Kaleido Primary Function: Mébélé Olokolo Modular

Press Kit

Unique Properties

This project introduces a modular human-pet shared living system that integrates pet activities into contemporary domestic space, four adaptable modules can be freely configured on walls or floors to create interactive pathways, resting areas, and feeding zones, circular openings support natural pet movement while maintaining visual and spatial connections with users, the flat-pack structure and tool-free assembly improve flexibility, user participation, and support sustainable living practices

Dimensions & Packaging

Product dimensions 330 x 330 x 330mm, 660 x 330 x 330mm, 660 x 330 x 660mm, 660 x 330 x 660mm
Packaging size 350 x 350 x 120mm, 680 x 350 x 110mm, 680 x 680 x 110mm, 680 x 680 x 110mm

Tags

human pet cohabitation system, modular living infrastructure, spatial interaction design, adaptive domestic environment, lifestyle integration innovation

Production Technology

The product is manufactured using a CNC automated production line that enables batch size one customization, integrated CAD and CAM workflows ensure precise machining of each component, the structure is made from BS 1088 certified marine grade birch plywood with Baltic birch veneers bonded using WBP phenolic resin for void free and moisture resistant construction, invisible connectors from Lamello are used with the Clamex system, allowing detachable assembly without visible hardware, CNC machined T slot grooves ensure accurate alignment and structural fit

Design Challenge

A key challenge was addressing the growing social shift toward human pet cohabitation within limited urban living spaces, conventional furniture separates pet activities from human environments, creating spatial conflict and reduced interaction, the project required balancing pet behavior, human comfort, and spatial efficiency within a unified system, through iterative prototyping and behavioral observation, the design overcame structural, usability, and adaptability challenges, enabling flexible configurations that support shared living and evolving domestic lifestyles

Research

This project employs applied design research to explore shared living solutions for humans and pets, the objective was to develop adaptable furniture promoting interaction and spatial coexistence, a user centered methodology combined behavioral observation with iterative spatial prototyping, data were gathered from pet movement patterns and domestic usage scenarios using modular testing tools, pet owners and their animals participated in evaluations, results demonstrated improved flexibility and engagement, strengthening product differentiation and commercial competitiveness

Inspiration

The design was inspired by the evolving relationship between humans and pets in contemporary urban living, where pets increasingly share emotional and spatial roles within the home, by observing how pets naturally seek connection, movement, and proximity to their owners, the project explores ways to merge pet activities with everyday living environments, this approach transforms furniture into a shared spatial system that supports interaction, coexistence, and adaptable lifestyles

Project Duration

The project was launched in beijing in early 2021, the collection was manufactured in a furniture factory in pizhou jiangsu and achieved mass production after eighteen months of development, it debuted at the Tops pet fair in hangzhou in july 2022 and was later exhibited at the Asia pet fair in shenzhen in september 2022, where it was selected for the U plus demo show, the design received both utility model and design patents in september 2022, in 2023, the product became available through the self operated platform of JD.com

Operation Flow

Users assemble the modules by slotting components together without tools, the units can be placed on floors or mounted on walls according to different spatial needs, modules can be freely combined to form resting, feeding, or passage areas, pets move naturally through circular openings that connect each unit, while owners can adjust layouts over time, the system supports continuous reconfiguration and enables shared interaction and adaptable living environments for both humans and pets

Patents

This design project has obtained patent certificates including utility model patent ZL202221330204 8 and design patents ZL202230327258 8, ZL202230327285 5, ZL202230327413 6, registered in China

Image Credits

Image 1 Designer Dongliang Lu and Bin Guo Kaleido 2022
Image 2 Designer Dongliang Lu and Bin Guo Kaleido 2022
Image 3 Designer Dongliang Lu and Bin Guo Kaleido 2022
Image 4 Designer Dongliang Lu and Bin Guo Kaleido 2022
Image 5 Designer Dongliang Lu and Bin Guo Kaleido 2022
Video credits photographed at the production factory in 2022 by designers Dongliang Lu and Bin Guo