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contents issue 10 • winter 2014
departments 6 editor’s note
expressions 8
art scene
Winter inspiration. Calgary’s vibrant arts scene is spotlighted in our photo feature of some of the city’s most intriguing art galleries
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lifestyle
Million-dollar renovation. Okotoks couple undertakes massive reno for their forever home
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lifestyle
Inglewood castle. Lawyer’s lair a labour of love
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in the cellar
Pioneering spirit. Celebrate the holidays and beyond with some rare scotch
On the cover: This 5,500-square-foot home in Inglewood features a turret-like foyer that rises 20 feet above the floor, which is graced by more than $200,000 worth of Travertine tile. Saying that this is the home’s wow factor may be an understatement, if not misleading, as more wonders lie ahead. Cover Photography by Don Molyneaux.
editor’s choice 12
House of the rising, and setting, sun
Family finds dream home in the Alberta foothills
innovations 48
behind the design
inspired interiors. James McIntyre draws inspiration from his clients, and his mom
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design
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Open possibilities. Enhance your open concept home
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eye on custom homes
Architecturally yours. Engaging an architect to build your custom home is money well spent
home spotlight
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24 Village Walk
Luxury villas in Victoria are attracting Calgary buyers
30 The XII Ultra-luxury, ultra-exclusive, ultra Calgary
36 AugustA Homes’ The Ellis Vision of grandeur
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editor’s message
PUBLISHER |
Custom built The architect can be your best friend when creating your dream home and my advice is hiring one when you start your custom home project. As our Eye on Custom Home writer,
Source Media Group
info@sourcemediagroup.ca ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER |
Jim Zang
jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca Editor |
Pepper Rodriguez
Richard White, explains in this issue, finding an architect that can translate your vision to a
pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca
reality is already half the battle.
ART director |
Richard talks to some of the biggest names in the custom home design business, who are responsible for transforming the look of some of the most upscale neighbourhoods of Calgary’s inner-city and beyond with their singular, custom-made single-family homes. Just a casual drive down Mount Royal, Altadore or Elbow Park along Sifton Avenue will reveal a new, modern ideal for homes that are slowly replacing the classical, traditional Victorian and Tudor look of the mansions of Calgary. With the breathless pace the million-dollar-plus home market is growing in Calgary, custom home architects must really be some of the busiest folks in town. According to the Calgary Real Estate Board, there were 23 sales of properties in the $3-million-and-over range in the first 10 months of the year, breaking last year’s total record of 16 transactions. Our features in this issue give us a glimpse on what’s out there. Associate Publisher Jim Zang headed out to Springbank to talk to the owners of this Frank Lloyd Wrightinspired acreage home that evokes the confident optimism of Calgary itself. Jim also talks to an Inglewood homeowner
Jean Faye Rodriguez
jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca graphic designers
Rylyn Kvarnberg rylyn.kvarnberg@sourcemediagroup.ca
Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca
Megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITORIAL
Shelley Boettcher, Karen Durrie, Aaliya Essa, Richard White Photography
Phil Crozier, Robert Lemermeyer, Don Molyneaux ADVERTISING SALES
Heather Dougall heather.dougall@sourcemediagroup.ca
Cindy Marks
to get the feel of life in a high-end single-family home in
cindy.marks@sourcemediagroup.ca
an inner-city location. Jim also debuts a new Domus feature, Behind the Design, where
accounting |
we talk to some of Calgary’s best interior designers and see what makes them tick. James
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca
McIntyre is our first subject. It seems we will need more features like this just to keep in pace with Calgary’s appetite for upscale homes. And there are a lot to choose from, starting with our line-up in the Home Spotlight section. The XII shows state-of-the-art condo living in Mission, Augusta Fine Homes is a sample of how to do upscale homes in the suburbs, while Village Walk out in Victoria, B.C. is how million-dollar penthouses look out on the island. That last one shows how the growing affluence of Calgary is leading out-of-province developers to market their high-end homes here, and DOMUS is the perfect medium to get their message across.
Norma Robertson
Issue 10 • ISSN 1929-4581 (Print) ISSN 1929-459X (online) © 2014 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 four times per annum with copies available for distribution at select locations. 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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“Falling for the Blues” Shirley Elias first made her mark as an artistic force as a concert pianist with performances across Canada, frequent broadcasts on CBC’s Radio Two and the recording of three CD’s. Her current incarnation as painter finds her marrying the art forms in works that often feature abstract music themes in bold strokes and colours. Her exceptional skill in capturing moments or movements of music and bringing them to life on canvas, has led to a high demand for her work, with more than ninety private commissions to date including recent ones to Florence, Italy. Webster Galleries
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ins
art scene
Winter piration n By aaliya essa
“Night Harvest” and “Summer Poles”
“Time Stood Still”
Steve Coffey has been an integral part of the Canadian art and music scene for many years. He has curated traveling exhibitions, created large-scale public sculptures, taught college, and conducted many workshops and art residencies. His far-flung travels have taken him to places such as London, England and he has exhibited in Poznan City, Poland. Of the art in these major centers (along with favorites Berlin and Amsterdam), he speaks of being “visually exhausted and spiritually inspired” and he recalls the longing to return to the “intricate nuances and swirling beauty” of the Canadian landscape. He notes such influences as The Group of Seven, Emily Carr, and Alex Colville to name a few. The Collectors’ Gallery of Art
Bringing the cold element of steel to life, Michael Perks is a breakout artist that is turning heads. From sheets of steel Michael cuts, layers, bends & welds metal to the verge of his imagination. His different approach to metal has resulted in new techniques for steel statues such as clean purposeful cut-outs to abstract culminations. DaDe Art & Design Lab
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art scene
“Cherry Red – Rouge Cerise” Solange Falardeau was born in St. Redempteur, a small suburb of the city of Quebec, she took up the Creative challenge and pursued studies in Plastic Arts at a community college and in Visual Arts at Laval University. Webster Galleries
“Beach Mexico” Colleen O’Brien received her Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Lethbridge in 1989, where she graduated with distinction. Her work has been on display all over Canada and parts of Europe. The Collectors’ Gallery of Art
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“Cerenidad” Robert Dempster was born in Winnipeg in 1950, moved to Calgary in 1964, met John Snow in 1967 and worked for him until 1973. The hours in John Snow’s basement constitute almost the whole of his artistic education. In 1984 he moved to Vancouver, started sculpting soapstone, and then, using John Snow’s recipe, cement fondue. The Collectors’ Gallery of Art
calgary’s canvas Christine Klassen gallery
n Country Down. december 4, 2014 January 24, 2015. regina-based painter sean william randall imagines a new prairie landscape rife with dark humour and excitement in his new series Sean Willaim Randall country down. n Patricia MacDonald and Lori Lukasewich. december 4, 2014 - January 24, 2015. united by their shared interest in everyday objects, macdonald and lukasewich’s representational paintings shine a new light on domestic treasures. n 5 CAMERAS reprise gary campbell, Ben cope, sarah Fuller, michael levin and colin smith. ckg is pleased to present a selection of photography that celebrates the diversity of the medium and our gallery artists. January 29 - march 7, 2015
The Collectors’ gallery of Art
n Margaret Shelton Works from the shelton estate. december 6 to 31, 2014.
