If you’ve been following the Afrikaans show “Klein Paradys”, you’ll know the blood, sweat and tears that went into this competition. #

Filmed in the Western Cape, the series showcased innovative design solutions within limited spaces, reflecting the growing trend of micro-living.

The reality series premiered on kykNET in October 2024 and had viewers on the edge of their seats as contestants transformed tiny spaces into stunning micro-homes.

From the start, it was impossible to predict who would take home the ultimate R1 million prize. Each team of two, whether siblings, friends, couples or even in-laws, poured their creativity and skills into crafting the best holiday micro-home in Grabouw.

As with all competitions, there could only be one winner and last night’s finale revealed who triumphed in the first season.

The goal was to create the most impressive, beautiful, and practical micro-home, incorporating the theme “Kaapse Nooi” into the designs. Each unit had its own name and unique style, and it was fascinating to see how the contestants maximised their tiny spaces.

Some designs made their units look far bigger than they actually were, purely through clever layouts and styling.

Lee-Ann and Johann’s unit ‘Asem’ (Breath). Picture: Supplied

Contestants had to put in the work, from chopping wood and assembling furniture to installing kitchen appliances and picking out stylish showerheads.

Every detail mattered, from the wallpaper to the outdoor deck design, where seating, fire pits, and clever storage solutions turned small spaces into dream getaways.

The balance between aesthetics and functionality was crucial, and every team had to make the most of every square metre to impress the judges.

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were moments when teams wanted to throw in the towel, with stress levels running high and tension building between partners.

But there were also moments of triumph, where creativity and teamwork shone through, proving why they deserved a spot in the competition.

Winners

Lee-Ann and Johann are the first “Klein Paradys” champions. Their unit, Asem (Breath), was aptly named, as they could finally breathe a sigh of relief after securing the top spot.

The final scoring round was nail-bitingly close, with just 0.1 points separating them from the second-place team.

Their victory earned them R1 million, sponsored by Capitec, while runners-up Juan-Louis and Elri were thrilled with the vouchers they had won throughout the competition from various sponsors.

From the beginning, Lee-Ann and Johann stood out as strong contenders. Although Lee-Ann is married to Johann’s brother, their teamwork is seamless as if they had been doing this for years.

Lee-Ann, an interior design student from Pretoria, brought her keen eye for aesthetics, while Johann, a structural engineer from Durbanville, ensured their designs were both functional and stylish.

“The process was incredibly rewarding, and I think all of us grew and learned a lot this month. I’m really proud of us,” Lee-Ann said after the announcement.

The final score was based on a combination of expert panel ratings, scores from the teams rating each other’s units, and, of course, the marks given by the three main judges Wicus Pretorius, Magdalene Bobotoni and Jessica Pieters.

The expert panel, which included micro-unit designers, an architect, and Capitec’s head of marketing, ranked the units as follows: Yvette and Klaas’ Aardvark in third place, Juan-Louis and Elri’s Intak (Intact) in second, and Lee-Ann and Johann’s Asem in first place.

After the duos voted, four teams stood on the podium: Asem and Intak tied for second place, while Jannie and Mika’s 22 and Gerrie and Maggie’s Palimpses tied for first.

But in the end, the judges had the final say.

The show featured six teams, each consisting of two individuals with an existing relationship—such as siblings, friends, or colleagues—competing to renovate and style micro-apartments. Picture: Supplied.

Final Rankings:

6th place: Kaapse Nooi (3.1 stars) - The judges praised Bloem sisters Alicia and Claudia for their use of colour and personal touches.

5th place: 22 (3.6 stars) - Wicus called Jannie and Mika the “masters of elegance” and praised their spacious bathroom.

4th place: Aardvark (3.9 stars) - The judges highlighted the bathroom and fireplace as standout features. Wicus remarked that this would be his first choice for a winter getaway.

3rd place: Palimpses (4 stars) - Gerrie and Maggie’s unique style caught the judges’ attention, and they were praised for their innovative thinking.

2nd place: Intak (4.5 stars) - Potchefstroom pals Juan-Louis and Elri optimised their space, seamlessly extending their design from the interior to the outdoor area. Their pergola was a particular standout.

Winners: Asem (4.6 stars) -Lee-Ann and Johann’s meticulous attention to detail and clever design made their unit feel warm and welcoming, impressing the judges.

Their well-thought-out execution made them the deserving champions of season one of “Klein Paradys".