DOMUS Winter 2013 by Source Media Group

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contents issue 03 • winter 2013

18 expressions 8

art scene

Calgary’s vibrant arts scene is spotlighted in our photo feature of some of the city’s most intriguing art galleries

editor’s choice 12

32 ON THE COVER: Architect Roger White and interior designer Paul Lavoie collaborated to bring about this distinctive, one-of-a-kind home in Crescent Heights. It is valued at $11.5 million but it’s not only its striking architecture that’s commendable, as the 360-degree views of the city and its environs it offers makes it priceless. Photo courtesy John Hripko.

transcendent beauty

European flair brings out the best in Mount Royal mansion

innovations 18

top of the charts

Record-setting prices, but Calgary’s ultimate condo units still affordable

european style

Dispatches from the design world in Europe

home spotlight 22 the ames BY augusta fine homes

Take a look inside this $1.2 million grand prize show home for the STARS Lottery

28 baywood estate homes

Right by the exclusive Priddis Greens golf club, this $1.75 million manse is a golfer’s dream home

32 calgary’s $11.5 million home

This Crescent Heights masterpiece brings family home to a new level of artisty w i n t e r 2 01 3 • D O M U S •

editor’s message

Musings on the million-dollar market The way Calgary’s luxury home market is going, the Barenaked Ladies’ “If I Had A Million Dollars” will be rendered meaningless by the soaring prices and Alice Cooper’s “Billion Dollar Babies” may be a more apt theme song. According to the City of Calgary’s 2013 property assessments, there are now 9,001 singlefamily homes assessed at $1 million or more, passing the previous high in 2008 at the height of the last real estate boom when there were 8,262 homes in the city assessed at this level. The highest assessed home this year is a whopping $19.79 million 15,000-square-footplus mansion in Pump Hill. The second is a $9.03 million beauty in Aspen Woods. Both communities are in Calgary’s sought after southwest quadrant. We try to capture the high spirits of this robust market in the current issue, where we feature a wide selection of some of Calgary’s most breathtaking homes. And how much more breathtaking can they be than our cover of the $11.5 million home in Crescent Heights N.W. that’s part of our Home Spotlight section. It’s a one-of-a-kind home in everything that matters, from the Guggenheim-inspired rotunda to the 360-degree views of the city available from almost everywhere in the home. It is, as of this writing, the top listing on Calgary’s MLS — one look inside and you’ll know why. Our other Home Spotlight features puts into perspective the kinds of multi-million-dollar homes available in the city and its environs. We have the $1.75 million Baywood Estates Home in Hawk’s Landing in Priddis, which has the expansiveness and design creativity needed in a luxury home, but having the prestigious Priddis Greens Golf & County Club as your backyard makes it a priceless golfers’ paradise. We also have this year’s STARS Lottery grand prize show home — The Ames by Augusta Fine Homes, a builder that has been recognized not only for their lavish, top quality show homes but their generosity as well. Think of it, this $1.2 million home can be yours for the price of a ticket, and your supporting a good cause. We also feature a spectacular home on Earl Grey Crescent in Mount Royal in the Editor’s Choice section. Valued at $3.99 million, it is a true representation of the kind of luxury lifestyle homes in this tony, historic part of town. Richard White also takes us on a tour of the wide array of multi-million-dollar penthouses that give new meaning to the phrase “high life.” And Aly Velji, fresh from attending one of the best know design shows in Cologne, Germany, gives us the low-down on emerging design trends in Europe. Any of the homes we feature would be worthy as a pinup in the world’s best homes publications, we’re honoured to have them here in our pages — and there are plenty more of them in and around Calgary. Let Domus open your eyes to the possibilities, like it has mine.

PUBLISHER

Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Jim Zang jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca Editor

Pepper Rodriguez pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca ART director

Jean Faye Rodriguez jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca graphic designers

Lama Azhari lama.azhari@sourcemediagroup.ca

Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca

Megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITORIAL ASSIsTANT

Aaliya Essa aaliya.essa@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITORIAL

Alykhan Velji, Richard White PHOTOGRAPHY

Jamie Bezemer, Bruce Edward ADVERTISING SALES

Steve MacGillivray steve.macgillivray@sourcemediagroup.ca accounting

Donna Roberts accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca

Issue 03 • ISSN 1929-4581 (Print) ISSN 1929-459X (online) Copyright 2013 by Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publishers. Source Media Group 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. DOMUS™ is published three times per annum with copies available for distribution at select locations.

