NEW HEIGHTS

PHOTOS BY JOEL KLASSEN

BY SARAH COMBER

The Ceiling

Since the condo building’s original construction featured eight-foot concrete ceilings, architect Dan Hapton faced a challenge when adding a drop ceiling to update the space’s electrical, HVAC and ventilation. To preserve height, he reduced the typical 12-inch drop ceiling to seven inches. “I also went to great efforts to make it feel sculptural and light; like it is framing the space for you,” he says.

The Music Corner

Tucked away behind a partial-height wall, Hapton designed a space within the living room to house his father’s record collection. It’s a space where his mom also sits to take in the view. “It’s like a little lounge area,” she says. “I love sitting here, listening to my Audible and staring out the window.”

The Home Theatre

Without compromising the westfacing view of the Elbow River and Rocky Mountains, Hapton integrated a home theatre in the living room, using a partial wall to mount the television, and hiding surround-sound speakers behind the ceiling’s drywall.

The Orchids

Five spectacular orchid plants live in a built-in planter within the console that separates the living room from the kitchen. Hapton notes that this is another way of dividing and giving purpose to the space without just putting up a wall.

BY MICHELLE MCIVOR PHOTO BY JARED SYCH