MAY 2013
volUme 9 iSSUe 89 n may 2013
contents
16 cover Feature
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Stylish sensibility Shane Homes lays down the style for family functionality in Nolan Hill
news
64 2012 SAM Award winners
announced Tight competition marks 26th Calgary home builders’ awards night
Special Feature PuBLICATIoNS AGREEMENT No. 41072011. RETuRN uNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES To: Source Media Group Corp. 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9
Check out what’s happening in the community of Airdrie. Included in this issue of new home living.
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contents
22
Focus On
12 Deck daze
Lazing around outdoors never looked so inviting
Show home profiles
22 View from the Sky
Innovations by Jayman offers choice in Skyview Ranch
28 Bentley luxury
There are a lot of expectations with a name like that, but the Bentley lives up to it
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34 Sequoia sense
Brookfield Homes’ introduces new Side-By-Side Homes in Cranston
Lifestyle
columns
39 A new life
Richard and Uzo start married life in style
69 Around Town 78 Hope at Large
Community Profile
Lakeside living at its charming, value-added best
10 Editor’s Message 72 Maps 76 Advertiser Index
44 Westmere’s winsome charm
Items
On Trend
49 Backyard sizzle
Throw the hit patio party of the season
shopping
Big, bold colours mark the trend for backyard design
55 Colour your (outdoor) world
Giving Back
60 Lending a hand
Hopewell helps build homes in Guatemala
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editor’s message n
Oh, what a night! Few things are as fun as SAM Awards nights in Calgary, where everyone feels like a winner regardless of who actually took home the prize. The feeling of solidarity and camaraderie suffused the room of competitors — or maybe it was just me, because everyone kept getting me drinks. But a big congratulations to everyone — nominees and winners alike — your success is ours, as well, and we’ll continue to support the industry in any way that we can. Readers can see the list of single-family winners in this issue. The SAM Awards is the home builders’ equivalent to Hollywood’s Oscar night, but as in any such competition, the real winner is always the buyers, as the competitive spirit drives the improvement of products. Take for example our line-up of show homes in thei issue. Shane Homes’ Nolan Hills show homes that grace our cover this month feature some of the most stylishly sensible suburban designs out there that capture a unique family-friendly sensibility with easy class. Innovations by Jayman’s wide-range of new homes in Skyview Ranch just about have everything for any budget without sacrificing style or comfort. Brookfield Homes’ new Side-BySide line in Cranston is a quantifiable hit with the new Sequoia model a big part of that success, one look inside and you’ll see why. Not to be outdone, Morrison Homes has also come out with what may be a quintessential design for suburban living with the Bentley. It’s shaping up to be a typical Calgary spring, but let’s not let the uncooperative weather ruin our enjoyment of the backyard. We have Kathy McCormick providing us the latest patio products out there in her Shopping story, while Jessica Patterson gives us some tips on how to throw the perfect barbecue party in your own private outdoor space — now if only the sun will shine long enough. The celebratory atmosphere of the SAMs seems to be the appropriate backdrop for us to launch our newest monthly feature: Giving Back, where we talk to some of our builder/developer friends and spotlight their community-building efforts. Andrea Cox talks to Hopewell Residential Communities about their outreach project in Guatemala. Of course we still have Marty Hope and his Hope At Large column has been one of the most well-received write-ups on what’s going on in the Calgary residential market. He’ll fill us in on tasty tidbits on the what’s going on in the home industry as only a true insider can. These are exciting times in Calgary, the new home market is booming, so many terrific options all over the city. One thing’s for sure, the choices are a-plenty, and making a decision to find your new home starts right here.
PUBLISHER
Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca Ass o c i a t e P U B L I S H E R
Jim Zang jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca Editor
Pepper Rodriguez pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca Ar t d ire c t o r
Jean Faye Rodriguez jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca g r a phi c d esi g n er S
Lama Azhari
lama.azhari@sourcemediagroup.ca
Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca
Megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca pr o d u c t i o n a d m i n is t r a t o r
Colleen Leier
colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca E D I TO R I A L
Greg Beneteau, Andrea Cox, Aaliya Essa, Marty Hope, Kathy McCormick, Jessica Patterson P h o t o g r a ph y
Don Molyneaux, Pepper Rodriguez, Megan Sereda A d v er t isi n g S A L E S
Heather Dougall
heather.dougall@sourcemediagroup.ca Accounting
Donna Roberts accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY
Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group ISSN 1918-4441 PRINTED IN CANADA
Copyright 2013 by Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the publishers. Source Media Group Corp. agrees to advertise on behalf of the advertiser without responsibility for claims or misinformation made by the advertiser and acts only as an advertising medium. Source Media Group reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion. New Home Living® is published 12 times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in Calgary and area.
Pepper Rodriguez,
Editor pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca
Nothing says living like your living room, and that’s next Next month: month’s focus. Follow us on twitter: CalgaryNewHomes 1 0 n e w home liv in g may 2013
Like us on facebook: NewHomeLivingCalgary
New Home Living® accepts editorial submissions by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions including all personal information to nleditor@sourcemediagroup.ca. Unsolicited submissions will not be returned. Advertising information available only by request. New Home Living® is a registered Trademark the propperty of SOURCE MEDIA GROUP CORP. Reg. CIPO TMA 693289. Contact: Source Media Group, 207, 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9 T: 403.532.3101, F: 403.532.3109 TF: 1.888.932.3101, E: info@sourcemediagroup.ca www.sourcemediagroup.ca
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Deck daze Lazing around outdoors never looked so inviting n
By Aaliya Essa
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AS THE DOUBLE-DIGIT temperatures roll into town, the best way to enjoy the day is to take it easy in your new favourite outdoor chair. This could be a lounge chair, a reclining chair, or even a chair that swivels. With an enormous amount of selection available today, patio furniture can change the way you look and feel about your private outdoor space, and especially how much time you spend in it. nL
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roXo armchair, $59 at Ikea.
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torino outdoor canopy Bed $1,999 at revolve Furnishings.
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piazza Bistro set - grape, $299 at urban Barn.
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miko cabana, $2,999 at revolve Furnishings.
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palm harbor adjustable lounger, $1,499 at wickerland.
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yellow mild steel drum stool, $99.99 at the Bay.
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karlskrona, $199 at Ikea.
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garpen sofa combination, $610 at Ikea.
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large round Ball pouf, $149.99 at the Bay.
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10] BrommÖ chaise lounge, $59.99 at Ikea.
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| Advertising cover Feature |
Stylish sensibility Shane Homes lays down the style for family functionality in Nolan Hill
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ne’s a little bit country and the other’s a little bit rock and roll, but they both have the same underlying stylish functionality that has been a hallmark at Shane Homes. The award-winning builder’s two new show homes in Nolan Hill — the Tofino and the Orion — just goes to show their expertise in building homes to suit different lifestyle tastes, but still have the same family-friendly functionality at its heart. The Tofino show home showcases a distinct, traditional family home flavour with a modern beat, while its little sister, the Orion, has a more urban vibe that typifies a kind of loft living allure. The same practical eye runs through both homes that focus on functionality over form. “Families and young couples are our main buyers here in Nolan Hill and it is important to appeal to their differing
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style sensibilities, but the homes have to live up to their growing needs as well,” says area manager Jeff Luif. Flexibility seems to be the key, and giving buyers plenty of options has proven to be important. For example, the standard Tofino model starts at 2,273 square-feet, but the show home itself is at 2,502 square-feet. It can be built with up to 22 kinds of options to fit the needs of differing lifestyles. Similarly, the Orion starts at 1,858 square-feet but the new show home stands at 2,068 square-feet, and it can be offered with up to 18 options. “Having all those options allows our buyers to really personalize their home to suit their particular needs,” Luif tells New Home Living. The Tofino effectively shows all the allure of estate living affordably, as the show home — with all its bells and whistles — still comes in at only $678,000, including home, lot and GST. It does
| Advertising cover Feature |
Photos on these pages are of the Tofino.
start at $588,000, and that’s for a home that’s only about 200 square-feet smaller. Wide-plank hardwood flooring and designer tile adorn the main floor, an open concept design that takes full advantage of the wide — and numerous — windows, which along with the nine-foot ceilings combine to create a living space with charming sophistication. The upscale kitchen appliances are in a wall array that forms a sleek-yet-practical look that will inspire culinary creativity. The generous collection of drawers and cabinetry — including a built-in china cabinet — in the kitchen and dining areas, give the Tofino show home a rare combination of style and sensibility. The upgraded finish, however, comes in second to the standard features that the Tofino comes with, including a spacious closet in the foyer, a hidden half-bath for added privacy, a tucked-away mudroom that includes a functional bench and walkin closet accessible from the foyer, and a large living room with gas fireplace. The lifestyle room with double glass sliding doors is handy for a
main floor home office or den downstairs, but Tofino also has a practical, built-in tech desk along the hallway of the upper floor, which provides a convenient workstation for the entire family. The walk-through family room upstairs provides a central spot where family and friends can gather for movie nights or video game tournaments. It is very spacious and can fit a large sectional easily. The built-in entertainment cabinetry and vaulted ceilings give it an air of modest sophistication. The attached ensuite in the owner’s bedroom is a picture of glamour and relaxation and the five-piece ensemble creates a dreamy, spa-like atmosphere. The make-up table in between the double vanities is a nice creative touch — and it’s a standard feature. “The Tofino is one of Shane Homes’ most enduring models and this Nolan Hill show home will likely bring its popularity even higher,” Luif says.