Pepper Rodriguez, Editor pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca

DOMUS™ accepts editorial submissions by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions including all personal information to: pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca. Unsolicited submissions will not be returned. Advertising information available only by request. Contact: Source Media Group Corp., 207, 5809 Macleod Trail S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9; Tel 403.532.3101 Toll free 1.888.932.3101; www.sourcemediagroup.ca

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art

calgary’s canvas Gainsborough Galleries

441 5 Avenue S.W. art@gainsboroughgalleries.com

n 3 Man Show Saturday, March 23 n Rod Charlesworth Saturday, April 27 n Ron Hedrick & Jessica Hedrick Saturday, May 11

Webster Galleries Inc. 812 11 Avenue S.W. info@webstergalleries.com

n Three Colorists: Réal Fournier, Clement Lemieux & Nicole St. Pierre February 2 - 28. Iceberg Sousles étoiles

“Metal butterfly” Tom Coyle is an artist that has refined his talent by working with metal, it was the very glow of the molten metal that allured him. Originally from Minnesota, where he had worked in a garage, he is now a self taught jeweler and sculptor. Galleria

n Reverie’s Muse — New works by Denis Chiasson & Marie-Eve Cournoyer March 2 - 31. Opening Reception: March 2, 10 – 6 p.m.

“La valse d ‘automne” Charles Carson is an acclaimed Master of Fine Arts, which is just one of the many awards he has been given for his extraordinary artwork. He is originally from Trio of Ballerinas

Montreal, though through his work he has been able to travel

Axis

203, 100 7 Avenue S.W. info@axisart.com

n Christine Wignall Sculpture February 14 – 23 Opening: February 14, 5 – 8 p.m.

all around the globe, his exhibits have been displayed in the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America. Charles is recognized on an international level, art historians and experts alike have taken a keen notice at his technique, which they have named “Carsonism.” Inglewood FINE ARTS

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art scene

and soul “Forever” Winner of JPG Magazine’s shoot out contest in 2012, Jeff Cruz is a self-taught photographer, with a unique vision for taking photos. Jeff’s non-conventional approach to photography allows him to create images that do not exist anywhere except his mind, and through his lens they come to life, as can be seen in his “Forever” photo. Jeff Cruz

“Extraction” Karl Skaret, originally from Camrose, Alberta, studied art at the Red Deer College and at the Alberta College of Art. Karl’s landscape paintings are of the natural beauty that surrounded him on the farm, in his hometown. He is now painting abstract pieces, and he continues to create art that is both vibrant and enchanting. The Collectors’ Gallery of Art

“The bowl” Luigi Onesto, born in Murano Italy, was taught at a young age about the complexity of glass, working with it and transforming it. Onesto began his apprenticeship at Gambaro & Poggi when he was just 15. “Sommerso” is a technique that involves incorporating layers of different colours, which when combined create a fascinating design, as seen in his work. Circa w i n t e r 2 01 3 • D O M U S •

art scene

“Hokusai’s wave” Christin Dewald is an artist that loves to enhance her work by adding her own personal experience to her paintings. As can be seen in the Hokusai’s wave, this depicts a memorable moment in her life, as she had grown up near a mural of the painting herself. Now a local artist in Calgary, she is a teacher to many young students and uses her skills to encourage others to enhance theirs. 4Cats Arts Studio

“Wooden vase” Maurice Gamblin has a unique talent of turning wood, each piece made by this artist, is a reflection of the true beauty in the wood itself. He commonly uses cherry, maple, birch, and cedar burls, which can be found near his home in Perth-Andover, New Brunswick. Galleria

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calgary’s canvas Herringer Kiss Art Gallery

