A system of cross-shaped units and nodes used to construct strong, lightweight, inexpensive space frames with alternately rigid and flexible components, in which each cross-shaped unit which fits together with five like units to form a spherical node which can be connected to other nodes to form frames for the production of structures including toys, playground structures, lattices, pergolas, statues, roofs, furniture, fixtures, mattresses, kites, lamps, artistic structures and fixtures, floating platforms, flexible joints for machines or robots, buildings, bridges and space stations.