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contents issue 12 • summer 2015
department 6 editor’s note
expressions 8
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art scene
summer in the city. 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
A Magical home. Watermark at Bearspaw mansion brings family comfort to a whole new level
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in the cellar
Global flavour. Old World or New, these picks will make summer really enjoyable
On the cover: This lovingly designed estate home in Watermark at Bearspaw boasts plenty of customized architectural detail. The kitchen, with its twin islands is of particular note. Photography by Zoon Photos.
editor’s choice 12
building the vision
West Hillhurst home brings grand vision to life
home spotlight 24 The McGregor by Homes by Avi Modern lakeside living
28 Hot in the city
Urban style rules in Richmond Park home
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innovations 32
design
Living large in the big backyard. Calgary’s summers may be short but here are some ways to make the most of your private outdoor space
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eye on custom homes
Signs of strength. Calgary’s luxury home market still strong in 2015
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editor’s message
Height of luxury Luxury is relative. What some may think as a luxury may be considered by others as mundane. I remember when I thought an attached ensuite in the master bedroom was a luxury. But in this issue of Domus, there’s no mistaking the upscale level of luxury of the homes featured within. Take for example our cover feature. This Dean Thomas-designed 6,400-squarefoot home in Watermark at Bearspaw is the very meaning of luxury living. The owners, Amy and Jeff, were kind enough to take Courtney Allen on a tour of their lovely home and give us a taste of the kind of lifestyle that has made this community on the northwestern edge of Calgary the epicentre of luxury living in the city. “We moved here because it’s like living in the city without being in the city,” Amy says of Watermark. The home itself is out-of-this-world gorgeous and I think Zoon Photography’s images do it justice. For our Editor’s Choice, we move from the suburbs to the inner-city home of Tarik Aziz, the owner of Urban Image Fine Homes. This one-of-a-kind home in West Hillhurst — designed by Laurissa Reichert of Designs by Laurissa — is a visual treat with a more contemporary beat. It’s functionality as the primary residence of Tarik himself still comes through with deft skill. The black cloud of economic uncertainty still hangs over the province brought on by slumping oil prices, but Richard White says the predicted crash of Calgary’s luxury home market has not happened. He explains in his Eye on Custom Homes piece that the trend seems to be favouring the million-dollar duplexes and townhomes that are carrying the bulk of sales of homes over a million bucks. Style writer, Paige Johnston, outlines how we can make the best of our private outdoor spaces with some of the most high-end outdoor furniture. We also shine our Home Spotlight on a couple of the most distinctive homes in Calgary: Mark Milne’s listing on Richmond Park — a vision of inner-city pizzazz; and Homes by Avi’s McGregor show home, which mark’s the multi-awarded builder’s debut in the premiere lake community of Mahogany in the southeast. Though the talk of doom-and-gloom in Calgary’s overall housing market hasn’t had the effect some thought was inevitable in the luxury market, in fact people seem to be taking advantage of the lower interest rates to get their dream home. But whatever the future holds, DOMUS will continue to chart design trends, and the growth of Calgary’s luxury homes.
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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
Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca
Megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITORIAL
Courtney Allen, Shelley Boettcher, Aaliya Essa, Paige Johnston, Richard White Photography
Don Molyneaux, Rob Moroto, Zoon Photos ADVERTISING SALES
Heather Dougall heather.dougall@sourcemediagroup.ca
Cindy Marks cindy.marks@sourcemediagroup.ca accounting |
Norma Robertson
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca
VOL 3 Issue 12 • ISSN 1929-4581 (Print) ISSN 1929-459X (online) © 2015 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the written permission from 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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“Up to Rohr” Trees and rocks, water and sky, mountains and snow, these elements, combined with distinctive painting methods and an audacious style, have characterized the paintings of David Langevin. His dramatic renditions of the Canadian wilderness and his bold “tree portraits” have become almost as familiar as the subject they depict. Stephen Lowe Art Gallery
“The Oilman – A Moment of Reflection” Don Toney grew up on a cattle ranch in the foothills of Pincher Creek, Alberta. He rode horse before we could walk and grew up with an appreciation for the people, the creatures and the way of life that is our western heritage. These have been the inspiration of much of his art and life. Webster Galleries
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art scene
Summer in the city
n By aaliya essa
“Lady With A Child” ➤
“Peaceful Divide” Kathryn Amisson has a natural talent since childhood and is mostly selftaught. She has become well-known for her landscapes and seascapes working in a variety of mediums. Stephen Lowe Art Gallery
“After Sheffield Lake”