Glenbow Museum

n Exposure 2013 “Tales for Tuktu” – New photographs by Eszter Burghardt February 2 - 23

n Fred Herzog: Street Photography January 26 – April 28

730 Eleventh Avenue S.W. info@newzones.com

“The Fish” Romano Dona, originally from Murano Italy, was awarded the Premio Murano for glass masters in 1987; he has worked with masters from a young age beginning with his father. Romano has a knack for transforming glass; he has an amazing insight on how to work with his materials and push the boundaries of working with glass. Circa

“My Backyard Dream” Sheila Kernan has an extraordinary ability to

130 9th Avenue S.E. glenbow@glenbow.com

n Made in Calgary: 1960s February 23 – April 28

n New Work by Bill Laing, RCA March 3 - 31 Opening Reception: Saturday, March 3, from 2 – 5 p.m.

Inglewood FINE ARTS

n New Photographs by Laurel Johannesson May 12 – June 9 Opening Reception, Saturday, May 12, 2 – 5 p.m.

n Hydrosphere I Photographer Andrew Millar Annual Exposure festival February 9 – 28

1223B 9th Avenue SE info@inglewoodfinearts.com

Newzones

730 Eleventh Avenue S.W. info@newzones.com

n Dianne Bos “La Porte: New Images From An Old World” February 2 – April 4

Hydrosphere I

n Perception Group exhibition February 2 – February 28 n Cathy Daley New Drawings March 2 – April 4 Opening Reception: Saturday, March 2, 1 – 4 pm

Perception Group

La Porte: New Images From An Old World

transform city, prairie, and mountain landscape interpretations onto canvas. She creates her own vibrant utopias teeming with life, depth and colour. Sheila is an active member of Federation of Canadian Artists, she has been granted full membership into the Alberta Society of Artists, and has been honoured with the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour’s Julia’s Griffith memorial Award. Sheila Kernan

Cathy Daley New Drawings

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editor’s choice

Transcendent

beauty European flair brings out the best in Mount Royal mansion story By pepper rodriguez n PHOTOGRAPHY BY Jamie Bezemer

ention the name of this neighbourhood to any Calgarian, and they will recognize it as one of the wealthiest, most exclusive communities in town. Mount Royal is Calgary’s equivalent to the ultratony Rosedale area of Toronto, or the well heeled Shaughnessy or Point Grey subdivisions in Vancouver, and any discussion of multi-million-dollar homes in this city would have to include this exclusive inner city enclave.

This affluent southwest neighbourhood, with curvy tree-lined streets, and spacious lots — some with terrific ridge views — is not only one of Calgary’s richest but also one of its most historic. And it is one of the reasons why the owner of this Earl Grey Crescent mansion decided to live here. “It’s an old neighbourhood for Calgary, there’s some history in it that we liked, the views are great and that you’re just a short way away from downtown,” the homeowner says. “The southwest facing backyard also lets us enjoy the sunshine throughout the home.” With its gently sloping roof pitch, a rich, brick and stucco exterior with huge windows throughout, the timeless grandeur for this Mount Royal mansion blends well with its corner lot location just off Earl Grey Park at the heart of this neighbourhood. But the sophisticated interior design with its unmistakable European flair is the soul of this $3.99 million home. » 12

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editor’s choice

“We were living in Paris before coming here, and the European flavour of the design was one of the things that attracted us to this house.”

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The European influence of its interior design should come as no surprise, as the owners are from the Old World. “We were living in Paris before coming here, and the European flavour of the design was one of the things that attracted us to this house,” says the owner, an oil and gas executive who declined to be identified for this feature. “The high ceilings reminded us of our Paris apartment and the oversized triple-pane windows bring in a lot of natural light that adds to the character of the home,” he adds. The home was originally built in 1949, and has undergone extensive renovation that included adding a third level upstairs. It now offers a total of 5,800 square-feet of living space with five bedrooms (a sixth can be easily added), five bathrooms plus a half-bath and more than enough space to entertain. Oak hardwood flooring and designer tile combine in the spacious entryway to create an elegant introduction to the home. The formal dining room with its tall, coffered ceiling and matching expansive windows, speaks volumes for the executive elegance of the home. With its ornate lighting features, it lends an amazing Old World ambience that makes it the perfect backdrop for black-tie dinners. The kitchen is a study in an efficiently functional yet stylish workspace. There’s a wide, white granite topped island in the centre of this gourmet kitchen that acts not only as a perfect setting for informal dinners and gatherings, but as a breakfast nook for quick meals with the kids. French Country style cabinetry and a butcher’s block island adds to the functional glamour and the high-end Sub-Zero and Wolf stainless steel kitchen appliances give the basics some bling. »