“Evening Glow” Pei Yang was born in YangZhou, China in 1971. He began his art studies in high school and since then has won a number of prizes from group exhibitions and competitions. In 1994 he came to Canada and studied fine art at the Ottawa School of Art an Algonquin College in Ottawa, Canada. Since 1989 his paintings have been featured in galleries, government halls and international film festivals throughout Canada and China. Webster Galleries
n Chase Away The Winter Blues. January 6 - February 28, 2015. rotating group exhibition of works by gallery and estate artists including works by rajka kupesic, shelley mcmillan, hans nissen, raymond theriault, hands nisen and others.
Latitude Art gallery
n “Faces.” January 3-31, 2015. elisabetta Fantone and sylvain roberge.
newzones
n The Utilitarians by Kevin Sonmor. november 27, 2014 - January 10, 2015 opening reception: thursday, november 27, 5:30 – 7:30 pm. n Deck the Walls - group Show, november 27, 2014 - January 10, 2015 artists included: michael Batty (Vancouver), dianne Bos (calgary), Vicky christou (Vancouver), cathy daley (toronto), Franco deFrancesca (toronto), Bradley harms (calgary) and more. opening reception: thursday, november 27, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
n Landscape x 7 - group Show. January 10 - 31. artists included: dianne Bos (calgary), chaki (toronto), John Folsom (atlanta), Peter hoffer (Berlin), holly king (montreal), don Pollack (illinois), and Pat service (Vancouver). opening reception: saturday, January 10, 1 - 4pm n Perception - group Show in conjunction with Exposure: 2015. Ferbruary 7 - march 7. artists included: dianne Bos (calgary), Franco deFrancesca (toronto), John Folsom (atlanta), James holroyd (calgary) and more. opening Dianne Bos reception: saturday, February 7, 1 - 4 p.m. n Virginia Mak - Character Reference. Ferbruary 7 - march 7. opening reception: saturday, February 7, 1 - 4 p.m.
Wallace gallery
n Christmas group Show 2014. december 4 - 24, 2014. Preview of show: thursday, december 4, 2014. opening reception: saturday, december 6, 2014: 2 - 5 p.m. show continues through to december 24, 2014. we have put together a selection of various subjects and media by our gallery artists for that special someone on your christmas list. n Happy new year 2015. January 2 - 13, 2015. in celebration of the new year we have a selection of various gallery artists for everyone, including: erin mcsavaney, david newkirk, Bruce head, shi le, steve mennie, doriann steinberg, and leslie Poole. n Big/Blue Sky. January 14 - 27, 2015. alberta is David Newkirk big sky country. at this time of the year sky and earth can become one and the crisp air emphasizes our expansive countryside. n group Show 2015. January 28 - February 10, 2015. a selection of great new works from various gallery artists, including: herbert siebner, harold town, alain attar, andy Petterson, and more. n Valentine’s group Show 2015. February 11 - 24, 2015. in celebration of the heart, we have put together some smaller works for that special someone. D
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editor’s choice
House of the rising, and setting, sun Family finds dream home in the Alberta foothills story by Jim Zang n Photogaphy by Don Molyneaux
“The mountain is high, the valley is low, And you’re confused on which way to go”
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he words to the old Edgar Winter Group classic come to mind as my host, Jeff, picks a guitar up off the couch and begins to play the unmistakable opening riffs. There was no such confusion for Jeff, who’s in the land development business, and Sheryl, a former school teacher, however, when they went searching for a new home. “We wanted the space,” says Sheryl of the Springbank-area acreage their family has called home since 2013. “It’s out of the city and closer to the mountains,” adds Jeff. “And only nine minutes from my office.” The former high school classmates had purchased another lot in the same area, within view of their current home, but decided they couldn’t wait to build. And then, as fate would have it, they saw this then one-year-old Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home come onto the market, listed in their price range. The home features several trademarks of Wright’s design style, including multiple horizontal roof lines that blend with the natural landscape, roof overhangs, a floating wooden staircase with open risers, and exterior brickwork that is carried through to the interior of the home. They both love how the entire home opens up once you come through the main foyer and how the
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large windows really bring the outside in. In addition to the location and the architecture, the five-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath, 3,896 square-foot home ticked off all the right boxes for Jeff and Sheryl. Lots of bedrooms? Check. Gourmet chef’s kitchen? Check. Fourcar garage? Check. Fitness room, outdoor living room and formal dining room? Check, check, check. Interior decorating by one of Calgary’s top designers, James McIntyre? Check. Since Jeff and Sheryl weren’t building their own home, they decided to make this one — with a design they already loved — their own by hiring a professional to furnish their home, top to bottom, sourcing furnishings and accessories to match the homes ‘woods and whites’ colour palette. And who better than James, another former high school, and grade school, in » fact, classmate?
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editor’s choice
“Re-connecting and knowing Jeff and Sheryl as friends was great,” says James, co-principal of McIntyre Bills. “It made it easy to ‘know who they are’ when coming up with a design for them. They wanted something elegant, but still super comfortable. ‘A stylish family house’ is how Jeff put it.” The ‘launch point’ for the design was the architecture, says James, “working with the different ceiling heights and volume spaces typical of a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired plan. The furnishings had to connect to the architecture, so we went with all natural fabrics — leathers, linen, cotton — that didn’t look or feel manufactured. Most of the items in the home, the bed, the sofas, were custom made for the house.” The first thing you see when you step past the foyer is the fireplace. Standing more than 15-feet high, running from the white oak hardwood flooring right up to the vaulted ceiling, it’s an impressive monument to fire. The walnut-clad tower also separates the room from a small TV nook in behind it as well as the doors to the adjacent outdoor living room, which has its own fireplace. There’s a guitar laying on one couch, indeed there’s a guitar in most rooms, as Jeff likes to be able to walk into a room, pick up a guitar and start playing. Right now, it’s The Kinks’ All Day and All of the Night. »
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editor’s choice
“It’s not the biggest master bedroom,” says Sheryl, as Jeff pulls the blinds open to reveal a stunning view of the Rockies, “but we really like how the bedroom extends from the front to the back of the house with windows on each side.” With the home facing East/West, Jeff says, they can watch the sunrise in the morning and a truly spectacular sunset over the mountains in the evening, all from the comfort of their four-post bed. A walk-in closet with dressing table is off one end of the bedroom, while an ensuite with a huge tile-surround shower and free-standing soaker tub is off the other. The walnut finishing from the fireplace is continued in the kitchen (or is it the other way around?), where the cabinets are complimented by off-white Caesarstone countertops. A Subzero refrigerator and Miele dishwasher are built-in behind the cabinetry while twin stainless steel Wolfe wall oven and convection steam oven plus a 36-inch induction cooktop handle most of the cooking needs when they’re not firing up the barbecue just outside the kitchen on the exposed aggregate patio. The kitchen table’s set for eight, enough to accommodate their family of six girls, as is the dining room across the hall, and the island is big enough to lay out a full Thanksgiving or Christmas buffet for the whole family. Yes, that’s a practice sand bunker you see in the back yard. An avid golfer, when he’s not strumming a guitar, weather permitting, you’ll find him out in his bunker hitting balls. And, with a two-plus acre lot, there’s room to hit the odd bad shot. Although that’s something Jeff, who usually shoots in the low to mid 70s, doesn’t really have to worry about. »
“It’s not the biggest master bedroom, but we really like how the bedroom extends from the front to the back of the house with windows on each side.” 16
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The island is big enough to lay out a full Thanksgiving or Christmas buffet for the whole family.