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Dr. John Harold Thomas Snow is a man of rare accomplishment. He excelled in not one but two entirely different occupations: fine art and finance. The artistbanker was born in Vancouver, B.C. in 1911. Collectors’ Gallery of Art
“2 Windfall” Known for his stylized and often humorous steel sculptures, Greg Metz’s three-dimensional works are a unique addition to any art collection. Polished figures in fluid lines, dynamic curves, and contemporary subject matter, his sculptures range from elegant to jazzy to dreamlike. Stephen Lowe Art Gallery
There is no right or wrong way to interpreting Seka Owen’s paintings, which are non representational or abstract. Painting for her is the essence of things she has seen, experienced and learned. In the process of her paintings she needs to posses a keen sense of her own direction and identity. Collectors’ Gallery of Art s u m m e r 2 01 5 • D O M U S •
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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. Webster Galleries
“Long Red” Constance Bachmann was born and raised in Kelowna, B.C. She began painting professionally in 1994, before Bachmann dispensed with brushes and developed an elegant and innovative technique with the palette knife. This technique, earned her a reputation for producing uniquely distinctive work. Stephen Lowe Art Gallery
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“The Blue Night” Denis Chiasson’s paintings are a window into the inner world of the other. The structure of the black frame surrounding the subject emphasizes the distance between the active viewer and the passive subject. Webster Galleries
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➤ “Virtuosity”
“Hidden Trails” Iosif Dereichei was born October 8, 1962 in Marghita, a small city in the historic region of Transylvania in western Romania. As a child he found that drawing was something which came naturally and he could sketch with ease anything he saw. His love of visual expression continued and he graduated with a Bachelor of Art degree from the Ion Andreescu Art University in Romania. Stephen Lowe Art Gallery
art scene
“Speak To Me Softly Ghost Trees” Aunaray Clusiau personal intention as an artist is to contribute waves of positive energy and vibration to the world through works of art. She feels a reverence for nature and a profound connection to the landscape of the Okanagan, especially the lakes, which have been the source of inspiration for the ongoing series of water paintings. Latitude Art Gallery
“The Waltz” Father of 12 children, Clément Lemieux’s muse is love, the body and family ties. His passion for Judo allowed him to learn to study and work the human body thus helping him to better situate movement and position in space on his sublime sculptures. His abstract subjects are simplified to their most elementary forms. Webster Galleries
calgary’s canvas Christine Klassen Gallery
n Madeleine Lamont: Night Elegy April 30 – June 30. Reception Date: May 9, 1-4 p.m. Talk: 2 pm n Papyromania April 30 – June 20. Karrie Arthurs, Daniel Barkley, Bénédicte Dussère, Aron Hill, Alexandre Masino, Lisa Matthias and Ulrich Panzer n Chroma July 2 – August 22. Reception Date: July 10, 5-7 pm. Artists: Ronald Boaks and Jocelyn Marsh Collectors’ Gallery of Art
Roald Boaks
n Summer Sizzler I June 6 – July 11. R.F.M McInnis, Margaret Shelton, Bewabon Shilling, Kathryn Pryce, William Parker, Seka Owen, and others. n Summer Sizzler II July 12 – August 31. John Snow, Arlene Hobbs, Barbara Hirst, Steve Coffey, and others.
Stephen Lowe Art Gallery n Artist Spotlight – Shinah Lee June 8th – 20th
Shinah Lee
Wallace Gallery
n Spring Group Show June 4 - 17. Group show, including works by gallery artist: Laurie Steen, Camrose Ducote, Simon Andrew, David Alexander, Alain Attar, Gregory Hardy, Brent Laycock, and more. n Canada Celebrations June 18 - July 1. Group show, including works by gallery artist: Ted Godwin, Kenneth Lochhead, Shi Le, William Duma, Robert Marchessault, Joice M Hall, Toni Onley, and more.
Ted Godwin
n Stampede Celebrations July 2 - 15. Group show, including works by gallery artist: Andre Petterson, Robert Lemay, William Webb, William Duma, Jim Stokes, Diana Zasadny, and more. n Summer Group Show Andre Petterson July 16 - 29. Group show, including works by gallery artist: Linda Nardelli, Andrew Lui, Harold Town, David Newkirk, Erin McSavaney, Jennifer Hornyak, Kenneth Lochhead, and more.
n HOT HOT HOT 2015 July 30 - August 12. Group show, including works by gallery artist: Ron Bloore, Camrose Ducote, Luc Bernard, Dori-ann Steinberg, Steve Mennie, Don Pentz, and more. n Summer Group Show II August 13 - 26. Group show, including works by gallery artist: Walter Bachinski, Simon Andrew, David Alexander, William Duma, Bruce Head, Peter Krausz, and more. n Exploring Paint, Group Show August 27 - September 9. Group show, including works by: Simon Andrew, Linda Nardelli, Ted Godwin, Kenneth Lochhead, Harold Town, Jennifer Hornyak, Laurie Steen, Robert Lemay, and more. D
SImon Andrew
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editor’s choice
Building the
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editor’s choice
vision West Hillhurst home brings grand vision to life
story by pepper rodriguez n photography by rob moroto
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t has always been the function of the dreamer to create the vision, to aspire for a goal, but it is up to the realist to make the dream come true. The dreamer finds the inspiration and the realist charts the course. The latter has ever been the role of Laurissa Reichert, a Calgary interior designer working with some of the most high profile custom homebuilders on some of the most upscale homes in the inner city.
