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contents issue 14 • winter 2015
department 6 editor’s note
expressions 8
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art scene
Winter‘s palette 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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in the cellar
Spirit of the season. Spread joy and good tidings with this fine selection of wines and spirits
editor’s choice 12 Family matters Young home designer creates downsizer pad for toughest audience — her in-laws
home spotlight 18 Country living Oakmont Custom Builders’ show home in Silverhorn amazes
12 On the cover: Deana Lewis designed this inner-city custom home to allow her in-laws, Dave and Maria, to age in place. Wide hallways, short stairs are used to aid in future mobility issues. But her contemporary, minimalist touch is what gives this home much of its charm. Cover photo by Rob Moroto.
24 Augusta Fine Homes
Giving dual meaning to the term ‘high-end homes’
community spotlight 28 Watermark at Bearspaw Upscale community untouched by economic downturn
innovations 34
architecturally yours
Unlimited potential. 30-year-old architectural designer makes a splash in Watermark show home
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eye on custom homes
Winning big. Calgary’s best home builders strut their stuff with grand prize show homes
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editor’s message
Striking it rich At DOMUS, there is no disguising our love for the multi-million dollar homes. But more than just showing readers the pretty pictures, what we’ve always tried to focus on is the talent behind these upscale custom home designs. In the three years we have been around, we’ve been able to turn the spotlight on some of Calgary’s biggest and brightest professionals in the field, and this issue we bring you a couple of the city’s hottest young talents around. Deana Lewis of Design Office of Deana Lewis Inc. (DOODL), and Tyler Hawryluk of Tyler Hawryluk Architectural Design (T.H.A.D.) are two hungry up-and-comers in the residential architectural design field — and, boy, do they have a lot to offer! We talked to Deana (pronounced: Dee-na) for our Editor’s Choice feature and how she came through in her trial by fire in what turned out to be her first project for DOODL: designing the downsizing home for her husband’s parents. The pressure was immense — after all, they still want to be invited over for dinner — and she came through magnificently. That she was able to surmount the negative first experience her in-laws had in building a custom home made this project even more rewarding, she says. Speaking of firsts, Tyler Hawryluk is the debut feature for our new Architecturally Yours monthly profile that seeks to magnify our focus on Calgary’s residential architects. His stunning new show home for Trickle Creek Homes in Watermark at Bearspaw is simply the best we’ve seen so far this year, and a huge indicator of the kind of nuanced, contemporary classics we can expect from him in the future. On another topic, have you noticed how out-of-this-world gorgeous the grand prize lottery homes are for the various charities in the city? When lottery season comes around, home builders pull out all the stops to come up with the grandest home prize and attract ticket buyers. It’s pretty much a beauty pageant for homes. Our resident custom home expert, Richard White delves into the lottery business and find out just what goes into making these one-of-a-kind homes. We also showcase homes by Augusta Fine Homes in Coopers Crossing in Airdrie, and Oakmont Custom Builders in Silverhorn in Bearspaw. Both are, of course, beyond beautiful but enjoy an inherent stylish functionality perfect for families. While our spotlight on the community of Watermark at Bearspaw shows how this multiple award-winning community just west of the city has been an enclave of healthy sales during these turbulent economic times. They’ve sold 13 homes worth over $1.2 million each so far this year, almost matching what was sold in the entire county of Bearspaw in the same period. DOMUS is all about finding your dream home — whether in the inner-city or in the suburbs — Calgary has plenty of opportunities in both, and talented architects and craftsmen that can bring your million-dollar dream home come true. Stay warm through the winter, Calgary, we’ll have more sophisticated, stylish homes for you in the spring.
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 designer |
Dave Macaulay
dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITORIAL
Shelley Boettcher, Aaliya Essa, Richard White Photography
Jeff Cruz, Amadeo Giron, Rob Moroto, Jose Quiroz ADVERTISING SALES
Heather Dougall heather.dougall@sourcemediagroup.ca
Andrea Glowatsky cindy.marks@sourcemediagroup.ca
Cindy Marks cindy.marks@sourcemediagroup.ca accounting |
Norma Robertson
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca
VOL 4 Issue 15 • 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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art scene
“In To Winter” A native of China, Min Ma was born in 1955. His interest in art is lifelong, and took root in his childhood. At the age of 18, Min attended art college and received formal training for three years. After that, he continued his studies at the prestigious and highly regarded China Academy of Fine Arts. Gainsborough Galleries