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editor’s choice
Downstairs, cork floors lead the way to two more good-sized bedrooms and a nice wet bar, even a sunken fitness room that’s been converted into a dance studio for their daughters. In fact, a fancy dance dress is literally hanging off Jeff’s self-contained work-out machine over in the corner. The highlight of the show, however, is the guitar room. It used to be a home theatre, but, says Jeff, “I’ve kind of taken it over with my guitars.” There are no fewer than 10 guitars on stands in a U-shape all around the room, interrupted only by the drum kit where, he says, picking up an axe and breaking into the intro from Van Halen’s Ain’t Talking ‘Bout Love, “my daughter likes to play along with me.” D
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lifestyle
Million-dollar renovation Okotoks couple undertakes massive reno for their forever home story by karen durrie n Photogaphy by Don Molyneaux
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he house had great bones or so they thought. Blair and Brenda Davies were ready for that last house; the one in which they’d retire, and happily enjoy family visits, cook great meals, and enjoy tranquil evenings in a beautiful backyard. They selected an 1,800-square-foot bungalow on an unassuming street in Okotoks lined with `80s-era homes in various shades of beige, drawn in by this particular house’s high pitched roofline, skylights, and a large backyard full of mature trees. On the other side of the fenced yard, beyond a winding pathway is a 40-foot slope to the Sheep River. Two years ago, Blair and Brenda had envisioned a different house than the one they ended up with. A bit more modest, to be sure. “We bought knowing we’d renovate, but didn’t buy with the intent to go as far as » we did. We found a lot of things that shouldn’t have passed inspection,” Brenda says.
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Problems included leaking Poly B pipes, cracks in the basement walls, electrical issues, floor damage and more. “It wasn’t what we planned, but we had no choice,” Blair says. “We have an ‘old new’ house now,” he says of the home built in 1986, that now owes more of its existence to 2013. “The only original things are the concrete walls, three-quarters of the studding, and the trusses. The rest, we replaced,” says Blair. The beautiful, barn-red house now looks like a brand-new build at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in the community of Woodhaven. In what Brenda describes as Blair’s typical “go big or go home” philosophy, the home they purchased for about $575,000 is now appraised at more than twice that amount; about $1.3 million. Inside, an airy open-concept main floor that was originally chopped into smaller spaces showcases the pair’s eclectic mix of Old-World and contemporary tastes in furnishings and accessories. A wall of family portraits is displayed across the foyer from an enormous, whimsical wall clock purchased on one of the couple’s Vegas trips. In the living room, a stack of vintage suitcases Brenda’s relatives brought over from post-war Yugoslavia and a c. 1835 grandfather clock flank a sizeable piece of modern art; glazed aluminum panels in fiery hues which make a bold statement on the 14-foot wall above the fireplace.
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Brenda loves the dynamic nature of the piece, because of the different colours revealed at various angles. Great care was taken in the selection of the finishing materials to reflect the pair’s personalities, and interior designer Dawn Stringer helped guide them in making suggestions and using pieces they already had, combined with new finds. The large, finished basement is an upscale recreational space, with wide-plank engineered hardwood, with a built-in wet bar, a semi-circle of large, mission-style recliners facing a home theatre, billiard, air hockey and shuffleboard tables. A guest room with a walk-in closet, a full bath, a workout room, and utility and storage space finish out the lower level. Travertine tile features up the stairs, in the foyer and kitchen. Exposed brick was added in the living room area to get that “New York loft” look, and Blair is eyeballing placing exposed brick at the front foyer of the house as well. The kitchen is a culinary dream, the centerpiece of which is an enormous island topped with a single slab of verde bamboo granite. Its jade hue contrasts with distressed cream cabinetry at its base, and dark custom cabinetry crafted from knotty alder.
Blair and Brenda Davies
Off-white countertops in manufactured granite feature around the rest of the space. “This island is its own piece,” Brenda says. “We didn’t want it to all blend in.” Top moulding above the cabinetry and part of the island is finished in antique barnboard sourced from Ontario. A flex room at the front of the main floor is » still deciding what it wants to be, Brenda says,
“The only original things are the concrete walls, three-quarters of the studding, and the trusses. The rest, we replaced.” W I N T E R 2 01 4 • D O M U S •
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lifestyle
but it can be used as a guest room and a sewing room. A full bath off the hallway has a vanity held up by vintage iron brackets from Uniquities, and barn board is repeated around the mirror. A unique etched-glass vessel sink sits atop the vanity. Multi-tonal Brazilian pecan hardwood brings warmth to the bedrooms and hallway. The master bedroom is a cozy haven of homey touches, including a handmade quilt, a reading corner, and a wall featuring a sliding library ladder to access storage cabinetry high on the wall.
“The house is designed to be accessible. We did a lot of pre-planning, building bigger doorways, and flat flooring with no step-ups or downs.”
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A mantle spans the room above the master bed, showcasing what Brenda calls “close-toour-hearts stuff.” The master bath features a large shower with vertical cut granite walls and a rainfall showerhead, and a wall-mount commode. “The house is designed to be accessible. We did a lot of pre-planning, building bigger doorways, and flat flooring with no step-ups or downs,” Blair says. While front landscaping was still underway over the summer, the back yard is also a work in progress. Rain harvesting will be added to the property by next spring, which will allow for up to 5,000 gallons of rainwater to be used for lawn and garden watering. A gazebo will also be built. There is a huge two-tiered deck with an outdoor fireplace and built-in stereo system, perfect for entertaining. The couple’s 13-year-old Shiba Inu, Brandy, enjoys the big space amidst the mature landscaping. The house’s exterior had California stucco, which was ditched and replaced with durable concrete siding. The pair had lived in Calgary for many years, including the communities of Glamorgan and Aspen. But with grandchildren living in Okotoks, and wanting to settle into a slowerpaced atmosphere, they found the perfect place to segue into their twilight years, which are some time down the road yet. Their permanent palace just needed a good touch of Davies dream dust to make it truly perfect. D
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home spotlight
Village walk Luxury villas in Victoria attract Calgary buyers The romantic seaside location of Oak Bay in Victoria, B.C., is as picturesque
Designed by award-winning
as you can imagine, and the sunny, calm weather and easy, inviting charm
D’Ambrosio architecture + urbanism,
of the town is enough to convince anyone to move down here. Making that
the inspired urban building design pays
decision even easier is the new Village Walk luxury condos, which has made an
tribute to neighbourhood’s heritage
impression with a wide cast of buyers from all over the world, but particularly
through the subtle use of warm brick,
with those from Calgary.
metal wooden and glass accents.