The grand visions to create the ultimate residential lifestyle is always a challenge to pull off — the wishes of clients can range from the whimsical to the outlandish — but Laurissa has always successfully handled each aspect of their dreams and somehow make them come true. Designs By Laurissa has accumulated a wide range of clients in the last decade » she has been working in Calgary. Laurissa has worked on commercial develop-
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editor’s choice
Like the hardwood flooring, most of the cabinetry in the three-level, four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home was built on-site. ments like restaurants and offices, but her passion remains to be designing interior spaces where people retreat to at the end of a long work day — their homes. “My goal has always been to balance between imagination and functionality. Visions are conceived within spaces that are modern, fluid and always authentic to the unique characteristics of each client,” she tells Domus. One of the most gratifying projects she has recently accomplished is designing the home for Tarik Aziz, the proprietor of Urban Image Fine Homes, who himself has built some of the most contemporary infill homes in Calgary in the past 17 years. The challenge in designing this home for Tarik, like most clients, is his concrete ideas of what he wants to see in his space and how it functions. What gives it a higher degree of difficulty is that not only would it be the home where Tarik resides full-time, but that it would also have to double as a show home where he can display his firm’s prodigious homebuilding skills and talents. Perfection was called for, and thankfully, achieved. The 4,500-square-foot home in the popular northwest community of West Hillhurst has all the bells and whistles one can expect from a contemporary show home, but the undeniable warmth and functionality of a family home also shines through spectacularly. Tarik says he wanted the home to reflect a more modern design with clean lines and angles, but the lovely airiness of the home with its tall ceilings and matching floor-to-ceiling windows, the strategic use of glass panels along the open riser staircase all combine to bring a luminous quality to the interior. “I also have quite a large extended family and we love to entertain,” says Tarik, whose family is from Lebanon and large gatherings among family and friends are quite common. The enormous 20-foot island made up of three slabs of quartzite certainly draws the eye, but it is but one of the many wow factors in 14
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Photography by Don Molyneaux
just the main floor of the home. The 10-foot ceilings, the exquisite on-site finished walnut engineered hardwood flooring, the herringbone design of the precocious tile accent on the entry all add an element of executive élan that will wow Urban Image Fine Homes’ custom home buyers, but the personal touches and attention to detail that Designs By Laurissa including in the home give it a sense of warmth and efficient practicality of a working family home. Like the hardwood flooring, most of the cabinetry in the three-level, four-bedroom, threeand-a-half bath home was built on-site. Custom millwork is a specialty for both Designs By Laurissa and Urban Image Fine Homes, and it shows. »
Laurissa Reichert
“My goal has always been to balance between imagination and functionality. Visions are conceived within spaces that are modern, fluid and always authentic to the unique characteristics of each client.” s u m m e r 2 01 5 • D O M U S •
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Laurissa stated that it has always been her design goal to let her client’s personality shine through in their homes, and that she is only there to guide it through. “I bring some suggestions that I form after listening to the clients and finding out what they want, but it is still largely their personal taste that uniforms the final product,” she says. “For example, in this home Tarik wanted to see a lot of glitz, and luster in the final product so I devised a way that we could incorporate a mixture of polished metals into the design so I could still incorporate warmth,” she says. Swarovski crystals were incorporated as one of the accents of the home; old oil drum lids were turned into gold leafed art pieces gracing the staircase. Laurissa says even the cabinetry have reflective surfaces that add to the feeling of “bling” in the home. “Our personalities match for the most part, so we were able to work together well. But where Tarik tends to gravitate towards dark and masculine finishes, I introduced him and his new home to lighter finishes adding a feminine touch,” she tells Domus. “Balance is the key to a successful interior.” The New York loft style is an obvious inspiration to the design of the home with its soaring ceilings and the open concept flow of the main floor. 16
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editor’s choice
The great room invites guests to linger with its flush-to-the-wall fireplace — that gives a hint of the industrial modernity of the home but still manages to give off a warm and inviting vibe. The state-of-the-art home theatre in the lower level development speaks to the Aziz’s love for movies and entertaining, but the crowning jewel would have to be the magnificent roof top patio that takes up the entire length and breadth of the home. The view from this vantage point is nothing short of spectacular. Tarik says they even worked with the City to raise the surrounding street utility poles a few feet higher to maximize the enjoyment of the city views. “It was a painstaking and expensive process but the end
result was thoroughly worth it,” Tarik says. His well-stocked bar in the adjoining upstairs den adds further testament to the unique vision for the home as an entertainment castle. “It’s our man-cave upstairs,” he adds. “Urban Image’s many years of success is the result of our firm belief in first-rate customer service.,” Aziz says. “Working together with our team of skilled trades, subcontractors, architects and engineers, we have developed a solid foundation based on trust and uncompromising quality.” All together, the fine craftsmanship of the Aziz home bears testament not only to the power of his original vision, but also the transformative process Designs by Laurissa exert in making the dream come true. D
Photography by Don Molyneaux
Swarovski crystals were incorporated in the accents of the home, old oil drum lids were turned into golden art pieces gracing the staircase.
