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contents ISSUE 16 • SUMMER 2016
department 6 EDITOR’S NOTE
expressions 8
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art scene
SUMMER’S DELIGHT. Calgary’s 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
KEEPING IT COOL. This summer’s best selection of wines and spirits is casually cool
editor’s choice 12 A PERFECT FIT Globetrotting couple finds perfect home in The RIVER
home spotlight 16 EFFORTLESS ELEGANCE
�� ON THE COVER: Marcelle says she and her husband were very fortunate to have found one of the last remaining homes in the ultra-luxury THE RIVER development in Mission, and she can’t be happier with the perfect blend of world-class standards in their townhome and its location in this thriving, eclectic riverside community. Cover photo by Jeff Cruz.
Augusta Fine Homes’ Westwood brings magical style to bungalow living
20 LIVING ON THE GREEN Golfers, young families will fall in love with this Willow Park bungalow
innovations 25
eye on custom homes
EMPTY NESTERS FIND NEW NESTS Calgary’s upscale downsizers attracted to vibrant inner city condo scene
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custom design
THE EXPANDABLES Rob and Mia offer innovative renovation solutions
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editor’s message
PUBLISHER |
Source Media Group
info@sourcemediagroup.ca
Looking forward to downsizing I haven’t had to do it yet, but it is starting to weigh heavier in the mind these days. I’m talking about downsizing. It’s part of the natural cycle of homeownership, the big house can feel pretty empty with just you and the spouse in it, and who really needs to do all that yard work? I can understand why some are hesitant to take the jump; they’re already accustomed to their lifestyles; some can’t let go of their possessions — a crucial part of downsizing, unfortunately; some just don’t want to deal with living in a smaller space — or likely — the new dynamics of living a shared existence in a condo or townhome. My resistance to it falls squarely on not wanting to deal with moving again (also: what to do with my extensive comic book collection), but the downsizers we’ve interviewed in this issue seem to be really happy with their decision — and one of them is as heavily into collecting as I am. Richard White talks to a couple of downsizers in his Eye on Custom Homes feature and what they were looking for in their new home as they enter the latter stages of life. One says they relish the freedom the lock-and-leave lifestyle condominiums offer, another one who moved into an innercity location loves the excitement of an urban lifestyle. My Editor’s Choice feature is about a couple who — though not exactly downsizers in the strictest sense of the word — relish the life they found in scaling down to a smaller home. It helps that their townhome is in THE RIVER — Calgary’s landmark luxury condo in Mission. They say the neighbourhood’s eclectic charm — mixing boutique shops, signature restaurants and scenic river pathways — makes living here a dream. Jim Zang gets to interview a couple of HGTV stars from The Expandables and gives a behind-the-scenes look at the lifestyles of its headliners, Rob Evans and Mia Parres. We get to find out what led them down the path of home renovation superstardom. We also have a couple of stunning show homes in our Home Spotlight section. August Fine Homes’ Westwood show home in Artesia is a lavish bungalow sparkling with wit and style. Mark Milne’s latest listing in the inner city community of Willow Park is a study in luxurious golf community living. At DOMUS, there is no disguising our love for multi-million dollar homes, and we want to help all we can in finding your dream home. Whether you’re downsizing or not — Calgary has plenty of luxury living options.
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 GRAPHIC DESIGNER |
Vivian Zhang
vivian.zhang@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITORIAL
Shelley Boettcher, Aaliya Essa, Richard White, Jim Zang PHOTOGRAPHY
Jeff Cruz, Dave Macaulay, Don Molyneaux, Cassie Neil, Earl Raatz ADVERTISING SALES
Heather Dougall heather.dougall@sourcemediagroup.ca
Andrea Glowatsky andrea.glowatsky@sourcemediagroup.ca
James Pearce james.pearce@sourcemediagroup.ca ACCOUNTING |
Norma Robertson
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca
VOL 5 ISSUE 16 • ISSN 1929-4581 (PRINT) ISSN 1929-459X (ONLINE) © 2016 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
SUMMER’S
“Blue Heron on Branch” Artistic mastery, structural perfection, and reverence for our vanishing natural world: these are the hallmarks of the Living Series of naturalistic bronzes by noted British sculptor Brian Arthur. Gainsborough Galleries
“Blue Sky 1146” Yehouda Chaki was born in Athens and lived in Tel Aviv until 1962. He then immigrated to Montreal, where he has spent most of his life. Educated in both Tel Aviv and at the École des Beaux Arts, Paris, he began exhibiting in 1959 and his work has since been in over 450-plus group exhibitions. Newzones Gallery 8
• D O M U S • S U M M E R 2 01 6
“Searching”
“Blinded by Light” ➤
