5 May 2025

Dated Californian Bungalow to Modern ‘Cali Cool’ by Three Birds Renovations

by lopiadmin /

Fireplace Inspiration Details – Sydney, NSW

 

Located in the suburbs of Sydney, NSW, House 17 is the latest design triumph from the creative minds at Three Birds Renovations. Known for their signature blend of effortless style and functional spaces, the trio was tasked with transforming a dated Californian Bungalow into a contemporary, ‘Cali Cool’ family home—while carefully preserving its original charm.

 

The vision for the renovation was clear: open up the home, rearrange the floorplan to create a better living space for the owners, bring in more natural lighting, and create a modern lifestyle layout that didn’t erase the character of the old cottage. To achieve this, the team removed the existing sunroom and balcony at the rear of the home, replacing it with a light-filled extension that now houses a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area. This heart of the home flows seamlessly into the newly landscaped backyard, complete with a sparkling new pool—perfect for Sydney’s warm summers and relaxed outdoor lifestyle.

Central to this new space is the Lopi 564CF 35K GS2 Gas Fireplace, proudly positioned in the living room. This fireplace was more than just a design choice; it was the homeowners’ dream feature. A fireplace was non-negotiable—and the team at Three Birds Renovations chose the perfect unit. The clean-face design offers a sleek, contemporary profile, while still providing the warmth and ambience of a traditional hearth.

The traditional styling of the Lopi 564 series blends effortlessly into the overall aesthetic of the home. Its rich black trim contrasts beautifully with the soft, natural tones used throughout, while the tall, captivating flames add movement and elegance to the space. As part of Lopi’s premium gas fireplace range, this model is equipped with both Top Down and Ember-Glo accent lighting, enhancing the beauty of the fire and increasing the realism of the log set.

Beyond its visual appeal, the 564CF 35K GS2 delivers serious performance. With a powerful heat output capable of warming up to 158sqm, it’s more than capable of heating the home’s expansive open-plan living area—even during Sydney’s coldest winter nights.

This model also features Lopi’s GreenSmart 2 (GS2) system, giving homeowners advanced control over the fireplace, from adjusting accent lighting to operating the unit in Smart Thermostat mode which modulates flame height to maintain a consistent room temperature — combining comfort, efficiency, and innovation all in one system.

To elevate the look further, a special render finish was applied to the fireplace surround, giving it a textured, artisan feel that anchors the space. TV provisions were also seamlessly integrated into the design, ensuring functionality didn’t compromise style. Whether lit for warmth on a cool evening or simply admired as a statement piece, the fireplace is the undeniable centrepiece of the home.

The renovation’s interior palette leans heavily into neutral tones and natural stone finishes, offering a soft, calming backdrop that complements the home’s cottage roots while giving it a timeless, modern edge. High ceilings amplify the sense of space, while large glass doors and strategically placed skylights allow natural light to flood every corner of the home.

It’s this thoughtful balance of old and new that makes House 17 so special. From the carefully chosen materials to the open, airy layout and standout fireplace, every element of this renovation has been considered with both style and lifestyle in mind.

The 564CF 35K GS2 is available in either Natural Gas or LPG (Bottled Gas) configurations, making it the perfect choice for those seeking an efficient, traditional gas fireplace equipped with advanced technologies.

For more information on the 564CF 35K GS2, feel free to contact our team on 1800 064 234 or contact us here. To view our full range of Traditional Gas Fireplaces, please visit our website or view our Traditional Gas Fireplace Brochure.

Images supplied by Three Birds Renovations on Instagram.