Located right in the middle of this historical neighbourhood on Oak Bay
Lush landscaping and rain gardens
Avenue — near the Royal Victoria Yacht Club and the Uplands Golf Course
provide a natural contrast to clean and
— Village Walk is a stunning collection of 22 contemporary residences that
contemporary lines.
distinctly reflect the heritage and vibrancy of this coastal city. Mike Miller, president and founder of Abstract Developments- Village Walk’s
Miller says the contemporary appeal of the development and its location have
developer — says this four-storey, mixed-use condominium may perhaps be
been key in attracting buyers from all
the crowning achievement of his career.
over Canada, but over 50 per cent of
“We’ve built more than 65 single- and multi-family developments in the
sales come from Calgary.
Greater Victoria area for the past 15 years and we’ve received over 30 Gold
“Calgarians are mostly buying units
home-building awards, including a National SAM Award for Best Townhome
here as a second home where they can
Development for Terra Verde Townhomes. But I can honestly say Village Walk
spend the winter, and still be relatively
is going to be the best one yet.”
near their other home,” Miller says.
(opposite page, top) Village Walk’s inviting exterior is a complemented blend of dramatic architectural elements, distinctive rooflines, oversized recessed balconies and terraces, and expansive windows. It is a four-storey mixed-use complex with suites ranging in size from 888 to 1,595 square-feet. Two-bed, twobath penthouse suites are still available.
(opposite page, bottom) The resplendent views of Oak Bay are readily available from any of Village Walk’s generously sized, openair balconies and patios. But the first-class penthouse suites offer an even more luxurious private year-round outdoor living space that give an extraordinary feeling of being on top of the world.
(left) Village Walk’s penthouses are four of the most exclusive residences in the Oak Bay area, overflowing with sophisticated features, and unmatched attention to detail. With a starting price of $1 million, two have already been snapped up as the high-end market realizes the top-notch value of these upscale homes.
»
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home spotlight
Village Walk (right) Thick polished quartz slab countertops and undermount porcelain sinks add to the luster of Village Walk’s attached ensuites and the hand-set 12-inches-by-24-inches heated porcelain tile flooring brings a comfortable, luxurious glamour. Penthouses also come with a steam room and upgraded plumbing fixtures.
(below) Penthouses offer 10-foot ceilings, and expansive floor to ceiling windows and a host of top of the line features that will make you proud to call Village Walk home, including wide plank engineered hardwood floors in White Oak bring an executive elegance to the interiors. They are fully-wired for Control-4 smart home technology use.
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(top) Horizontal-grain natural wood cabinetry, thick slab quartz countertops and state-of-the-art Jenn-Air stainless steel appliances create an urban vibe in the chef’s kitchen, and the huge peninsula with extended ledge is as sexy as it is functional for hosting parties. Penthouses even have built-in Silhouette wine coolers.
(left) Built-in shelving in the spacious walk-in closets give Village Walk a feeling of home. “These aren’t your typical vacation homes, rather they are residences that feel like a single-family home and not a tiny apartment; homes where you can live your life in a picturesque neighbourhood,” Miller says. Their line of premium residences start from the $450,000s. D W I N T E R 2 01 4 • D O M U S •
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home spotlight
The XII Ultra-luxury, ultra-exclusive, ultra Calgary A 50-foot-wide lot in the inner-city would have been meant for a single-family
River and looks out to the mountains in the
infill not a 14-storey luxury condo tower, but this was before new, game-changing
daytime and the sparkling city skyline at
parking technology came to Calgary. This advanced, European designed
night.”
automated parking system has made possible the creation of the newest, most exclusive multi-family development in Mission: The XII. The unique architectural style of this 14-storey building designed by celebrated
The XII’s automated lift parking system eliminates the need for ramps and aisles, and this “smart” parking system by Unitronics
Calgary architect, Jeremy Sturgess, will be a stand out in the historic riverside
Systems Inc opens the condo market to
community of Mission. And only a dozen buyers will be able to call it home.
developments built on narrower lots.
The XII will have 12 extraordinarily upscale homes, most of which take up an
It uses automated technology to stack
entire floor — with a couple of them taking up two floors. But what makes this
cars safely and securely in a three-level
development so unique is that it all sits on a 50-foot-wide-by 140-feet-long parcel
parking space beneath the building. The
of land on Mission along the Elbow River.
design also has inherent environmentally
“The idea of building a tower with one unit per floor is an opportunity to make
friendly qualities, as it limits CO2 emissions
each floor a remarkable space,” Sturgess says. “The building is oriented to make
normally produced in underground
the most of views and light, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Elbow
parkades.
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(right) Besides having this automated parking system, The XII also uses modern building technologies that allow them to build a tower without using columns and pillars. “The result is a truly open concept design for each suite that gives owners unobstructed views,” says Stanley Yasin, managing director for The XII Developments.
(below) The two-storey loft suites take modern condo living to another level. The soaring ceilings and the full-height glass walls make the interior seem part of the scenery outdoors. Interiors are also entirely customizable, and owners will get a chance to have private consultations with Sturgess, interior designer, Douglas Cridland, and travel to Vancouver to meet with the bulthaup kitchen design team.
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(right) The XII will have a boutique-hotel ambience for its lobby, complete with a full-time concierge, and highspeed residential elevator with smart individual access control system. The suites themselves are designed to evoke the feel of a single-family home, ranging in size from 2,200 to 3,300 squarefeet, most of which take up an entire floor (while two are twostorey lofts).
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home spotlight
The XII (left) The column-less design of The XII gives meaning to the open concept flow of the interiors. “Using modern structural techniques are not inexpensive, but we wanted to give the owners here the full effect of a single-family home, even the generous decks have no columns to interrupt the views,” Yasin says.
(below) The two-level penthouse suite embodies The XII’s ideals to provide “private, architecturally dynamic residences in Calgary,” says Yasin. “The features come together to provide a building that is light-years beyond anything currently available in the market and will be iconic for years to come,” Sturgess adds. Prices are from $2.95 million to $5.8 million. The XII is expected to be completed in 2017. Visit www.thexii.ca for more information. D
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home spotlight
augusta homes’ The Ellis Vision of grandeur Nothing inspires as much awe in a home than tall
on the main floor, which already contains most
ceilings, and when paired with oversized windows the
that a retiring couple may want — including all the
effect can be stunning. The Ellis estate bungalow by
entertainment space they need — even a gorgeous
Augusta Fine Homes in Dressage of Silverado utterly
deck overlooking the wide backyard. But the lower
amazes with the soaring heights its ceilings reach
level adds so much more pizzazz with two more
through the main floor, but even more amazing is that
bedrooms (for visiting grandkids and other guests), a
this trait is carried through to its triple-car garage.
yoga/exercise room, and an assortment of party hot
The nine-foot ceilings that most single-family homebuyers now looks for is nearly doubled in
spots (card table, darts board, home theatre). But what car lovers are sure to appreciate are the
The Ellis, where its living room ceiling reaches an
14-foot ceilings of the triple-car attached garage. Set
astonishing 16-feet above the floor.
on an angle from the main house to give the front of
The effect it has on the 2,209-square-foot estate
the home a more evocative curb appeal, the garage
bungalow is nothing short of magnificent. Of course,
— by using car lifts — has the capacity to double the
it has the sophisticated finish of every Augusta Fine
number of cars it stores. All that space above can also
Homes. But the underlying functionality and warmth
be used as a mezzanine or extra storage space.
is also immediately palpable.