Tarik Aziz
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lifestyle
A magical home Watermark at Bearspaw mansion brings family comfort to a whole new level
story By courtney allen n photography by zoon Photos
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rick, mortar, wood, (and a few other important materials), and magic are what it took to create this breathtaking Watermark home in Calgary’s Bearspaw community. For owners Amy and Jeff along with their daughters and Sophie, the pint-sized pup of the house, the magic is the best part. Designed by Dean Thomas Architectural Design and inspired by Amy herself, this three storey personal sanctuary is a present-day solace for the whole family and all who enter. Originally a square footprint, this home has a light, sparkle and vibe like none other. Despite it’s incredible design and styled perfection, it truly feels like a home from the moment you enter. Located in the new estate community of Watermark at Bearspaw, Amy says she chose this master-planned community because it offered “proximity to the city without necessarily being in the city.” The park-like setting of Watermark at Bearspaw is the perfect backdrop to her 6,400-squarefoot French Chateau mixed with French Country home. It has four bedrooms, four full baths plus two half-baths. The foyer is the first room to welcome you into the architectural wonders that flow through this exquisite home. The pristine white paneling draws the eye up and into the circular carved out staircase in a seemingly endless spiral. Open and bright, with warm white oak wood flooring, white spindles and dark railings the curved staircase leads up
and down surprising and delighting the mind. Three wrought iron and glass spheres in different sizes are suspended as if in mid-air, thus beginning the first of many magical sights in this stunning home. “I didn’t want all the ‘wow’ to be in my face right away but I wanted every time I turned a corner for there to be a ‘wow’,” says Amy. “And there is. From the extraordinary entrance to the impressive kitchen to the divine en-suite, every turn is indeed, “wow”. Once you’ve had a chance to catch your breath in the foyer, next stop is the living room and kitchen area. With 10- and 11-foot vaulted ceilings and almost floor to ceiling windows along the rear of the house, this immaculately furnished area invites you
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lifestyle
in and begs you to stay. An antique Limestone fireplace adorns the far wall with the oversized elegant sofas, chairs and a beautiful wood table all gathering around. Off in the kitchen are two leather-finish quartzite topped Alder wood, eight-and-a-half-foot islands. Yes, two islands; one for everyone to sit at and another for Amy to work while still being part of the fun. Obviously. Dinnertime is focused on time together rather than serving and moving plates around. Here, you simply go along the buffet line, load up your plate and then take your place at the pedestaled wooden table beneath the rustic wrought iron and crystal chandelier. Every single incredible feature in this four-bedroom home has a purpose; function absolutely ruled the design process. Each room has storage cupboards or closets, hidden doors, and built-in units. Every piece was placed where it is or designed to exist because it makes complete sense in the family’s day-to-day life. Features such as the butler’s pantry with a beverage fridge and full-sized stand up freezer that both free up the main refrigerator for what the family uses everyday. Another custom
Every single incredible feature in this fourbedroom home has a purpose; function absolutely ruled the design process. feature is the wondrous circular bar in the lower level that extends the beauty of the staircase and offers a great vantage to the state of the art theatre room. And then there are the details; the fixtures and accessories that Amy picked out one by one. From the understated warm sable colored wall paper threaded with silver in the main floor powder room, to the crystal sphere door knobs and the shining specks in the hand-laid tiles in the girl’s bathrooms; it’s all exactly what Amy has always wanted. “In every house I’ve built, I think I wish I’d done this or I wish I’d done that,” she says. “This is my perfect house.” »
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Upstairs is just as stunning and dramatic as the main floor. Still a square footprint, you can walk all the way around the upper level from the long hallway showcasing the beautiful family, to the custom built laundry room, into Jeff and Amy’s functional yet thrilling walk-in closet and then into the master bath. Truly delightful from either entrance, the handcrafted marble tile floor sweeps you into the spa-like room. With the perfectly shaped tub sitting just under the window, surrounded by built-in vanities and custom shelving and opposite the spacious glass encased, multi-head shower. Deliciously styled, the far end of the home was designed specifically for the girls. Expansive barn-style sliding doors lead the way to a whimsical yet perfectly appointed space to live, dream and create. With personalized bedrooms on one end, crafts on the other and met in the middle by a comfy couch and big TV, the outside dormers are brought inside with barreled window recesses and ceilings. Amy loves this room; the architecture, the interior design, it all came together flawlessly. “When you love something right away and you know they get you right away — you’re good,” she says. Working with an architect and interior designer who really understood exactly what Amy was after made all the difference. Every single-family home in Watermark at Bearspaw is custom built by a select group of builders, and estate homes start from the $1.2 million mark. Amy was reluctant to disclose the actual cost of her home, but at over 6,000 squarefeet, it’s likely far above that starting price.
“When you love something right away and you know they get you right away — you’re good.” 22
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lifestyle
Amy, however, was indeed inspired by other multi-million dollar homes in the community, but she realized she didn’t need 10,000 squarefeet to achieve her dreams. What she needed was a square footprint, a phenomenally talented architect, an utterly intune interior designer, her own experience and passion. Topped with copper and structured with real stone, the exterior of this family’s home portrays the rustic elegance that inspired their style and touches every square foot. The intention and opportunity to create a home that would fit her family absolutely perfectly, well, that was the magic. D
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home spotlight
The McGregor by Homes by avi Modern lakeside living Homes by Avi makes its debut in Mahogany’s prestigious Reserve Collection of homes, and there’s an awful lot to love about their initial offerings in this prestigious lake community in the southeast. The Reserve Collection is where builders get to let loose on their design capabilities, and Homes by Avi’s McGregor show home is as impressive a debut as any. It not only manages to impress but do so in a way that illustrates homes in a more contemporary light than most lake homes are perceived to be. The McGregor has a more pronounced modern, urban feel with lots of angles and open spaces, yet still displaying Homes by Avi’s traditional award-winning quality, functional style and family-first comfort. The multiple-award-winning builder also introduces The Catalina show home next door, which has a decidedly more transitional look. “This is the first time that Homes by Avi will have single-family show homes in Mahogany, and we wanted to give people the opportunity to see the different designs that we can do, and the lifestyles they can fit,” says area sales manager Sandra Tregarthen. “Both The McGregor and The Catalina are one of the brand new plans that we specifically designed to fit Mahogany’s high architectural standards and lifestyle.”
