Architect Fraser Gilly recommended an Escea fireplace to Andrew and his wife for their Mairangi Bay home. After a quick search online, Escea's cosy, warm fireplace was an appropriate choice.

The family wanted the TV above the fireplace, but not too high, and the convenience of a gas fire was a perfect choice after the impracticalities of maintaining wood fires each winter.

The project began on Valentine's Day 2014 and was completed only two and a half months later. The warm Escea fireplace and spice from the jalapeno red coloured wall accomplished the family's aim to create a cosy and welcoming living area. 

The timer in particular was a winning feature, as it is something their heat pump couldn't do. “The radiant heat is just much nicer and it warms the room all by itself. But the dry heat from the heat pump is still great for drying and washing," explained Andrew. His family can now set multiple timers – one for their morning wake up and one for their home arrival.

Andrew loves that the fireplace is built into the cabinetry. Compared with the old freestanding wood fire, the Escea fireplace creates a beautiful focal point, fitting into the room rather than taking up room.

The family also decided to remove the wall between the lounge and kitchen, opening more space. Light flooring materials and white colours were chosen to be paired with linear lines from the floor boards, cupboards and windows to elongate the room.

The jalapeno red splash back was chosen to contrast the white surroundings and because it is one whole piece of glass, as the family didn’t want any joins in the splash back.

Andrew and his family are extremely happy with the final result and are embarking on renovating the rest of the house.