Its location in Qualico Communities’ Dressage in
Although most buyers have been mature couples
Silverado in the southwest is also an added incentive
looking to downsize, The Ellis can be a family-friendly
to buyers. This exclusive enclave is in its final phases
home, too, with lots of storage spaces and room to
and new homes that have the biggest backyard in
grow, especially with the developed lower level of this
Calgary will be harder to find.
walk-out model. The master bedroom and attached ensuite are
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The Ellis start at $1.4 million, while the show home itself is at $1.6 mllion.
(above) The airy magnificence of The Ellis’ 16-foot ceilings in the living room is brought to life by the full-height built-in cabinetry and wooden shutters on the window walls. The fireplace with floor-to-ceiling surround of split-face traventine stone in ivory and mocha is glorious to behold. (opposite page) Mercier Hickory Country hardwood floor adds a distinctive elegance to the main floor, giving the fabulous-and-functional kitchen a warm glow. The enormous central island topped with Marron Imperial Marble in a leather finish is key to the work and design flow of the kitchen, which also boasts Caesar stone quartz countertops, Riessett Maple Cabinets, and durango stone backsplash. (left) The lower level entertainment space is crowned by this long table setting where a hearty gathering with friends is not hard to imagine. The designer stone feature wall and heated tile flooring lends a certain manly quality to the room.
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home spotlight
Augusta homes’ The Ellis (below, top) The lavish, spa-inspired master ensuite perfectly embodies the sheer comfort that The Ellis brings. The ensuite features Delano polished porcelain floor, dual vanities with Caesar stone quartz countertops, a large walk-in rain shower and an enormous soaker tub. The master bedroom, ensuite and walk-in closet have 10-foot ceilings to match The Ellis’ theme. (below, bottom) The lower-level adds a further 1,800 square-feet of extra living space, which is given full use in this walk-out lot and includes two spare bedrooms, a full bath, a yoga/exercise room with cork floors and a family room with its own fireplace.
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(right) Whether you call it a man-cave, rec room, or party central, the potential for fun gatherings with friends and family in the lavish lower-level development is brought front and centre with this massive U-shaped wet bar. D
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lifestyle
inglewood Lawyer’s lair a labour of love Story by jim zang n Photography by Don Molyneaux
A
J the Sharpei proudly stands guard at the Inglewood castle. There may be no moat — although the Bow River is less than 100 yards away — and no firebreathing dragon, but there is AJ. AJ’s owner, a local lawyer and oil and gas entrepreneur, purchased the property just a block off the river, which is actually two side-by-side lots, late in 2005. He was already living in a smaller infill in Inglewood, just a couple streets away, which he had renovated top to bottom. “It was nice,” he says, “but just too small.” He knew he wanted something larger and newer, “yet looked like it was part of a restoration.” He also knew he wanted to stay in Inglewood, with easy access to downtown, and the Saddledome (he’s a Flames fanatic). He didn’t want another infill. The solution was to purchase two lots, enough to build one big home in the middle and still have plenty of yard left over. “I know the Inglewood community was concerned at the outset with the size of the house but together we were able to develop a plan that didn’t result in the house overwhelming the infill neighbors and being next to the bird sanctuary, the birds seem to enjoy the high-peaked roof on which to perch.” AJ’s owner had long dreamt of a home with an exterior based on stonework, like a castle, not to mention an indoor pool. He toured some local show homes for inspiration, than took all his combined ideas to a custom builder who could make the vision a reality. Together, they developed the grand plans for his 5,500-plus square-foot, four-bedroom, five-bathroom bathroom, bachelor pad. Construction was started in the spring of 2006 but, alas, like so many partnerships, things didn’t work out and so AJ’s owner and his home builder agreed to part ways before the home was finished, with AJ’s owner taking over the project himself. “It was a real learning experience,” he says of the approximately $2.3 million project. “One that I don’t think I’ll do again.” »
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castle
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(above) Heading upstairs, the lights come on automatically when you step on the stairway. At the top, there’s a loft area where AJ and his owner can sit and look at the river. A catwalk leads to the master bedroom, while a hallway in the opposite direction goes to two ‘smaller’ bedrooms, one of which overlooks the swimming pool. It’s locked so nobody gets any bright ideas about trying to jump in.
(left) Although he doesn’t do much cooking on a daily basis, AJ’s owner loves to entertain. In addition to hosting big family dinners at Easter and Christmas, his Halloween and Super Bowl parties are legendary. All the appliances are top of the line and built right into the cabinets. A massive island is perfect for both food prep and laying out a scrumptious buffet.
(opposite page) From the outside, the front entry is imposing, all rock and wrought iron with an oversized custom solid wood door. On the inside, it’s even more impressive. The ceiling soars more than 20 feet overhead. Huge floor to ceiling windows wrap around the curvature of the turret-like area, letting in lots of light when the thousands of dollars of automated blinds are up. A fancy tile inlay “bought off the internet” highlights the more than $200,000 worth of Travertine tile that graces the floors. Dark natural wood accents on the stair railings and around the entry to the great room add class and contrast. The great room is home to one of 14 TVs in the home and, at Christmas, is the site of a 16-foot Christmas tree.
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(above and right) Downstairs in the game’s room it’s party central. A well-stocked wet bar is home to everything from your basic Crown Royal to a $200 bottle of Scotch. The foosball table sees the most action at Christmas when a big family tournament is an annual tradition. Across the room is a full size billiard table, surrounded by walls adorned with collectible Beatles paraphernalia. To the side is another family room and the guest bedroom, as well as a small home gym.
(left) As if the 13-flat screens weren’t enough, there’s also a home theatre in the corner of the basement. Six big plush recliners and a screen the size of a mutli-plex theatre make it the perfect place to watch either the house collection of James Bond movies or, when they’re not playing in town, Flames’ games.
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lifestyle
(right) The master bedroom itself is more than 1,000 square-feet, including a luxurious spa-like ensuite separated from the rest of the room by a two-way fireplace. It’s the perfect private sanctuary for the home owner who has everything.
