Expertise: Designing for Families
Envisioning Harmony: Child-Centric Design for Modern Families
Authors:
Kenny Kinugasa-Tsui, co-founder of Bean Buro
Lorène Faure, co-founder of Bean Buro
We take pride in our dedication to incorporating Montessori principles into our designs, which is evident in our growing portfolio. This commitment drives us to deeply understand and apply innovative ideas that respond to the developmental needs of children. Our design philosophy is focused on creating adaptable spaces that are prepared to meet the changing needs of children as they grow, seeking to provide environments that will be relevant and supportive for years to come.
One of our key strategies is to avoid fixed and built-in furniture, instead opting for loose furniture and decorations that can be easily updated in the future.
Playful geometries are a hallmark of our designs. We understand the importance of creating a vibrant and engaging environment for children, without sacrificing functionality and storage. By incorporating joyful colours and thoughtful design elements, we create spaces that not only encourage creativity but also encourage bonding between family members.
A unique concept that we employ is the idea of “disappearing corridors.” This involves using large operable partitions to remove traditional corridors, thus creating larger, more flexible play spaces. This innovative technique allows for greater freedom of movement and an uninterrupted play experience.
Another interesting concept we use is the inclusion of “peeking windows.” These are holes in the partition walls that can be opened or closed, enabling playful interactions between rooms. This design feature adds an element of surprise and encourages children to explore their surroundings.
The “tree house” concept is another standout feature in our designs. These double-height play pod cabins serve as multifunctional spaces, incorporating elements such as beds, reading areas, and play spaces. They are designed to accommodate not only the child but also visiting friends, fostering a sense of community and social interaction.
We also pay great attention to the interactive landscape within children’s spaces. We incorporate “following the beans” elements, such as bean shapes on the floor and organic-shaped platforms. These features provide a stimulating environment for young children to develop their motor skills while engaging with their surroundings.
Emphasising safety, we ensure that most custom joineries and furniture have curved and rounded corners and edges to prevent any potential hazards from sharp corners. Additionally, we prioritise durable and easy-to-maintain surfaces, including writable and magnetic wall surfaces that add an element of fun and creativity to children’s spaces.
To create a harmonious living environment, we employ the concept of the “door within a door.” This playful strategy incorporates a small kid’s door within an adult’s door leading to the children’s bedroom. This design element allows parents to work from home without being disturbed while providing easy accessibility for our children with careful planning and acoustic designs.
While the children’s spaces are vibrant and colourful, we ensure that the overall residence maintains a tasteful and elegant aesthetic suitable for adults. We strike a balance between the needs of children and adults, creating spaces that cater to both age groups seamlessly.
Our commitment to wellbeing is evident in our choice of materials and finishes. Wherever possible we would specify non-toxic paint, low VOC materials, easy-to-clean surfaces, and even incorporate anti-bacterial tiles. Comfortable lighting is also a priority, enhancing the overall ambience of the spaces we design.
In conclusion, our expertise and insights in designing for children with Montessori principles are demonstrated through our tried and tested ideas. By incorporating future-proof designs, creative use of geometries, playful elements, and a focus on family bonding, we create engaging and functional spaces for children. Safety, durability, easy maintenance, and wellbeing considerations are also at the forefront of our designs. Our projects are a testament to our unwavering commitment to creating environments that promote the optimal development and happiness of children.