(top left) The 3,114-square-foot McGregor show home is a study in urban finesse in a lakeside setting. The chic contemporary style comes alive with a six-foot wide linear fireplace set in a sheer pane of tile surround. The open riser staircase and the soaring 20foot high open-to-above feature of the living room soften the modernity with a fresh glow. (bottom left) The McGregor show home, is priced at around $1,179,000, but it starts from the $830,000s. “Mahogany is as complete a neighbourhood as I’ve seen, with its lake lifestyle and tons of amenities, and I believe our Catalina and McGregor show homes here show the full possibilities of enjoying life here,” says Tregarthen. (bottom right) The herringbone styling of the glass tiled walls and the floating cabinetry of the master ensuite add to The McGregor’s sexy modern tone. The deep soaker tub, and the spacious standup shower — which has a built in bench — bring luxurious comfort to your daily retreat.
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home spotlight
The McGregor by Homes by avi
(right) The four-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath McGregor epitomizes the very meaning of stylish elegance. Lakeside living was never this modern or sumptuous. (below) Much of the McGregor’s glitz is centred in the kitchen with a large waterfall design central island featuring Ceaserstone Bianco Drift quartz countertops, and a full compliment of stainless steel KitchenAid appliances. Classy herringbone glass tile backsplash and a Faber chimney-style hood fan adds to the elegance.
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(above) The McGregor show home is dressed to impress with engineered walnut floors through the main floor, including the sumptuous study, with its sliding glass door and window panels that reflect the illuminated modernity of the home. (right) The master suite is a complete retreat with a mini beverage station equipped with a sink, mini fridge, inwall Miele coffee machine, and built-in cabinetry for supplies. The vaulted ceiling and large windows let in tons of natural light that help set the mood. D
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home spotlight
Hot in the city Urban style rules in Richmond Park home A unique perspective on urban living is the promise of this 2,287-square-foot home in the toney, inner-city community of Richmond Park, and a two-storey living room proves the point. The entire two-storey, three-level home seems to be floating of its own accord, an illusion of weightlessness aided by the astounding use of floating cabinetry, tall windows and an open riser staircase with glass paneling. It’s the ultimate in modern design but the presence of natural elements, like the walnut hardwood flooring, ground the home and give it a warm familiar glow. It’s an architectural knockout designed to please the family and their guests with its built-in functionality. There is no wasted space, every inch of the home has a meaningful purpose beholden to the “form follows function” philosophy of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, one of the pioneers of modern architecture. The rectangular shape of the lot informs much of the home’s design giving it a long driveway to the single frontattached garage (there’s a triple detached garage at the rear laneway). The angular, modern look of the exterior makes the best use of the 43.9-foot frontage with south rear yard. Built in 2012, the home was designed by Calgary-based firm Rectangle that specializes in building and renovating inner-city homes. It is listed at $1.349 million by local realtor Mark Milne. “It was the residence of the Rectangle owners and designed for the family that likes to entertain,” Milne says. “The natural light floods the house and the flow of the open concept design can accommodate entertaining very easily.”
Floating walnut cabinetry, including the stunning Corian topped central island, provides all the storage needs of the family. The perimeter kitchen counters (similarly adorned with Corian countertops) provide spacious, inspiring workspace to create culinary delights. The dining area to the rear of the home is as wonderfully endowed with is own custom-designed long dining table.
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(above) Enter into the opento-above living room with lots of glass and a full height fireplace. Walnut floors throughout the main continue up the open riser staircase to provide an airy feel to the main floor.
(left) Cedar planks adorn the soffit and provide a Europeaninspired exterior accent, combining with the wall of windows add to the graceful streetscape in this area of Richmond Park just off 33rd Avenue S.W. 30
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home spotlight
Hot in the City (left) The well-lit study/den on the main floor is conducive to deep thought, providing a private space where parents can do the bills or bring home work from the office, or where kids can do their homework where parents can keep an eye on them. The home has three bedrooms on the second floor and another in the developed lower level.
(left) The crowning glory of the home has to be its massive backyard deck, accessible through the dining area. “The deck is a natural stained wood which spans the entire house,” Milne says. The conversation area has a floating firepit which is underlit for atmosphere in the evening when entertaining as well as the planters on the deck, which has south exposure.”
(below) The owner, whose wife is a hairdresser, converted the single frontattached garage into a hair salon. “It just shows the flexibility of the home,” says Milne. “This heated and insulated space can be easily converted back to a garage ideal for a sports car that you can show off to your friends from the basement.”
(above) The home has two full baths and a half-bath with Corian countertops and tile flooring. “The modern look continues through the bathrooms with floating walnut cabinetry. The lower rec room has a built in feature wall, bath and guest with a mud room for the single finished attached garage. If you are looking to express your personal style in a statement home, don’t wait to see this.” D s u m m e r 2 01 5 • D O M U S •
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design
Living large
in the big backyard Calgary’s summers may be short but here are some ways to make the most of your private outdoor space n By Paige Johnston, BID
B 2Stone Designer Concrete offers outdoor furniture made from light weight fibrous concrete. This Silhouette Bench (60-inches by 18-inches by 16-inches) retails at $1,070.