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editor’s choice

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White wall paneling adds a distinct touch of character to the sitting room next to the kitchen, a fireplace (one of several in the home) and tasteful artwork give the room an air of warmth and style. Oak hardwood flooring blends well with luxurious tile, some ornately designed with glass inlays, to give the home an unmistakable elegance. The library by the front entrance offers residents a place to get lost among the books. There are several sitting rooms around the house, all of them extremely well lit with big windows that allow you a chance to be alone with your thoughts, or sip some wine with company. Up a few flights of stairs, the second level is an office, a large family room and a huge bedroom with a five-piece attached ensuite. “This used to be the master bedroom, but we felt we needed to expand and had a third level built.” They have the new master bedroom up there with (impossible as it may sound) an even more luxurious attached ensuite. “There’s a real spa-feel here, like what you’d expect from a boutique hotel.” The walk-in closet in the master bedroom is more spacious than most of today’s apartments, with classy built-in drawers and shelves and even a centre table for all the fashion accessories. Vaulted ceilings add to the enormous appeal of the home. Down a few steps from the main floor is the lower level that features a large recreation room, two bedrooms, a four-piece bath, and an elegant wine cellar that can hold as many as 500 bottles. “We like entertaining and it’s always good to have wine in the house,” he says. Speaking of entertaining, you can do worse than the big outdoor pool and built-in barbecue station in the large patio area. This big backyard is enclosed by the triple car garage for privacy. Even on a cold, wintry day the backyard still looks inviting and you can just imagine the potential for fun here in the warmer months. An undoubted bonus is the panoramic views

of the downtown, especially from the upper floors. The owner confided that the new owner of the house across the street is actually demolishing the home, which would afford them an even more unobstructed view. “The new owner bought the three lots across the street from

our house and he says he will be clearing away all the structures on it now and just build one home in the centre, which will give us an even more incredible view.” Apparently, that’s just the way things are done in this part of town. D

“There are several sitting rooms around the house, all of them extremely well lit with big windows that gives you a chance to be alone with your thoughts, or sip some wine with company.” w i n t e r 2 01 3 • D O M U S •

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eye on custom homes

top of the charts Record-setting prices, but Calgary’s ultimate condo units still affordable n By richard white

ooking down at the bejewelled delight that is Calgary at night, with the dusky Rockies in the backdrop is a million-dollar sight, and the high-rise homes these panoramic views are available from have prices to match. In May 2012, Calgary set a record for highest recorded sale price of a condo in the city’s history — $8.99 million. Yes, it was a penthouse! Yes, it was 5,626 square-feet! Yes, it had a huge (2,950-square-foot) rooftop patio! And, yes it was on the Elbow River in the tony The River condo in Mission district! But almost $9 million? I did a little research and found out the buyer probably got a bargain if you compare the purchase price to other penthouse purchases internationally. The highest price I found was $221 million for a 25,000-square-foot condo in London, U.K. In New York, I found two condos testing the $100 million benchmark. In New York’s CitySpire building, an 8,000-square-foot trophy condo on the 73, 74 and 75 floors, with its 135 windows has an asking price of $100 million. The penthouse in midtown Manhattan’s One57 building (the building where the crane collapsed during Hurricane Sandy) is 11,000 square-feet on the 89/90th floors and features 23-foot ceilings (height matters in penthouse condos) is listed for $90 million. Closer to home, the highest priced condo in Canada was a $28 million penthouse in West Residence of the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. There was also a $21 million, 4,015-square-foot condo in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour with 1,800-square-foot balcony. At $1,600-per-squarefoot The River’s penthouse in Calgary was a steal of a deal compared to the $5,000 and $10,000-per-square-foot in those other major markets.

