Flex Haven Ukuklanywa Kwangaphakathi Kwendawo Yokuhlala

Press Kit

Unique Properties

This project blends playfulness and function within a sustainably adaptable space. A central slide anchors the design, joined by a swing, monkey bars, and a curved ceiling to support a child’s evolving needs. Inspired by building blocks, the slide unit features retractable stairs that become flush storage or a secret hideout. A ceiling track enables future conversion into a storage room, allowing the space to grow with the family and extend its design life.

Dimensions & Packaging

Purpose of Space : Residential Space
Floor : 9F / 12F
Building Height : 36 m
Principal Structure : Reinforced Concrete
Total Floor Area : 70p
Principal Materials :Melamine Board,Magnetic Writing Board, Engineered Stone,Tatami Mat,Bamboo Charcoal Paint,Quick-Step Laminate Flooring,Cast Iron,Wood,systeam furniture,Ceramic Tile,special paint

Tags

herguang,Flex,Haven,family,child-centered

Production Technology

To ease the upkeep of a large home, the design prioritizes organized storage, assigning every item a clear place to reduce cleaning stress. In the children’s bathroom, mineral coatings create seamless, mold-resistant surfaces for easy maintenance. Wood grain elements—ranging from natural veneers to laminates—are selected based on function, balancing durability with visual warmth. Each material choice reflects careful consideration of daily living needs.

Design Challenge

Situated on a triangular plot, this fan-shaped home redefines daily living through the movement of natural light. Public areas and bedrooms line the sunlit edge, allowing daylight to guide the spatial experience. Core functions are placed inward to ensure fluid flow and generous storage. The layout fosters comfort, sustainability, and harmony with modern life’s shifting pace.

Research

This project challenges the child-centered norm by redefining the home as a balanced space for both parents and children. Activity zones are subtly divided to foster independence while preserving restful areas for adults. Thoughtful circulation connects yet separates, allowing seamless shifts between interaction and solitude. Family life is reframed not as sacrifice, but as a shared rhythm that respects individual needs within a collective home.

Inspiration

Soft wood tones, paired with light beige and warm white, create a serene, family-friendly space. The master bedroom continues this palette with green accents and deeper materials for a calming effect. In the children’s bathroom, specialty coatings minimize grout lines for easy upkeep, while playful tiles add joy. A display cabinet from entry to kitchen echoes cabinetry from the family’s old home, preserving design memory and offering the child a sense of comfort and familiarity.

Project Duration

Started on 2023/02/24
Posted on 2024/08/16

Operation Flow

The layout is thoughtfully divided into three zones, balancing privacy and shared living. The outer edges house bedrooms and common areas, while the central zone is a shared family space. To the left of the entrance lies the parents’ domain—master bedroom, ensuite, walk-in closet, kitchen, and laundry. The right side is designed for the children, with bedrooms, a bathroom, and a multipurpose playroom. This subtle zoning separates adult and child spaces while preserving interaction, creating a flexible home that nurtures independence and connection.

Image Credits

Image : Photographer Hsiao Hsiung Liang Yen,2020.