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<Paragraph>In the sunlit suburb of Merewether, NSW, Orton Haus 3.0 is a pair of side-by-side homes by Ort & Co. Designed to feel refined yet relaxed, the homes are grounded in natural materials and shaped for effortless living across the changing rhythms of the year.</Paragraph>
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<Paragraph>Both homes share a common design language: arched openings that frame the view from one space to the next, stone surfaces that catch the light, ribbed feature lighting that brings warmth after dark, and a palette of soft, natural tones. It’s a look that’s built for longevity, not just impact.</Paragraph>
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<Title>A Fireplace Designed for Placement, Presence, and Effortless Living</Title>
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<Paragraph>“We wanted both homes to feel warm, sophisticated, and effortlessly inviting,” designer and developer Justine Orton says. “Every design decision, including the choice of fireplace, was about enhancing everyday living while adding long-term value.”</Paragraph>
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<Paragraph>That choice was the Escea LE Series Electric Fireplace, a central element in these high-performing homes.</Paragraph>
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<Paragraph>Without the need for flues, vents, or clearance constraints, the Escea electric fireplace could be positioned exactly where it was intended, sitting naturally into the home’s material palette and overall composition.</Paragraph>
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<Paragraph>This flexibility meant there were no compromises elsewhere in the home. No flue runs, chimneys, or ventilation requirements interfering with ceiling lines, wall and window coverings, or spatial flow – giving complete freedom to design cohesively and intentionally.</Paragraph>
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<Paragraph>In each living area, the fireplace is nestled into the corner, adjacent to the full-height doors opening to the backyard. From this position, it holds presence across the plan — visible from the hallway, felt from the kitchen, quietly grounding the lounge.</Paragraph>
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<Paragraph>"Positioning the fireplace in the corner of the living room allowed it to act as an anchor – something you notice both as you walk out of the hall and as you settle into the lounge.”</Paragraph>
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<Title>The Surround Story</Title>
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<Paragraph>To complete the design, the fireplace was detailed with Escea’s inbuilt Surround Accessories to feel integrated rather than applied.</Paragraph>
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<Paragraph>Escea’s Floating Hearth was specified as a concealed framing system, built into the wall beneath the fireplace and finished in the same natural stone as the kitchen benchtops — allowing materials to run seamlessly through the living space and visually connect adjacent zones.</Paragraph>
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<Paragraph>“We didn’t want the fireplace to feel like an appliance. We wanted it to feel integrated — like a designed feature that added depth and presence,” explains Justine.</Paragraph>
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<Title>Flame Realism, with Depth</Title>
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<Paragraph>The fire’s flames move naturally across the fuelbed, creating layered depth and subtle variation that gives the fireplace visual weight and texture. The result is a strong sense of atmosphere and presence, without demanding attention or effort. “The flame realism was a standout feature.”</Paragraph>
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<Paragraph>With the ability to run the flame effect independently of heat output, the fireplace can be enjoyed year-round — bringing atmosphere to the space in any season.</Paragraph>
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<Paragraph>Operation is equally considered. With intuitive remote control and app functionality, the fireplace fits seamlessly into everyday routines, making comfort and atmosphere easy to adjust at any moment.</Paragraph>
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<Paragraph>Now complete, Justine reflects on the intent behind the project. “Our goal was to create homes that felt calm, contemporary, and beautifully liveable — spaces that would appeal emotionally while standing the test of time.”</Paragraph>
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<Paragraph>In this home the electric fireplaces play this role precisely — grounding the living spaces, enhancing atmosphere, and designed to support the way the homes are lived in, day to day.</Paragraph>
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<Paragraph>Orton Haus 3.0 was delivered in collaboration with <Link url="https://www.stokefires.com/sydney/studio/" target="_blank">Stoke Fireplace Studio Sydney</Link>.</Paragraph>
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