“Orchid”
Winter’s
Tim Cotterill’s bronze frog sculptures capture the whimsical character, the jewel-like quality and the pure JOY of these beautiful little creatures. Gainsborough Galleries
“Setting Sails” Jeff Cruz is a Calgary artist known for his surreal landscape and abstract photographs. In his new series, Slice of Life, time and motion allow him to create purely expressionistic photographs that transcend his medium. Cruz is the recipient of many awards including a grant from Calgary Arts Development. Inglewood Fine Arts
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art scene
“An Evening Out, Paris” In 2005, Aleksandra came to Canada and currently resides in Toronto. She was mesmerized by the beautiful landscapes of her new country and home, and these landscapes have become her new source of inspiration. Gainsborough Galleries
palette “Untitled”
n By aaliya essa
Nationally-renowned Canadian artist Bruce Head RCA began drawing and sketching as an elementary school student in central Winnipeg and never looked back. Born in St. Boniface in 1931, he graduated from the University of Manitoba’s School of Art in 1953 and pursued a life-long passion for painting and sculpting, as well as graphic design. Wallace Galleries
“Dharma”
“Horny Toad” Patrick Meagher was born in Regina Saskatchewan. From an early age, he was attracted to both art and the natural world. He created his first oil painting at the tender age of eight, and has continued to paint ever since. Wallace Galleries
Driven by the desire to reach a balance between cubist abstraction and classical realism, Tobias Luttmer’s work explores the shaping of form using metal, wood and stone. The self-taught sculptor was born and raised in Calgary, where he currently resides. Webster Galleries
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art scene
“Abstraction” Like many artists, Clément Lemieux was drawn to his medium immediately. Born in Levis, Quebec in 1946, Clément has been invested in the woodworking for a very long time. Early in his career he developed an ability to join forms and colours within this medium. Webster Galleries
“Saturday Morning” Born in Quebec in 1949, Claudette Castonguay has been pursing art for close to forty years. A self-taught painter, she has exhibited her paintings across Canada regularly since 1979. In 1984 she retired from teaching to devote her time exclusively to her professional painting career. Gainsborough Galleries
“You Can’t Catch Me” Through his artistic work, Réal Fournier invites you to a new dimension. The origin of his sketches starts with a question “Who am I today?” Then, eyes closed, he let his pen dancing on a piece of paper and observe afterwards these inter- twined lines; from there, he outlines and discovers his drawing. Webster Galleries
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calgary’s canvas Christine Klassen Gallery
n December 10, 2015 to January 30, 2016 Earth Series. Jean-François Gromaire. December 12, 1-4 p.m. n December 10, 2015 to January 30, 2016 Introducing Zane Wilcox. December 12, 1-4 p.m.
n February 6 – March 16 Pistes Et Points (Stripes and Dots) by Sarah Nind. February 6, 2-4 p.m.
n February 4 to March 19 Leesa Streifler. February 6, 1-4 p.m. n March 24 to Leesa Streifler May 7, 2016 Bénédicte Dussère. April 2, 1-4 p.m.
An early arts leader, Kenneth Lochhead was invited to become director of the University of Saskatchewan School of Art at Regina College in 1950, when he was just 24 years old. Wallace Galleries
n November 17, 2015 to January 2, 2016 Main Space - Adorn Holiday Group Show. Artists Fiona Ackerman, Nate McLeod, Joe Fleming, Tia Halliday, Angela Leach
Tia Halliday
n January 7-30 Miss. Nomer by Lauren Walker
Fiona Ackerman
Bruce Head n January 21 – February 3 Winter’s Day. David Alexander, William Duma, Joice M Hall, Shi Le, Robert Lemay and W.H. Webb
n February 4-17 Valentine’s Group Show 2016. Simon Andrew, Gregory Hardy, Jennifer Hornyak, Robert Marchessault, Linda Nardelli, and Andre Petterson
Newzones Gallery
n February 18 – March 2 Group Show 2016. Erin McSavaney, Don Pentz, Leslie Poole, David Sorensen, and Diana Zasadny.
n November 26, 2015 to January 9, 2016 The Line Group Show. William Perehudoff, Bradley Harms, and Michael Batty. November 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Jaco Ishulutaq started carving at the age of sixteen, encouraged by his mother, the well-known artist Eleesapee Ishulutaq. Jaco is equally comfortable working with antler, ivory, whalebone at the Uqqurmuit Centre. Webster Galleries
n January 4-20 Happy New Year 2016. Alain Attar, Bruce Head, Brent Laycock, Andrew Lui, and Linda Nardelli.
Inglewood Fine Arts
n February 1-28 Exposure Photography Festival. New works from gallery artists Jeff Cruz and Andrew Millar.
“Sedna Igloo And Bird”
Wallace Galleries
n December 3-31 Christmas Miniature Show 2015. Andy Patterson, Simon Andrew, David Alexander, William Duma, Erin McSavaney, Diana Zasadny, and more.
n November 17, 2015 to January 2, 2016 Secondary Space - Habitat. Eszter Burghardt
n February 4-27 Chaos Theory by Fiona Ackerman
n February 6 – March 19 Perception Group Show. Dianne Bos, Franco DeFrancesca, John Folsom, James Holroyd, Joshua Jensen-Nagle, Virginia Mak, and Stuart McCall. February 6, 2-4 p.m. n November 19 – December 2 The Colour of Winter by Joice M Hall. November 21, 2-5 p.m.