The attraction to a Jeff Cruz photograph is similar to the attraction of a Colour Field painting; an abstract style that emerged in New York City during the post-war era. Jeff’s photographs place less emphasis on location in favour of colour and form. Inglewood Fine Arts
Classically trained in Eastern Europe, Oksana Zhelisko began her career as an artist in L’viv, Ukraine. Oksana entered the Ivan Trush College of Decorative Arts in 1996. There, she studied all aspects of art and decided to make painting, especially of murals, her specialty. Webster Galleries
art scene
DELIGHT
“Brown Bird Vase” Don Wells has been a full time artist since 1976. He maintains a studio at his home in the picturesque foothills town of High River, just south of Calgary. His work includes pottery, ceramic sculpture, murals and tiles. Wells took training in various ceramic techniques at The Banff Centre, and art history courses at the University of Calgary. Webster Galleries
“Camouflage”
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n BY AALIYA ESSA
“Lil Flipper” Chris Barela’s love for the water has been life long. Growing up at the beach and becoming a pro surfer allowed Chris to travel the world. Chris has retired from professional surfing, however, he still wanted to stay connected. That connection inspired him to create his first line of bronze sculptures, an amazingly life-like collection of marine life using a patina he invented. Gainsborough Galleries
“James”
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Nicole St. Pierre was born in Montreal in 1953. A self-taught artist, she has been painting for over three decades. St-Pierre has a long list of shows to her credit, held in a variety of places in Canada, as well as in the United States. Webster Galleries
Miss Anna Hall is this year’s Homes by Avi Dream Home Artist. She has travelled extensively but calls Calgary home. Her growing body of work takes its inspiration from the perpetual cycle of Hollywood and the consumer pop culture. missannahall.com
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art scene
“Wake” Ron Shuebrook is a nationally and internationally exhibiting Canadian painter who is the former President of the Ontario College of Art and Design. Now a Professor Emeritus, he has received an honorary doctorate from OCAD in 2005. Newzones Gallery
“Emerald Tree” An appreciation for the beauty of stones began at an early age when Lisa Shorten spent six summers living in Tuktoyaktuk — collecting Jasper along the shores of the Beaufort Sea. Gainsborough Galleries
“Carousel” Blu Smith was born in Kamloops in 1968 and grew up in Vernon, B.C.. As a young man he moved to Victoria and completed his bachelor of fine arts at the University of Victoria in 1993. Webster Galleries
calgary’s canvas Gainsborough Galleries
n June 16-30 Small Works Show. All paintings will be carry-on size by a variety of artists. Opening Reception: June 18. Group Show n July 6-20 Bulls + Cowboys + Bears – Special Western Show. Opening Reception: July 8. Group show, including Fred Cameron, Shannon Ford, Michelle Grant, Randy Hayashi, Dillon Huang, Harold Lyon, Erica Neumann and more.
Newzones Gallery
n May 14 – June 25 Endless Summer. Opening Reception: May 14, 2-4 pm. Joshua Jensen-Nagle. n May 14 – June 25 A Catalogue Of Artificial Sentiments Opening Reception: May 14, 2-4 pm. Sophie Jodoin. n July 9 – August 20 Sunscreen. Opening Reception: July 9. Group show
Camrose Ducote
n June 30 – July 13 Canada Day Celebrations, 2016. Camrose Ducote, Bruce Head, David Alexander, Gregory Hardy, Joice Hall, Dori-ann Steinberg and more. n July 14-27 Summer Group Show I 2016. Walter Bachinski, Sylvain Louis-Seize, Herbert Siebner, Robert Lemay, and Linda Nardelli. Walter Bachinski
n August 6-20 Heritage Collection – Vintage works featuring Canadian landscapes and heritage scenes. Opening Reception: August 6. Arists: Harley Brown, Duncan MacKinnon Crockford, Richard Freeman, Roland Gissing, Jack King, Claude Simard, Karl Wood and more.
Gibson Fine Art
n June 4 – 21 Group Show. Jean Fosbrooke, Pam Weber and Kari Duke. Artist Reception Saturday, June 4, 1-2 p.m. n July 9-26 Mitchell Fenton n August 1-31 Rotating Summer Group Show.
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Jack King
n July 9 – August 20 G’ddy Up! Opening Reception, July. Kevin Sonmor, Samantha Sunscreen Walrod, Joe Andoe, Sophie DeFrancesca, Joseph Adolphe, Don Pollock, Jeff Nachtigall, Dianne Bos
Wallace Galleries
n May 19 – June 1 Spring Group Show II 2016. David Alexander, William Duma, Peter Krausz, Gregory Hardy, Linda Nardelli, David Newkirk, Erika Olson, and more. n June 2-15 Spring Group Show III 2016. Simon Andrew, Andre Petterson, Walter Bachinski, Shi Le, Diana Zasadny, Brent Laycock, and more. n June 16-29 Father’s Day Group Show 2016. Kenneth Lochhead, Shi Le, Sylvain Louis-Seize, Don Pentz, William Duma, W H Webb, Shi Le and more.
n July 28 – August 10 Summer Group Show II 2016. Nancy Boyd, Linda Nardelli, Ronald Bloore, Jennifer Hornyak, and Kenneth Lochhead, and more. n August 11-24 HOT HOT HOT 2016. Shi Le, Jim Stokes, Eric McSavaney, Steve Mennie, David Sorensen, Andre Petterson, plus others.