Calgary’s Penthouse palaces If you are in the market for a premium top floor aerie of your own, a quick review of Calgary’s MLS listing in early December revealed there are several other penthouses available in the one to three million dollar range — in Eau Claire, Mission, Victoria Park and 17th Avenue. The largest, a 4,396-square-foot condo in Eau Claire Estates is listed at $2.7 million — a relative “steal” at only $614-per-square-foot. Built in 1981, this Bow River condo was ahead of its time. It features not only a spacious living space for the owner, but a two-bedroom, twobathroom guest quarters. It also has a commanding 360-degree view of downtown, the Rockies and the Bow River Valley. If that isn’t enough, it comes with four parking stalls. »

It also has a commanding 360-degree view of downtown, the Rockies and the Bow River Valley.

View from The Montana Penthouse. Photo courtesy Courtney Schluessel. w i n t e r 2 01 3 • D O M U S •

Only a few blocks away in Churchill Estates is a 3,390-square-foot condo with three decks and three parking stalls; asking price is $2,849,000. This condo encompasses the entire 11th floor and while it doesn’t have the expansive views of the taller buildings, it boasts European elegance inside and out and is full of high tech upgrades. If you want don’t want to live right downtown, there is a penthouse suite in the Montana, just a block off 17th Avenue right next to the Nelly McClung house. $2.2 million will get you 2,305 square-feet of uber luxury on the 29th floor with sweeping views of mountains, skyline and river valley. This condo was the developers’, and includes over $500,000 in upgrades including African Walnut cabinets and marble flooring. The massive master suite includes a private balcony and a walk-in-closet to die for. Five-star concierge services, are also offered. 20

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Next door, at Emerald Stone, is a $2.295 million unit with 17-foot ceilings — important for bragging rights. This 2,568-square-foot condo also boasts a two-story master suite complete with waterfall and fireplace — talk about owner’s retreat! Three patios provide you with spectacular unobstructed views west, north and south. Or how about living in the heart of downtown at Le Germain Residences? A two bedroom, 2,178-square-foot penthouse on the 19th floor is going for $1,995,000. Living on top of Hotel Le Germain has its advantages with its access to housekeeping, valet parking, Charcut catering, Sante Spa and concierge services — could it get any better?! Basically walk out your front door and you are on Stephen Avenue Walk — a shoppers’ and foodies’ paradise. Two minutes and you are at the Epcor Performing Arts Centre. No need for a car — but, just in case, it comes with two, gated parking stalls.

(Photos above) This Churchill Estates condo ecompasses the entire 11th floor and while it doesn’t have the expansive views of the taller buildings, it boasts European elegance inside and out and it is full of tech upgrades. Photo courtesy Julie Dempsey

(right) Penthouses at The Montana by Procura Developments have floor plans that maximize enjoyment of the views. Photo by Jean Faye Rodriguez

eye on custom homes

Cool factor This kind of high-flying lifestyle remains popular, and is considered a prized status symbol — there are few things that can compare to the stature a penthouse offers. It’s where the captains of industry rightfully roost. “It’s life on top of the world,” is how Sherry Schluessel of Procura Developments calls it. After all, who wouldn’t be impressed with such a home, even just the (private) elevator ride to the top would be enough to give anyone a thrill. Procura is the developer behind The Montana and Emerald Stone, and they know a thing or two about building penthouses. “The important thing, of course, is the views so floor plans have to maximize the availability of residents to enjoy their surroundings, big balconies where owners can entertain at their leisure is also a big consideration,” she adds. The location of the building itself plays a role, of course, but that depends more on ones’ lifestyle. You may want to live in the middle of all the action in downtown, in a less busy innercity enclave, or amidst the tranquility of the suburbs. Calgary does offer all of those choices. The walk-ability score MLS listing now include the “Walk Score” for each property. Walk Score is a standardized method of evaluating how far a walk it is from

