Nestled on the picturesque shores of Waiheke Island, Amber Peebles and Brooke Howard-Smith set out to transform their outdoor living space into the ultimate retreat. Partnering with Rhys Mellor from Love Kitchens, to create a multi-functional space designed for cooking, relaxing, and entertaining, all while celebrating the uninterrupted beauty of their ocean views.

With a keen eye for design, Amber brought a clear vision to the project, sharing sketches and videos to ensure every detail of the space was captured.

Rhys recalls, “The goal was to create a distinct area separate from the main outdoor kitchen—one dedicated to open fire cooking and relaxation. The Escea EK Outdoor Wood Fireplace Kitchen was the perfect fit. With three size options available, they were able to select a model that complemented the space while keeping those breathtaking ocean views as the focus.”

“The connection of the outdoor spaces flows seamlessly, enabling the chef to master both the outdoor kitchen and the EK950 fireplace.”

The Escea EK Series is designed to deliver the best of both worlds, effortlessly transitioning from a professional flame grill to a cosy outdoor fireplace in minutes. Amber and Brooke were particularly impressed by its versatile grilling features and innovative ember generator, ultimately selecting the compact EK950 – the smallest model in the range. Its size allowed for an ideal placement that balanced practicality with performance.

Set atop a striking three-meter-wide floating plinth, the fireplace becomes a bold yet harmonious feature within the outdoor space. This seamless design enhances the area without detracting from the breathtaking ocean views. Built to endure the elements, this fireplace promises years of reliable performance, making it the perfect choice for evenings of alfresco dining and fireside relaxation.

"By placing the fireplace on top of the hearth, it not only creates a convenient cooking position for the chef but also allows people to relax in front of the fire at the end of the evening – it’s the best of both worlds," explains Rhys.

Installing the EK950 on Waiheke Island came with its own set of logistical challenges. With the fireplace’s final destination at the bottom of a steep driveway and heavy rain adding complexity, creative problem-solving became a necessity.

Rhys recalls, "The fireplace had to be lifted over the house by hiab, then transferred onto a custom trolley, which we used to carefully transport it to its final position."

Despite the obstacles, the transformation was completed within a single day. Rhys adds, “We started with a blank canvas early in the morning, and by the evening, Amber and Brooke had a completely reimagined outdoor living space. The result was a versatile area where they could cook, relax, and gather around the open fire – the perfect addition to their island retreat.”