A vibrant, intergenerational, multi-use space designed with the entire family in mind - babies, toddlers, big kids, working parents, and everyone in between.

When the owners of a Singapore family club came to House of Kin, they had a club that was open, but not working cohesively for the families using it - enter, House of Kin.

On the brink of a full rebrand, they needed a space that better worked for how families - babies, toddlers, big kids, working parents, and everyone in between - were actually using the club, all under one roof, all at the same time.

We redesigned the entire club around Singapore's extraordinary cultural identity, turning each zone into its own chapter of the city's story.

The result is a space that’s functional, creativity-fuelling and playful all at once. 

A melting pot of cultures 

The owners of a family members' club in Singapore came to House of Kin with a space that was open and running, but outdated. 

They wanted to rebrand with a new name and a vibrant look, but most importantly, with a space that better suited how families actually used the club - an all-encompassing family environment including restaurant, classrooms, soft play and playroom.

Bringing magic to the mayhem

The design challenge was, as so often is, how to create a functional, multi-use space that feels luxurious to an adult and magical to children of all ages, without either experience feeling like an afterthought.

Although the current space had playful elements, it didn't necessarily meet the needs of intergenerational groups using it. Older children frequently bumped into little ones by accident; there was no comfortable place to feed babies, and the parents who just wanted to grab an hour to respond to emails while keeping a watchful eye had nowhere quiet and comfortable to set themselves up. 

But this design conundrum wasn’t House of Kin’s first rodeo. We could see exactly what needed changing, why, and how to do it, all with the added vibrancy our client was after. 

Stitching together a tapestry of cultures 

On visiting the site in Singapore, we knew we wanted to reflect the bold hues of Little India, the intricate patterns of Peranakan heritage, the timeless charm of colonial architecture, and the sleek geometry of contemporary design throughout the space.  

Working alongside a great local team and taking on board the invaluable research the owners had already done with their members, we were able to design their concept - A Tapestry of Cultures: The colourful, textural celebration of Singapore's identity as one of the world's greatest cultural melting pots. 

The aim was for each club ‘zone’ to tell a different chapter of Singapore's story, celebrating its past, present and harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures, while offering a single, coherent experience for the whole family.

Inspired by the ornate doors of the Veeramakaliamman Temple, when guests come through the main doors to the reception, they’re met with an explosion of vibe-setting, jewel-toned colours. Suspended installations, inspired by traditional floral decorations, hang from the ceiling, bringing an energetic and warm festival feel. 

The walls are covered in patterns that are often found in local Indian architecture, there as a tactile and playful invitation for a touchy-feely start to any Kids Space visit. Hidden within these walls are tricky games that offer playful challenges to all visitors, turning the reception into an interactive experience and setting the tone for what lies beyond.

The main club floor smacks of Peranakan design. Influenced heavily by a blend of Chinese and Malay, it sets the stage for play, work, and connection. 

Here, mosaic-inspired tiles - a nod to Singapore’s historic shophouses - aren't underfoot; they climb walls and ceilings, making bold geometric statements designed to encourage creativity. 

Wrapped in moody blues, mint greens, and vibrant reds, the dedicated mini-café with a functional co-working area is now inspiring and versatile for all ages and activities. 

A living-room-style, under-3s mini soft play, with plush seating for the adults, means that the smaller players have a safe, age-appropriate space to explore without parents needing to worry about the big kids barreling in - they’re too busy on other adventures.

The existing play structures weren't working for the age groups using them, so we redesigned them and worked with a local project manager to manufacture new play frames, slides, and climbing walls. 

We included a giant ball maze, pulleys, tubes, and a wind tunnel for both visual effect and a playful experience, helping the bigger kids to develop gross and fine motor skills, engage in teamwork-based play, and fun-filled problem-solving.

As always, we worked closely and often, in person, with a local team throughout, sourcing all furniture, fixtures, and equipment, where possible, from local markets and suppliers to keep our design choices as sustainable as possible. 

A multi-use space reimagined

The reimagined Kids Space now functions as a multi-use environment where every member of the family feels equally included. 

The introduction of a dedicated co-working play café, under-3s soft play, and redesigned play structures has transformed how the club is used day-to-day, allowing multiple family activities to take place simultaneously without compromise. 

Our purposeful spatial planning allows younger children to explore safely in age-appropriate areas, while older children engage in more dynamic play. 

Parents, in turn, are no longer forced to choose between supervision and personal time; they can work, relax, and socialise within sight of their children, supported by comfortable, flexible spaces designed with them in mind.

What was once a fragmented and outdated environment now feels cohesive, intuitive, and balanced. Functionality and imagination work as one, and families can spend time together in a way that feels considered, inclusive and playful.