After all, who wouldn’t be impressed with such a home, even just the (private) elevator ride to the top would be enough to give anyone a thrill. the home or condo to various amenities including schools, grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, recreation and cultural activities. In the case of these penthouses, the Walk Scores ranged from 95 (along 17th Avenue) to 92 (in Eau Claire). Given 100 is the best you can get these penthouses not only have great views, they have great cachet. Yes there are luxury condos in the ‘burbs. For example, a 2,273-square-foot condo in Covenant House in Eagle Ridge with stunning, unobstructed views of Glenmore Reservoir and the Rocky Mountains is listed for $1,270,000. This hidden gem built in 1967, predates anything downtown. While not a penthouse, it has two acres of immaculately landscaped gardens making it feel like you are living in a park. On the downside, its Walk Score of 32 means you pretty much have to get in your car to go anywhere. Living downtown means you have access to everything — from the largest library in the city to the oldest (Memorial Park)... from the best restaurants and patios to the best theatre, music and festivals ... from River Walk to River Cafe. But regardless where in the city your penthouse is, the bird’s eye view of the city makes living here like you’re on Cloud Nine. D n Richard White is managing director of 3D visualization at Riddell Kurczaba Architecture and former executive officer of the Calgary Downtown Association. He has been writing on urban art, culture and architecture for more than 20 years. w i n t e r 2 01 3 • D O M U S •

(Above) The sexy, seductive kitchen is meant to entertain, and to impress. The “Iron Ore” finish on island cabinets with Chantilly cream finish on the perimeter creates a romantic setting for dinners and the premium Alaska White granite in leather finish that’s used for the countertops adds a dash of European elegance.

The modern Arts and Crafts architecture is accented with stone, generous amount of windows and complemented by a beautiful covered entry. The Ames’ triple-car garage has an extra man door for added convenience, is insulated, drywalled and painted, and features infloor heating for extra comfort. 22

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home spotlight

the ames BY augusta fine homes The grand prize Creating a lottery dream home is one of the most daunting challenges for a home builder. You have to create not only a unique, “wow”-worthy home that will encourage people to buy lottery tickets for the chance to live in it, but also a home that’s ultimately a functional, family-friendly environment that owners would be proud to live in. The Ames, by Augusta Fine Homes hits all the sweet spots for a grand prize home — it is dramatically distinctive, and brimming with executive elegance and charm. It has all the bells and whistles that would spur sales and at the same time the warmth and functionality of a modern family home — and then some. The $1.2 million, 2,881-square-foot show home in Crestmont is Augusta Fine Homes’ third grand prize home for the STARS Lottery, a charitable non-profit organization that provides air ambulance service throughout Alberta from its bases in Calgary, Edmonton and Grande Prairie. The Ames’ elegant grandiosity matches the timeless beauty of Crestmont, and the other million dollar homes in this exclusive Qualico Communities neighbourhood in the northwest.

The open riser, custombuilt maple staircase with the lovely spindle railing adds a stately feel to the open concept main floor. Along with the wide-plank Brushed Ash Kalispell hardwood floor, nine-foot ceilings and oversized windows bring the grandeur of the home to the forefront.

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home spotlight

the ames BY augusta fine homes (opposite page) What’s a dream home without a dreamy master bedroom? The Ames’ takes cozy comfort to another level with its luxurious 60-ounce carpet with 19-pound rubber under cushion that makes the feet feel like they’re walking on air.

(right) The attached ensuite of the master bedroom has heated designer tile floors for added comfort and warmth, and 10-millimetre glass shower stall comes with a rain head shower and built in seat. A luxurious stand-alone tub makes you want to soak up the wonder with a glass of wine.

(below) The Ames boasts custom-everything from window coverings to wood shelves. The captivating richness of the home is matched by its utter functionality with lots of storage spaces with soft close cabinet doors and dove-tail wood box drawers fit full extension soft close slides.

