Once inside the front door, a short entry hall leads to a media room set at a lower level and separated from the main living area by half-height walls topped with white Laminex panels. Plinth steps lead down into the media room with its flat-screen TV framed by red wall panels.

Separating this room from the main living area is a bright red feature wall housing the Escea DX1500 gas fireplace. Clad with Laminex panels, the bold colour is a striking way to not only house the fire and separate the two rooms and to bring the home’s colour palette to the fore. Red panels located in various other parts of the house (the study, the kitchen), along with the front façade panel, media room TV panel, and red elements in the décor, form a striking colour theme running through the entire home.

The Escea DX1500 fireplace is in itself a marvel of form and function. Whisper quiet and featuring App controls which mean you can control the fire’s output from your smartphone, the fireplace is rated “zero clearance.” This allows for the fireplace to be installed in a ordinary timber framed, Gib Board-clad cavity instead of having to be installed in a more expensive and elaborate fire-rated structure.  A venting system takes heat rising from the fireplace and distributes it to other parts of the house.

In the kitchen, the home’s décor comes to the forefront. A mirrored splash-back adds further depth to the already roomy work area. An island bench with a polished black marble top provides a focus for people whilst food is being prepared. A walk-in pantry completes the efficient layout of the kitchen. Plenty of down-lighting and a circular, suspended neon light panel provide ample lighting and allow different moods to be chosen depending on the occasion.

The main bedroom is located off the entry hall at the front of the house. A drop-down ceiling and concave scotia (where the walls meet the ceiling) provide depth and texture to the ceiling. A substantial walk-in wardrobe is located behind the bed while the adjoining en-suite has a double-sized shower and separate toilet.

The bedroom wing of the house has three bedrooms, a study/office a bathroom, toilet and laundry. The study provides the option of being converted into a fifth bedroom. Each bedroom has room for a double bed and features mirrored sliding doors on the wardrobes. The bathroom has a semi-frameless pivot door on the shower and a stone bench-top with inset china basins on the cabinet.

With its sloping, exposed aggregate concrete driveway and enclosed double garage, this house makes full and efficient use of the available space on the section. And with the red theme running from front to back, inside and out, the house with the red wall illustrates perfectly how good design can perfectly marry the concepts of both form and function.

At Designex Melbourne, we featured Escea’s ultra-wide DX1500 fireplace. A working model was featured in a purpose built display for visitors to assess the fire’s minimalistic design, flame pattern and comforting warmth distributed by Escea’s unique heat ducting system. Architects and interior designers had an opportunity to look “inside the wall” to see how flexible the DX-Series fireplaces integrate with any project.

Following this event we will be displaying a wider range of Escea gas fireplaces for the New Zealand home audience. At Designex Auckland we will be displaying a double-sided DX1500, a new DL1100, a decorative ST900 and an outdoor EF5000 fireplace. You will be able to find us on stand No. 398 in the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland.

These shows are also a great opportunity for Escea not only present our products but also the services offered by our Architectural Detailer (Grant Simpson, detailer@escea.com) to building industry professionals. Grant is the first port of call for advice on which fireplace is best suited for a specific situation in terms of aesthetics, performance and function.  This will allow the fire to become an integral part of the design from concept stage ensuring openings, flue and duct runs are designed into the project early in the process.

The DL1100 is the larger variation of the DL850 fireplace. This new fireplace went through laboratory testing with a stunning result of 5 stars. We are pleased to offer you one of the highest efficiency fireplaces on the market, with a high heat output to keep modern, open plan houses warm. While looking similar to the IB Series fireplaces the DL Series is redesigned from the base up and outperform the older Escea IB Series models in all areas. They are more efficient, have a higher heat output, and are quieter. The DL1100 has a maximum heat output of 10.4 kW and has a very flexible turn down range.

The DL Series offers Escea’s latest Smart Heat controller which allows remote operation of the fire by both smart phone app and even long distance control of the fireplace via the internet.  On cold nights this allows you to turn your fireplace on as you begin the drive home so your house is warm and inviting on arrival. This feature also contributes to the overall household efficiency as you only use the fireplace when you need it.

The Smart Heat system constantly monitors the temperature in the room and makes adjustments to the fireplace to ensure the room is kept at the exact temperature you have requested. It will automatically adjust the heat output and ramp the room air fan up and down through an infinite range of speeds so the fan is never running too fast or too slow. This adds to the the fireplace energy efficient and quiet operation. The Escea Smart Heat controller which is standard for the DL & DX Series fireplaces is compatible with most home management systems.