Shi Le
n August 25 – September 7 Summer Group Show III 2016. Diana Zasadny, Leslie Poole, Gregory Hardy, Robert Marchessault, Peter Krausz, and Andrew Lui.
Webster Galleries n June – August The Annual Landscape Show. Multiple gallery artists. D
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editor’s choice
Globetrotting couple finds perfect home in THE RIVER
A PERFECT FIT n STORY BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF CRUZ
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ts not the size of the home, it’s how it fits your lifestyle. And finding one in a neighbourhood that similarly reflects your tastes is the ultimate cherry on top. Marcelle and Steven have lived in all kinds of homes, from small apartments and dormitories in university, to suburban estate homes, and everything in between. And they find that, as long as they are together and love the neighbourhood they are in, everything else falls into place. This doesn’t change the fact that downsizing can be a challenge for many. Scaling back from 5,000-square-foot (or bigger) estate homes to a multi-family environment with shared walls can be a jarring transition. But Marcelle and Steven couldn’t be happier with their new townhome in THE RIVER, the ultra luxury condo development in Mission. Marcelle and Steven aren’t your typical downsizers. Although they are approaching that age, retirement really isn’t on the agenda. There are no kids to worry about so they aren’t really empty nesters, and they still have their big home in Rochester, Michigan, that they still go to from time to time.
They’ve lived all over the place — in Europe, Australia, even in Calgary back in the 1990s. They go where Steven’s job as a top-tier auto executive takes him. They know what they like in a home. “Our first experience with the condo lifestyle was in Perth, Australia, and we loved the freedom it afforded us so much that we decided to do it again in Calgary, when we moved back,” Marcelle says. They were renting a place in Mission and they knew they wanted to remain in the vicinity, but they couldn’t find anything that really suited them. It turned out that what they had been looking for all along was just right up the street. »
Marcelle S U M M E R 2 01 6 • D O M U S •
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editor’s choice
Backing right onto the Elbow River, their townhome is the perfect vantage point to watch life flow down its gentle stream. “We didn’t know that there were any more availabilities here,” says Marcelle, who had just moved into one of the four stunning townhomes at THE RIVER. “We were one of the last ones to buy here. We were already living in Mission and had always been curious about this development, we just assumed it was sold out. We’re really glad to have found it wasn’t, and we really love the home we found here.” THE RIVER — developed by 26th Avenue River Holdings Inc., an affiliate of Ledcor Properties — was designed with one thing in mind: to be a landmark development in Calgary’s luxury condo market. It now stands as Calgary’s very first boutique waterfront condo and townhome development. Sitting on the banks of the Elbow River, THE RIVER was the last remaining opportunity for a new build riverfront condo in Calgary’s innercity, and the developers wanted to get everything right. And from all indications, they did. In fact, Marcelle’s townhome is the perfect
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editor’s choice
example of the elegant luxury that THE RIVER offers to its residents. Their townhome is one of the multi-level RiverHomes offered at THE RIVER. It is a threebedroom, three-and-a-half baths home with 4,048 square-feet of indoor living space and 537 square-feet of private outdoor living area. It had been listed at $3.8 million. It’s a terrific value, very much on par with building an infill home, but with the convenience of a total lockand-leave lifestyle. “We have two side-by-side garage stalls (and a third stall in the lower level) and our own private elevator that brings you up from the parkade straight to the kitchen,” Marcelle says. The graceful elegance of its open concept living room perfectly captures the ethereal beauty of the surroundings. Backing right onto the Elbow River, their townhome is the perfect vantage point to watch life flow down its gentle stream. THE RIVER was designed to give residents the ultimate enjoyment of its unique riverside
location, but Marcelle and Steven’s townhome at the back of the development has one of the princely-est views. The river can be seen from most anywhere in the home — particularly the living room, master bedroom and rooftop patio. “The river is such a relaxing presence, I love to watch it flow by — and it’s also a great place to people watch,” she says. Joggers, and nature lovers frequent the paths and the occasional rafter floats by with all the waterfowl to complete the idyllic scene. “We were aware of how the floods affected the site in 2013, but we have faith in the efforts that the developer has undertaken to ensure the property will be safe from any recurrence,” Marcelle tells DOMUS. What has made THE RIVER such and incredible find for Marcelle is its location in Mission. The Mission area is so rich in character — it’s a historic riverside village where people can easily find entertainment, shopping, dining within walking distance and go home to a completely blissful environment. The Talisman Centre and riverside pathways are a short walk away for your recreational activities, and downtown, as well, is tantalizingly close. “The community is just lovely, there are tons of little shops and restaurants around — some of the best fish tacos can be found in Anejo on Fourth Street,” she says. Coming from a worldwide traveler like her, who has lived in some of the best homes and neighbourhoods, that’s quite the compliment. “If we had a choice, we’d never want to leave.” D
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home spotlight
EFFORTLESS ELEGANCE Augusta Fine Homes’ Westwood brings magical style to bungalow living
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legance and functionality come hand in hand in Augusta Fine Homes’ Westwood show home in
“It’s meant for people who want to take it easy,” says area manager Cabby Zecca. “It’s perfect for
Artesia at Heritage Pointe, as the renowned custom
people in their late 40s or early 50s who might be
estate home builder makes its debut in this enclave
contemplating retirement and now have more time
for luxury living in dramatic fashion.
to think of themselves than just raising a family or
Augusta has always known how to take traditional designs and make them into something special with
their careers.” And with Augusta’s expertise in building custom
their tried and true custom home finesse, and the
homes, buyers will have the opportunity to modify
masterful craftsmanship of the Westwood brings
the designs to fit their own lifestyles, Zecca says. “At
this all together.