Wide-plank hardwood flooring and designer tile adorn the main floor, an open concept design that takes full advantage of the wide — and numerous — windows.
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| Advertising cover Feature |
The Orion possesses a unique, urban feel that belies the suburban surroundings of Nolan Hill. Photos on this page are of the Orion.
FAST FACTS: BUILDER: Shane Homes AREA: Nolan Hill Style: Two storey estate and semi-estate homes with attached front garages Size: Tofino starts at 2,273 sq. ft., Orion starts at 1,858 sq. ft. Price: Tofino starts at $588,000 and Orion is at $527,000 Address: 254 and 258 Nolan Hill Blvd. N.W., Calgary Directions: Take Stoney Tr. heading west to Sarcee Tr. heading north, follow Sarcee Trail to the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit heading west and follow the signs. Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit www.shanehomes.com
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The Orion possesses a unique, urban feel that belies the suburban surroundings of Nolan Hill. All-tile flooring on the main floor gives it much of its aesthetic punch and the classy glass mosaic tile facing of the flush-to the-wall gas fireplace in the living room, adds a magical touch. It also has wall-mounted appliances in the kitchen for that smooth look, but they tried something different with having the stovetop on the centre island and the double undermount sink in the kitchen counter behind it. The walk-through pantry is something no downtown loft has though, and it is one of the most popular features in a family home, Luif says. “The Orion’s gotten a lot of positive feedback for its ingenious use of space,” he adds. Even if the Orion is smaller, it still has everything the Tofino has, including a large bonus room and a five-piece ensuite, complete with built-in make-up table, as well. It starts at $527,000, including home, lot and GST and building something similar to the show home will bump this up to $621,000. “Whatever the model, Shane Homes will have something to suit your needs in Nolan Hill,” he adds. n
show home profile n Innovations by Jayman
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show home profile
VIEW FRoM THE SKy Innovations by Jayman offers choice in SkyView Ranch n By
Jessica Patterson
SKYVIEW RANCH, CALGARY’S exclusive community in the scenic northeast, is something of an anomaly when it comes to new communities in the city. “This neighbourhood will provide a very inner-city feel, without the inner-city price tag,” says Innovations by Jayman area manager, Jeff Mitchell. The award-winning builder’s collection of homes here span everything from double-attached garages, single-attached garages, and laned-style homes, “It’s a unique blend of home designs combined together to really enhance the streetscape,” Mitchell says. In this neighbourhood, variation is key. “This is not a cookie cutter community,” Mitchell explains. And despite the variation, all of the homes will have rear lane access, a unique feature and a definite plus. Innovations by Jayman will be opening a new parade of show homes in Skyview Ranch this spring to illustrate the length and breadth of their expertise in innovative home design that fits the family-oriented lifestyle of Skyview Ranch.
oasis
Elevate
Interior photos are of a previous oasis show home.
For double-attached garage homes, Innovations by Jayman offers five models including their 1,674-squarefoot Nitro, the Vivid, the Reunite, the Coda and the 2,150-square- foot Helio. Single-garage home models available are the Azul, the Exud, the Inspire, the Nuvis and the Sigma, ranging in size from 1,400 to 1,700 squarefeet. Finally, there are eight laned-home models to choose from — the Uni at 1,336 square-feet, to the 1,566 squarefoot Destiny, and everything in between — the Engage, the Ignite, the Oasis, the Pace, the Renew, and the Wave. “With a starting price point of $315,000 and the release of new home sites, we have something for everyone,” Mitchell says. Mitchell says Skyview Ranch homeowners also have an opportunity to develop secondary suite basements in the new phases of the community, which their new Elevate show home will display. The 1,611 square-foot Inspire is a beautiful single-attached garage home. It features a large great room on the first floor that is centrally-located, next to a large open-concept kitchen and dining room. It’s the perfect space for entertaining and kitchen parties. The second floor features a front-facing owners suite with a walk-in closet and ensuite. A large bonus room or flex space separates the owners suite from two secondary bedrooms. Need a little more room? The Inspire comes with optional designs for the second floor, including a full laundry and full ensuite bathroom, including a soaker tub.
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Innovations by Jayman’s Oasis, a 1,513-square-foot laned-home, is the second new show home opening in May, in Skyview Ranch. The three-bedroom, two and a half bath home model has an elegant and organized design. A large great room steals attention on the first floor, as it leads into a dining room and practical kitchen. The Oasis’s second floor is spacious and simple. Two bedrooms at the front separate the private owner’s suite by two baths. The owner’s suite includes one of those two baths as well as a walk-in closet. “This home maximizes its square footage, there isn’t an inch of wasted space. It is an award winning plan for Jayman and one of our best sellers,” Mitchell says. Though, with Innovations by Jayman, choice is everywhere. Choose an optional deck, a larger kitchen space, or perhaps switch the dining room and kitchen for an expanded entertaining space with an island, in the Oasis. “We’re always innovative,” Mitchell says. “Jayman has always been good in that sense, we always try to be forward thinking and stand out in the marketplace.” Skyview is an established 1,300-acre community that offers residents scenic parks, pathways, water features and green spaces. Skyview Ranch’s developers, Walton Development and Management, have already established a commercial area in the community and plans to expand these in the future. With bus service in place, C-train service on the horizon, Skyview Ranch offers residents a quiet place to live with easy accessibility, made even better by its location close to Stoney Trail and Deerfoot Trail. Amenities close by include gas stations and shops. “We’re right in between two major commercial areas,” Mitchell says. CrossIron Mills is less than 10 minutes away, as is Country Hills Towne Centre. Get in on the ground floor at Skyview Ranch today. NL 2 4 n e w home liv in g may 2013
“We’re always innovative... Jayman has always been good in that sense, we always try to be forward thinking and stand out in the marketplace.” Fast facts: Builder: Innovations by Jayman Area: SkyView Ranch Developer: Walton Development and Management Style: Double attached garage, single attached garage and laned homes Price: Starts from $315,000 Address: 154, 158, 162 Skyview Point Cres. N.E. Directions: North on Deerfoot Tr., east on Country Hills Blvd, north on Metis Tr. and right on 128 Ave. and follow the signs Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEB: www.jayman.com
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Morrison Homes
BENTLEy LuxuRy There are a lot of expectations with a name like that, but the Bentley lives up to it n By
Greg Beneteau
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IN CRANSTON, THE prevailing theme seems to be “wide open spaces.” Located just east of the Bow River along Highway 22x, the southeast Calgary community offers plenty of opportunities to appreciate the great outdoors. Numerous parks and pathways crisscross the landscape, while the 22,000 square-foot Century Hall multi-use facility sits on a seven-acre lot and operates an ice rink and toboggan run in the winter and a splash park in the summer. For those craving a return to nature, a world of hiking, fishing and camping lies within walking distance at Fish Creek Provincial Park, one of Canada’s largest urban parks. Then there are the Rocky Mountains, which serve as both a backdrop and weekend destination for outdoor enthusiasts. “Being so close to Highway 22x, you can hop into your car and be in the mountains in less than an hour,” notes Dean Anderson, area manager for Morrison Homes in Cranston Morrison was clearly inspired by the vastness of Cranston’s prairie landscape. The Bentley, one of four models in the Calgary-based builder’s Move-Up Collection, is intended to satisfy new homeowners who want spacious accommodations without the accompanying squeeze on their pocketbooks.