The Powered Direct Vent on the DL Series fireplace offers several advantages over a standard flue. It can be run either vertically or horizontally, and can be terminated on an outside wall. The fireplace is not affected by extractor fans or airtight rooms and therefore it is not necessary to provide make-up air. This simplifies installation, makes the fireplace more efficient and removes most environmental issues that can affect naturally drafted fireplaces. The DL1100 flue can even run under the floor to create an island in the middle of your room.

The DL1100 accepts a wide range of the Escea fascias and fuel beds, allowing you to perfectly match the room décor.

The Escea DL1100 offers extremely high efficiency and is already featured on the New Zealand Energywise list and the Sustainable Victoria register.

Technical specifications: DL1100 Builder & Architect Info Sheet

Website: www.escea.com/dl1100

Flyer: DL1100 Double-Sided Flyer

The family chose the location because of its great weather, friendly people, proximity to shops and amenities and, above all, its wonderful views.

The sloping section meant that a multi-level design was needed.  With garaging at street level, the building steps down the hillside with a single storey section following by a two-story section and finally to the kitchen/living area with balcony.  Stairways throughout have been kept wide to avoid bottlenecks.

Square gib-stopping where the walls meet the ceiling gives the rooms clean, angular lines, enhanced by down-lights and a white on white colour palette.

The open plan kitchen-dining-lounge area is the focus of the house.  An island sink bench with bar stools is an ideal place for breakfasts-on-the-run.  The island bench also allows conversation to flow whilst cooking.

Elsewhere in the room, the dining table is large enough for family dinners and entertaining.  A home theatre room is located off the main lounge area.

The Escea IB850 with Quadrato fascia is a focal point of the lounge area and is often commented on by visitors.

The fireplace compliments the views through the wide bi-fold doors either side, which frame views of the harbor and hills.  A large bay window and smaller clerestory windows further augment the natural light in the room.

Outside, a deck with glass a balustrade is a perfect place for summer meals or as an overflow for guests. This is a perfect spot to watch the activity on the harbour or relax with a drink after work as the sun sets on another perfect day.

Along the sides of the house, low maintenance landscaping includes coloured concrete steps with exposed aggregate landings, pebble gardens and planters.

The stepped layout of the home allows for plenty of privacy within.  The main bedroom is located on the top storey, with other the four other bedrooms on the lower floor. Interior decorating was undertaken by the owners once construction was complete, a job which they describe as a “hobby.”

This family home has been designed to suit the constraints of a sloping section while maximizing the magnificent views of the surrounding landscape.

The atrium divides the home neatly into two halves, with the upstairs layout being mirrored with bedrooms and bathrooms on either side.

This central area is lit by downlights and makes a perfect space for party guests to spill into and mingle, as it opens into living areas on each side, all of which have views out onto the reserve’s natural greenery.

To the right is the main living and dining room, along with a recently updated, open plan kitchen. The room is surrounded by windows out to the views of nature and french doors to a courtyard featuring an Escea gas fire.

As the perfect place for a family to live, work and play, the ability to enjoy a smooth flow from the kitchen and living areas into the outdoors is definitely one of this home’s strongest attributes.

Being able to gather outdoors for meals, with the extra bonus of a fire to take the chill of autumn or spring evenings makes this the perfect spot to relax and unwind as a family.

At the end of the day, the upstairs is the place to be, with one side of the house featuring the master bedroom, double en-suite bathroom, walk in wardrobe and study overlooking the atrium.

 

The other set of stairs takes family members up to three bedrooms and a family bathroom, ensuring plenty of space and privacy for everyone – and every bedroom with its own stunning views.

This is definitely a home built to make the absolute most of a very special and exclusive setting, providing an inner city retreat that perfectly delivers on the requirements of its owners.

Please find a list of the upcoming changes which will affect the New Zealand and to the lesser degree Australian market.

Fireplace Models
The vertical ST500 (NZ) indoor gas fireplace has been dropped from the range. In mid 2013 we will release the DL1100 fireplace which will replace the IB1100. This year we will also phase down the IB600 (NZ) fireplace.

Fascia Options
The ST900 (NZ) indoor gas fireplaces range of fascia options has been limited to the Ferro and Velo collection. The Molaris (Stone Slab) fascias and Verta (Insert) fascias will be removed from the range. The Florentine Bronze and Suede Cream Ferro colour finishes will also be removed from the options to make the colour selection much easier.

