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<Paragraph>Two years after moving into their 1880’s home in Melbourne’s inner west, Interior Designer, Petra Pantano and husband Filip felt the time was ripe to renovate. They engaged Melbourne Architects, <Link url="http://www.tecture.com.au/" target="_blank">Tecture</Link>, to design a “modern barn” extension to the existing home that would cater to the comings and goings of family and friends. With Petra running her own <Link url="https://studiopetra.com.au/" target="_blank">design studio</Link>, and Filip a licensed builder, they were not short of experience to apply to their own home renovation.</Paragraph>
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<Paragraph>Petra used her interior design finesse to soften some of the harsher structural elements, such as the exposed brick and black-framed doors and windows. “To soften these elements, I introduced American-oak joinery and upholstery in natural fibres to create an overall sense of calm,” says Petra.</Paragraph>
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<Paragraph>The new extension houses the common areas, where old meets new. Following out from the living area is a large courtyard, made for alfresco entertaining and featuring an <Link url="https://www.escea.com/outdoor-fireplaces/wood/ek-series/" target="_blank">Escea EK Outdoor Fireplace Kitchen.</Link></Paragraph>
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<Paragraph>The outdoor space was designed to be used year-round, and the EK was selected for its ability to cook in, as well as lounge in front of.</Paragraph>
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“Open fire was always the preference for outdoor living. And the Escea fireplace provides a dual function, which was very desirable.“
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- Petra
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<Paragraph>The fireplace faces inwards towards the lounging and dining areas within the courtyard so the flames can be enjoyed from the seating areas. Having interconnected zones in the outdoor space was important, Petra says, as was maintaining a connection to the interior spaces. </Paragraph>
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<Paragraph>The beauty of the <Link url="https://www.escea.com/outdoor-fireplaces/wood/ek-series/" target="_blank">EK Series</Link>, aside from its impressive cooking functionality, is its ability to be built directly into the envelope of the home. Not only does this create a visual link, but it helps extend the living area to the outdoors– sheltered from the elements so it can be enjoyed, rain or shine.</Paragraph>
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