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“The Bentley lends itself to young couples hoping to grow into it with a family in the future,” Anderson says. “It’s also proving popular as a trendy home for two.” Starting in the $390,000s, the two-storey Bentley boasts smart layout choices that make its 1,796 square-feet of floor space feel roomy and inviting. The main floor features an open-concept layout, with a functional walk-through pantry and mudroom connecting to the kitchen and front garage. Engineered hardwood flooring, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances offer durability with a stylish touch, accentuated by hanging pendant lamps and recessed can lighting. An optional expanded kitchen and dining area is also available. The living room features a built-in gas fireplace, fed by an Energy Star gas-powered furnace. The second floor opens up into a sitting area separating
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Fast facts: builder: Morrison Homes area: Cranston developer: Brookfield Residential style: Two-storey move-up home with double front attached garage size: 1,796 sq. ft.. Price: Starts in the $390,000s address: 401 Cranford Dr. S.E. Directions: South on Deerfoot Tr. and exit on Cranston Ave. and follow the signs Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEB: www. morrisonhomes.ca
Morrison took its space quest to the exterior of the house. The Bentley is built on an adjustable lot line, opening up extra yard space. 3 0 n e w home liv in g may 2013
the master bedroom from the secondary bedrooms. An adjacent laundry room with front loader washer and dryer also comes standard. Though a revised second floor layout is available, with a front-facing sitting area situated over the garage, Anderson says buyers seem to like the idea of a “bonus room” waiting for them at the top of the stairs. “People seem to like the bonus room, because it’s versatile,” Anderson says. “For families, it can serve as an upstairs family room — the kids can play upstairs while the parents are entertaining downstairs — or it can be a secondary entertainment area for grownups.” As for the second-floor laundry room, “We’re seeing it more and more in newer homes,” he notes. “It makes sense to keep the laundry room near the bedrooms.” The Bentley’s standard three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom arrangement can be expanded to include a fourth bedroom, for those who opt for the expanded kitchen and dining area. The rear-facing master bedroom has a sizable walk-in closet and a four-piece ensuite, with a soaker tub and three-by-four-foot shower. Morrison took its space quest to the exterior of the house, as the Bentley is built on an adjusted lot line. An optional backyard deck connected to the dining area is also available. The facade of the house has a tasteful arts-and-crafts theme, with a choice of board-and-batten or stucco finish and alternative clapboard siding. Morrison is one of several residential developers with a presence in Cranston, which is being master planned by Brookfield Residential Properties. Cranston is well on its way to becoming a self-contained community, with three public schools covering kindergarten to grade 12, plenty of shopping opportunities at Cranston Market and Cranston Corner. In the long-term, Cranston will benefit from its close proximity to the Seton mixed-used development project. Already home to the new South Calgary Health Campus, the so-called “South Calgary Downtown” will add two-and-a-half-million square feet of office and retail space, 1,300 multi-family residences, a public library, regional recreation centre and CTrain service in the next 10 to 15 years — all of it within a stone’s throw of Cranston. NL
show home profile n Brookfield Homes
Sequoia sense Brookfield Homes’ introduces new Side-By-Side Homes in Cranston n Story
and photos by Pepper Rodriguez Semi-attached homes are a popular option for homebuyers in Calgary as they present an exceptional middle ground for those who don’t want the bigger responsibilities of a single-family home, but aren’t too comfortable with the limitations of multi-family lifestyle. Brookfield Homes seems to have unlocked the secrets for this line of homes, as demand for their Side-By-Side Homes has soared, and their new Sequoia model in Cranston is their best one yet. In fact, their recently launched Cranston Side-By-Side Homes has been a big hit, selling 12 of the 30 homes in the first phase when it opened in April. “Our two show homes here — The Sequoia and The Linden — are the most popular ones,” says Christopher MacKinnon, Area Sales Manager for Brookfield Homes, Cranston Side-by-Side. “You know you must be doing something right when you rattle off a dozen home sales as soon as you launch,” he adds.
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The Sequoia is their newest “jewel-box home” and is the largest semi-detached home offered by Brookfield Homes, ranging from 1,413 to upwards of 1,450 square-feet. It’s a very flexible floor plan, as well, as it comes in four upper floor options — two dual master bedroom concepts, two three-bedroom options and one standard main floor plan. “We really looked to our customers when designing the Sequoia model,” says MacKinnon. “This particular model was inspired by customers who were looking for a functional but open concept style of living, which is exactly what we were able to achieve. That’s why we call our homes jewel boxes.” The wall pantry design is a very popular innovation, as it
takes an entire wall of the kitchen and designed it into stylish storage space. “This just allows for a more open plan, the home just unfolds in front of you,” MacKinnon points out. Functionality is paramount with lots of other storage solutions including multiple linen closets and kitchen drawers and cabinetry. But the real wow feature of the Sequoia is its galley style kitchen. “This is our first semi-detached home to offer a central kitchen layout, perfect for homebuyers looking to entertain,” explains Devin Dyler, Design Manager, Calgary Housing for Brookfield Homes. The long central island with extended ledge can fit three bar stools comfortably, and adds a stylish and functional element to the home, where you can prepare culinary delights with ease and present them with equal aplomb.
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“This particular model was inspired by customers who were looking for a functional but open concept style of living, which is exactly what we were able to achieve.”
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“Big parties are easy to host in this home, you can be preparing the meal in the kitchen and still be part of the conversations going on in the dining room or living room,” MacKinnon adds. The fireplace with built-in media cabinetry at the front of the home was getting a lot of positive comments from visitors during the opening day event, and it is an easy upgrade that adds a sophisticated touch to the home. The half-bath in the main floor is designed as a step-down to keep it out of the way, and a spacious rear foyer gives plenty of room to shed outer clothes when you’re coming into the home from the detached garage pad in the back. The five-piece ensuite and walk-in closet in the master bedroom of the show home checks off the most wanted features in a first time buyers’ home. “The desires of first time homebuyers have changed over time, and they want to get the most value for their purchase. They see all these features in move-up homes and they want it for themselves, and Brookfield Homes has been able to find a way to service this need and still maintain an affordable price,” MacKinnon notes. Dyler says: “It’s about designing a high-quality product that offers versatility at a price point that you can’t quite get from a single-family home, in a thriving and established community that’s on the door step of Fish Creek Park.” Although their Side-By-Side Homes have attracted a wide range of buyers — from singles (and newly singles), to couples to young families and seniors — MacKinnon says The Sequoia is perfect for downsizers. “It has a lot of space to accommodate their lifestyle. There’s lot of storage space, so they have room to bring in the stuff they want to keep from their previous home,” he says. It’s also the perfect home where you can put in “sweat equity,” MacKinnon points out. “You can build your deck, your fence, garage and develop your basement if you chose to.” There are five different Side-By-Side models to choose from in Cranston, including Sequoia and Linden. There are a total of 25 available variations within that, MacKinnon says, and Brookfield Homes prefers to think of these as “jewel boxes” instead of just houses. “We put a premium in creating well-crafted, well-designed homes,” MacKinnon adds. The Sequoia starts at $318,000 including GST. A total of 30 homes will be available for sale in the first phase, ranging in size from 1,116 to 1,430 square-feet with price points starting from the $290,000s including GST. NL
“It’s about designing a highquality product that offers versatility at a price point that you can’t quite get from a single-family home...”
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Fast facts: Builder: Brookfield Homes Area: Cranston Style: Semi-attached homes Size: From 1,116 to 1,430 sq. ft. Price: Starts from the $290,000s including GST Address: 109 Cranford Way S.E. Directions: South on Deerfoot Tr. and exit on Cranston Ave. and follow the signs Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEB: www.buildwithbrookfield.com
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A new life Richard and Uzo start married life in style Story by Andrea Cox
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Photos by Don Molyneaux
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ewlyweds Richard and Uzo recently experienced, and mastered, three of life’s most exciting and most stressful events: they planned a big wedding, got married and they built a house — all at the same time. “Building a house really wasn’t on our radar. We had planned to buy an existing home,” says Uzo, noting that when they started looking last February, they were in the throes of planning the wedding. “We really didn’t want the stress of building a home, too.” Initially the couple toyed with remaining in Richard’s southwest condo — a property that he has owned for five years, but Uzo wasn’t sold on the idea. “It still had that bachelor feel,” she says, adding that the couple loves kids and hopes to start a family in the next year. Uzo, who was living at home before the wedding, wanted to remain close to her mom and sister who both reside in Calgary’s west side. “We took a couple of days to drive around the city and get a feel for what was out there,” says Richard. But then a realtor friend of Uzo’s mom suggested that they check out Paskapoo, a new residential community bordering Canada Olympic Park on the west side of town. “He said to us — ‘for what you would pay for an existing home, you might as well build and then not worry about any issues that would arise in an older pre-existing home.’”