(below) A born-and-raised Calgarian, AJ’s owner knows all about the fickleness of the local weather. That’s why, wise man that he is, he built his pool indoors, all 12 x 30 feet of it. Friends and family have an open invitation to use the pool, which has it’s own changing and shower area, or the hot tub on the deck just outside the double sliding doors. It’s even got one of those pumps that generates a strong current for you to swim against. D
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behind the design
Inspired interiors James McIntyre draws inspiration from his clients, and his mom
Photos by Phil Crozier
Majestic Point house
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Photo by Don Molyneaux
James McIntyre
n by Jim Zang
“M
y mom would have been a great interior designer,” James McIntyre, co-principal of McIntyre Bills, one of Calgary — and Canada’s — leading interior design firms, says fondly of his late mother. “We had a beautiful home,” he says of their small bungalow in Lakeview, then considered suburban Calgary. “She drove my dad crazy doing the carpets, and the furniture…” McIntyre himself is a designer of some renown, having won many awards and been featured in many a magazine over the years. His company, which includes business partner Ronald Bills, a handful of other designers and a couple of admin staff, takes up three floors of fancy digs in Calgary’s hip 17th Avenue district. Plus the office in Vancouver. He’s flown around North America, from Vancouver to Montreal to Phoenix, to design clients’ homes. Despite the success and the accolades, the 52-year-old born and raised Calgarian behind these inspired designs has never forgotten his roots and has fond memories of growing up — like many other Lakeview kids in the early ‘60s, the children of an oil company middle manager and a stay-athome mom. Some of his best childhood memories, he says, are of family camping trips to Indian Graves campground. “Down by Chain Lakes, with my cousins. That was our thing.” These days, he says, he’s more of a downtown guy, and lives in a condo at the Ranchman’s Club. Or the winter place in Phoenix. »
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Photo by Phil Crozier
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behind the design Photo by Phil Crozier
“I also have a hundred-yearold home in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, sounds crazy, I know,” he laughs. “I love to go there and get away from it all. Its so peaceful and relaxing, really easy to decompress. “My mom was from Saskatchewan and there was this house we used to drive by and I always said if it ever came up for sale I’d buy it. One day a friend called me up and said it was for sale, so I bought it. I put in irrigation and probably have the greenest lawn in the entire town. Phoenix sort of happened in response to so many of my clients having places down south.” He attended Jennie Elliott Elementary School, where Miss Birkinshaw, “in grade five or six” was his favourite teacher. “I hear it’s a very popular school right now,” he says. From there, it was just down the street to Bishop Pinkham Junior High School and then on to Central Memorial before heading to business school at U of C. “I hated accounting,” he states matter of factly, “and I definitely knew I wanted to do something more creative. I went to Mount Royal, then College, and the minute I got there I knew it was a perfect fit. I met my business partner, Ronald Bills, 30 years ago in design school.” Interior Design diploma in hand, McIntyre landed work at Gulf Canada, as a rail operations advisor “because I wasn’t making a living as a designer. I got out when they wanted me to move to Regina to manage the asphalt plant.” “The very first home I did was for a model friend whose boyfriend needed his condo done. So, as soon as we graduated we went and did our first job. The client said ‘do what you want’, which was great. Then, after that, a fellow from LA Models called us because he had been to the first guy’s condo. »
“The Majestic Point house is for a major businessman in Calgary and his two sons. This house is the antithesis of the Stonepine one. It is a traditional classic design with lots of mouldings, details, wood paneling and old-world styling. Many of the pieces are from high quality suppliers of fine furnishings in Los Angeles such as Ebanista and Dennis & Leen. The client wanted a stately manor with intimate rooms, thus the two different wood-paneled rooms; one being the library, the other the den. The stone bar and indoor pool plus fitness room anchor the lower level, which is a walk-out to the forest below.” W I N T E R 2 01 4 • D O M U S •
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behind the design
“I think design makes people stop and smell the roses Stonepine house
Photo by Colin Way
They celebrated their 25th anniversary in business this year, says McIntyre, “and some of my first clients from the late ‘80s are still my friends and clients.” Another big break was when the owners of Oggo, a furniture store hired them to design their store. “A lady walked in and liked the look of the store so much she offered to fly us to Vancouver to do her house. It was just our third job and it was on the cover of Western Living magazine. It was a real stroke of good luck, combined with hard work, for us. I ended up doing five houses for her over the years.” Fast forward to 2014 and McIntyre Bills is celebrating their 25th anniversary. So what does the average work day look like for the artistic head of a professional interior design firm. “Lots of emails,” says McIntrye, “and texts. We’ve got projects going on at all different stages all at one time and I like to keep my hand in all of them. I get up bright and early. I feel more creative in the morning and I can get some creative work done before the phones start ringing and the meetings begin.” In office consults, meetings in client homes — their business is about 90 per cent residential — and following up with suppliers take up most of his working hours. He loves the fact the every project is different and the process of getting to know each client personally. “Getting to know the people and working with them to create the living environment they want. I love doing that part of it. For me, interior design is more of a lifestyle than a job…I really do live my work. Many of my clients have become great friends of mine. But for me I love the impact interior design has on people’s lives, it impacts how they live and grow in their homes. I know it sounds kind of corny but I see them as the actors and the home as their stage of their lives. Interior design provides a nice bit of beauty, comfort and elegance in this busy, sometimes troubling, world we live in these days. I think design makes people stop and smell the roses but in their own homes.” 52
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but in their own homes.”
Photos by Colin Way
All work and no play would make for a dull James, though, and that’s certainly not the case. In addition to involvement with several community organizations, he enjoys working out and walking. “I had a dog for years.” If he wasn’t an interior designer? “Maybe a beach bum somewhere,” he jokes. “I love to go to Maui when I can spare the time, I love the serenity and love energy of that island. Or a writer. Definitely something creative.” DOMUS asked McIntyre to share a couple of his favourite design projects with us, and he happily obliged.
“I chose two houses from west of Calgary. One in Stonepine, contemporary style, and one in Elbow Valley in traditional old world style. I did this purposely to show the diversity of style and taste in Calgary. Both houses are in the luxury neighbourhoods west of town but couldn’t be more different in style. We have always had as our goal to channel our clients’ tastes and ideas at the same time as expressing what we know and love about interior design. We see every project as a collaboration with the home owners to create the right feeling for both them and the house itself.” D
Stonepine House: “These were long-time clients of ours that moved into this house as an empty nesters project. We had worked for them on their family home in Parkland years ago and then on a lake house in Windermere. This was the third project and the most fun for sure! Great people to work for and very focused on having this be contemporary like none of the others. It has a neutral palette focused on rich natural materials that I think are well-suited to its country location. We chose comfortable but stylish pieces and worked closely with the owners on an art collection as a big part of the design concept.” W I N T E R 2 01 4 • D O M U S •
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design
make an unforgettable impression in your dining room with a single chandelier or grouping of light fixtures. (below) Facon de Venise “Bloom” from Vivid, $3,500.
oPen PossiBilities Enhance your open concept home n By Paige Johnston
H
ome designs in Calgary have definitely turned towards the open concept plan. Even the million-dollar estate homes — the bastion of traditional designs — have today seen an acceptance of the open concept floor plan that rejects the separation of rooms with walls and doors on the main floor. The ability to see from one end of your home to the other is what an open concept style brings. It lends itself beautifully to a busy yet easygoing lifestyle by providing generous space to entertain, interact, keep an eye on everyone and be a part of the action while cooking. The drawback? This blank canvas can be intimidating to decorate. But with a few tricks of the trade, you can create thoughtful separation of areas that are decorated cohesively. The result will be a noteworthy space that is both functional and visually engaging. Diners’ delight While your dining room is an extension of your kitchen, define this space by turning the wall featuring a buffet or cabinet into an accent wall. Paint it a bold colour or add wallpaper in a dramatic print. Make an unforgettable impression in your dining room with a single chandelier or grouping of light fixtures. The lighting you choose will largely impact the overall cohesiveness of your open concept space, so take your time choosing the finish, style and placement of each one. Lighting can emphasize materials, colours and textures, from showcasing artwork to highlighting the sheen of your fabrics.