Augusta, we always aim for a higher standard.”
The 2,076-square-foot main floor simply takes
The scenic, country club beauty of Artesia at
the breath away with its outstanding finish. The
Heritage Pointe adds to the allure. “Artesia is such a
Westwood show home also has 1,617 square-feet
friendly community, there are a lot of young families
of developed basement space that shows the vast
that bring an energy to the area, while the ponds,
potential of the home and makes complete use of
green space and pathways add a rare park-like
the walkout lot that backs onto a pond.
lifestyle to the community.”
n STORY BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY EARL RAATZ (OPPOSITE PAGE) The 24-by-24-inch tile flooring that is used through most of the main floor brings a sense of executive elegance to the home, and the master ensuite with its tray ceiling and double-sided fireplace cranks this to an even classier level.
(TOP LEFT) The stately ambience of the kitchen comes through with the stacked upper cabinets that run the height of the 10-foot ceiling, with grey waterglass in the uppers. A tone-setting mosaic backslash completes the splendid scene.
(LEFT) The massive island features black granite with white quartz veining. It has a raised bar at the end features a sink and seating, so food preparation can be a communal event with family and friends. “It’s a great spot for entertaining, and we saw how wonderfully it worked during the well-attended launch party for the show home,” Zecca says.
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home spotlight
(BELOW) The dignified curb appeal of the Westwood adds to the lovely streetscape of Artesia at Heritage Pointe, which boasts impressive mountain and Bow River views, and is just minutes from the open-to-the-public Heritage Pointe Golf Course.
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home spotlight
(LEFT) The wide, welcoming foyer is open to above with a dainty chandelier and glass doors that add to the executive look. The show home itself is at $1.8 million though Zecca says Augusta can build a similar model from $1.4 million.
(BELOW) The double-sided fireplace gives the master bedroom its wow factor, and is doubly gorgeous with its tray ceilings and wood shutters, but its calming view of the pond right outside is something owners will look forward to most. D
(ABOVE) It is a modern kitchen displaying the finest appliances with maple cabinetry in licorice finish and a Richmond profile. (LEFT) The beautiful Nana wall at the back of the main floor folds completely open to extend the living space to the outdoors. “The great room and kitchen nook both have a dropped-down bulkhead defining the areas with LED rope lighting that tucks up and in,” Zecca says. (RIGHT) The developed basement has a dedicated home theatre for magical movie nights with the family, Just outside is a glass encased wine room that makes this the perfect entertaining home. The only problem might be guest may never want to leave.
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home spotlight
LIVING ON THE GREEN Golfers, young families will fall in love with this Willow Park bungalow
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ife can be a permanent vacation in this
concept floor plan and tall ceilings. Oversized
suburban paradise home that sits right on
windows all around — plus skylights — keep the
the greens of the Willow Park Golf course in southeast Calgary. And it’s a home not just
interior well-lit with natural lighting. It has three bedrooms, including two master
meant for the golfer, as families can get in the
ensuites, two full baths plus a half-bath and
swing of things too with its fabulous features.
a three- car side-attached garage. The tall,
It’s a to-die-for location right in the heart of
vaulted ceilings of the main floor features
this private, exclusive golf course in a central
exposed timber lends a sophisticated style
suburb community just off Southland Drive
to the home, as do the wide tile flooring that
and Macleod Trail. The 3,747-square-foot
graces most of the common areas.
bungalow, originally built in 1973, has been
But its location along the Willow Park Golf
totally renovated but its aura of classy elegance
and Country Club is by far its most endearing
remains intact.
feature. This private, 18-hole golf course
The home is entirely wired for sound and
has beautiful tree-lined fairways that weave
comfort with two central air units and in-floor
through the impeccably maintained ground turf
heating for both the main living area and lower
that winds through this luxury golf community.
level development. It has copper trim over the
And this home at 2 Willow Park Green S.E.
exterior front doors and windows for added
allows owners to enjoy all this carefree lifestyle
style. It’s perfect for entertaining with its open
and more.
n STORY BY PEPPER RODRIGUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSIE NEIL AT SHUTTERMAXX
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(TOP) The wide open great room is a welcoming feature that is at its best when hosting parties with friends and family. Double doors lead to the captivating backyard, effectively adding to the amount of usable space.
(OPPOSITE PAGE) The mature trees that dominate this golf community add a measure of quiet relaxation to the home, and the low profile of this classy bungalow — with its stylish stone detail — blends well with the surroundings.