Herringer Kiss Gallery
“The Watch”
n January 16-30 Landscape X7 Group Show. Dianne Bos, Chaki, John Folsom, Peter Hoffer, Stuart McCall, Don Pollack, and Pat Service. January 16, 2-4 p.m.
n November 26, 2015 to January 9, 2016 Deck The Walls Group Show. Bradley Harms, Colleen Philippi, Dianne Bos, Kevin Sonmor, Anda Kubis, Marie Lannoo, James Holroyd, and many more. November 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Webster Galleries
n November 21 – December 25 The Annual Holiday Sale and Exhibition of Small Works Various Gallery Artists. November 21, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
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editor’s choice
n story by pepper rodriguez photography by rob moroto and amadeo giron
Young home designer creates downsizer pad for toughest audience – her in-laws
Family matters
W Photos by rob moroto
hen up-and-coming architect Deana Lewis decided to venture out on her own and establish her residential architectural firm, Design Office of Deana Lewis Inc. (DOODL), she knew there would be enormous challenges ahead.
She was confident that she had the talent, skill and experience to make an immediate impact in Calgary’s competitive home market, but there was one project that she knew that if she could pull off would prepare her for anything: designing a downsizer home for her in-laws. Just like it’s rare (if not unethical) for doctors to operate on family members, architects designing a home for their friends and relatives is fraught with peril and can cause — sometimes, irreparable — damage to relationships. “You don’t want to be having dinner with your in-laws and have the subject of how they didn’t like the look of a particular nook always come up, right?” Deana tells DOMUS.
And from all indications, she passed the audition with flying colours. The 2,100-square-foot bungalow in the southwest inner-city neighbourhood of Rideau is a stunner. Built in 2012, it was the first custom home built by her fledgling architecture firm DOODL, which she runs with her husband, J.D. Lewis. It has a timeless design, and the owners — Dave and Maria Lewis — couldn’t be happier with how it all turned out. It helped that they had the same love for minimalist, contemporary spaces as Deana; and they were on the same page through the whole process. “We’ve built a custom home before, and the experience wasn’t all that smooth,” Dave says. »
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P h o t o by A ma d e o G i r o n
“This time, the
Deana Lewis
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“There were too many cooks in the kitchen,” Maria agrees. “This time, the process couldn’t have been smoother,” she adds. The home blends into the quiet, tree-lined street, but adds an appealing contemporary touch with its tall, panel windows and horizontal roofline. The L-shaped bungalow floor plan creates a double courtyard condition with the adjacent garage. Deana says the home itself is divided into two main sections — the tall, open living spaces which engage the surrounding landscape through the use of expansive windows and tiered ceilings; and the quiet personal spaces, which have lower ceiling heights, rich materials and emphasized sound separation from the rest of the home.
editor’s choice
P h o t o by R o b M o r o t o
P h o t o by A ma d e o G i r o n
process couldn’t have been smoother.”
But it it’s far more than just a stunning piece of West Coast-flavoured architecture. It accomplishes something even more satisfying. The Lewises had wanted to downsize for some time, and they found that their 6,000-plussquare-foot home in Lakeview was getting a little too big for the two of them to maintain. “We wanted to downsize, we wanted to simplify our lives,” Dave says. “We saw an opportunity in this neighbourhood where I had spent time in as a child and we took it.”
“What we wanted was a home that we can live in for as long as we can,” says Maria, and that’s why a single-level home was important. They still ended up developing the basement, largely for the benefit of their grown children, adding two bedrooms and a home entertainment space. But by and large, everything they need to do can be done in the main level. “We have to take into account that we are getting older, this home allows us to age in place,” Maria adds. “This bungalow was designed to fully embrace a new phase of life — the ‘Empty Nester’ era,” Deana says. “The design of the house responds to the specific needs of the homeowners, with the main consideration being aging-in-place.” »
Dave and Maria Lewis
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editor’s choice
“For a first project, I think it’s a big success.”
P h o t o by R o b M o r o t o
Deana Lewis
Dave and Maria are still very active seniors, and they still do a lot of entertaining and the home is brilliantly designed to suit that purpose. But they recognize that they may have mobility issues in the future, and Deana also took this into account in her design. The few stairs in the home are short and designed to be easily ramped for future wheelchair access, and the shower and soaker tubs are designed to be to be easily accessible. “Each room was tailored to accommodate the changing dynamic of their gatherings, day-to-day activities, and personal wants and needs,” Deana says, pointing out that the several built-in shelving and cabinetry throughout the home were built specifically for their needs. Dave even has his custom table in his home office built to suit his strapping six-foot-sixinch frame. “We designed all the built-ins using local millworkers to get the job done right,” Deana says. Tall ceilings dominate the main floor, rising 11 feet in some spaces, and the skylights and oversized windows throughout help to give
P h o t o by A ma d e o G i r o n
the home a feeling of sunny spaciousness. The walnut flooring adds stately sophistication to the surroundings. This home was built for around $800,000 plus the cost of the lot. “For a first project, I think it’s a big success,” says Deana’s husband, J.D., who handles the business side of DOODL. “We’re still invited over for dinner.” Since then, DOODL has gone on to create some of the most distinctive custom homes in the inner-city with 15 other residential developments under their belt. “I’ve always been passionate about home design since an early age,” says Deana, who obtained a Master’s degree in Architecture and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Dalhousie University, and has worked in some of Calgary’s most prestigious architectural firms, including housebrand, before going on her own. “Ultimately, my biggest reward is building a home that suits my client’s needs, a home that allows them to live the life they want,” she says. D
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home spotlight
Country living Oakmont Custom Builders’ show home in Silverhorn amazes The foothills of southern Alberta are
exposure). It’s a generous home that
renowned for their gently rolling grasslands
families will surely appreciate, with plenty
and Big Sky views of the nearby Rockies, it’s
of space for entertaining and is splendidly
a visual experience that cannot be matched
appointed to cater to their every need.