Uzo and Richard took a look, toured the Excel Homes show home and were immediately hooked. “I feel really blessed. It was definitely meant to be. And, we came in at the right time — the house has already gone up in value since,” says Uzo. They were able to get in at the mid $500,000s. The couple loved the fact that they didn’t have to do a lot to make the home feel like their own. “The space was very wellplanned out and something that we could grow into — after-all we are in this for the long-term,” says Richard. The couple connected two years ago while on a volunteer mission in Thailand. They embrace a lifestyle that incorporates family, community connectedness and taking time to give back. They exude a sense of warmth, joy and a lightness of being. Both are connected to Nigeria — Uzo, although born and raised in Calgary, has family there; Richard was born and raised in
the happy couple, uzo and richard.
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the southern part of the African country, moving to Toronto when he was sixteen and then to Calgary five years ago when a job enticed him west (he’s an IT manager). To them, home is a sanctuary, a place to get away from all of the hustle and bustle and reconnect to each other, as well as a place to entertain and share moments with friends and family. In fact, having 20 people over for dinner is not uncommon for this young couple. “I can see us entertaining even more, once we get more furniture,” says Uzo with a grin as she gestures to the lone couch in the open-concept family room adjacent to the kitchen. The couple is still testing the waters to find their design style niche.
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They kept the colour scheme neutral, utilizing lots of lighter earth tones juxtaposed with the warmth of almond stained hardwood. “I guess this is our style, but I’m a little bothered by it because I thought that we were more fun,” Uzo says laughing and adds that they are in the process of sourcing out pops of colour through art and accessories, like throw pillows. The couple chose Excel’s Ambleside model, a two-story home with over 2,100 square-feet of living space, including three bedrooms (the master boasts a sitting room) and a vaulted ceiling bonus room with huge windows on the upper-level. The design is functional and thoughtful. The open-concept main floor features a family room with fireplace adjacent to the kitchen. A centre island with an eating bar divides the space and creates continuity between the rooms, while an open dining room boasts floor to ceiling windows on three sides and overlooks a large yard that is still a work in-progress. “We want to put in a wrap-around deck and we just found out that our neighbour is a landscaper, which is perfect,” enthuses Uzo. They say that the kitchen is their favourite space and both are experimenting with new recipes. “Richard says he’s the chef, but it is really me that does most of the cooking,” Uzo whispers with a wink. “But, he did do an amazing job of designing the kitchen backsplash,” she says, pointing out the metallic glass mosaic tile patterns.
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“The space was very well-planned out and something that we could grow into — after-all we are in this for the longterm.” The couple is thrilled with their new home and neighbourhood. “We can walk to the local pub, Fergus and Bix and restaurants — Vin Room and Mercato,” says Richard, noting that the walkability factor is fantastic. Plus, their cul-de-sac seems as though it will evolve into a real community. “All of the houses went up at the same time, a neighbour hosted a Christmas party and the hockey nets recently came out,” notes Richard, who loves sports. As an interesting side note, he and Uzo played on the same soccer team long-before they “noticed” each other in Thailand. As for Richard’s condo? Well, he’s hung on to it. “It was my first baby; it’s a little sentimental,” he says. “We’re not only new homeowners, we’re landlords now too,” chimes Uzo with another smile. NL
m ay 2 0 1 3 n e w h o m e L i v i n g 4 1
community profile
n Westmere
Westmere’s win Lakeside living at its charming, value-added best n
By Pepper Rodriguez
the eASY ChARm of lakeside living in southern Alberta is fully realized in Westmere, as this fast growing community just east of Calgary blossoms with new show homes this spring that reflect the relaxed, idyllic cottage lifestyle it has been known for. Westmere’s developer, melcor Developments, is set to launch a new show home parade in the estates of Westmere portion of the community in may, even as the premium lakeside section of Shores of Westmere continue to draw admirers. Westmere offers the total resort-like lifestyle, the dream home in the dream setting that make life here seem like a day at the beach,
says melcor’s Catharina mendonça. “Families in Westmere can go for a quick paddle board after breakfast on a summer morning and stop at one of several retail amenities within their community on the way home,” she points out. “And on a crisp winter afternoon, the boys can go ski-dooing on the frozen lake before heading to Boston Pizza, within their community, for a pizza and a pint,” she adds. their newest phase of the estates of Westmere will have new show homes from Lifestyle homes and Reid-
westmere offers the total resort-like lifestyle, the dream home in the dream setting that make life here seem like a day at the beach.
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community profile
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nsome charm Built homes. “homeowners in the estates are offered lots up to 48-feet wide with five feet of side yards,” says mendonça, sizes you’ll be lucky to see in Calgary, not to mention anywhere near the prices offered here. the estates lots are large enough to include triple car garages, with options for a level lot or even a walkout lot. “many residents in the estates are young families who want more home, and more value,” she says. offered are bungalows starting from 1,500 square-feet, and two-storey homes up to 2,300 square-feet. Prices of homes here start in the mid $400,000s. If you can believe it, lots in the Shores of Westmere are even bigger, and go up to an amazing 66-feet wide, with many backing onto Chestermere’s 2.65 square-kilometre lake. “many of these luxury homes are being built with triples car garages,” mendonça adds.
westmere’s walking path
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the shores’ show home
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“…you can get the full benefi ts of a lakeside lifestyle at a fraction of the price compared to what is offered in calgary.”
Here homebuyers can build stunning homes with a deck that spans the rear of the home, allowing front row seating to fully enjoy “the recreational atmosphere that makes Westmere such a great place to call home,” says Mendonça. The Shores offer homes with stunning outdoor living spaces where one can relax in a chaise while watching families paddleboat and water ski. “What more could you ask for in Alberta?” Mendonça asks. Homes in The Shore’s first phase started in the high $600,000s, but the newest lot release opens opportunities from the mid $500,000s. “You would be hard pressed to find a luxury home in Calgary just steps from a lake for that price,” she adds. The Shores also present the final opportunity in Westmere to buy a new home along Chestermere’s scenic lake. Builders in The Shores of Westmere are Albi Homes and Home by Avi, both offer luxury home designs that can include a fourth bedroom, many can also have walkout basements. Both bungalow and two-storey options are available. “Homes in The Shores range in size from 1,600 square-foot bungalows to estate homes at over 3,500 square-feet,” says Mendonça. Best of all, this resort lifestyle that Westmere offers remains just 20 minutes away from Calgary. “The total value of what Westmere offers is really what sets us apart, you can get the full benefits of a lakeside lifestyle at a fraction of the price compared to what is offered in Calgary,” she says. nL 4 6 n e w home liv in g may 2013
FaSt FactS: communIty: Westmere developer: Melcor Developments BuIlders: The Estates of Westmere — Lifestyle Homes, ReidBuilt Homes The Shores of Westmere — Albi Homes, Homes by Avi prIces: Homes in the new phases of The Estates of Westmere start in the mid $400,000s, and in the mid $500,000s in The Shores hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. dIrectIons: East on Hwy. 1 and exit on 17 Ave. S.E. and turn right on Marina Dr. and follow the signs weB: www.westmere.ca
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n on trend
Shot on location at Barbecues Galore. Photo by Don Molyneaux
Backyard sizzle Throw the hit patio party of the season
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he patio was made for parties, enjoy the warm weather with friends and family and throw the perfect outdoor party of the season. Here’s how. The first step is sorting out what kind of party you want to have, says Okotoks-based interior designer Nicola Payton, of Payton Places. The interior designer, who has been designing most of her life, suggests deciding on whether your party is going to be the same sort of shindig you’d throw inside? Is your gathering going to be a formal event, or a causal get-together on the deck with a barbecue? “When you’ve got relatively good, stable weather, you can move indoor furniture outside for an afternoon,” Payton says. The most important thing to consider with any type of soiree, is seating, the interior designer says. “People will be juggling plates, glasses, and will somewhere to set their food down, otherwise everyone is eating off their laps.” So, take your pick of patio furniture, from deep love Piazzo Bistro Set — Aqua, from Urban Barn
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By Jessica Patterson
seats, lounge chairs, deck chairs, cushioned ottomans and benches to side tables and bistro tables. The other important thing to consider with any party is lighting, especially if your bash takes place over and afternoon and stretches into the evening. “Lighting is crucial at any event,” Payton explains. “People are having fun and you Interior designer Nicola Payton want to be able to go into evening without having people bump into things.” Atmospheric lighting could include candles, LED candles, lanterns, lamps and patio heaters. Perhaps you fancy an always popular-chimney or strings of white lights? Or, maybe your tastes lie with hanging lanterns strung across your outdoor space. Try out Fusion’s Solar Jar with lightning bugs, or the Mosaic Jar, both solar table top lamp options available at Home Hardware. The store also sells solar wicker and tiki torches and hanging lanterns. And then dive into the fun part of party planning: the decor, atmosphere and food.