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ring your lifestyle outside by turning your outdoor space into an extension of your home. From a narrow balcony to a wraparound porch or terraced garden, transform your exterior into an inviting oasis with these decorating tips. An absolute must-have for any outdoor space is a great grill. To barbecue in comfort all year round, you need overhead coverage and at least 1 – 2 walls for protection. Allow for an easy connection to your home’s kitchen to facilitate moving food. Budget and space permitting, consider making your grill part of an outdoor kitchen. Include conveniences like a sink and plenty of storage as well as extras like a pizza oven or smoker. Thoughtful planning and choosing durable finishes will have you enjoying your investment for years to come!
If you have a large yard, dividing it into smaller, more intimate settings will encourage your guests to relax and make themselves at home. Use natural elements like trees and bushes to create separation or build privacy screens or a pergola to provide coverage. A stone fireplace can also serve to separate and creates a warm and cozy indoor vibe. Looking for less permanent solutions? Invest in a gas or electric heater, a sturdy over-sized umbrella or set up a freestanding canopy in a corner of your yard and add curtains for privacy and shade. If your yard is sloped, consider digging out a section and creating a lower level to set up as a private retreat with comfortable lounge chairs. Introduce a fire pit and surround it by casual wood benches to create a rustic vibe. If you have mature landscaping, suspend a hammock between trees or create a secret garden. There is durable, weather resistant furniture to fit every space and budget. Choose a style and colour palette that call to you and compliment your interior décor. Arrange your seating like you would in your home — with groupings that make for easy conversation. If you have a yard with multiple spaces, choose generously proportioned modular pieces you can easily move around and reconfigure into different groupings. For smaller spaces, opt for more streamlined furnishings and select pieces that are multi-purpose — a coffee table that works equally well as a bench, a wood stool that can be used as an occasional table.
design
LEFT The Adelaide chair from BoConcept can be mixed and matched with different colours on seats and legs. BELOW Cool blue all-weather pillows are perfect for lounging in comfort during the much-coveted days of “warmish”. Photo courtesy Crate & Barrel.
A fantastic place to purchase patio furniture is West Elm and, rumor has it, one is opening up shop in Calgary soon! Rationalizing the cost of outdoor furniture with our climate might be difficult, so why not invest in pieces for your home that can move outdoors when the occasion arises? The Adelaide collection from BoConcept works perfectly in both indoor and outdoor settings. Give your outdoor space a fresh, contemporary look using monochromatic colours. The use of white and grey will look sleek without overdoing it — especially if you introduce natural elements like stone. Set up a bar area and give it an urban vibe with a high metal table and stools. The Hongdae Bar Table from Revolve Furnishings is perfect for the minimalist host with a smaller outdoor space. Continue the look by choosing shrubs and flowers that bloom in shades of white. Create a casual, eclectic feel by pairing weathered furniture pieces with pillows upholstered in outdoor fabrics in vibrant colours and patterns. Fill an empty corner with a cobalt blue folding table and yellow bistro chairs. Wow your guests with an assortment of pots planted with a lush array of flowers in hues of fuscia, tangerine, orange, golden yellow and purple. You can create an instant garden in even the most limited spaces with container plantings. For a formal feel, plant urns with topiaries or try a casual desert vibe by filling clay pots with broom grass and succulents. Once your outdoor space is set up for entertaining, don’t forget the lighting! In-ground
lights can showcase landscaping features, add drama to stately trees and make water features sparkle. And nothing says party like strings of lights in your foliage! Pick up a few exquisite Moroccan lanterns at Peridot Decorative Homeware and hang them from branches or drop a chandelier above your dining table. Light pillar candles in hurricane lamps throughout your space to create a warm glow after dark. Like your home, your outdoor space deserves special touches that complete the look. Place mirrors in protected locations to extend views and add sophistication. Hang paintings on exterior walls and fences to add visual interest and pops of colour. Use natural or patterned outdoor carpets to add texture and delineate space. Suspend an assortment of colourful paper pom-poms or Chinese lanterns from your trees for a festive look. Dress your dining table with coordinating linens and table settings. By making your outdoor space beautiful and engaging, it will become a true extension of you and your home and a welcome respite for your guests. D
By making your outdoor space beautiful and engaging, it will become a true extension of you and your home and a welcome respite for your guests. s u m m e r 2 01 5 • D O M U S •
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eye on custom homes
Signs of strength Calgary’s luxury home market still strong in 2015 n by richard white