by anything in the city. This majestic setting
“The best feature of this home is the
is where Oakmont Custom Builders’ elegant
layout, which is very open, but the areas
new show home can be found.
are designed for function with a busy
Silverhorn in Bearspaw is a community
family,” says Mark Milne, who is overseeing
west of Calgary that espouses the “back to
sales for the home. “The clean design
nature” sentiment. Indeed, over half of its
is strengthened with large windows
total 240 acres are being left untouched
providing views of stunning sunsets and
to retain the pristine, natural environment.
the rolling treed area surrounding it.”
Oakmont’s two-storey, Prairie Style show
The community’s developer, Silverhorn
home perfectly complements the lush
Inc., says respect and appreciation for
grandeur of the community.
the natural beauty and integrity of the
The home has five bedrooms and four-
land is at the heart of Silverhorn. Lots
and-a-half baths with over 5,000 square-
range in size from 1.3 to two acres with
feet of livable space (3,636 square-feet
building envelopes that limit the area of
above grade, and another 1,450 square-
site disturbance. “This is a home that lets
feet in the walkout lower level with west
you get away from it all,” Milne says.
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(right) The kitchen is stunning with full-height cabinets featuring a fiveinch crown mould, full extension drawers and several built-ins for storage. The cabinet-finish Sub Zero fridge is flanked by full pantries, and the soft cream finish is accented buy the dark finish island with raised wine storage and dishwasher. (below left) The flooring is a farm-style plank with wire brush profile and oiled finish, which adds a stately finish to the home. The open riser staircase enhances the feeling of spaciousness through the main floor along with the tall ceilings and oversized windows. (middle) The breathtaking, panoramic views available from the formal dining room — and from most anywhere else in this westfacing home — make it seem that your living in a Van Gogh painting of a sunset.
(above) At $1.995 million, this triple garage home from Oakmont Custom Builders epitomizes the modern home on the range. “The clean design is strengthened with large windows providing views of stunning sunsets and the rolling treed area surrounding it,” Milne says.
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(above) The astounding, windscreened private outdoor entertainment space above the walkout feature is pretty impressive, measuring 16-by-18-feet, and highlighted by an outdoor fireplace. It gives the owners and their guests an enviable spot to enjoy Silverhorn’s rich landscape.
(right) The open spa style of the master ensuite is as luxurious as anyone can imagine with marble-finish tile and in-floor heating to provide extra comfort. The shower area has a negative floor drain detail eliminating messy curbs and keeping the look clean. A freestanding tub is located in front of a window. The ensuite closet is smartly appointed with built in drawers and a great layout for a busy couple.
(left) The cedar overhead doors and siding of the triple garage speaks to the homes elegant functionality. The oversized space of the garage, not to mention the wide driveway, is everything a busy family needs — especially if their kids have their own vehicles. The extra storage space also comes in handy for grown-up toys like motorbikes and ski-doos. 20
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home spotlight
country living
(below) Even the home’s laundry room is as sumptuously decadent as everything else in the home. Stainless steel, upscale front-loading washer/dryer combo is a luxurious must-have, and the tons of available counter space and sink make laundry day something to look forward to. D
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home spotlight
augusta fine homes Giving dual meaning to the term ‘high-end homes’ Augusta Fine Homes gives dual meaning to the term ‘high-end homes’ at Cooper’s Crossing in Airdrie. For starters, their unique enclave of semi-detached estate villa companion bungalows sits smack dab in the middle of the community with the tallest elevation in town, mere steps from the area’s largest water feature. In fact, the greenspace and pathway leading to the water, and joining to the rest of the neighbourhood’s interconnecting pathway system and 300+ acres of greenspace, is literally right outside the back door. But that’s only part of this ‘high-end’ story, the rest of the tale is devoted to who’s building there and what they are building — which is where Augusta Fine Homes comes into the picture. Augusta Fine Homes was started in 2007, the offspring of Nuvista Homes and brainchild of Nuvista president Mike Plumton. Already with a reputation for quality, affordable new home construction under the Nuvista moniker, he recognized the rapidly developing niche market for luxury homes and embarked on his vision of “setting a new standard for luxury living”. The bar was set high, with the mandate of offering homebuyers the ultimate opportunity to customize their homes to fit their lifestyles, all with the expert assistance of design professionals whose end goal is to tailor each home to its buyer’s specific tastes, wants and needs. The first phase of development includes eight homes, with a couple more phases to come. The show homes, located at 202 and 206 Cooper’s Cove, provide two very different examples of the kind of quality buyers can expect. The Jacklin features 1,523 square-feet of living space on the main floor and another potential 1,033 square-feet of optional lower level development. Right next door, the Venturi boasts 1,614 square-feet of luxury upstairs and about $80,000 worth of upgrades, plus two more bedrooms, in a fully-finished 1,283 square-foot basement. Price points start in the mid $800,000s, with show home hours Monday through Thursday 2-8 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 12 noon until 5 p.m. For more information visit www. augustafinehomes.com
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(left) No true chef’s kitchen is complete without the right appliances and the Venturi doesn’t disappoint as it’s fully equipped with 48-inch Subzero refrigerator/freezer combo; 36-inch, five-burner natural gas Wolf cooktop; matching Wolf wall oven and microwave; and Asko dishwasher. Off-white maple cabinets and a gigantic centre island topped with icebrown ‘leather’ granite provide the finishing touches to the ensemble.
