Fireside Tales – Stoke Fireplace Studio

Words by James Lyall Smith
Photography by Tess Kelly, Rodrigo Vargas, Robert Walsh, Derek Swalwell, John Madden & Dion Robeson
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As the cold embrace of winter settles across Sydney and Melbourne, the mind wanders to cosy evenings spent indoors with the ever present crackle of the fireplace providing the home with warmth and comfort. Enter Stoke Fireplace Studio, bringing the world’s most evolved fireplaces to Australia.

Recently opening its doors in both Melbourne and Sydney, Stoke Fireplace Studio has quickly established itself as the perfect destination for those looking to escape the cold of winter through an investment in a new fireplace. Stoke offers consumers a wide range of indoor, outdoor, gas, wood and electric fireplaces, offering stylish and functional solutions to the heating needs of Australian homes. In a world of increased technological capacity there will always be something distinctively primal about fire. Stoke attempts to combine the primal nature of fire with heating technology whilst understanding that the fireside is still where society gathers to share in the warmth of a good story or two.

Architect Paul Tilse Architects; Interior Designer Vanessa Hawes; Image Rodrigo Vargas (2)
East Fremantle Residence 2 by Keen Architecture featuring the clean and crisp DL1100 fireplace by Escea.
Architect Paul Tilse Architects; Interior Designer Vanessa Hawes; Image Rodrigo Vargas (1)
The stunning Brick House by Paul Tilse Architects featuring the DS1400 gas fireplace by Escea.

New Zealand is a nation forged in fire, and this is where the story of Stoke began. “Stoke Fireplace Studio started in New Zealand in 2017 and after a very successful first few years, it was a natural progression into Australia,” explains Jarrod Strauss, General Manager of Stoke Sydney. “Stoke is the exclusive channel for Spartherm European fireplaces and new luxury gas fireplace brand MODE. Ultimately the major players in the New Zealand fireplace industry wanted to introduce the Australian public to previously unobtainable exclusive brands, and this is how the Stoke Australia concept was born.

Stoke offers consumers a wide range of indoor, outdoor, gas, wood and electric fireplaces, offering stylish and functional solutions to the heating needs of Australian homes.

Stoke Fireplace Studio showcases top fireplace brands from around the world, including the innovative New Zealand made Escea gas fireplaces and Spartherm, Europe’s most popular wood fire brand. “First and foremost, we want Stoke to have a wide selection of fireplaces, so that when a customer comes in we can work out which one is the best for their home and how they live their life,” explains Jarrod. “It’s why we stock wood and gas and and why we have just introduced an electric range called Ambe to the mix.”

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The Garden Room House by Clare Cousins featuring a stunning black fireplace by Escea.
Ds1900
The DS1900 double sided fireplace by Escea.
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The DL1100 featured in the stunning Elwood House by Matyas Architects. Photography by Derek Swalwell.

Quality of product is extremely important to Stoke as well. “We chose Spartherm because they have been a leading brand in Europe for over 30 years,” states Jarrod. “They are crafted in Melle, Germany and their quality is very high. Until now they weren’t available in Australasia so we wanted to bring Australian’s that option. Basically we’re thinking of our customer, wanting to give them the best quality and a wide range of options.”

“First and foremost, we want Stoke to have a wide selection of fireplaces, so that when a customer comes in we can work out which one is the best for their home and how they live their life.”

At the core of the Stoke brand is the people and the expertise they offer, insightful knowledge gained through years of dedication to their craft. As owner-operated family businesses, Stoke understands the true value of the customer experience. “Stoke is more than just a retailer or ‘box shifter’, they are a full service fireplace store,” explains Jarrod when asked about the fireplace installation process. “The installation of a fireplace is complex in nature and involves more than one tradie, so it is as much about project management, as it is about product.”

Crescent Head House
Escea's DL850 featured in the award-winning Crescent Head House by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects. Photography by Robert Walsh.
Blackrock By Inform – Derek Swalwell
The DF700 pictured in the Blackrock project by InForm. Photography by Derek Swalwell.
Madeline Blanchfield Architects Escea Fireplace
Escea's DL850 features in this project by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects. Photography by Robert Walsh.

With decades of experience installing and designing customised fireplace surrounds, the team behind Stoke have transformed the often arduous process into a fine art. “Stoke manages the entire process,” explains Jarrod. “From helping the customer choose the right fire; to site visits to measure up the space and work out the flue run; to designing ‘the vision,’ organising the tradies and project managing the install.” The limitations for what a designer can and cannot do with fireplaces have been completely redefined in recent years. From Island shaped, ultra-wide and linear, double or single, the boundaries of fireplace design are being consistently tested by Stoke.

Incorporating The Existing Sandstone Plinth Into The Landscape Architecture Are An Anchor To The History Of The Site
The stunning Tamarama House by Modscape and Fox Johnston features a trademark Escea fireplace in the main living area. Photography by John Madden.
Escea Fireplace Featured In Tecture Project
Fine detailing of the Escea fireplace in this project by Ben Robertson of Tecture.
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Escea's new EK1550 outdoor fire.

With store locations in Alphington, Melbourne and Marrickville, Sydney, winter is the perfect time to visit a Stoke Fireplace Studio and discover the wide range of quality fireplace brands that sets Stoke apart. With wood and gas fires designed for indoor and outdoor living, Stoke brings Australia the most ingenious, efficient and stylish fireplaces currently available. As Stoke proudly exclaims, your fireside story starts here.

Escea Dl850 Gas Fireplace
The Escea Dl850 gas fireplace as seen in this project by Mintsix.
Mode Three Sided Gas Fireplace
The Mode three sided gas fireplace is a room divider that demands undivided attention.
Stoke Akl Mode (13)
The Stoke Akl Mode features low reflection glass that gives a crystal clear view of the flames and the view behind the flame.
Escea Double Sided Multiroom Gas Fireplace
The Escea double sided multiroom gas fireplace is an example of the innovative fireplaces offered by Stoke.