Little Chester House by AM Interior Studio

With balcony and rooftop views, Little Chester House celebrates the vibrant suburb of Teneriffe, Queensland. Renovated by AM Interior Studio, the residence features a range of luxurious amenities that create the ideal environment for entertaining.

Located close to James Street and across from Teneriffe Park, Little Chester House enjoys both a convenient and tranquil setting. “What I look for when I buy something – and what I looked for when I bought this place – is the potential to create emotion,” says Aurelien Berson, founder of Aurelien Berson Construction. “To create emotion, the house definitely has to bring something, but the area is key.” Little Chester House enhances the serenity of the street through a modest, batten-fronted garage and integrated front gate. Beyond the gate, the path to the front door is punctuated by glass floor panels in the shape of paving stones, offering glimpses of the wellness centre below. The front door, consisting of an oversized glass panel, opens with a pivot.

Little Chester House enhances the serenity of the street through a modest, batten-fronted garage and integrated front gate.

While the garage level houses the children’s rooms, the floor above centres on entertaining spaces. The open-plan living, kitchen and dining area connects to a balcony and pool, with sweeping views of the suburb. On the same level, the primary suite is anchored by robust materials. From top to bottom, the residence is designed for social gatherings; the rooftop viewing platform – complemented by a jacuzzi and olive tree – promotes outdoor relaxation, while the wellness centre and wine cellar foster an intimate ambience. “Within the wellness centre, there is a sauna, magnesium pool, ice bath and shower,” says Berson, “we created a cave-like structure with voluminous wall render.” Natural light spreads evenly across the walls, entering the office below through a glass floor panel.

“When you think of Teneriffe, you think of its wool stores. But before that, it was the largest manufacturing hub for submarines. I wanted to reference those two moments in time throughout the interiors,” says Ashley Maddison, founder of AM Interior Studio. “In the kitchen, the sink can be hidden by bifold pocket doors, emphasising that concealed submarine style, and if you look at the island bench, it is the abstract shape of a sheep.” The material palette is also aligned, with white terrazzo benchtops, bronze kickboard and Verde Alpi marble on the side of the island bench referencing the colours of sheep in a field. Selected hardware from Momo Handles balances the final expression. “I really enjoyed looking at the Momo Handles Bellevue lined lever,” says Maddison. “They elevate all the interior doors. And then we have the Ona lip pull on the kids’ cabinetry in their bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as the office and laundry. These rooms will probably have more wear and tear, so I wanted to pick a handle that could withstand that.”

Beyond the gate, the path to the front door is punctuated by glass floor panels in the shape of paving stones, offering glimpses of the wellness centre below.

In harmony with the adjacent homes, Little Chester House has a gentle presence, revealing its most impactful features beyond its front gates. Infusing the design with thoughtful connections to the history of Teneriffe, AM Interior Studio ensures that the residence remains inviting and deeply connected to place.

Architecture by DAH Architecture. Interior design by AM Interior Studio. Build by Aurelien Berson Construction. Joinery by Creative Space Custom Joinery and Furniture. Hardware by Momo Handles.