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home spotlight

baywood estate homes in hawk’s landing Priddis palace The small town of Priddis just southwest of Calgary is a paradise for million-

with the rich natural surroundings. It also

dollar homes. It is a quiet enclave sitting just off Highway 22X on the way to

features a triple-car garage with a private

Kananaskis Country. Lush rolling hills and the bounty of nature are right at your

suite on top of it, four bedrooms and six

doorstep, but it is probably best known for the ultra exclusive Priddis Greens

baths — including a fabulous Turkish bath.

Golf & Country Club. It is a golfers’ dream with palatial homes to match. This one by Baywood

The 3,168-square-foot home makes the most out of this advantageous location

Estate Homes in Hawk’s Landing is a perfect example. It is a majestic lofted

with lots of oversized windows, and

bungalow with the 36-hole private golf course for its backyard — no PGA pro

vaulted ceilings that seem to bring the

can ask for more.

richness of the outdoors right into the

Sitting on a half acre lot backing south onto the golf course, local realtor

living room. Even the master bedroom has

Mark Milne has this French Country style home with a modern twist listed at

commanding views of the surrounding

$1.75 million. It boasts handsome stone and shingle detail that makes it blend

landscape, quite the view to wake up to.

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17-foot vaulted ceilings give the home a rare air of majesty. Enhanced by the designer stone fireplace, this lower area provides for intimate gatherings by the fire and leads to the gym, games and theatre area.

Make dining an event in this floating dining area with spectacular golf course views. Granite countertops and plank-style exotic hardwood flooring lend a stately look to the interior.

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The dramatic wine room allows your vintage collection to rest and be on display for your guests’ selections. A private cigar and wine bar are located just off the home theatre.

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The catering kitchen just off the main kitchen area is a chef’s delight with epicurean appliances and lots of surface work areas. Vaulted ceilings and wrap around windows will spark culinary creativity.

home spotlight

baywood estate homes in hawk’s landing

(above) The lovely, travertine-tiled Turkish steam bath provides a great spot to relax with friends after a hard day golfing.

(above) The Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club and the lush rolling hills of Kananaskis Country provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor entertaining.

(left) Even with a stand of mature trees providing a privacy screen for the home, the grand entrance — with its wide driveway and brilliant stonework — still manages to impress.

(below) A private suite over the 39-by-20-foot triple car garage treats guests like royalty. It is well lit and affords fantastic views of the grounds. Brilliant sunrises and sunsets await.

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home spotlight

calgary’s $11.5 million home Family home as art Sales of million dollar homes in Calgary hit an all-time high last year, and the market is filled to the brim with new seven-figure luxury homes, but no self-respecting publication dealing with high-end homes can be complete without mentioning this chart-topping home in Crescent Heights. Think of it as a custom-made Patek Philippe watch — it’s not just a one-in-a-million item, there’s nothing else in the world like it. Valued at $11.5 million, it was Calgary’s most expensive listing at time of writing with nearly 10,000 square-feet of living space on top of a half-acre lot on a ridge in Crescent Heights with the entire city at its very feet. But the sweeping grandeur of the home, and the fantastic 360-degree view of the city it affords, is simply priceless. Famous Calgary-based architect Roger White, envisioned this stunning contemporary family-homeas-art piece with interior design by equally prominent Calgarian Paul Lavoie. It was completed some five years ago with four levels of developed living space, including a grand rotunda entrance and a majestic rooftop patio with a hot tub that offers what has to be the most stunning view of the downtown and the Rockies in the city.

(Clockwise photos from top left) Adding to the art gallery charm of the home is the numerous artworks that dot its entirety. The living room features two glass walls for unobstructed city views. All the glass windows are specially treated to prevent UV damage to the artwork and the Brazilian walnut hardwood flooring.

A health-club-calibre fitness room with rubber floor for added comfort is the highlight of the lower level. Individual climate controls can customize the comfort level to the user’s needs.

Don’t let the contemporary look of the rear exterior fool you, as the home is as cozy and family-friendly as anything else in the market. The look of the home from the front entrance on Crescent Road northwest looks completely different from this rear view. 32

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Photos courtesy John Hripko

The sweeping majesty of the home is captured in this elegant and awing entrance. It is inspired by the Solomon Guggenheim Museum in New York with its curving staircase and domed top. Porcelain tiles from Italy give the foyer an inimitable gleam of success.

