Set in the coastal suburb of Merewether, Orton Haus 3.0 is the third iteration in a growing design series by Justine & Luke Orton.

This latest project features a pair of side-by-side homes, designed with resale in mind and a clear focus on livability. Each home was shaped by a vision that balanced form and function, with architectural warmth and timeless restraint at the core.

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While each home was given its own interior identity, both were built from a shared foundation of materials and mood. A palette of natural stone, arched windows, ribbed lighting and textured finishes offered depth and cohesion — subtle design threads that created distinction without disconnect.

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The kitchens in each home share a palette of timber, stone, and soft neutrals — a design thread that runs throughout.

“We wanted them to feel warm, sophisticated, and effortlessly inviting,” says Justine. Aesthetics were key — clean lines, natural tones, soft curves — but practicality mattered just as much. “Every design decision, including the choice of fireplace, was about enhancing everyday living while adding long-term value.”

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The fireplace's base is framed by Escea’s Floating Hearth, echoing stone tones used throughout the home.

Electric By Design

In each living space, an Escea LE800 Electric Fireplace sits confidently in the corner. It’s a placement that’s more strategic than it seems — allowing the fireplace to hold both visual and emotional presence without dominating the room.

“We wanted to create a warm and layered environment that invites people to pause and unwind,” Justine explains.

“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."

Furniture was arranged to gently frame the fire, supporting comfort, conversation, and connection. The result is subtle, but deeply felt. These are homes that don’t just look good — they feel calm, composed, and complete.

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Placed with intention, the LE800 anchors the space without overpowering.

For Justine, the Escea LE800 Electric Fireplace was the perfect match for both form and function. Powered by innovative holographic technology, they were able to achieve a fireplace that captures the essence of traditional wood fire flames, with the flexibility that electric brought to the build.

“The flame realism and simplicity of installing the fireplace was a pleasant surprise,” says Justine. Compared to gas or wood options, there were far fewer limitations around ventilation and framing, which gave us more freedom in terms of layout and design."

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The hearth and fascia sharpen the form, while the flame adds a lived-in, layered calm.

A Surround with Purpose

To elevate the fireplace into something more architectural, Justine specified Escea’s Floating Hearth and Brow Fascia — two accessories that brought structure and sleek, clean lines to the installation.

“We didn’t want the fireplace to feel like an appliance,” she says. “We wanted it to feel integrated — like a designed feature that added depth and presence.”

The hearth, finished in the same natural stone used in the kitchen benchtops, grounds the fireplace without adding bulk. The Brow Fascia added a clean, shadow-line detail that sharpened the overall form. Both choices tied the fire into the wider material story, and installation was surprisingly seamless. “That made a big difference on a busy build schedule,” Justine notes.

Once installed, the fire brought more than just visual impact — it shaped the emotional temperature of the homes.

“Our goal was to create homes that felt calm, contemporary, and beautifully livable, spaces that would appeal emotionally while standing the test of time.”

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The LE800 Electric Fireplace anchors the living zone while the open plan invites connection — a masterclass in calm, contemporary living.

Justine credits part of the project’s success to the support behind the product. Working with Stoke Sydney brought confidence, clarity, and ease to the process — from specification to installation.

“The collaboration with Stoke has been absolutely invaluable,” she says. “Not only because of the beautifully designed, architecturally aligned fireplace solutions, but also because of the exceptional service and support behind them.”

“The team at Stoke goes above and beyond — their knowledge, responsiveness, and reliability make them a trusted partner. It’s a relationship we genuinely value and one we’re excited to continue as we take on more builds.”

 

Inspired by this project?

Explore Escea LE Series Electric Fireplaces and architectural surround solutions at your nearest Stoke Fireplace Studio.