(above) 18-inch travertine tile graces the upper floor kitchen, living and dining areas, which are brightened by natural sunlight streaming in from the many huge triple-pane Sun Stop argon gas-filled windows. 10-foot ceilings on the main floor and nine-foot in the Venturi’s basement makes room appear even more spacious than they already are. Just off the dining room, a huge covered deck is home to a gorgeous built-in outdoor fireplace.
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(above) The centrepiece and focal point of the Venturi’s main floor is the double-sided fireplace (notice there’s no TV) separating the living room and kitchen. Stretching eight feet across and from floor to ceiling, the sanderling marquis limestone surround makes a dramatic visual design statement.
(right) Both homes feature a large master bedroom with walk-in closet and luxurious ensuite. In the Jacklin show home, a sliding barn door adds to both form and function, while the closet is ready with enough built-in shelves, drawers and hangers for any fashionista.
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(right) Stepping into the Venturi’s spa-like master ensuite, the first thing you experience is the warmth of the heated ceramic tiles underfoot as your eyes take in the comfort of this personal retreat. The vanity features a granite counter with dual sinks, while a fully-tiled shower stall with two separate rain heads and jetted soaker tub provide the encouragement for plenty of rest and relaxation.
home spotlight
augusta fine homes
(above) Both the Venturi and the Jacklin models have the Wow! factor built-in, starting right out front with the curb appeal. Exposed aggregate driveways and steps, and enlarged double garages are complimented by maintenance-free exterior materials like stone accents, acrylic stucco or cement fibre board siding, Duradeck and aluminum railings. Impressive multi-peaked roof lines add a distinctive geometric flair to the architectural design.
(right) Pretreated light maple hardwood floors throughout the main floor living space of the Jacklin contrast nicely with the rectangular grey slate tile in the front and garage entry mudroom and dark maple kitchen cabinets. A natural stone hearth stretches from floor to ceiling and surrounds a two-way fireplace which sits atop the stairwell, separating it from the great room. D
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community spotlight
watermark at bearspaw Upscale community untouched by economic downturn Watermark at Bearspaw was always going to be special, now everyone knows just how special. While home sales in Calgary
over $1.8 million each within two weeks in October.” A further 183 of the 217 single-family estate lots released
continue to struggle amidst the economic slump, this multiple
have also been bought, another indication of the strong
award-winning, luxury community on the city’s western edge
demand for their products.
continues to rack up sales at an astonishing clip. Ian Macdonald, director of sales and marketing for the Macdonald Development project, says this year they have sold 13 quick-possession single-family homes ranging in price from $1.2 to $3.4 million. This includes Wolf Custom Homes’ Mission Revival estate, an 8,644-square-foot home including a guest house, which sold for $3.45 million. “Two other quick-possession homes sold for
(below) This Macdonald Development Corp. (MDC) community launched in March 2011, and will have 469 lots available when fully developed. It has just opened four new show homes from their preferred builder group: Astoria Custom Homes, New West Luxury Estate Homes, Trickle Creek Designer Homes, and Wolf Custom Homes.
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“We’ve been averaging 30 lots a year in sales. It just shows that, whether boom or bust, what we offer at Watermark is what people are looking for,” Macdonald says. He adds that 110 single-family homes are already occupied, as well as 38 Villas, and the new residents are already enjoying the plentiful amenities that the developer had already installed since they launched in 2011.
(right) Watermark’s spacious lots, park-like setting and accessibility are all part of their appeal as the perfect estate community to set roots, raise a family, and live your life in luxurious style.
(below) Watermark has 17 interconnected and cascading ponds and three playgrounds, but its heart is the Central Plaza that features an outdoor pavilion with fireplace, picnic tables, barbecues, kitchen, NBA-sized sports court and gas fire pit with amphitheater style seating.
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(above) Sophisticated elegance best describes Astoria Custom Homes’ two-storey, 3,609-square-foot Montebello show home. The charming French Country façade with its swooping roof lines, robust beams and stone finishing sets the stage for the luxuriant finishes you will find inside.
(right) New West Luxury Estate Homes is the newest member of Watermark’s elite preferred builder group and it certainly made a splash. The Berkshire show home offers over 6,000 square-feet of total living space with five bedrooms, four bathrooms, 1.5 partial bathrooms and a 330-squarefoot loft.
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community spotlight
watermark at bearspaw
(left) Wolf Custom Homes has enjoyed an incredible year in Watermark, selling two of its former show homes for over $5 million. Its newest show home — the Capetown — is sure to impress again with its four bedrooms, five bathrooms and two partial bathrooms. The twostorey home stretches 3,907 squarefeet and its developed lower level adds another 1,400 square-feet.