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home spotlight

calgary’s $11.5 million home (Clockwise from top left) The formal dining room at the centre of the main floor is surrounded by sliding frosted glass partition doors and can be closed off for privacy or opened all the way during free-flowing parties. The ornate, red ceiling gives it a touch of Asia.

The expansive, fully functional gourmet kitchen has dark-stained cherry cabinets, a two-tiered granite-topped centre island that doubles as a roomy workspace for culinary adventures, and as a central point for large gatherings. An ornate chandelier hangs from the high ceilings and a sitting nook is not too far away.

The 525-square-foot master bedroom features automated window coverings and a double-sided fireplace leads to the 7-Star designed spa ensuite that includes a deep soaker tub, a steam shower, and spacious double vanities, all covered in exotic granite and porcelain tile. Sunlight streams in from the huge sun roof creating a cheery interior.

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Photos courtesy John Hripko

The rooftop patio with multi-seater hot tub is the perfect spot to relax after a hard day, with its unmatched 360-degree view of downtown to the south, the river valley to the west, Nose Hill and the airport even to the north and east. The home is at the bullseye of Calgary’s centre.

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interior design

Dispatches from the design world in Europe

European style n By Alykhan Velji

oing abroad opens your eyes to different cultures, and going abroad to see a design show can be twice the eye-opening experience. I recently got a chance to go to Cologne for the IMM and Living Kitchen design shows, and it really opened my eyes to new and emerging design trends — ones that we may never see in Canada, because the European lifestyle is quite different from ours. However, we can all appreciate amazing design. Here are my top five emerging trends that I saw making a big impact. Spice it up Turquoise may be the colour trend here, but in Europe, it’s all about spicy, intense colours such as cumin and chili. These rich accents work so well with modern, streamlined spaces, giving much needed character to kitchens that sometimes feel cold and austere.

Textures in wall coverings are an emerging trend. (Opposite page) Rich accents work well with modern streamlined spaces.

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Texture I am a big fan of texture in interiors and I try to introduce it through wall coverings and fabrics. There was a definite trend towards texture at the show, especially matte black. I saw this being utilized as a colour for cabinets, counter tops and accessories. The almost chalkboard like quality really gives interiors an almost earthy and organic quality. Textures in wall coverings and tile were also big. Having a raised effect and almost a sculptural quality. »

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interior design

Light Fantastic Lighting is key to any space and I came across a fabulous company aptly named DelightFULL. Specializing in handcrafted, unique, and stand out designs this brand caught my attention right away. These pieces with their mid-century and industrial edge are subtle in their look but make such a statement. Subtlety is key when it comes to design, to make a statement without being overtly in your face. Sensational Sinks Most people don’t think of sinks as sexy, but BLANCO is becoming the trendsetter when it comes to kitchen sinks. They are making them sleek, contemporary, and well designed. They understand that it’s not only about function but form and look as well. The Modenus was a standout for me. Made from SILGRANIT an almost indestructible surface coming in many colours, this sink declares itself as a stand out with its clean lines and perfect proportions. The BLANCOATTIKA is another stand out for me. The lip around the sink is subtle and makes for a great design detail. I love the many components that it also comes with like the hidden faucet detail. Perfect for small spaces and clean and modern kitchens. Mix and match The mixing of materials is something that I saw as a big hit at the show. One of the biggest was through faucets. BLANCO again became the trendsetter when it came to this mixing their faucets with their SILGRANIT collection. Creating a faucet like no other. The streamlined faucets normally coming in chrome or satin nickel now have a new dimension. Making it easy to pair them with cabinets, counter tops, and sinks. D

DelightFULL specializes in handcrafted, unique lighting designs. (Opposite page) Contemporary Blanco kitchen sinks make it a trendsetter.

n Alykhan Velji is the president of Alykhan Velji Design and has been featured on TV shows such as HGTV’s Designer Superstar Challenge and My Rona Home. He specializes in both residential and commercial interior design projects. w i n t e r 2 01 3 • D O M U S •

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