Holding Warmth: The Treehouse by McRae + Lynch Design

When Interior & Building Designer Karyn McRae’s mother, Pam, suggested building a small flat on their southern Sydney property, the request was simple — a quiet place to call home. But Karyn saw more.

She reimagined the family home completely, creating two living zones that connect across levels and generations. The result is The Treehouse — a renovation filled with light and outlook.

Shaping A Home Around Warmth

The original 1950s house sat on a steep, leafy block with views across the Royal National Park. Karyn expanded the footprint opening up living areas to the south and drew the landscape inside. Walnut joinery, brushed bronze tapware, and sintered stone add depth, while a soft palette lets the greenery outside hold the spotlight.

“The design response centres on connection to place, to light, and to daily living,” - Karyn McRae.

And at the heart of it — the fireplace.

Choosing A Fireplace With Presence

Karyn didn’t want a fireplace that disappeared into the walls. She wanted a presence in the room. Something that felt both architectural and warm.

The Escea DFS940 Gas Fireplace was chosen for exactly that reason. Its bold form, clean lines, and generous glass give the flame centre stage, sitting proudly in the living space — visible and grounding.

"The fireplace ticked every box - it's compact enough not to overpower the room but still delivers that real fireplace feel. It felt like the perfect blend of form and function for the project." - Karyn McRae.

Though the fireplace leads with presence, it’s the unseen details that make it effortless. Escea’s Direct Vent technology keeps the air clean indoors by drawing fresh air from outside and venting exhaust the same way.

And while the fire sets the mood, the warmth takes care of itself — adjusted simply with the remote or the SmartHeat App.

Where Outlook and Warmth Converge

Placed beside a corner window, the fire completes Karyn’s vision, seamlessly connecting the home with the surrounding bushland. Karyn explains that "the design balances openness with intimacy, using natural materials to create a space that feels both elevated and inviting. And the fireplace plays a big part in that feeling."

"The fireplace anchors the living zone and adds a beautiful warmth, visually and literally. It creates a perfect moment in the space." - Karyn McRae.

It softens the geometry, steadies the circulation - enjoyed from morning through to evening. She continues, “you can sit and watch the sun set through the trees while the flames flicker beside you. It’s a calm, grounding spot that captures everything we wanted The Treehouse to be.”

As both designer and client, Karyn valued how simple working with Escea was. She explains, “the Escea team communicated clearly, were responsive throughout, and made the process straightforward. It’s always a bonus when a supplier understands the design intent and supports you in bringing it to life.”

By reshaping the footprint into a split-level design, Karyn created a home that feels open yet grounded. With its strong presence and quiet technology, the DFS940 doesn’t just heat the space — it holds it.