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Chef chic The kitchen is the heart and hub of the home. Life is lived here; it’s where you cook, work, socialize and entertain. Allow your kitchen to be an expression of your style that will carry throughout your space. Elevate your interior with high-end finishes, including lighting, tile and hardware. Go bold with dark gray marble counters, polished nickel fixtures and a mirrored backsplash. Repeat that reflective surface in your living room with a mirrored side table or tray. Get a timeless look in your kitchen with white cabinets, crown moulding and light quartz. To continue this classic look, allow the crown moulding to carry throughout your » home and repeat white in your colour scheme.
(above) caesarstone quartz “coalcatta nuvo” from icon stone & tile, $135 per square-foot.
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design
Walls and floors There is no rule that every wall in your open space has to be painted the same colour, but doing so will create a smoother flow throughout. Keeping the flooring consistent and using the same fabric for window treatments also work to promote a unified look. To visually separate each area, and to enhance your space, focus on artwork placement, lighting selection and furniture arrangement. Choosing a wall to become a feature wall works well, too, to differentiate a space.
Shine “ Coco Cabinet” from Peridot Calgary, $27,950.
To visually and physically separate your living room from other areas, look to furniture selection and placement.
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Living large To visually and physically separate your living room from other areas, look to furniture selection and placement. Focus on pieces that are larger in scale, like an oversized floor lamp and generous area carpet. Doing this will keep the open floor plan functional and uncluttered. Bring elements from your kitchen and dining room in to your living room with finishes and accessories. Textiles like blankets and throw cushions are a great way to reintroduce pattern or colour. Art, too, works to tie in colours and themes and has the ability to spark conversation and speak to your personal style. Mixing metals and their finishes will help to keep your open concept space engaging. Using polished nickel for your kitchen hardware does not preclude a chandelier in your dining room with a gold finish. Moreover, brushed stainless steel, antiqued silver and chrome can all play together in an attractive and interesting way. Let your living room be a public showcase of your open concept home that not only speaks to a look you love but stops others in their tracks. Unique and unpredictable pieces, like a sculptural cocktail table or fur bench, are sure to impress.
To visually separate each area, and to enhance your space, focus on artwork placement, lighting selection and furniture arrangement. Choosing a wall to become a feature wall works well, too, to differentiate a space.
First impressions Although we’ll end in your foyer, the entrance of a home acts as a first impression and preview for what is to come. Wow visitors through the use of distinctive accessories or sculpture. Your front entrance is often a great opportunity again for another impressive light fixture or piece of wall art. Turn your open concept floor plan into a magazine ready space. For a cohesive look throughout your home, allow certain elements to remain consistent and act as the backdrop for what you wish to highlight. Add dimension and interest to each area by incorporating large scale and statement making pieces that reflect who you are and your style philosophy. D
n Paige Johnston is a graduate of Ryerson’s School of Interior Design in Toronto and currently lives and works in Calgary.
Black horse head from Rob Kurkut, $280.
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eye on custom homes
Architecturally yours Engaging an architect to build your custom home is money well spent
n story by richard white
Jeremy Sturgess’ goal is to create efficiencies that a house builder won’t find. While the design fees might be higher than a custom home, he usually finds construction costs are less because of the detailed drawings they produce. Photo by Lemermeyer Photography Inc.
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n today’s world when it is common for people to engage professionals (career coach, personal trainer and dietitian) to enhance your quality of life, why not hire an architect to design your next home or major renovation? Calgary is often criticized as being a mecca of the “cookie cutter” homes especially in the suburbs and not without some justification. However, in the inner city and on acreages, it is becoming more and more common to hire an architect in building custom homes. Even Bob Villa of “This Old Home” fame states on his website, “hiring an architect should save you time and money, minimize bumps, streamline the building process, and provide an accurate picture of how your new home will look before you build.” Calgary architect of 27 years, Jeremy Sturgess who designs and builds about six new homes a year echoes Villa’s sentiments saying: “My goal is to create efficiencies that a house builder won’t find. While the design fees might be higher than a custom home, we usually find construction costs are less because of the detailed drawings we produce. Also, we often can create a smaller home but with more efficient use of » space that also reduces the construction costs.”
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eye on custom homes
(opposite page) In Sturgess’ design the kitchen has become the focus of the house and the formal dining room has been replaced by a flex space that allow everything from intimate family dinners to large dinner parties. Photo by Lemermeyer Photography Inc.
(Below)The Perry family so enjoyed building their first custom home three years ago that they are thinking of builiding a new one. Photo by Don Molyneaux.
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Sturgess hasn’t built a separate living room and family room in over a decade as clients’ lifestyles have evolved significantly and open concept designs have taken hold. In most of his new homes, the kitchen has become the focus of the house and the formal dining room has been replaced by a flex space that allow everything from intimate family dinners to large dinner parties. Today, everything is focused on food. Calgarians, Peggy and Brien Perry engaged an architect to build their Altadore dream home (featured in Domus Spring 2012) three years ago. They enjoyed the process so much they have decided to sell the old dream home and build another one. What they love about working with an architect is the opportunity to get a unique design that they would never have been able to create on their own. They enjoy the debate of ideas and options with their architect and how everything came together. Brien emphasizes that the architect brings extensive experience that allowed them to optimize form and function. “Like when we wanted to be able to seat 30+ guests for dinner. The architect also asks good questions
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about future use and even looks at how best to accommodate current furniture and artworks into the new home design.” According to Richard Davignon, founder of Davignon Martin Architecture + Interior Design firm, getting to know their customer is just the first step in the design equation. A big part is the actual site where the home will be built. “We take a lot of inspiration from the actual site, each one has its individual properties that we can use to find the nature, and the soul, of the home,” Davignon says. He cites an example of a home they are building by the banks of the Elbow River. “It backs right on the river, and the way the water has slowly formed the banks is what we took as inspiration for the way the house was built. When Katherine Duncan, host and producer of music programs at CBC radio and her partner found an ‘80s infill just a block away from CBC in West Hillhurst, she contacted architect Housebrand to help them renovate it into their urban oasis. They had seen Housebrand’s work while touring homes on the 2007 Alberta Ballet House and Garden tour and thought “Wouldn’t it be great to get something like this, but on a smaller scale?” As it turned out Housebrand did indeed do ‘smaller’ projects and have lots of experience renovating older homes in established neighbourhoods. The experience was really positive. Duncan says “Housebrand had an excellent system of taking us through all the decisions with a weekly meeting, so that by the time the demolition work started on the property, we had signed off on all the major design choices and budget. It was exciting to get together week by week and look at kitchen designs, flooring choices, finishes and colours with Matthew; we liked and trusted his style, so were happy to choose between a few alternatives he’d pre-selected at every stage of the way.” Now six years later, they still love their oasis. Housebrand is the brainchild of John Brown an architect, University of Calgary professor and licensed realtor. His real estate agency, architecture firm, general contractor, interior design and furniture store is located on trendy 4th Street in Mission. In 2009, Brown was recognized as a rising star in “Residential Architect,” a magazine of the American Institute of Architects, for his unique approach to making residential architectural design more accessible to the masses. Brown discovered that his real estate license was the key to his success as most people hire a realtor as the first step in buying a new home or lot for a new house. This meant he could get in on the ground level with clients and then work with them as a designer to find ways to add an architectural influence. He is just as likely to renovate a ’50s bungalow to incorporate all of the modern conveniences as build a mega mansion. Richard Lindseth, who like Brown was born in Calgary, is probably Calgary most renowned residential architect with 80
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eye on custom homes (right) Richard Davignon says he is focused on making sure the client gets not only what they think they want and need, but adding value with new ideas. Photo courtesy Davignon Martin Architecture + Interior Design.
