# River-Infused Residences The Nico van der Meulen Architects ‘Ber House’ is Luxurious By Shiori Mine | Published 2012-08-08 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nico-van-der-meulen-architects-ber-house References: [contemporist](http://www.contemporist.com/2012/08/05/ber-house-by-nico-van-der-meulen-architects/) & [nicovdmeulen](http://www.nicovdmeulen.com/) The Nico van der Meulen Architects ‘Ber House’ is brimming in offbeat architectural details and eye-catching facades. The four-bedroom home in Midrand, South Africa is equipped with all the necessary features and more for this growing family. The [indoor pond and pool](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/red-rock), which is undoubtedly the most breathtaking component of this abode, is a signature design element for this architecture firm. The water feature adds a naturalistic element to the formal, minimalist shapes found throughout the space. Pieces of stone slabs have been refashioned into steps to link differing rooms. The [crystal-clear glass walls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-ridge) allow light to penetrate throughout the space, offering a magnificent morning view. Bringing the outdoors inside, the [Nico van der Meulen Architects Ber House](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nico-sayulita) breaks boundaries of traditional design. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 91% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Offbeat Architecture:** Opportunity for architects to incorporate unique and unconventional design elements in residential projects. - **Indoor Water Features:** Potential for integrating naturalistic water elements into interior design to create visually stunning spaces. - **Transparent Walls:** Innovation in glass technologies to create crystal-clear walls that maximize natural light and provide breathtaking views inside buildings. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Residential Architecture:** Architects can explore new possibilities in residential design by embracing offbeat elements and blending indoor and outdoor spaces. - **Interior Design:** Interior designers can experiment with incorporating indoor water features to bring a sense of tranquility and nature into homes and buildings. - **Glass Manufacturing:** Opportunity for glass manufacturers to develop advanced technologies and materials for creating transparent walls that enhance the aesthetics and functionality of buildings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fish Lifestyle-Inspired Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-of-gills.md) - [Tranquil River-Overlooking Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/river-bend-residence.md) - [Thick-Walled Coastal Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hytte-riverview.md) - [Water-Powered Family Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breach-house.md) - [Nature-Merging Geometric Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neville-park-residence.md) - [Compact Calming Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-sheltered-space.md) - [Nature-Rooted Family Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haus-am-lagnesberg.md) - [Water Basin-Based Modern Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/red-rock.md) - [Nature-Connecting Vacation Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-by-the-lake.md)