(LEFT) The kitchen boasts double islands for added style and functionality, it also has a builtin oven, Sub Zero fridge, wine chiller and freezer/ fridge drawers, concrete hood fan and six burner Wolf stove. A built-in hutch with wine chiller complete this area.
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home spotlight
(BELOW) Mowing is kept to a minimum with the paving stone-covered backyard, keeping it an environment meant more for enjoyment than chores. There is a sitting area where friends can gather and two gas lines allows owners to have a gas-fired barbecue and fire pit/space heater.
(RIGHT) The large rec room in the lower level features a bar, pool table and shuffle board, which are included in the package. It’s a fun environment for kids of all ages, and the wet bar brings a sophisticated elegance to the proceedings.
(LEFT) The peaceful backyard brings a delightful Zen presence to the home. But what gives owners further peace of mind is the recent roof renovation using rubberized materials. Zoned irrigation makes lawn maintenance easy.
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(LEFT) Interlocking paving stones lead the way up the path to the dramatic, frosted glass front doors. The front yard is as well manicured as the golf course and the stone-clad chimney and copper accents on the front door and windows add a dramatic aesthetic to the low profile of the home.
(ABOVE) The entertainment centre downstairs features a 60-inch HD screen and a state-of-theart Bang and Olufsen audio-video system worth $100,000. It has sound remotes that go through the upper floor. This all comes as part of the home-selling package. D
(RIGHT) The home suits the needs of everyone from downsizers and young families, and Mark Milne Luxury Real Estate is selling it around the $1.599 million range. Besides the three bedrooms, it also has a flex room in the basement with a window which makes it easy to turn into a fourth bedroom.
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eye on custom homes
EMPTY NESTERS FIND NEW NESTS
Richard and Debbie
n STORY BY RICHARD WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY BY DON MOLYNEAUX
Calgary’s upscale downsizers attracted to vibrant inner city condo scene
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or many, their 50s and 60s are like a second adolescence in that they are free again to decide, “what do I want to do with my life.” After decades of putting family and/or career commitments first, the kids are gone, their careers are over (or winding down) and they just want to enjoy life, which usually means travel and more “me/us” time. Though for some that may mean moving to a new city or town, for many Calgarians in this demographic it means moving to the city centre where they can enjoy fine dining, theatre, live music and art galleries just blocks away, festivals almost every weekend or lovely river walks. It means no more grass cutting, fence or deck painting or snow shovelling. In addition to travel, more time can be devoted to golfing, hiking, fishing, » quilting, knitting and spending time with friends.
S U M M E R 2 01 6 • D O M U S •
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The Tree House Richard and Debbie were in their early 50s when they realized they didn’t need their 3,200-square-foot 1950s Elbow Park home that they had totally renovated, lived and raised their family in for 22 years. If they were going to stay in the house, it would need new windows and another major update. Richard was also tired of looking after the yard and the three crabapple trees that “dropped tons of apples every year — there’s only so much jelly a person can eat!” They liked the idea of condo living. It fit their minimalist lifestyle. They also enjoyed the European lifestyle experienced when travelling. They looked for two years before they found the right place. They wanted to stay close to the Elbow River and ideally wanted an older condo with good bones, a good reserve fund and a good view. They found an 1,850-square-foot condo in Riverstone, a 1981 red brick condo by the Elbow River with floor to ceiling windows that provided a spectacular view of downtown. They quickly nicknamed it the “Tree House.” Debbie, an interior designer, immediately recognized the potential of the space and after a complete makeover, they now have a home worthy of an Architectural Digest feature. Their new home wouldn’t be out of place in Manhattan or London. The great room (24-by-32-feet) with its wide, vein cut Travertine tile from Italy is very European chic — no trendy hardwood, no rug here. The Poggenpohl kitchen cabinetry from Germany with its LED backsplash is uber cool. The upper cabinets are white matte lacquer, while the bottom cabinets are titanium. The countertop is white Caesarstone, with an induction cook top on the island (the building wasn’t fitted with gas). Appliances include a sub-zero fridge and Miele dishwasher both fully integrated so they aren’t “visible.” The lighting throughout the condo was redone with recessed LED spotlights, a Mooi pendant in the kitchen eating area and 5 MP rail pendants over the Le Corbusier glass dining table. Debbie also designed the custom openings at the top of the den’s millwork to display Rich-
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eye on custom homes
ard’s vintage radio collection with overhead lighting. In addition, three display “boxes” were created in one of the walls of the great room to highlight their vintage collections of Barbie dolls, Sherman jewelry and more radios. It wasn’t without its trials and tribulations — labour costs are higher for condo renovations due to hauling everything up and down an elevator and limited working hours due to condo rules. It was also challenge for Debbie to not only be the designer, but to have her husband as the client. But they both agree, “it was totally worth the end result! We love our view in our first brand new home, as our two previous homes were used.” The Grand Piano Home Roger and Janet were tired of driving along MacLeod Trail several times a week to downtown; they wanted the “excitement of living downtown” and the freedom to “lock and leave.” The kids were gone, their three-story Lake Sundance house (five bedrooms, three bathrooms, den, dining room, living room, family room and large kitchen) was too big and they were tired of its maintenance, so they started looking for a new home. They found what they wanted in the currently-under-construction Concord, the uber
