JANUARY 13, 2025
A Cheminees Philippe Wood Fire Sitting Perfectly in its Bushland Surrounds.
In the tranquil bushland of North Warrandyte, nestled above the serene Yarra River, a stunning contemporary home by Alexander Buchanan Architecture showcases an eye catching home that seamlessly connects with its natural surroundings. One standout feature of this 2015 build is its central Cheminees Philippe wood-burning fireplace, strategically placed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that can be enjoyed throughout the home.
The Perfect Harmony Between Design and Nature
The home’s design takes full advantage of its native bushland location, offering panoramic views from every key living zone thanks to expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows. This not only enhances the indoor-outdoor connection but also invites the surrounding landscape into the heart of the home. The architecture is a striking blend of modern design and natural elements, with drystone walling used both internally and externally to reinforce this connection to nature.
Inside, the abundance of natural timber floors and finishes reflects the beauty of the bushland, creating a sense of warmth and continuity. But it’s the central feature of the living space—a Cheminees Philippe Radiant 846 3V cast iron fireplace—that truly ties everything together. This beautifully crafted fireplace serves as both a practical and aesthetic centerpiece, bringing comfort and ambiance to the heart of the home.
The Architectural Concept: A sense of luxury and comfort
As Alexandra Buchanan explains, the concept for this build was to create a contemporary bushland retreat for the family that was rich in texture and detail and which had an honesty about the treatment of the materials used throughout. The house has a high-quality finish and we wanted a feature fireplace located centrally in the plan that reflected those values and that was in keeping with architecture and sense of luxury and comfort of the space.
“The Radiant 846 3V fireplace was the perfect pairing in the space and the clients are incredibly happy with it.” – Alex Buchanan, Architect”
The Cheminees Philippe fireplace offers much more than just heat. As a wood burning fireplace, it creates a natural focal point that draws people together around its open flame, adding an element of coziness and intimacy to the living areas. Whether enjoying a quiet evening or entertaining guests, the flames of an open fire provide a timeless, comforting atmosphere that enhances the beauty of the surrounding bushland.
One of the key benefits of the Cheminees Philippe 846 3V model is its ability to transition between an open fire and efficient slow combustion heating. This dual door opening functionality ensures the home remains energy-efficient and sustainably heated during the colder months. The slow combustion system allows for longer-lasting warmth, using less wood and reducing environmental impact, which is especially important in a bush setting like this one, where sustainability is key.
The Focal Point of the Home
Designed to be seen and enjoyed from every major living space, the Cheminees Philippe fireplace is not just a functional piece; it’s the heart of the home. Its timeless design fits effortlessly with the home’s contemporary aesthetic while complementing the natural materials used throughout. As the owner, Mark, shares:
“The Cheminees Philippe makes quite the focal feature in lovely Warrandyte, we love it!” — Mark, Owner
Indeed, the fireplace brings both beauty and utility to the space, seamlessly integrating into the overall design while enhancing the home’s energy efficiency and connection to its natural surroundings.
Sustainable Heating in Harmony with Nature
In addition to its beauty and functionality, the Cheminees Philippe fireplace aligns perfectly with the home’s ethos of sustainable living. By providing efficient heating with minimal environmental impact, it ensures that the residents can enjoy the warmth and charm of a traditional wood fire, while reducing their carbon footprint.
If you’re looking to create a truly sustainable and stylish wood fire for your bushland setting, a Cheminees Philippe Radiante 846 3V fireplace could be the perfect addition.
