Six homes that use nets to create suspended play spaces for children
Architects are increasingly using nets to make the most out of spare space in houses, creating giant hammocks that children can use for work, rest or play. Here are six of the best examples (+ slideshow).
Australian architect Andrew Maynard used a net to create an extra level in this house extension in Victoria, creating extra space above a study for the client's children to read and relax.
"The study is designed to inspire the boys as they grow and learn," said Maynard. "Hanging within this tall space is a net where the boys can read, and contemplate with a view to the street and a view to the backyard." Find out more about The Tower House »
Interior for Students by Ruetemple
A large hammock made with construction netting forms part of a mezzanine level in one room of this family home, which was renovated by Russian studio Ruetemple for a brother and sister.
"We assessed the potential of the room and decided that the entire area should be used without any waste," said the architects. "The upper level is too low to stand in, so we came up with the idea of a hammock, which gives this upper level a function." Find out more about Interior for Students »
Layers of springy nets are stretched across an atrium at the centre of this beach house in Thailand by Bangkok studio Onion. They form a vertical playground that can be used to travel from the top floor to the bottom.
"Running, climbing, hiding, hanging and even falling are the proposed physical activities which exceed the boundary of common lifestyle," explained Onion design director Arisara Chaktranon. Find out more about Jerry House »
Vietnamese office a21studio covered a dining room with mesh to make a kid's play area that is visible from almost everywhere else in this family home.
The studio said that the children were the "main factors" in the design of the residence, which was named best house of 2015 at the World Architecture Festival. Find out more about Saigon House »
Russian Summer House by Ruetemple
Designed to keep children occupied while parents sleep, the second project here by Ruetemple features white nets suspended above the master bedroom of a summer house in Russia.
"All the children are early birds. They wake their parents up early in the morning," explained the studio. "We decided to suggest an unusual option, when everybody will be together without disturbing each other," they continued. Find out more about Russian Summer House »
This Berlin townhouse by architecture office XTH-Berlin features a large hole covered by netting. This forms a safe play area for children while also allowing light and views between rooms.
The house also features doors that open like drawbridges and sloping floors that function as slides. Find out more about Townhouse B14 »