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on trend
chef Beat schmassmann
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Decor will lend itself to the atmosphere, Payton says. “If you want to hold a relaxed party on the patio or a summer barbecue, put pillows and chairs all over the place.” Decor in fashion for those types of events include bunting — which are garlands festooned with pennants and flags. These are easy, DIY projects, which brighten up any area, especially if the garden hasn’t come up yet, Payton says. “What people are doing these days are recycling old fabrics, cutting it into triangles or pennants for bunting,” she says. For those who fancy themselves grill master, or who just want to show off their barbecuing, baking or booze-mixing skills, bon vivants should always plan out menus to include good food. For parties where kids are included among the guests, party hosts would do well to have two parties, says Beat Schmassmann, owner of A Splendid Affair / Affinity Catering. “One for the adults and one for the kids.” Take little ones into consideration when planning your ultimate backyard or patio party. For more formal events,
a babysitter or someone needs to be watching and in charge of kids, so they stay safe, clean (“uh oh, twoyear-old Bobby is into the chocolate fountain!”) and entertained. Kids also like different foods than adults, Schmassmann explains. “Food has to be colourful, fresh and cut into shapes kids like,” he says. “If the shape is funny, kids will eat it because it’s fun and like a game.” Food for the older crowd should encompass a lot of fresh food, Schmassmann says. In May, June and July, there is an abundance of fresh food available at grocery stores and farmers markets. “Try something new,” the chef says. “Go into a store without a menu, make your menu at the store, based on what you see. Don’t be afraid to try something new, like mango, peppers, purple onions and something green in a salad.” Another tip for summer parties is food safety. Schmassmann says to make sure salads stay cold. “There’s nothing worse than having salads sit out in the summertime.” Especially potato salad. Unless it’s being eaten, potato salad should always stay in the fridge. “Potato salad is the worst for salmonella food poisoning,” the chef says. “You have it in the sun, 20 minutes later you get sick if there’s any salmonella in the mayonnaise or eggs.” In carnivorous Calgary, meat is a main ingredient to any backyard, patio or balcony barbecue. Whether it’s exotic — like camel, kangaroo, alligator — or domestic — beef, pork or fowl — meat is always on the menu.
taStES oF SUmmER SangRIa
caPRESE SaLad
INGREDIENTS
SERVES 4 | PREPERATIoN 5-10 MIN
1 bottle of fruity red wine 2 oz rum, 1oz triple sec, 1oz gin 4 oranges, (3 juiced, 1 whole) 2 limes, (1 juiced, 1 whole) 1 cup pineapple juice Ice 1 litre bottle of soda
INGREDIENTS 4 cups mixed ripe tomatoes (cherry, compari, beefsteak, or any heirloom variety) 2, 250g balls of fi or di latte (or buffalo mozzarella) Extra virgin olive oil, salt & pepper Aged balsalmic vinegar 8 oz basil, torn by hand
(use sprite if you want a sweeter taste)
DIRECTIoNS
Photos by Megan Sereda
1. In a large pitcher combine the wine, alchohol and juice. 2. Slice the remaining orange and lime and add them to the pitcher as well. 3. Stir the mixture and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator. 4. Pour the sangria into glasses fi lled with ice and top with soda/sprite. *Try adding different fruit as well like peaches, cranberries, raspberries or grapes
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summer FavorItes From Bon
DIRECTIoNS
1. Cut all tomatoes into manageable pieces (cherry in half, beefsteak into slices) and dress with olive oil, salt and pepper. 2. Cut the mozzarella in half, divide tomatoes evenly, and arrange onto four plates. 3. Drizzle with more olive oil and add balsalmic vinegar. Finish plate with basil and serve. Salad should be served room temperature. *Micro basil is used in the photo above. Traditional Italian caprese salads are served with buffalo mozzarella which can be found at some local cheese shops like Janice Beaton on 17th Ave
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IN MAy, JuNE AND JuLy THERE ARE AN ABuNDANCE oF FRESH FooD AVAILABLE AT GRoCERy SToRES AND FARMERS MARKETS. TRy SoMETHING NEW. Whether you’re barbecuing and shredding for pulled pork sandwiches, or barbecuing a loin from a grain-fed porker, the other white meat (grain-fed) has less fat than boneless, skinless chicken breasts, Schmassmann says. He also adds Calgarians might like to try out different fowl on the barbecue, including turkey, silk chicken from China, pheasant, partridge, or quail. Or, perhaps you favour fish for your sunny afternoon get-together? Alberta is beef country. And if you’re one of the thousands whose summer celebration isn’t complete without a slab of steak, invest in an uncoated cast-iron grill for your quality barbecue, like those available at Barbecues Galore. “That’s something that will last for years,” Schmassmann says. Schmassmann offers up some fabulous summer ideas for dessert, like grilled fruit including peaches, pineapple, pears and apples. “You grill them on one side, take a spice shaker and put powdered sugar on it, or a little honey.” Or, create a berry bar for kids of all ages, the chef says. Fill ice cream cones with vanilla custard, whipping cream
and lay out a spread of blueberries, blackberries and strawberries, Schmassmann says. Even the big kids will be wanting to go back for seconds. Though, if the thought of taking care of decor, entertainment, kids, menus, food, drinks, and not burning anything on the barbecue to a charred crisp makes your head spin, hire a catering company. There are definite benefits to hiring a catering company like Schmassmann’s A Splendid Affair/Affinity Catering. “We do everything for you,” Schmassmann says with a smile. “We can even bring a barbecue if you don’t have one.” Companies will also bring waitresses, bartenders, and equipment to keep all of the food cold. “Not every caterer does that, make sure you ask the right questions,” Schmassmann adds. There are no headaches or burnt offerings, when you hire a catering company to help out. “We know what to buy, where to buy,” Schmassmann says. “We know what flavours go together and can recommend different cuts and qualities. You just enjoy.” So, give up the headache to spend time with family and friends. nL
terra trattorIa’s cheF sheldon guIndon
gRILLEd StEELHEad tRoUt SERVES 4 | PREPERATIoN 10-20 MIN
PREPERATIoN 5-10 MIN
INGREDIENTS
GREEN oNIoN SALSA VERDE INGREDIENTS
4, 6oz Steelhead trout fi lets 10 pieces of procuitto, thinly sliced 20 spears of asparagus 2 large red peppers, cut into 1/4s 1 lemon olive oil, salt & pepper to season green onion salsa verde sauce
DIRECTIoNS 1. Preheat barbeque to medium-high heat. 2. Prepare salsa verde, directions to the right. 3. Rub the trout and peppers with enough olive oil to cover and season lightly with salt and pepper. 4. Next wrap each asparagus spear with procuitto (appx. half slice) and season. 5. Place peppers on the grill until colored on each side (appx. fi ve minutes). 6. Follow with trout and asparagus, grill for three minutes then fl ip onto other side and cook for an additional three minutes. 7. After plating spoon on salsa verde and drizzle everything with olive oil, fi nish with a squeeze of lemon and serve. *you could use any type of trout or salmon for this dish. use the same size fi let.