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t is a fallacy that the luxury home market isn’t affected as much by economic recessions as more modest homes. While the senior executives, lawyers, engineers, bankers and brokers may not be losing their jobs to the same degree as others, they are losing their bonuses, profit sharing and their stock options are not worth what they once were. Perhaps for the ultra luxury buyer who is no longer working, is independently wealthy and has a net worth in excess of say, $10 million, an economic downturn has minimal impact. But for everyone else, it definitely does. That being said, the current luxury home market (i.e. homes and condos over one million dollars) in Calgary has been healthy for the first four months of 2015. Yes, it was not as robust as 2014, a record year with 855 sales over $1 million, but you can’t set records every year. In fact, the city’s luxury home market had been on a tear from 2011 to 2014 with an 85 per cent increase in the number of million-dollar homes sold — a record that tough to maintain even without a downturn. If you look at luxury home sales in Calgary since 2009 (the end of the last economic downturn) for the first four months of the year, the sales for the first four months in 2015 are ahead of 2010 and on par with 2011 and 2012. Bottom line — the luxury home market in Calgary is still healthy today! Calgary’s not an international city With news headlines like “forget gold, buy a Vancouver condo if you want to stash your wealth, says world’s top money manager” (Financial Post, April 21, 2015) or “Toronto has hottest luxury home market in the world, Christie’s says” (CBC News, May 1, 2015), it is easy to think the sky is falling when Calgary’s luxury home market isn’t keeping pace with Canada’s two other major luxury home markets. As Ian Meredith, Research Analyst with the Residential Advisory Services Group of Altus Group Limited likes to point out “it’s easy to lose track of the fact that Calgary’s 1.2 million is still half of Vancouver’s population and about a quarter of Toronto’s. Calgary lacks the rate of foreign ownership that fuels the luxury market boom in those markets.” A March 2015
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Sotheby’s International Realty Canada report reinforces that, saying the low Canadian dollar will attract foreign luxury home buyers to Vancouver and Toronto markets, but not Calgary. Meredith agrees the first four months of 2015 have not been so bad. He thinks the market has shown a level of resiliency compared to 2009, the last time home sales declined in Calgary — stating the first four months of 2009 had 66 sales compared to 153 sales over the same period in 2015. Million Dollar Duplex When asked about the strength of the singlefamily luxury homes market vs. condos Meredith noted “only 4 per cent of luxury home market in Calgary is condos, accounting for only about 30 units per year from 2012 to 2014.” The luxury market in Calgary is heavily focused on the single-family market. However, what we have seen in the past few years is the rise in sales of attached homes (duplexes and townhomes) valued at over one million.”
“…what we have seen in the past few years is the rise in sales of attached homes (duplexes and townhomes) valued at over one million.”
In fact 12 per cent or 103 of the luxury home sales in 2014 were attached home, up from 36 in 2012. This speaks to the growth the strong demand for inner-city infill homes as over 90 per cent of the luxury attached homes are south of 16th Avenue N, north of Glenmore Trail, west of Deerfoot Trail and east of Sarcee Trail. Meredith points out that though “the luxury condo projects like The River and The Concord are worth the attention garnered from the public and the media because of their supreme locations, but anyone with a history of selling high-end condos in Calgary will attest to its challenges.” For the first four months of 2015, seven condos, nine attached homes and 136 singlefamily homes have been sold in the luxury housing market. Other signs that Calgary’s economy is healthier than some may think include $600 million in building permit values for the Calgary region in March 2015, up 66 per cent from February and a 35 per cent increase year-over-year. The Calgary increase was significantly greater than the 13 per cent national average increase in building permits from a year ago. From an employment perspective, that while it is true that the oil and gas sector employment was down, overall employment was up 0.8 per cent, or 6,300 jobs in March and 4.6 per cent or 36,600 jobs from a year ago. Last Word Meredith says “a level of cyclicality is expected in the Calgary luxury home market; it has always been a ‘two steps forward, one step back’ city when it comes to luxury home sales.” After two years of record luxury homes sales, 2015 is possibly the ‘one-step back’ year. Regardless, the sale of 153 luxury homes in the first four months of 2015 should be considered the sign of a healthy luxury home market and not a negative sign.” D n Richard White has been writing about Calgary urban culture for over 20 years. Follow him on twitter @everydaytourist, read his blogs at everydaytourist.ca or contact him at richardlw@shaw.ca
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advertising feature
Completing the dream Concept Coverings Inc. state-of-the art technology can transform your dream home
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f windows are the eyes of the home, then window coverings, drapes and blinds are the eyelashes that serve to protect and beautify them. Homes look barren and soulless without these essential coverings and it is important to note that they are some of the most crucial investments you can have in a home. Choosing what is likely a decision that will stay with you for the length of your stay in your home can be an intimidating process and it helps to have an expert hand guide you through it. And you cannot go wrong with Concept Coverings. “Blinds are an absolute must in a home to protect your furniture, hardwood flooring and artwork from the damaging effects of UV rays,” says Concept Coverings owner, Connie Drake. Connie and her team of design specialists have made Concept Coverings one of the most trusted names in the market in the seven years they’ve been in the business. They offer a wide range of Hunter Douglas products, and they also have the latest cutting-edge technology in blind motorization and automation that catapult window coverings to the next level.
