Monday, May 12, 2014

Cool Canadian countryside coupled with warm Escea flames

In a poetic contradiction, the spectacular view visible from the floor-to-ceiling windows is powerful to the soul yet delicate to the eye; a picture perfect surround which is complemented by the subtle, earthy components scattered throughout the home. To capture the countryside, Herman De Oliveira chose design features which would echo our ecosphere, from a marble slab bench top and polished wooden floors to an Escea NZ River Rock fuel bed.






What started as a simple Google search ended 8,113miles or 13,057km away in New Zealand (figuratively speaking, of course). Herman De Oliveira, a Canadian resident, never imagined his fireplace journey would lead him half way across the world to an Escea ST900 but could not have been happier it did.
From the beginning, Herman knew exactly how he wanted his house to look – elegant and minimalistic with neutral tones and hints of colour. However, firstly it was about open spaces and drawing in the beauty of the mountain side, which -in our opinion- Herman executed perfectly.

Mimicking the long lines of the exterior, the kitchen extends from the living room by means of long, polished wooden floorboards and the full-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows. The natural light that pours in brightens the whole room and reflects off the gently toned wall colour to open the space even more. The vertical, elongated trend carries on into the design of the cabinetry as Herman opted for undivided drawers rather than cupboards, and then further into the marble counter top.



The island of marble, which prominently displays the entwined creation of the grey and white elements, acts as the feature point in the kitchen but also seamlessly integrates with the white and grey kitchen décor. The bench top is highlighted, ever-so-slightly, by the sea-blue lampshades above.



In combination with the blue shades, the red kitchen rug creates a striking fire and ice visual effect which flows into the living space by means of blue bean bags and a red floor lamp – the perfect splash of colour to grab your attention.




To contrast the lighter tones of the room, Herman chose a black, chimney-breast style wall to pull the focus towards the television and the fireplace. Essential to Herman’s vision was having a fireplace and television housed in one structure. The ST900, a low energy consumption fireplace, is Zero Clearance rated, which makes it perfect for installing below a TV.
Herman chose a New Zealand River Rock fuel bed for the ST900 to harmonise with the tone of the other design features. The River Rocks provide a natural yet modern feel which was very important from the beginning. Additionally, the fireplace needed to smoothly fuse into the design – which he feels the ST900 does extremely well. 

Herman continually emphasises the overall Escea experience, it doesn’t just come down to the end result for him but the little gems along the way. From quick and efficient delivery and friendly customer service, Herman felt his experience was more focused on him than just buying a fire.
Commonly referred to as “The New Zealand House” by his friends, Herman is extremely pleased about the finished result and the impression he has achieved in the short six months it took to build.

Located just outside of the township, Herman retreats back to the peaceful countryside every night to stoke his fireplace with the push of a button and to settle in and enjoy the picturesque scenery.



Monday, August 5, 2013







The upmarket Keg restaurant in central Vancouver was designed by Elaine Thorsell of Boti, Toronto. Elaine specified four of Escea's EF5000 outdoor fireplaces to make them the focal point of the secluded rooftop dining areas.





Taylor LeClaire, Interior Designer from Orange County California, was part of a major design project that saw 35 designers undertake work on the Irvine’s Astoria condominium high-rise as part American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) 2009 Design Tour. The 2009 tour focused on urban living for the first time and the ASID designers managed to capture the modern and cosmopolitan feel of a thriving metropolis.





Astoria is a brand-new high rise complex in Irvine where elegance is defined as west coast living meets east coast style. The luxuriously appointed Astoria is located within 42 acre Central Park West (Irvine, CA). The residents experience contemporary living balanced with the peacefulness of tree-lined streets, parks and winding paths. A junior Olympic sized pool with a spa and separate wading pool, encircled by private cabanas and chaise lounges, lush professional landscaping including a custom water wall, basketball courts, a barbecue pavilion, and an open entertaining terrace with a fireplace. Within the high rise, residents can use the on-site business center, secured wine vault, community room with full sized kitchen, fully equipped exercise room, concierge service, and 3rd floor oversize pool and spa are the luxurious accouterments to these world class condos that seem to rival New York City’s famous Waldorf-Astoria. Prices are up to US $ 2.7 million.

Charged with creating a stunning outdoor area on the penthouse roof area Taylor choose the Escea EF5000 outdoor fire to be the focal point of her design.

The response from the public on the fireplace presentation has been overwhelming. Much of the feedback we have received from the visitors is on the "energy of the space". The Escea fireplace does contribute greatly to the overall effect of the design. We have had a great response to the unit and hope to have the opportunity to specify this product again in the future with our clients.
- Taylor LeClaire comment after the project.





Taylor LeClaire received her B.A. Degree in Interior Design from the Interior Designers Institute of
Newport Beach and specializes in the commercial design industry with an eye on hospitality.