic.

“Glass from [the Czech Republic] is like none other in the world,” said Pavel Hanousek CEO and managing partner. “Each piece marries modern design with historic technique.”

Hanousek, who is Czech, started working with Czech glass in Healdsburg as an importer back in 1999. In 2009, he partnered with Pavlak and Gilbert to form SkLO – a modern design brand. Today, Hanousek works with the designers and co-owners to engineer works that are modern, sleek, clean and simple. All the glass is fabricated in Europe; once the SkLO team receives it in Healdsburg, they assemble it with hand-made steel/brass and electrical components, finishing it for distribution.

Today, SkLO has pieces on display and for sale in town at Gallery Lulo (Co-Owned by Gilbert) and Arkitektura In-Situ SF in San Francisco. The object collection ranges from giant, almost hard-to-believe glass balls that rest on the floor as standalone objects to small, delicate table accessories. SkLO lighting tends to be minimalist yet conceptual, mixing glass with cord and metal, executed in clusters or as individual pendants. Over the next year, the brand will install pieces in a variety of hotel projects, including Four Seasons Calistoga, and the Montage Healdsburg; they have also been specified for The Matheson, and Hotel Sebastopol. You can also see their work around at various establishments – from wineries to restaurants.

At some point, we likely will have SkLO products in some of our buildings at Mill District. Their aesthetic pairs nicely with ours and we love supporting businesses in the community. Stay tuned.