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PowerView PebbleTM RemoteTM
Bringing the added convenience of automation translates into the ultimate lifestyle amenity for the home, Connie says. “You can set the blinds to open automatically at sunrise and lower at night or when the sun is at its highest,” she adds. Wireless automation of blinds is the next big thing in the industry and Concept Coverings has the latest innovations in the field. Available at Concept Coverings this July is PowerView technology from Hunter Douglas, the next generation in intelligent power operation of the most popular Hunter Douglas window treatments. With PowerView™ Pebble™ Remote, homeowners can choreograph exactly how the light will play throughout their home. Along with the PowerView App for your smart phone or tablet, it’s the perfect fusion of form and function for automating your blinds. Connie and her husband Barry also own an electrical contracting company, Total Concept Wiring Ltd., which specializes in a wide range
of Audio/Visual and home automation. “We’re a one-stop shop for all your home automation needs, from security, thermostats, audio, lighting and blinds — all of which you can control through your smart phone or tablet,” Connie says. Window treatments remain the core of the business at Concept Coverings and their strong partnership with Hunter Douglas, an industry giant that has been in business for over 60 years, has given their customers the widest range of window treatments possible. “At Concept Coverings we have a full range of window treatments that fit any lifestyle and the expertise to install them properly,” Connie says. “Our excellent customer service is another strong point, we go out of our way to make sure our clients get the maximum satisfaction.” The Concept Coverings philosophy is simple: Give the customer an excellent experience — from initial consultation through installation to after sales follow up — and have fun doing it. Providing a quality product that transcends
over time and is just as stylish years after the client bought it is key to having a satisfied customer. “People want value for their purchase, and when you can back it with exceptional service and warranty, they know they made the right decision.” Concept Coverings Inc. is one of 6 Galleries which provides customers additional benefits over other dealers in the city. You can discover Concept Coverings Inc. for yourself at their Gallery just off 130th Avenue and Deerfoot Trail South, at #109, 5126 – 126th Avenue S.E., or visit their website at www.conceptcoverings.com D
“Blinds are an absolute must in a home to protect your furniture, hardwood flooring and artwork from the damaging effects of UV rays.” s u m m e r 2 01 5 • D O M U S •
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in the cellar
Global flavour S n By Shelley Boettcher
Old World or New, these picks will make summer really enjoyable
ometimes I get asked if I prefer Old World or New World wines. Surely, the person will say, you must have a preference. That would be like picking a favourite child, I think. In other words, impossible. Every country has its strengths, outstanding wines and equally outstanding wineries. (If you’re unfamiliar with the terms, I’m referring to Old World wines as those from countries like Italy, France and Spain. And New World wines, well, they’re anything from Australia, Argentina, Chile, Canada and the U.S.) Here, I have a couple of my favourite high-end Italian reds — but I also feature an Australian white wine from an equally brilliant producer. Two very different parts of the world, but both produce incredible, high-quality wines. And if scotch is more your style, I have a couple of fine options for you, too. Want to try The Glenlivet’s Founder’s Reserve with a brand expert? The Glenlivet’s global brand ambassador Ian Logan will be in Calgary on June 11 for an event at Co-op Beddington. (Call the shop for ticket information.)
Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old (Islay, Scotland) From Scotland’s famous Islay — an island near mainland Scotland’s West Coast — Bunnahabhain has been making fine spirits since 1881. Pronounced Bū-na-ha-venn, the distillery’s name means “at the mouth of the river. Bottled without chill filtration and with no added colouring, this whisky offers gorgeous big warm notes of salt, nutmeg and toffee. Considerably milder than some Islay offerings (Lagavulin and Laphroaig, for instance), Bunnahabhain whiskies aren’t easy to find but they’re worth seeking out. About $125.
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in the cellar
Marchand & Burch 2013 Porongurup Chardonnay (Western Australia, Australia) Here’s a wine where the Old World meets the New World. Winemaker Pascal Marchand — a living legend in Burgundy for his wines and commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture — paired up with Australian Jeff Burch, owner of Howard Park winery. The result? A gorgeous, complex Chardonnay from grapes grown in two of the oldest vineyards in Western Australia’s long-established Porongurup sub-region. So much is going on here: notes of flowers, citrus, pears, vanilla. Very special. (And the Pinot Noir is outstanding, too.) About $55.
Tenuta di Biserno 2010 Biserno (Tuscany, Italy) A partnership between brothers Lodovico and Piero Antinori, whose family has been in the Italian winemaking business since the 1300s. Biserno is Tenuta di Biserno’s flagship wine, an outstanding red made with international grapes: Cabernet Franc, with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Biserno spends 15 months in new French oak barriques, followed by another 12 months in bottle before release. The result is stupendous, a glorious deep-purple wine with notes of plum, dark berries and spice. Firm tannins and a long finish make Biserno » a perfect pairing with steak, lamb or venison. About $150.
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in the cellar
The Glenlivet, Founder’s Reserve (Speyside, Scotland) For casual nights around the campfire or at the cabin, The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve is an easy-sipping single malt aged in first-fill ex-bourbon American oak barrels. Look for delicate, sweet orange, apple and brown sugar aromas combined with toffee and citrus notes on the palate. Inspired by founder George Smith, who, in 1824, received the first distilling license in Speyside, northeast Scotland. About $50.
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Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, 2011 Ornellaia (Bolgheri, Italy) From the small coastal DOC of Bolgheri, in Tuscany, Ornellaia is one of the legendary Super-Tuscans, an outstanding blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a teeny bit of Petit Verdot. They combine beautifully to give intense flavours of spice, brambly berries and mocha, and a finish that seems to go on forever. One for the cellar, or decant on a very special occasion and drink now, with someone you really love. Marchese Lodovico Antinori — now at Tenuta di Biserno — created Ornellaia in the 1980s. About $185. D
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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