(below) The exciting contemporary countenance of Trickle Creek Designer Homes’ Madeira show home adds a sensational, modern touch to the streetscape along the Rockwater Way show home parade. Check out our detailed feature of this show home in this issue of DOMUS. D
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CHBA - Calgary Region
-2014 -
architecturally yours
Unlimited poten
30-year-old architectural designer makes a splash in Watermark
I
f you’re an architect, you should be used to painstaking hours hunched over the drawing board striving to create in reality what you see in your mind’s eye. Everyone knows though that this process is never smooth and things can get lost in translation. But one of Calgary’s most exciting and youngest talent in the field keeps finding a way where he can flesh out his creative nature and bring to life some of the most aweinspiring residential homes in the city.
P h o t o g r ap h y by J e ff C r u z
Tyler Hawryluk is just 30-years-old but what he has been able to accomplish in his profession in such a short time makes one realize the enormous potential his future holds and what other architectural wonders he can come up with next.
Tyler Hawryluk
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“The first picture I drew when I was a kid was the Calgary Tower,” he tells DOMUS. “I’ve always been attracted to homes and architecture.” Tyler, a graduate of the Southern Alberta Technical Institute’s architectural program, has quietly amassed a compelling portfolio of home designs in the past five years he’s been in the field. He has worked for a long time with Trickle Creek Homes President Michael Tew and General Manager Andrea Deydey, and when he left to establish his own architecture company — Tyler Hawryluk Architectural Design (T.H.A.D.) — he was the first person they thought of to design their latest Watermark show home. And it looks like they made the right decision. The stunning 3,805 square-feet The Madeira show home by Trickle Creek Homes in Watermark, is a wonder to behold. It is replete in unique features that evoke a sense of joie de vivre that reflects Tyler’s sunny personality. “Part of my inspiration before I designed this show home is my recent travel to Europe where I toured some beautiful cathedrals and build» ings,” he says. “I wanted to create the same feel-
tial show home
n story by pepper rodriguez PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF CRUZ AND calgary photos’ jose quiroz
P h o t o g r ap h y by J e ff C r u z
“The first picture I drew when I was a kid was the Calgary Tower. I’ve always been attracted to homes and architecture.”
Tyler Hawryluk w i n t e r 2 01 5 • D O M U S •
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architecturally yours
ing that you get when walking into the entrance of a cathedral…but on a smaller scale.” And whereas a cathedral is meant for somber meditation on faith and religion, The Madeira is designed more as a celebration of life. Indeed, the soaring 26-foot high barrel ceiling of the foyer is one of the single most breathtaking entrances we’ve seen before. And the grand front entrance of the home is even more regal, as visitors walk under a massive Douglas fir pergola. “The skewed Douglas fir timbers, angled cedar siding and angled cedar overhead garage doors add contemporary detail to the exterior, which has a traditional roof shape that conforms with Watermark’s architectural controls,” Tyler says. “It’s this blending of architectural styles that has made this home to our customers who don’t want a home that’s fully modern, but like a blend between designs.”
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P h o t o s by J o s e q u i r o z
“Everyone wants a conversation piece — that statement piece — I felt this decorative metal screen would do » the job.”
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architecturally yours
P h o t o by J o s e q u i r o z
The Madeira, priced at $1.89 million including GST, is Tyler’s second show home with Trickle Creek in Watermark.
To say The Madeira’s design is inspired would be an enormous understatement, as there are more “wow” moments in this one home than in a whole season of the X Factor. Tyler was able to take full advantage of the generous lots sizes that is the trademark in Watermark at Bearspaw. The Madeira sits on a 63-foot-wide building envelope 88-footwide lot, so he designed it as a four(!)-attached-garage home (a single on one wing, and a triple on the other).
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Then past the fabulous entrance is the elegant open riser staircase with glass panel railing; there is a magnificently stocked, temperature controlled glass enclosed wine room in the trickedout lower level; and the piece de reisistance, the elaborate metal screen that dominates the main floor and gives it a sensual, contemporary vibe. “Everyone wants a conversation piece — that statement piece — I felt this decorative metal
architecturally yours
Each of the three bedrooms on the second floor has a walk-in closet and attached ensuite to give a sense of calm over a busy household — no family members jostling for bathroom time in this home. The Madeira, priced at $1.89 million including GST, is Tyler’s second show home with Trickle Creek in Watermark. T.H.A.D., which he runs with his friend, Kyle Jackson, has also done infill residential homes in Altadore, Renfrew, Bridgeland, Marda Loop and Bel-Aire. Their proficiency in using computer-generated 3D perspective in designing his homes is perhaps one of their biggest advantages in the business. “Transforming your ideas from a schematic design diagram into a 3D model helps us visualize to our clients what their home will look like. We love being creative, drawing and working with our clients on projects that we can be proud of,” Tyler says. D
screen would do the job.” The screen also acts as a see-through partition between the foyer and the rest of the main floor. It’s his way of preserving the free flow of the open concept design of the home without compromising the privacy of its interior. “I wanted to design a show home with really distinctive features that will be memorable to the casual visitor. Even if they go through a lot of show homes, they’ll always remember the one with the giant metal screen in the living room,” he says. But it isn’t even just those eye-popping wonders that make this home work; there’s also the careful attention he devotes to the minute details of the home that give it a family-friendly functionality. Storage spaces are the one thing every family needs, and Tyler made sure that there is more than enough throughout the home. The walk-in panty — hidden away elegantly behind a wall panel door — is large enough to accommodate a year’s supply of sundry goods. It also leads out to the attached single-garage for further convenience.
