Blueberry House 2025

Blueberry House

Located in Reservoir, Blueberry House, named for its’ blue exterior colour, is nestled at the back of a laneway, visible from the street as a line of blue against the backdrop of an impressive gumtree housed nearby. Draftsperson Nathan Burgess was given a unique opportunity by his volume builder employers (at the time) to create a sustainable, custom designed home. This allowed the owner couple, 30-somethings, Nathan and Jess, to build the first home that they own, after more than a decade of renting in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. A combination of government grants and a government low deposit lending scheme worked together to allow them to purchase the land and fund the build on a tight budget.

The house is 161 Sqm with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, WC, ensuite, laundry and an open plan kitchen, meals and lounge area on 305Sqm of land. The L shape design is orientated so the open-plan living space and courtyard garden, where food and flowers are grown, benefit from northern exposure. Exposed awning and the beginnings of grape vines over the pergola to the deck allow for winter sun to warm and block the heat of the summer sun. Operable clerestory windows, awning windows, all double glazed, allow for cross flow ventilation and enhance the passive heating and cooling design. A 6000 litre water tank allows water retention and re-use for toilets and laundry. The home is all-electric, with a heat pump to boost hot water, electric oven and induction cooktop, powered by 6.00Kw solar panels. Solar panels were installed as part of Darebin’s Solar Saver Scheme which allowed the owners to install solar within their tight budget. Blueberry House uses the foundations of sustainable design, incorporating climate-appropriate design features to create a simple and modern home.

Nathan’s design was inspired by his experience drafting for prefab builders using light weight construction. Interior choices take their cue from nature with a blue-green toned palette offsetting neutral shades. Furnishings were purchased second-hand and from local designers to suit both budget needs and the owners’ sustainable ethos

Photographer: Marnie Hawson