“It is fun watching luxury Eau Claire condo designed by iconic the excavation of Canadian architect Arthur Erickson. Blown the condo, knowing away by the amenities, Barbara says, “I LOVE the pool and the gym is going to see a lot of the ‘Hole’ as we call use.” Other amenities include three car wash facilities, golf simulator and their own skating it will soon be our rink in the winter. They were also completely taken by the views, and access to downtown home.” and Kensington. Their new nest is a 1,977-square-foot condo with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths that is part of the “Private Residence” option, which includes private elevator access and private garage door. Their nest also includes luxury finishings including Italian marble countertops, a Poggenpohl kitchen and high-end Miele and Samsung appliances. Their northwest corner suite, with sliding doors from each bedroom allowing access to their private outdoor space, offers expansive views of Prince’s Island, the mountains and evening sunsets. Roger and Janet looked seriously for a year and a half to find the right condo building. They knew they wanted about 2,000 square-feet with at least two bedrooms, as well as an office/den AND room for the grand piano. “To be honest, the process was a bit stressful. Also it took us some time to figure out which downtown community we wanted to live in,” says Janet. Roger thinks “it is fun watching the excavation of the condo, knowing the ‘Hole’ as we call it will soon be our home.” It is anticipated their Grand Piano Home move- in will happen in spring 2018. Last Word When it comes to luxury city centre condos, there are really only a handful to choose from in Calgary, most being clustered into two areas — Eau Claire Avenue S.W. along the Bow River and 26th Avenue S.W. in Mission along the Elbow River. Both are vibrant urban neighbourhoods offering spectacular views, pedestrian-oriented streets with shops, restaurants, pubs, patios, cafes and river pathways nearby. In Calgary, though downtown living is still in its infancy, more and more Calgarians are embracing the vibrancy of urban living. Janet says, “most of our friends are considering moving downtown, so we have had a lot of support for our decision.” 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. The Concord
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custom design
THE EXPANDABLES Rob and Mia offer innovative renovation solutions n STORY BY JIM ZANG
Y
ou can call it the HGTV effect. Or maybe it’s the economy. Whatever the cause, there’s definitely a renovation craze sweeping the nation and, thanks to Home and Garden Television (HGTV) and The Women’s Network (W), it’s making celebrities of quite a few general contractors and interior designers.
Case in point, Rob Evans and Mia Parres from the Tricon Films and Television production The Expandables, airing on HGTV. The premise of the show is simple: Rob and Mia help homeowners make the most of the space they have, finding design and reno solutions to create space in homes where it seems impossible. But there’s a catch: they’ve got to create the extra space without expanding the existing footprint of the home, and they’ve got to choose either Rob’s plan or Mia’s. Now into their second season, with dozens of shows and projects under their toolbelts, most challenges eventually succumb to the combination of Mia’s design acumen and Rob’s meat and potatoes construction know-how. These days, the pair can also be seen Sunday nights on the newest HGTV series Home To Win, the first episode of which aired April 24. It’s a ‘Who’s Who’ of HGTV stars as Rob and Mia team up with the likes of Scott MacGillivray, Bryan Bauemler, Sarah Richardson, Paul Lafrance and others to renovate a home which will eventually be won by one of three homeowner competitors. There’s also a chance to win a $25,000 bathroom makeover. Visit www.hometowin.ca for details. DOMUS magazine had the opportunity to ask the dynamic duo a few questions via email and got some great responses. True to their on and off air personalities, the evervescent Mia was a fountain of information, brimming with energy and conversation. Rob, on the other hand, is a
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man of few words, a dude with a strong work ethic who prefers to let his actions do the talking. Where Mia answered in full paragraphs, taciturn Rob preferred to use as few syllables as possible. It’s a guy thing, and we get it. In fact, it’s a big reason why we asked a lot of the questions we did, to really try to get to know some of these people we invite into our living rooms several nights a week. Join us as we talk to Rob and Mia about where they came from, who they are, and how they got where they are today. When and where were you born? ROB: England, May 16, 1966... yup ‘66. MIA: I was born in the summer of 1986 in Toronto, Ontario. Where were you raised, ie. where do you consider your childhood home? R: Oakville, Ontario M: I grew up in the Beaches area of Toronto and then moved to the beautiful Riverdale area, where I spent most of my childhood. What did your mom and dad do? R: Dad: Pilot. Mom: Administrator. M: My mom is an arts and events director for the downtown core of Toronto. My father is a theme park architect.
Rob Evans and Mia Parres
The Expandables started its second season on HGTV across Canada on March 17 at 7 p.m. and again at 10 p.m. You can visit their website at: www.hgtv.ca/ theexpandables/
Did/do you have any brothers or sisters? R: Two brothers, two sisters. M: I have two brothers and two sisters, and I’m the youngest. What is your fondest childhood memory? R: Family trips to Barbados. M: One of my fondest childhood memories was growing up with my dad being a theme park architect was when he gave me my very own mini-studio inside of his studio. It has a pass key card and a built in desk. I used to go in for my mini “meetings” and work on my building blocks, drawings and Light Bright. I also have some incredible memories of him building me these elaborate beds — from bunk beds in the sky, to a setting sun over a bed of blue bedding. All hand made, pretty special!