1 shallot, minced 1 garlic clove, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic puree) 4 tablespoons capers, minced 2 anchovies, minced (or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste) 2 large basil leaves, chopped 1 teaspoon chili fl akes 10 green onion stems 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
chef sheldon guindon, Bonterra trattoria www.bonterra.ca
DIRECTIoNS 1. Grill green onion on both sides until slightly colored, then let cool to room temperature. once cool coarsely chop. 2. Add all ingredients into medium sized bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Stir until everything is completely mixed. 3. Season with salt and pepper. *Give it a quick stir before serving so it isn’t settled at the bottom.
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n shopping
Big, bold colours mark the trend for backyard design
Colour your (outdoor) world n
By Kathy McCormick
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rends and colours from the fashion world show up in our homes just a year or two later, but that’s now extended to the outdoors as well — and that means we will have a colourful, vibrant backyard this year. “Just as everyone is wearing coloured jeans now (when did that happen?), people seem keen on bright, bold colour for their outdoor furniture,” says Ross Mikkelsen, president of Barbecues Galore. “Of course, just like inside, the most expedient way to brighten up the furniture is to buy some super bright pillows to throw on the larger cushions.”
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Photo courtesy TimberTech. m ay 2 0 1 3 n e w h o m e L i v i n g 5 5
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Adirondack chair from Barbecues Galore.
Below: examples of RONA’s Contemporary, Authentic and Charm designs.
Fire Station red is the official colour of the year at RONA, and Sophie Arcand, communications co-ordinator, says it’s everywhere, from pillows to Adirondack chairs, barbecues, rugs, and umbrellas. The good news is that many of the materials used for cushions and fabric seating pieces are now UV resistant, mold- and mildew-resistant and water resistant — made for the outdoors. The material in the actual furniture pieces, too, has changed. “We sell products from CRP Plastics that are recycled material from milk jug/vinegar bottles, and they make near-bullet-proof Adirondack chairs and other outdoor furniture,” says Mikkelsen. “Incredibly heavy and built to outlive you, your kids and your pet Galapagos tortoise. No sanding or staining required. Ever. And they come in a great selection of bright, contemporary colours. But that doesn’t mean neutrals are out. It’s just the opposite, says the manager of trend, colour and design at The Home Depot of Canada.
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It’s all about bringing the inside out — a trend that began about five years ago and isn’t going away any time soon. “Looking forward this summer, we will see neutral colours like grays, taupes and browns as a big trend in outdoor dining and chat sets,” says Samira Gagne. “Then the brightly coloured accents will be in our pillows, planters and accessories to make outdoor spaces pop against the neutral backdrops. Don’t forget that layering and mixing materials like wicker, metal, wood, and slate will continue to be a bold trend this summer.” It’s all about bringing the inside out — a trend that began about five years ago and isn’t going away any time soon, says Mikkelsen. “Dining and picnic tables have been shoved aside in favour of low seating — couches, club chairs and love seats. Deep seating cushions give you extra comfort so you can spend longer outside.” And that, too, means new designs this year. “One of my favourite trends in patio this upcoming summer is modular seating sets,” says The Home Depot’s Gagne. “This is a great way to create unique seating solutions. We understand that space can be tight sometimes, that’s why each chair on our Westbury patio set has easy to remove arms to provide you with endless seating configurations for any outdoor layout.” Their Westbury four-person adjustable conversion set is at $699. At Rona, they have outlined how to get three distinct themes for your outdoor rooms, depending on your wants and needs:
RONA fire pits.
The Contemporary Garden “Make your outdoor space an extension of your home — create a dining area for hosting the perfect party or a lounge area to enjoy a book or a cup of tea. “The key to creating a contemporary outdoor getaway is to anchor the space with dark furniture and bring in accents in bright, bold colours. If you’re choosing an accent colour, take a hint from the outdoor surroundings — sky blue, leafy green and shades of pink and coral from the sunset all work well as outdoor accents.” Chairs are $49.99 each and table is at $299. The Authentic Garden “The Authentic style works perfectly in an outdoor space, playing off of the natural surroundings — a wood deck or natural grass lawn — all play into the Authentic sensibility. The Authentic style is reminiscent of travels to Turkey and Morocco — adding a cobalt blue accent will enhance the exotic look of the space.” A set is at $1,299. The Charm Garden “The Charm aesthetic works well in the garden setting — the colours of the spring blooms add a little bit of whimsy to the classically-styled furniture. Again, pattern is key. Since the pops of colour tend to be limited to accessories, mixing in a variety of texture, such as an outdoor rug, can create visual interest.” A set is at $999.
TimberTech’s PVC decks .
The indoors-out trend means even more, says Gagne. “We’re seeing a move in interior design to the outdoors. This means we are seeing typical interior finishes and textures like weathered, reclaimed and washed wood making their way into outdoor decorating. There is a growing demand for rustically-inspired outdoor accents like Adirondack chairs, copper light fixtures, red brick and pine for a fresh cottage inspired décor scheme for backyards.” And just as fireplaces are a desired feature inside, fire pits are ‘hot’ outside items, says Mikkelsen. “Wow — we have seen a huge increase in interest in outdoor gas-burning fire pits. A fire pit creates focus for your friends and family outside and the extra heat is a nice bonus. Round shapes are popular, but our contemporary, rectangular units are moving even faster.” Their popular fire pits can be anywhere from $200 to almost $2,000. And, of course, everything is anchored by the deck — a must-have for those cosy, fun outdoor gatherings. Over at Rona, the most popular deck choices today are pressure-treated wood and cedar, especially for the quality and price, says Arcand. “They’re easy to work with and have limited maintenance.” At TimberTech all of the products are either composite (wood and plastic) or PVC. “They are easy care and easy maintenance, not needing any sealing or staining,” says Mimi Peavy, associate marketing manager. NL
“...We are seeing typical interior finishes and textures like weathered, reclaimed and washed wood making their way into outdoor decorating.” m ay 2 0 1 3 n e w h o m e L i v i n g 5 7
giving back
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Lending a hand
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By Andrea Cox
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helter is one of our most basic needs and it is something that we here in Canada take for granted. But those in developing countries aren’t so blessed. That’s why on March 4th, 15 members of the Hopewell Residential team made the trek to Guatemala’s small mountain town of San Miguel Dueñas to build houses for families in need. “We have a really strong charitable mandate, but up until now we have mostly done things locally,” says Scott Hamilton, senior manager, marketing and community relations for Hopewell Residential Communities, noting that the inspiration to help out with shelter in a developing country really came from Hopewell’s long-term partner, Stepper Homes. “They have been doing it for three years in El Salvador and it started us thinking about doing things a little bit differently.” Hopewell worked with Developing World Connections, a non-profit society that provides opportunities for volunteers to work with host partners around the globe to find the perfect fit. The goal was to help out with shelter and offer community support. Local sponsors in Calgary — Brad Remington Homes, Borger
In two weeks the hopewell team ... built two tin homes, two tin kitchens and one cinder block home, as well as painted a local school.
The 15-member Hopewell team in San Miguel Dueñas.
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Construction, Excel Homes, Kidco Construction, Scotiabank, Western Canadian Bank, Prominent Homes, Stepper Homes, Stantec, M.A. P. Group of Companies and Volker Stevin — contributed supplies, paint and construction materials for the project. Hopewell also provided resources, and of course, the manpower. Developing World Connections hooked up the Hopewell team with the Open Windows Foundation in San Miguel Dueñas to assist with a house building initiative. In two weeks the Hopewell team, comprised of members from nearly every department from architects to marketing, built two tin homes, two tin kitchens and one cinder block home, as well as painted a local school. But the trip was about much more than building homes: it was about connecting with the local people and experiencing a new perspective on life. “When the opportunity came up, I didn’t hesitate for a second. It was yes from the get go,” says 31-year-old Celene Carey, a five-and-a-half year veteran in Hopewell’s marketing department. “When it was announced, it was so exciting. I’d never done anything like this before.” But that excitement soon morphed into joy for Carey, who was assigned to assist with building the cinder block home. “I became very attached to the family — in particular the five-year-old son who was in my arms
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giving back
Hopewell builds hopes and dreams in Guatemala
the whole time,” she recalls, adding that she has never experienced such a feeling of anticipation and sheer joy. “I loved being there. Just to get there every morning and see them. They are just such happy people and so warm and to be doing something so wonderful for them — it was such a unique experience.” Most of the 12,000 inhabitants of the agricultural town of San Miguel Dueñas, about 30 kilometres southwest of Guatemala City, experience extreme poverty, struggling to meet their basic needs and many live as squatters in tin shacks. Some families are lucky enough to own land — like the Gonzalez family, the recipient family of the cinder block home. With two parents and three boys aged 5, 11 and 14, it was challenging to share a 300-square-foot tin shack with a curtain for a door. The father was unable to work at his job as a security guard at a coffee plantation because he had severely injured his back. But many families weren’t even that fortunate — they have no jobs and no home. But the Hopewell team was there to help make a difference. The 15 Hopewell volunteers were divided into two teams — one working on the cinder block home and the other on the tin homes. For the most part, the homes weren’t built with fancy tools or materials, and pretty much everything was done by hand. Every batch of concrete was hand mixed and poured, bucket by bucket. The cinder block home was constructed from concrete blocks, all held in place by rebar
the team learned fi rst- hand that the most simple of things can make the most monumental change.