(below) Richard Lindseth’s homes have often set the city record for the highest priced homes — not necessarily because they are the most expensive to build, but because they are so well designed they appreciate in value more than the average custom home. Photos courtesy Richard Lindseth.
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per cent of his practice being new residential construction, both local and international. Designing unique homes for clients since 1980, his homes have often set the city record for the highest priced homes — not necessarily because they are the most expensive to build, but because they are so well designed they appreciate in value more than the average custom home. While Lindseth has certainly design multi-million dollar homes, he was quick to share a story of a young couple who approached him several years ago with a very limited budget, yet who really wanted an architecturallydesigned home. They were willing to make sacrifices to have an architect design something special for them. He also noted the couple were not young urban professionals, but rather lived in a rural community. Accepting the challenge by designing a 1,200-square-foot home that functioned like a 1,500-square-foot one, cut the construction costs to offset his fees. Speaking of cost, the price of engaging an architect is usually between 10 and 25 per cent of construction cost. But really, who can put a price on creating a dream?
• Check an architect’s references and go see their previous homes. • Establish the fee and what is included in writing.
Five Tips before engaging an architect • Ask lots of questions. There are no “stupid questions.” • Determine your budget and timeline early. • Interview at least three architects.
n Richard White is the Urban Strategist at Ground3 Landscape Architects and has written about urban design, living and development for over 25 years. You can follow him on twitter @everydaytourist or his blog at www.everydaytourist.ca.
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Last Word The stereotype that still exists in some people’s mind is that the architect is a dreamer who generates pie-in-the-sky ideas and doesn’t really care about what the client wants or if the home is functional as long as it looks good. My experience working with architects — and those of a growing number of people who have used their services is quite different. In fact, they are focused on making sure the client gets not only what they think they want and need, but also adding value with new ideas and needs that the client would never have thought of, some of which may actually result in short and long term cost saving. D
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Pioneering Celebrate the holidays and beyond with some rare scotch n By Shelley Boettcher
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cotland’s Orkney Islands are perhaps best-known as the home to fine scotch whisky distilleries. But the group of 70 or so islands also played a major part in early Canadian history. In the 18th and 19th century, hundreds of men — “Orkneymen” — came to work for the Hudson’s Bay Co. in Northern Canada. They were hardy and accustomed to bad weather, and they were willing to work for much less than men from other parts of the United Kingdom, according to the Canadian Encyclopedia. A son of one of those men, John Norquay, became premier of Manitoba in 1878 and — you guessed it — had a mountain in Banff National Park, Mt. Norquay, named after him. In celebration of those early Canadian pioneers, I suggest drinking some scotch from the Orkney Islands. Or local gin. And if that isn’t to your liking, well, drink a toast with fine wine.
Highland Park, Valhalla Collection, Freya (Orkney Islands, Scotland) A follow-up to Thor and Loki, Freya is the third and newest installment in Highland Park’s Valhalla Collection of fine single malt scotch whiskies. (Odin, the fourth and final scotch, will likely be released next year.) Freya was the ancient Norse goddess of love — a fitting name, really, as many scotch fans will no doubt love this fair beauty. This limited-edition single malt is floral, sweet and delicate; it’s one to sip quietly, curled up in front of your fireplace. Only about 60 bottles will find their way to Alberta, so if you’re interested, act fast. Highland Park, incidentally, is Scotland’s northernmost distillery, on the same latitude as Oslo, Norway and Stockholm, Sweden. About $330 per bottle.
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spirit
The Glenlivet Distillery, Winchester Collection Vintage 1964 Edition (Speyside, Scotland) The Glenlivet Winchester Collection is a series of rare vintage single malts to be released by the renowned Glenlivet Distillery in Speyside, Scotland. I haven’t tried it but, I am told, it is “exceptionally smooth and luxurious, lingering on the palate and in memory for eternity.” That is if you can track down a bottle; only 100 of the 1964 have been made, and Alberta is the only Canadian province to receive any of it. About $25,000 per bottle.
Eau Claire Distilleries, Parlour Gin (Turner Valley, Alberta, Canada) Love the thought of drinking local and supporting a small business in your own back yard? Then check out one of the most exciting alcohol-related projects to pop up in Alberta in the past few years. Eau Claire Distilleries is located in Turner Valley, on the historic cowboy trail southwest of Calgary. So far, only a vodka and this gin are being offered, but plans are in the works for brown spirits, too. The incredibly aromatic and delicious Parlour Gin is made from local grain and botanicals, including Alberta rye, plus rosehips and Saskatoon berries. Don’t wreck it by mixing in a bunch of tarted-up cocktail ingredients. » Just serve it chilled in tiny glasses and enjoy it on its own. About $53.
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greywacke 2012 Pinot noir (Marlborough, New Zealand) Winemaker Kevin Judd put Cloudy Bay winery on the map, before starting his own winery, Greywacke. Pronounced grey-wack-eee, the name comes from the type of river stones common in this part of New Zealand. In addition to making world-class wine, Judd is also a renowned vineyard photographer, with books and cards and wine labels, too. This Pinot Noir is medium-bodied and unbelievably smooth, fragrant and seductive, with aromas of cherries, cloves, roses and fresh raspberries. I could go on and on; there’s so much happening in the glass. Great value. Pair with duck roasted with salt and pepper. About $52. D
Moet & Chandon, nectar Imperial (Champagne, France) One of the world’s best-known Champagne houses, Moet & Chandon has had such famous and diverse fans as Queen Victoria and Napoleon and, in more recent times, rapper Snoop Dogg. The Nectar Imperial, just one of the Moet & Chandon offerings in Alberta, is a lush, full-bodied, gorgeous Champagne, with notes of pear and fresh brioche. On the sweet side, this is one for breakfast or dessert; pair with a simple flan or foie gras or blue cheese. About $70.
n Shelley Boettcher is a national cBc wine columnist and an award-winning food and wine writer. the third edition of her book, uncorked: the definitive guide to alberta’s Best wines $25 and under, is in stores now.
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