The fascias for the EF5000 outdoor gas fireplace will be reduced to the Ferro (Slab) collection in Stainless Steel or Satin Black. This will mean that we will drop the Verta range with inserts and the Florentine Bronze finish.

Accessories
Escea will stop selling the I-CON units for IB-Series remote control in New Zealand and the IB850 Free Standing Unit will also be removed from the range. IB-Series Power Flues will also be discontinued during 2013 because people who had previously chosen that option can now buy our DL Series models.

Lean on experience of others

Talk to people who have done renovations. They will be able to tell you about potential pitfalls and offer advice on how to plan the project.

Almost every renovation project will have encountered some hiccups (some small, some seemingly insurmountable) and utilizing the experience of others can make a big difference to the success of your own renovation project.

Research can be the key to success

Gather ideas for overall house layouts and floor plans, lighting systems and heating options (Escea has plenty of design ideas available on our website).  Décor, colour schemes, interior fit-outs, furnishing  and landscaping are all things you should have sorted before work begins.  Pick ideas which suit not only your budget, but also your lifestyle and the overall look of finished job.  Flick through a house and garden magazine every time you sit down for a coffee.  You might find that perfect idea quite by chance.

Consents and planning may influence your renovations

Choose a renovation style that is going to enhance the property.  Ensure that additions such as second stories, extensions, decks and colour schemes are not going to clash with the existing look of the building or its place in the landscape.  Your heating and lighting plan should also be design-specific for individual projects:  what works in one property may not be suitable for another.  Local by-laws may also have to influence the choices you make.

Talk to your local council.  Good communication with planning and building consenting officials will make your renovation run more smoothly and minimize delays.  Councils have duty Building Control Officers available to consult with in the planning stages.  Be aware that building consents are complicated documents and the easier you can make the work of councils, the quicker your consent will be issued.

Don’t forget to think about the future

Future-proof the design of your renovation.  By considering your future needs, such as ease of access, growing family and advances in heating, lighting or communications technology, you will be able to ensure that the design of your renovation can accommodate such changes.  Bear in mind that it is easier to install extra capacity during construction than to retro-fit later on.

Stick to the plan, and relax!

Make a plan and stick to it.  All building jobs need to follow an established pattern to avoid delays.  Make sure each contractor is fully informed of the timeframes they are required to work towards.  But also remember that delays outside of anyone’s control can happen and prepare alternate options where possible.

Finally, and most importantly, Keep Calm and Enjoy the Project.  Despite the pitfalls and delays you may or may not encounter, your renovation project will eventually be complete and you will be able to relax and enjoy the fruit of all your labours.

Five contemporary holiday villas line this exclusive Wanaka lakefront, and in keeping with this earthy but opulent location, the design and materials do poetic justice to this unrivaled Central Otago backdrop.

Winning the premier architecture regional multiple housing award from The NZ Institute of Architects for criteria such as innovation, livability and quality execution, Chris Prebble Architects have been endorsed for their creativity and sensitivity to the surrounding areas. The end result is a truly luxurious summer and ski accommodation complex that maximises nature’s elements.

The architects had lofty goals of achieving the best high end ski accommodation in the country and it appears that their mission is complete, plus they have now been officially rewarded for their efforts and sophisticated design cred.

Neutral tones, timber gating and raw look schist adds to a modern but natural palette that fits in sympathetically with the surrounding lake and mountain views. Expansive windows project from the front of the villas welcoming in the light for the benefit of fortunate holiday makers who can sit back and soak up the scenery and warmth after a bracing day on the slopes.

Blending with this dramatic alpine environment, the Lakeshore Springs apartments capture the very essence of Wanaka, where the mountains meet the lake.

Giving the impression of a single level home, the box shaped apartment deceptively hides an impressive trio of levels. The ground level houses two bedrooms and bathrooms, the laundry, a sauna and a pretty courtyard. The outer framework creates deep eaves so seclusion can be enjoyed along with valuable shade in hotter months.

A staircase leads to the first level entrance and the vast interior with its double height acts as a frame to highlight a most stunning view of the serene lake extending from the living area. Glazing unites floor and ceiling and hugs in the escaping light along with the breathtaking vista outside.

One of the key aspects in each villa’s design brief was to optimise the scenery from the top floor which hosts the master bedroom. Imagine waking up to these unsurpassed views on your summer or winter vacation!