and mortar. “It was not building like you would see (in Calgary). They had their system and it worked. Scaffolding was planks of wood on bricks, to ensure something was level they used string. We bought tools like hammers and trowels but nothing mechanical or electrical,” says Carey. The families worked alongside the teams — the injured father sat and worked so he didn’t have to use his back, the mom made food. As schooling is a luxury after elementary (you have to pay to attend) the 14 year old worked all day with the adults too. The team worked eight hours a day for two weeks to complete the project, spending the nights in half an hour away in Antigua. “Every night we would go to the hotel Celene Carey with her and take the longest shower we could — we were friend, 5-year-old oscar. covered in dirt and mud,” says Carey with a laugh. “The best part was when we handed over the keys,” says Carey. “It was pretty emotional for them and for us. It was their first home with a door. Now they can lock up their possessions and feel safe.” Without a doubt the trip was impactful, expanding and profound not only for the families in Guatemala, but also for those on the Hopewell team. The team learned first-hand that the most simple of things can make the most monumental change. “My heart grew a million times. It opened my eyes to the true meaning of life and really reinforced my belief that happiness comes from within. In Calgary we do really suffer from the bigger, better syndrome. We don’t stop and enjoy the real things that make you happy because we are all in a race to achieve the illusion that the more things you have the happier you will be,” says Carey with wisdom well beyond her years, noting that it was also an amazing team building experience. “We all now share this unspoken bond.” nL m ay 2 0 1 3 n e w h o m e l i v i n g
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2012 SAM Awards winners announced
Tight competition marks 26th Calgary home builders’ awards night
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trong competition in a crowded race marked this year’s SAM Awards, with top honours going to Calbridge 2010 Ltd. as the Grand SAM Builder of the Year. “The competition was very close this year, with 40 different companies taking home at least one of the 61 awards,” says Shane Wenzel, chairman of the SAM awards committee. “The most any one company won was four awards (Streetside Development Corp). That shows the value that our members place in these prestigious awards — and it’s a real testament to the Grand SAM winners that they reached the pinnacle. Congratulations to each of them.” The SAM Awards celebrate innovation and excellence in the Calgary and area’s residential construction industry. The Gala was held on April 13 at the Telus Convention Centre with more than 1,600 people in attendance and a record number of submissions (758) from members vying for the prestigious awards. New Community of the Year: Watermark at Bearspaw by Watermark Developments
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GRAND SAM AWARDS WINNERS Partner of the Year
• LUX WINDOWS AND GLASS LTD. Renovator of the Year
• ALBI RENOVA LTD. Builder of Merit
• DOUGLAS HOMES LTD. Multi-Family Builder of the Year
Show Home Parade of the Year: The Preserve Series by Brookfield Residential
• STREETSIDE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Builder of the Year
• CALBRIDGE 2010 LTD.
Builder of the Year: Calbridge 2010 Ltd.
DEVELOPER AWARDS
Show Home Parade of the Year • BROOKFIELD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES INC. The Preserve Series New Community of the Year • WATERMARK DEVELOPMENT LP Watermark at Bearspaw Community of the Year – City of Calgary • HOPEWELL RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES LP Mahogany, Calgary Community of the Year – Calgary Region • WATERMARK DEVELOPMENT LP Watermark at Bearspaw, Rocky View County
INDUSTRY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Best Innovation: Idea/Service • LANDMARK HOMES (CALGARY) INC. NetZero Homes
Best Innovation: Product/Technology • TRICO HOMES Project WOW – www.tricoprojectwow.com
MULTI-FAMILY COMMUNITY AWARDS
Best Multi-Family Community • HOMES BY AVI URBAN (2006) INC. Victoria Cross, Phase Two, Currie Barracks, Calgary
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Best New Home - $310,000-$349,999: Ascent by Sabal Homes
The best-of-the-best 2012 Grand SAM Winners were: Builder of the Year – Calbridge 2010 Ltd.; Builder of Merit – Douglas Homes Ltd.; Multi-Family Builder of the Year – Streetside Development Corp.; Renovator of the Year – Albi Renova Ltd.; and Partner of the Year – Lux Windows and Glass Ltd. “Congratulations to everyone who not only won an award, but reached the finalist stage. We had 105 companies competing this year, including two dozen who had never entered the competition before and five brand new members,” says Wendy Going, vice-chairman of the SAMs. “With the competition so tough, it’s obvious all who made it to the finalist category had the right combination of quality, innovation and marBest New Home - up to $199,999: The Greenbriar Bayside ket value — and that means by Genesis Builders Group the true winners are the new home buyers.” The following SAM Awards categories (the number of awards in each category follows in brackets) were given out: Advertising & Marketing Awards (8), Developer Awards (4), Industry Achievement Awards (2), Multi-Family Awards (11), New Home Awards (15), Partner Awards (3), Renovator Awards (7), Sales Achievement Awards (4), Sales & Information Centre Awards (2), and the GRAND SAM Awards (5). GRAND SAM Awards are presented to the Builder, Renovator and Partner that have demonstrated a superior achievement in design, sales, advertising and/or service. NL
For the complete list of winners, visit www.samawards.com
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Best New Home - $535,000-$599,999: Waterford in The Ridges of Valley Pointe Estates by Homes by Avi (Calgary) Inc.
NEW HOME AWARDS Best New Home – up to $199,999
• GENESIS BUILDERS GROUP INC. The Greenbriar Bayside Phase 7, 2304 Baywater Crescent, Airdrie
Best New Home – $200,000-$229,999 • NUVISTA HOMES LTD. The Bailey III, 26 Redstone Common NE, Calgary
Best New Home – $230,000-$269,999 • VESTA PROPERTIES LTD. Williamstown, 1805 Reunion Terrace NW, Airdrie
Best New Home - $400,000-$459,999: Willow Creek Mahogany by Stepper Customs Homes Inc
Best New Home – $270,000-$309,999 • DOUGLAS HOMES LTD. Koh Samui 6 Rainbow Falls, 188 Seagreen Way, Chestermere
Best New Home – $310,000-$349,999 • SABAL HOMES LP Ascent in Copperfield, 58 Copperpond Heath SE, Calgary
Best New Home – $350,000-$399,999 • HOMES BY AVI (CALGARY) INC. Stampede Rotary Dream Home 2012, Private
Best New Home – $400,000-$459,999 • STEPPER CUSTOM HOMES INC. Willow Creek Mahogany, 340 Mahogany Blvd SE, Calgary
Best New Home – $460,000-$534,999 • TRUMAN HOMES The Bristol in Aspen Woods Estates, Private
Best New Home – $535,000-$599,999 • HOMES BY AVI (CALGARY) INC. Waterford in The Ridges of Valley Pointe Estates, 274 Valley Pointe Way NW, Calgary
Best New Home – $600,000-$699,999 • TRUMAN HOMES Millenium, 971 73 Street SW, Calgary
Best New Home – $700,000-$849,999 • WESTVIEW BUILDERS INC. The Vanderbilt, 60 Elmont Rise SW, Calgary
Best New Home - $850,000-$999,999 • CALBRIDGE 2010 LTD. Baines Residence, Private
Best New Home - $1,000,000-$1,499,999 • CAPSTONE CUSTOM HOMES INC. Lott Creek Custom Home in Lott Creek Estates, Private
Best New Home - $1,500,000-$2,299,999 • VERANDA ESTATE HOMES INC. Custom Bearspaw Residence, Private
Best New Home - $850,000-$999,999: Baines Residence by Calbridge 2010 Ltd.
