These days a lot of kids do homework on a laptop, including research.

I would probably prefer them to where I could keep an eye on them so I know they aren't wasting their time on video games or watching U tube.

I have 3 kids 12,10,5 12 yr old has desk in his room he does it there , 10 yr old just got desk in her room because now the 5 Yr old does work in the kitchen too confusing with all 3 In the kitchen but that's where they all start I have 1 computer in the kitchen area for them to look stuff up and type what they need . I do not and will not give them a separate computer space and or tv in their rooms. You loose control over what they are doing online and I get to review their work while cooking dinner or doing my own paperwork in the same area . With the amount of garbage and online crap with 3 you need to be diligent the closer the better.

Humans like to be in groups. Probably harks back to caveman (cavewoman) days as we feel 'safe' in numbers.....

Hence kids will do homework next to you while you're cooking, etc.. My oldest still does a lot at the dining table even though there's a desk in the bedroom..... A study area close to the hub of the house is a good idea. If you have a hallway, make it wider and use it for a study area as well. Most hallways are a waste (and a waste of money @ $2K a square metre overall.....) and only for walking through so give it a dual purpose of a thoroughfare and a study.

Hello

Designing a forever home is exciting, but daunting isn't it? Trying to make sure you'll get it all right ...

I've designed homes for families of all ages.

The consensus is that it's great to provide a space for studying and computer use outside of bedrooms that's generally visible during life in the home ... and an area for a desk within the room for writing etc.

If you design your kids bedrooms at 3.0m min (3.2m is good but 3m will work) by 3.6m plus robe, then you'll have enough room for a king single and desk, and then a queen size bed later when they're older (although parents have varying opinions on what size bed they'll put their kids in!)

Put their bedrooms on the east or south if you can.

Some parents implement a rule where they have a bowl on the kitchen bench where all devices go before bedtime - stops that late night texting under the covers and where bullying can really occur.

If it's your forever home, you may want to get some professional help upfront to get the design right ... It's where you save and make all your money and the difference to the home.

Hope that helps,
Regards
Amelia
www.undercoverarchitect.com

It's impossible to know what technology your kids will be using by the time the youngest is in year 12. There are study chairs availble now that are like the old lazy boys, that people will sit/ laze in while working in laptops. I think it's likely kids will be pretty mobile, and the older they get the more mobile they are. I find that once they are in their final years it shows them respect to provide them with a space of their own that they can retreat to for their study. I think if they can't be trusted on their own by then it's a bit late, at least with my own that was the case. My youngest is in year 11 now. For both the kids, I waited until they were in year 10 to fitout the study space in their room for them. It kind of makes a statement about where they're at in life and by that stage it's nice to give their room a more adult makeover. So I would recommend, allowing room for a study in their room but address it closer to the time when you know what they really need. At least then it won't be covered in fairy or train stickers.

We've just bought either quirky wooden desks or Ikea (we've moved a lot) over the years and positioned them in a suitable space near the kitchen until they get old enough to start peeling off into individual areas. Study books go into the family bookcases and the rest can be kept in/on their desks. The area reverts to family space later, but the Study computer always stays in the kitchen.

This thread got me thinking about the future of housing

https://www.houzz.com.au/discussions/for-the-2015-yearbook-fast-forward-to-2055-dsvw-vd~3301206

How so chook ?

Mostly your comment, Clever, the first sentence sparked my imagination.

that's great, the study chairs were pretty interesting at a design expo I went to a year or so ago. At that point they were super expensive in the U.S and being used by the geeks in commercial IT hubs. They looked like something form a sci-fi set but in funky 1970's colours and really ergonomic and I think will end up in domestic settings before long. I just searched for them but can't find them and I know they were really just prototypes so not easy to find images. If I happen to come across them again, I'll post a picture.

Cool!

I think its more important to design for flexibility so you could fit a desk into their bedrooms, or find a nook near the living areas, or fit a super large table into the kitchen/dining, or share a study with them as a family office. Who knows what they might need down the track.

I have seen a great house design where there were extra flexible nooks, that could be used as studies, little libraries, nursery, play space, guest room or just extra open space. With a large sliding door to create privacy when needed.

Thanks everyone!

We have moved the study so it's now opposite the kitchen and next to open plan living. It's only small but will fit 2 small desks.

It can also serve as an IT hub, everything is controlled electronically now so I think it will be handy having the computer close by.

The bedrooms are 3300 x 3900 so hopefully big enough to fit a desk and bed etc.

Also, it's all open plan kitchen, dining and living area. I plan to have a BIG dining table

A kids study area near the kitchen is a great idea!