Altadore
Altadore Renfrew
P h o t o s c o u r t e s y T. H . A . D .
P h o t o s by J o s e q u i r o z
The Altadore and Renfrew projects (pictured below) are more examples of how easily T.H.A.D. transforms their 3D renderings into the real world.
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eye on custom homes
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eye on custom homes
Winning big n story by richard white
Calgary’s best home builders strut their stuff with grand prize show homes
P h o t o c o u r t e s y c alb r i d g e h o m e s
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or most Calgarians, the opportunity to live in their dream home is just that — a dream. But for those who buy tickets for one of Calgary’s iconic home lottery fundraisers, there is a chance their dream might actually come true. For some of Calgary’s most prestigious builders, it is also a chance to show their full capability in creating inspired visions of a dream home that would spur the public to buy tickets for these charities. After all, who wouldn’t want to take a chance of living in a multi-million dollar home in some of Calgary’s best communities for the cost of a single ticket? The Calgary Health Trust (CHT) organizes two home lotteries a year — one in the fall (Calgary Hospital Home Lottery) and one in the spring (Foothills Home Lottery). Since its inception in 1993, the CHT lotteries have raised $81 million. The first two CHT lottery homes were located on Edgevalley Way N.W., in what was then a new community of Edgemont on the northern edge of the city. Built by Jayman MasterBUILT, they were fully furnished and professionally decorated. Both were approximately 2,700 square-feet, with one being a bungalow and the other a two-storey home. Today, those first grand prize homes pale in comparison to the custommade multi-million dollar mansions that have been introduced lately. Not only in Calgary, but in neighbouring communities like Canmore and Red Deer. Take for example the last Hospital Home Lottery Grand Prize; it was a magnificent 5,087-square-foot home (fully furnished, professionally decorated and landscaped) on Mahogany Island with its own private dock on the lake. It also included Cottage Care maid service twice a month for a year. This stunning home was built by Calbridge Homes for CHT, and was just the latest » triumph in their flourishing partnership for the past few years.
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eye on custom homes Calbridge Homes’ 2015 Foothills Hospital Home Lottery Grand Prize Estate Home.
Homes by Avi’s Stampede Dream Home 2014
Calbridge has been involved with the CHT and their home lotteries since 2008. Larry Thomson, Senior Strategist of Sales & Marketing believes “this is a way to give back to our community. It is doing the right things for the right reasons. We believe in the great vision and work the Calgary Health Trust does. Calbridge’s vision is ‘making a difference in peoples’ lives. Being involved in the lottery makes this real. Being a part of something that has raises million dollars and help people we know is absolutely the best,” adds Thomson. Calbridge and CHT work with trade and supplier partners to establish a budget for each “dream home,” which include significant donations from Calbridge and its partners. In fact, for Calbridge, the two home lotteries represent 100 per cent of their annual philanthropic program. “For me, the fun is — and has been — watching what people can achieve once they understand the ‘why’ we do what we do. When I go to each grand opening where the Dream Home is introduced, I marvel at how our people have crafted some of Calgary’s very best homes in communities where people can raise their families for generations to come,” says a clearly proud Thomson. Over the years, the Calgary Health Trust’s two lotteries have evolved with bigger homes, more tickets, more prizes and more proceeds raised. The CHT Home Lotteries program, inspired by a similar lottery in Saskatoon, has grown to be one of the top money generating three lotteries in Canada.
STARS Lottery Loads of glamour and glitz are what you expect in any home worthy of being called a sweepstakes grand prize, but the refined craftsmanship displayed in Augusta Fine Homes series of STARS Lottery Home definitely puts the builder in the world-class category. The objective of all lottery homes is to spark interest among the public and drive ticket sales for a particular charity, and with the attention to detail and design-oriented focus that Augusta lavishes on their homes, they have helped keep STARS Lottery flying. Rotary Dream Home A little known fact is the Stampede Dream Home, which we all love to tour on the Stampede Grounds, is actually built in pieces so it can be loaded onto flatbed trucks, moved overnight and then put back together on its permanent site after Stampede. 2015 marked the 20th anniversary of Homes by Avi’s participation in the Dream Home program in support of the Rotary Club of Calgary South and the Calgary Stampede. The Avi/ Rotary partnership is a win-win. Avi not only
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Homes by Avi’s Stampede Dream Home 2015.