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What’s the first job you ever had? R: Mowing lawns. M: The first job I ever had was as a model and actor growing up. But my first real design job was working as an intern for a high-end residential designer. She has a gorgeous house up in the north end of Toronto, with a beautifully designed guest house in the back that has been converted into her studio. It was a lot of running around, and learning the names of fabric show rooms, but a very important building block to where I wanted to be, a must do for all aspiring designers. What was your first vehicle? What do you drive now? R: Then: 1973 Fiat X-19, no brakes! Now: 2016 Ford F250 and various motorcycles. M: My firsts vehicle was a blue pick up truck, and I drive a Ford F-150 now! Where is home now? R: Toronto, Ontario. M: Home for me is in the north end of Toronto, Lawrence Park South.
Rob Evans
What kind of house do you live in? Describe it, eg. # of rooms, square-footage, style, etc. R: Semi-detached money-pit in Bloor West Village. M: I live in detached Victorian house that has a lot of character and beautiful classical details that we love. It’s a three-bedroom house that has beautiful south facing sunlight, gorgeous trees, a lovely big backyard. And the inside is what made us fall in love. The previous owner had spent a lot of time building his own built-ins around the fireplace, coffered ceilings, and beautiful radiator covers that add to the details in the theme of the house. Do you have children, if so names and ages? R: One daughter, age 14. M: No children. What is your formal design or construction training? R: Graphic Design — Sheridan College. Construction - School of Hard Knocks! (15 years). M: I studied Architecture for my first degree at the University of Toronto. Then I moved to London, England and studied at the AA: Architecture Association of London. Following this I moved to New York City and studied at Parsons: The New School for Interior Design and Lighting. Then I moved back home to do my second post secondary degree at Ryerson School of Interior Design (RSID).
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How would you describe your role on projects on the Expandables? R: Host/General Contractor. M: I’m a designer and host of The Expandables. Rob and I, along with our design and construction teams, go into family homes and help them find space in impossible places. Helping our homeowners discover square footage they didn’t even realize they have, and transforming their space from a place that was dictating their life into a space that reflects who they are as family, and functions for the way they truly want to live their lives. When did The Expandables start? Was this your first TV show? R: The Expandables started a couple years back, and I previously worked as General Contractor on ‘Home to Flip’ with Peter Fallico. M: The Expandables started a few years ago. It was my first time being a designer on a design show, which was very exciting to take my career in an entirely new direction. I had, in the past, been a behind the scenes designer for other shows. How did the show come about? R: I met the team behind The Expandables when I was working on renovating a house for a good friend of the producers. We would often meet at their house to discuss design plans with my client. They got to see me work and thought I was knowledgeable and clearly had a lot of opinions! The majority of my work previously was modernizing and opening up homes. People needed space and we would build it for them, and that translated into The Expandables.
M: I was introduced to Rob and the construction team and we had such a fun time working together, and that translated well on camera. You can really see what each of us brings to the table and how our skills work together to find spaces for our homeowners, in impossible places! What’s your favourite project from the show? Can you describe the project, plus some of the challenges you had to overcome in its completion? R: I don’t really have a favourite project, but my favourite part of the job is returning the house to the homeowners and seeing their complete disbelief that the house we are handing back is actually theirs! M: We have a great time coming up with “special projects” for each of our episodes, because we love to take our viewers on a new journey each time, and we also want to give our homeowners special pieces that really help create the heart of their home. Some of my favourite projects include a big kitchen island Rob and I helped to create, which was created from a man-made quartz to look like Calacutta Marble. Quartz has come such a long way, and it truly does look like the real natural stone. We wanted to give our homeowners a new “heart of the home” and we had opened up their entire main floor, so the kitchen was a big, brand new space, with lots of beautiful details. Knowing this island was for a busy family, and would get a lot of wear and tear, it was wonderful to see the space come together with this island project, because we knew it would be such a beautiful statement piece. Another project I loved was during the first season, when we designed these beautiful coffered ceilings in a living and dining room, made with foam centres. They add such an elegant touch to the space, are lightweight and much more affordable made from this material, however it truly gave the rooms a high-end feel. How much time does shooting the show take? What’s the schedule like? R: We shoot over the course of a few months and the schedule is jam packed — each day looks different depending on the home, what the family needs and the solutions we’ve come up with to help them. It’s incredibly busy, and long days, but worth it to see the results and how they help the families we work with.
