An Illuminating, Moody Experience – Berson House by Monster Ideas Architects

Berson House challenges the traditional narrative of a home in terms of structure, materiality and purpose. Drawing on the impactful nature of unique and unusual interior spaces, Monster Ideas Architects turns an existing pre-1945 house into a bold, multi-functional dwelling.

Solidifying its strong approach from the outset, Berson House’s façade stands out in Norman Park with its geometric and demanding street presence. Craig Webster from Monster Ideas Architects overcomes initial barriers with ingenuity, tasked with a steep, challenging site in an uninhabitable state. Whilst the new development was limited to two floors, this was managed by moving the form up the slope of the site to create a large-scale, five-storey structure.

Materiality and furnishings keep with the bold, unorthodox theme of the house – contemporary, modern injections dominate alongside darker, moody tones.

The home’s design aspires to do something different and daring. Along with three children’s bedrooms, each with its own ensuite, a wine cellar and an isolated retreat for the parents, each level hosts a range of distinct features, including a two-storey climbing wall, an indoor soccer field and a 20-metre lap pool. The pool is thoughtfully integrated with the lower levels and has been punctuated with large windows, allowing the pool to be seen from the street, the kid’s bedrooms and the wine cellar.

Materiality and furnishings keep with the bold, unorthodox theme of the house – contemporary, modern injections dominate alongside darker, moody tones. Tongue & Groove’s natural grade European Oak Timber in a narrow board style is used for soffit lining and bathroom ceilings, with wider boards installed on the floors. These timber planks are also incorporated into the custom dining table in the wine cellar. The Tongue & Groove timber supports the dark interior by injecting warmth into the space, counterbalancing the coldness of the concrete and the sharpness of the black, charred ironbark timber walls.

Berson House evokes an experience of home that is unlike any other, it is simultaneously refined, playful, bold and innovative.

Within the residence, spatial dimensions have been re-engineered to welcome a modern lifestyle. Every part of Berson House is about maximising space and removing corridors. For example, the living, dining, kitchen and terrace are each a quadrant. The home’s elevated position helps connect the house to the surrounding panoramic views of suburbia in one direction and across the city to the west. In a way, the residence becomes transparent, with large windows and doors featured heavily throughout, which also welcome in light and provide ventilation.

Berson House evokes an experience of home that is unlike any other, it is simultaneously refined, playful, bold and innovative. Monster Ideas Architects seamlessly reinvents a bygone house into something that is daringly modern and willing to make a statement.