gets to give back to the community, but they can showcase new designs and trends. “We can push the boundaries, more so than in a regular show home. Our goal is to WOW the visitor,” remarks Christan Orme, Corporate Marketing Manager. He adds: “The Dream Home is something everyone at Avi looks forward to each year. It fosters a sense of pride for our employees, knowing that we are giving back to the community and also having our home viewed by over 100,000 Stampede visitors. We are committed to building strong communities with a mandate of social responsibility. The Dream Home fits perfectly with this directive.” Charlie Gouldborough, a South Calgary Rotary Director and former chair of the Rotary Dream Home Committee is equally proud of the fact that “not five cents from the lottery goes to operating the club, but is used to help Calgarians who really need it.” He adds, “while the money from the lottery will help fund the Rotary’s commitment to larger projects like Ronald House and 138 kilometre Rotary/Mattamy Greenway, it also supports 50 plus smaller community projects.” Gouldborough is also proud of his fellow Rotarians who, with their
family and friends, volunteer over 6,000 hours selling tickets and managing the lottery over the 10 days of Stampede. Kurt Kadatz, Director, Community Engagement and Communications at the Calgary Stampede notes, “Our feedback indicates 31 per cent of Stampede visitors have some interaction with the Rotary Dream Home. We know that many of our guests love to tour the Dream Home and for them, it is as important as our rodeo or midway.” Last Word The City of Calgary’s planning department used to have the motto “working together to make a great city better.” The partnerships formed by Calbridge Homes, Homes by Avi, Calgary Hospital Trust, Rotarians of South Calgary and the Calgary Stampede are great examples of how Calgarians have worked together — and continue doing so — to make our city better. And keep our dreams alive of one day hitting the jackpot, while pitching in to help a worthy cause. D n Richard White has been a freelance writer for over 20 years focusing on urban living and travel. Read his blogs at everydaytourist. ca or follow him on twitter @everydaytourist. He can be reached by email at richardlw@shaw.ca.
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in the cellar
Spirit of the season Spread joy and good tidings with this fine selection of wines and spirits n By Shelley Boettcher
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eautiful wines. Outstanding spirits. The right bottle can bring friends together. Create new friendships. Cement bonds and make memories. With that in mind, here are a handful of the wines and spirits that I’ve been especially excited about this season. Hennessy Paradis Imperial (Cognac, France) Started in 1765 by an Irish officer who served in King Louis XV’s army, Maison Hennessy celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2015. The Hennessy Paradis Imperial was inspired by a blend of cognacs made for Czar Alexander I in 1818, and is made of eaux-de-vie between 30 and 130 years old. Smoky, silky, floral, it is complex and powerful, with a finish that goes on and on. “It has a majestic elegance,” says brand ambassador Jean Michel Cochet. I can’t argue with that. The crystal decanter and 18-karat gold trim add to its beauty. » About $3,000.
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in the cellar
Taittinger, 2005 Comtes de Champagne Rosé (Champagne, France) This family-owned and operated estate has roots dating back to the 1700s and received its name when it was bought by one Pierre Taittinger, who fell in love with the estate after convalescing there during the First World War. A French war hero, he led negotations to keep the Germans from blowing up Paris toward the end of the Second World War. Except for 2005-2006, when the family briefly sold their holdings to the Starwood Group, his descendents — including Vitalie, who works as the brand’s artistic director, and Clovis, who works as the export manager — still own and operate the house.
The Macallan, 1824 Series, Sienna (Speyside, Scotland) The Macallan has long been known as a legendary scotch whisky producer, and has been making waves amongst collectors for the very rare M. About 750 bottles of the latest M incarnation have been released, and of that, only a few will find their way to Canada. Expect to pay about $5,000 in this market. Sadly, however, few of us will get a chance to try M, and that’s why it’s so good that The Macallan has other offerings that are considerably easier to find. The Macallan Sienna is the second-darkest of the 1824 series, which includes Gold (the least expensive in the lineup), Amber and Ruby (the most expensive.) Enjoy notes of orange peel, vanilla, dried figs, even apples. No liquid caramel has been added; that intense sienna colour is all from the wood barrels used to age the whisky. Fifty per cent of the oak is American; the other 50 per cent is Spanish, seasoned with oloroso sherry. Vibrant and youthful, it is treasured by fans across the country. About $159.
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. 46
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This gorgeous pink Champagne is only produced in the best years and is made of 100 per cent Grand Gru grapes. Delicate, with a long finish, it is one of those rare pleasures that makes you realize why Champagne is considered to be one of the world’s greatest wines. Enjoy it lightly chilled by itself, or with fresh berries, which will complement its notes of wild strawberries, cherries and almonds. About $300. And if you’re interested, the equally rare Taittinger 2005 Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is also in the market. It retails for slightly less, about $246, and it is also outstanding.
Inglenook 2011 Rubicon (Napa Valley, California, USA) Francis Ford Coppola made some of North America’s favourite movies — The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, Run, The Outsiders — before turning his attention to winemaking. His eponymous label, which offers great value, is widely found in Alberta. But his finest wines are from the Inglenook estate, which has roots dating back to 1879. (He bought it in 1975.) The Rubicon, the estate’s flagship wine, is a Bordeaux-style blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon plus a bit of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Graceful and poised, with a long, classy finish, this beauty is complex and intense, with layers of flavours and aromas: smoke, herbs, dark cherries and slate. Run, don’t walk, to buy a bottle or two. And while you’re there, pick up the 2012 Blancaneaux, a Rhone-style white blend of Marsanne, Roussane and Viognier. Also outstanding. About $240 for the Rubicon, $90 for the Blancaneaux. D