Best New Home - $2,300,000 and over • MCKINLEY MASTERS The Cézanne, Private
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around town By Pepper Rodriguez
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new mahogany parade
source media group raffl e winner
CALGARY’S PREMIERE LAKE community is pulling out all the stops it seems, as Hopewell Residential Communities unveils their newest show home parade in Mahogany, the third to open since the year began. The latest is comprised of eight laned show homes from Sabal Homes and Stepper Custom Homes in Mahogany’s Lakeland Collection. “Mahogany’s Lakeland Collection laned homes bring timeless architectural style, spacious floor plans and character-rich detailing to an incredible location only steps from Calgary’s largest freshwater lake,” says Scott Hamilton, Senior Manager, Marketing and Community Relations for Hopewell Residential Communities. “These homes offer value for your dollar, as floor plans make sense, lot sizes are generous, and Mahogany’s active lake lifestyle brings a four-season amenity to your doorstep.” Minutes from the beach, greenspace and wetlands, Mahogany’s most recent offering features lots ranging in size from 28- to 30-feet wide, with homes ranging from 1,300 to 1,800 square-feet. Prices start from the $330,000s. Hopewell had earlier opened new show homes for their Lakeside Estate Homes from the $600,000s, and the premium Lakefront Estate photos are from mahogany’s lakeside Homes from the $1.3 million. estate homes collection
JERRY MORAS WON the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 grand prize for the Source Media Group raffle during the recent Calgary Home + Garden show. Moras, a CIR Realty agent, says he attended the show held at the Stampede Park from February 28 to March 3 to show his customers all the latest innovations in home design and improvement. “I wanted (my customers) to see all these great products for the home that will help them settle into their new home,” Moras tells Around Town. “I just entered the Source Media Group draw for the fun of it, without expecting to win at all.” Moras lives in the community of Tuscany in the northwest with his wife, Anita, and two kids, Alister, 13, and Jessica, 10. They moved to Calgary five years ago from India. “Living in Calgary is still a learning experience, but being a realtor helps me know the city better, and it also allows Jerry moras (2nd from left) and kids, me to help people find their Jessica (left) and alister (far right). home, too.” Source Media Group has booths at the biggest home shows in Calgary, Edmonton, Okotoks, Red Deer and beyond. Be sure to drop by the next time and see what other cool giveaways we have in store.
calgary has its next top artist HOMES BY AVI, Gibson Fine Art and the Calgary Stampede Lotteries are pleased to announce Caroline Stanley as the winner of the the award-winning builder’s Next Top Artist Contest. Caroline’s work will be featured in the 2013 Stampede Rotary Dream Home, an official unveiling will be held at Gibson Fine Art on May 1.
cardel’s 40th bash CARDEL HOMES MARKED 40 years of homebuilding the only way it knows how: by giving away thousands of dollars in customer prizes, including televisions, digital cameras, iPads, gift cards and more, throughout the year. Cardel homebuyers in 2013 are automatically entered to win one of the $20,000 worth of prizes, more information is available at their show homes. But prize or not, they still win with the quality and value of a Cardel home. Established in 1973 by Del and Caryl Ockey, two former schoolteachers, Cardel has since become a leading Calgary home-
builder, achieving the highest combined single family and multi family building permit volume for the past seven consecutive years in the city of Calgary. Over the last four decades, Cardel has built close to 8,000 homes in Calgary, Ottawa, Denver and Tampa, where the company has operations. From single-family homes to multi-family townhomes and condos — even resort properties — Cardel offers a dynamic lineup of innovative models designed to meet the needs of today’s lifestyles, with solutions available for almost any budget. n m ay 2 0 1 3 n e w h o m e l i v i n g
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calgary map n Northwest/Northeast
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calgary map n Southwest
Chestermere
Rainbow Falls · Westcreek · Westmere
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Southeast/Calgary area n calgary map
AIRDRIE
OKOTOKS
COCHRANE m ay 2 0 1 3 n e w h o m e L i v i n g 7 5
advertiser index  n Artesia Heritage Point page 48
Genesis Builders Canals Landing page 42
ATB pages 40-41
Genesis Land Bayside page 43
NuVista Homes page 33 Professional Home Builders Institute page 19
Baywest Market Street Homes page 79
Golf For Girls page 52
Riverwood Black Diamond page 62
Bri-mor West Grove Estates page 77
Hopewell Communities Mahogany page 9
Sabal Homes Heron Pointe page 71
Brookfield Homes Side-by-side page 68
Hopewell Communities Copperfield page 59
Servus Credit Union page 21
Brookfield Residential New Brighton page 47
Hunter Douglas page 26
Shane Homes Nolan Hill FC, pages 16-18, 80
Calbridge Homes page 6
Innovations by Jayman Skyview Ranch page 20
Tamani Communities Riversong page 32
Cardel Homes Chapparal Valley pages 14-15
Jager Homes Rainbow Falls page 63
United Communities Drake Landing page 53
Cedarglen Homes Auburn Bay page 27
Jayman MasterBUILT page 58
United Communities Nolan Hill page 25
Dundee Developments Evans Ridge page 38 Dundee Developments Montrose page 76 Emerald Sovereign Court page 48
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Landmark Homes page 4 Legacy Homes West Pines pages 2-3 McKee Homes page 37 Morrison Homes page 31
Vesta Properties Williamstown page 5 Walton Developments Skyview Ranch page 54 Watermark Bearspaw page 11
hope at large By Marty Hope
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Desert connection Phoenix home prices up, but Canadians can still find bargains A rebounding Phoenix housing market doesn’t mean Canadian homebuyers are out of the game. It does mean, though, that the stakes have gone up. Among the hardest hit regions of the country when the downturn pummeled the economy of the United States starting in 2007, home prices and sales in Phoenix have started to rebound in a big way. Figures from the Arizona State University and RL Brown Reports show that for 2012 the median price rocketed up by approximately 34 per cent while foreclosures plunged 46 per cent from the previous year. “It’s far too late for Canadians to capitalize on the bargains that existed in 2009 through 2011,” says Mike Orr, director of the Centre for Real Estate Theory at the W. P. Carey School of Business. “However, prices are still going up and likely will continue to do so until a significantly greater supply comes to the market.” Orr adds that Canadian buyers represent about three per cent of the Phoenix area housing market, peaking at around five per cent two years ago. A decade ago, Canadians made up 0.1 per cent of the buyers. Orr also says that in a typical month about three-quarters of all homes are bought by people with Arizona addresses, the other quarter is from out of state and out of the country. “We do get a lot of interest from Canadians — and that been true for several years now — partly due to the strength of the Canadian dollar which means they get value because they are paying in Canadian dollars. “It’s also partly because the province of Alberta and Calgary in particular, are doing very well with their oil sands industry, so people 7 8 n e w home liv in g may 2013
are making money up there,” Orr says. Regarding out of state buyers, Orr adds that Canadians have taken over first spot as the most active, disMike Orr placing Californians. What’s going to happen with Canadian buyers as the housing turnaround continues is still up in the air, especially as the price trend continues up. “We think Phoenix home prices will appreciate 12 per cent in 2013, another 12 per cent in 2014, and 10 per cent the year after that,” says national housing analyst John The Boulders resort, just north of Scottsdale, offers vacation casitas Burns. for rent as well as homes for sale. For more information visit www.bouldersrealestate.com The vast majority of out of state buyers, including Canadians, are cash buyers, says Orr. Marty Hope. For more than And many who are selling properties prefer to deal. two decades Marty Hope has been “At the moment, cash is king, especially if you’re reporting on the housing and in a multiple offer situation,” he says. “The seller development industry in Calgary, will often take the cash deal even if it’s not the throughout Alberta, and across highest bid because they’re confident that it’s going Canada. In March, he was presented with the Maple Leaf to go through.” Award from the Canadian Home While the Phoenix market is expected to continue Builders’ Association which is to gain strength, it will do so — at least, until next given annually to a non-builder fall is concerned, without much activity from Snowmember in Canada for birds north of the 49th Parallel. NL contributions to the industry.