A visually interesting mezzanine structure is placed across and above the open gourmet kitchen and lounge area, giving an edgy and almost commercial appeal. The white floating cube is a stark contrast to the gorgeous Russian oak flooring lining the living and dining space, this cantilevers off a horizontal beam centrally located without lower support columns.

These well appointed apartments also conveniently boast a terrace, a relaxing spa bath, a master bedroom en suite, a study, twin wine fridges, a ski drying room, double garaging, surround sound and wireless internet.

An ornate Escea fireplace cleverly resides in the living room along one clean bench line adjoining the kitchen. The fast and predictable heat of indoor gas fireplaces can’t be beaten when you need to thaw out after the exertion of mastering the local ski fields by day.

How could you resist these tempting and enchanting hideaway villas for your next vacation? Just a 3 minute stroll from the buzz of the quaint Wanaka township, bars and cafes are almost on your doorstep.

These holiday apartments truly make the most of the views and are perfectly placed for both outdoor adrenaline activities or, to enjoy as a private secluded holiday retreat.

Architect: Chris Prebble, Chris Prebble Architects
Fire: Escea Fireplace
Trends: http://trendsideas.com/Article13408/NewZealand

This two-level show home plays on the image of the traditional symmetrical farmhouse, with the use of natural materials such as solid timber construction complementing this iconic style.

While making full use of the land area in which it stands, it accomplishes the goal of a warm family friendly home. This design is also particularly versatile in that it suits a rustic rural, or a contemporary suburban backdrop .

When contemplating buying a house, one of the most important factors to consider is whether the building’s design will suit you and your family long term or whether you are likely to quickly outgrow the living space.

Flexible layouts are key to ease of living and the enjoyment of casual surroundings. An example of a functional living arrangement is being able to adapt your layout to suit your requirements day or night. This is an increasingly desirable feature and often at the forefront of the mind of home owners during the design stage.

On the ground-floor the extra bedroom can also double as an office or media room, or could be used to accommodate regular guests. Large picture windows, a toasty gas fire, double glazing and quality insulation all combine to protect the home owners from harsher elements. A flowing indoor-outdoor area also makes the most of the hotter seasons and is ideal for entertaining.

In this spacious show home the living room, dining room and family room can be combined to create one large area ideal for entertaining large groups of people. Whether it’s kids parties or cocktail evenings this spacious abode is light and accessible while having an informal and comfortable appeal.

The addition of large sound proof cavity-slider doors allows for privacy and means the area can be transformed into three separate rooms, this could be used for segregating teenagers and their parents – more conducive to a peaceful household!

This arrangement allows for relaxed family living and means the space available is used to its maximum without looking empty or too roomy. An upper level to the house hosting most of the bedrooms, also gives you an extra dimension of privacy, and enhanced views of the surrounding landscape.

A stunning double-height atrium greets you at the main entrance, which follows through to an airy living area showcasing a clean and modern designer kitchen large enough to service hungry family members, and also perfect to host more formal dinner parties.

This home not only beckons you from the outside, the living room also draws you in, and features an indoor Escea log gas fireplace as the centre point of the lounge area. Escea fireplaces exude warmth and charm and give your home the final touches for that true home feel.

Architect: Cameron Baker: Ashby Baker Architectural Ltd
Fireplace: Escea Log Fireplace
Article: http://trendsideas.com/Article14143/NewZealand

Built in the mid 1990’s, this family home was in need of a contemporary makeover, not because the look of the house was dated but because the design and layout were no longer working optimally for the family.

Situated on a large 1024m² section, the architect Julian Guthrie wanted to better utilise the space available and ensure that the family would gain lifestyle benefits from the renovation and enjoy better use of their living spaces. The key focus of the renovation was to achieve a more holistic living area giving rise to an overlapping of indoor and outdoor entertainment.

One of the most important aspects of a successful renovation is that the extension is in keeping with the rest of the house, so they look part of a cohesive whole. The project involved an extension of 100m², involving the addition of a home theatre and an extensive outdoor entertainment area complete with a covered dining room.

The outside living area opens out to the lawn and is accessed through practical and aesthetically pleasing plantation style shutter doors. The secluded but welcoming gazebo at the end of the pool area offers shade and an extra cosy place to relax or socialise. The use of glass fencing poolside ensures family safety and gives this area a modern leisurely vibe: the overall view of the pool area looks and feels like that of a plush hideaway holiday escape.