M: We usually shoot a couple of houses at once — so around three or four homes on the go at any given time. Its nice to have all these projects going on around the same schedule, so you get to see them be demolished, renovated, designed, decorated and revealed around the same time. We do this a few times over a few months to create an entire season. It’s a very exciting and rewarding process! How do you spend your ‘down’ time? Any particular hobbies or places you like to holiday? R: What’s down time??? Work keeps me pretty busy, but I do like to spend time with my kid or get out on my bikes and get away from the city. M: I spend my “downtime” doing a lot of exercise, running, yoga, dance! And I love to be on top of all the latest design trends, so I love getting involved in all Toronto has to offer. I love to travel, from the Almalfi coast in Italy to the British Virgin Islands. Although California really does have my heart, I love the weather, the lifestyle and the architecture/design. I’m a California girl at heart!
Mia Parres
Our readers are mostly people looking for new homes, or looking for renovation ideas for their existing home, but not necessarily to sell it. What would you say is the most cost effective (best) way for people to add value to their home? R: In my opinion, the best way to add value to your house is to realize that your house isn’t just an investment. You live there, you need to understand that your quality of life is your best investment. Find a house in an area you like and stay put. M: This is a question we get asked a lot. And I think it can be as easy as a fresh coat of paint — I’m a big fan of crisp whites throughout your home, to give you a fresh start, especially in older homes. A lot of people love to hold on to the character of the home, including the wood base boards, mouldings, trim work, but I truly believe you can bring it all to life by giving it a fresh coat of white paint and make your space feel bigger. I also really believe in investing in cohesive hardware throughout your space. You would be amazed what it can do to add some continuity to your space and breathe new life into old doors, kitchens cabinets and furniture pieces. I tend to recommend a beautiful brass finish, a dark, crisp matte black that can really make a statement against white, or even go bold, and do beautiful brass/gold throughout! D
“Make a master plan of what you want from your house over time then seek out the professionals you need to help you get there. It’s your house, make it your castle.” Rob Evans
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THE
LUXURY OF COMFORT “L
uxury begins with comfort.” These are the words to remember when coming up with the design of a home. It’s not enough that the home looks like a million bucks, it’s crucial that the home’s internal mechanical systems operate flawlessly. After all, it’s what goes on behind those ornately decorated walls that determine the level of comfort — and, even the health — of its inhabitants. The HVAC system is a crucial part of the equation. The HVAC system (an easy acronym for heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit) is the beating heart of any household, but a better comparison may be that it’s the lungs that allow the home to breathe. Even when you live in a multi-million-dollar mansion, the Italian marble countertops or the exotic hardwood flooring isn’t going to help if the home is too hot or too cold, or the air inside is stale. Les Smith, the General Contractor at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, understands the importance of a properly designed HVAC
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE MACAULAY
Let Service Experts design your HVAC needs for your million-dollar home
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system and has provided expert new construction and renovation services throughout Calgary and surrounding areas for the past several years. “Our new construction HVAC services include complete design and installation of heating, air conditioning, duct and venting systems, and air quality equipment during the construction of new homes and light commercial buildings. We also do complete and partial HVAC system renovations, remodeling and upgrading,” he says. Les says he works with contractors and designers to come up with an HVAC plan for the home. “I can go on site to do a scope for the job, or work from blueprints,” he says, adding that Service Experts specializes in residential and light commercial properties. His years of expertise in the field is what makes him a valuable ally in coming up with the right HVAC design for the home. He can offer solutions to HVAC problems that renovators — and sometimes, homeowners — were not even aware of. “Getting the right balance for air intake or
A DV E RT I SI NG F E AT U R E | SE RV IC E E X PE RT S
humidity, for example, can be very tricky — especially with Calgary’s dry weather — I can recommend a system that will ensure total comfort for the whole home,” Les says. “Given that indoor air quality is also a crucial factor for our health, getting the most of your HVAC system at home should not be taken for granted.” For example, dry indoor air can result in dry skin, irritation of the nasal passages and throat, as well as make eyes itch. It can also lead to problems with the home itself, like cracked or peeling wallpaper, warped hardwood floors, “and my favourite, static shock,” says Smith. Too much humidity meanwhile can make the home feel stuffy, cause condensation on walls and other surfaces, trigger the growth of harmful bacteria, dust mites and molds. “As an HVAC provider, I can offer suggestions to counter these problems,” he says. Not only does Service Experts offer the widest range in heating an air conditioning brands — Trane, Lennox, you name it — they’re also have the best prices in town. “We buy stock in bulk so our clients can benefit from the savings that we get,” he says. They’re also up-to-date with technological advances in the field and can offer fully automated systems controlled from your smart phone. “We can recommend the best system for your needs.” A new system that will become much more common when the new National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2011 (NECB) comes into effect this November, will be the use of Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV). “Simply put, an HRV brings in fresh air from outside and vents out stale air from inside. The HRV is built to recover up to 90 per cent of the heat from the stale air that’s being vented and put that heat into the fresh air being brought in.” The installation of these units varies from simple to complex and should only be done by a qualified installer. An HRV will provide moisture control, fresh pre-heated air and satisfy building code for air exchanges. “As one of the largest HVAC providers in North America we are very competitively placed in the market. And with our size comes the ability to provide long-term stability so our clients know we will be there for them whenever they need us,” he says. n
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SEE YOUR LUXURY DESTINATION
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A DV E RT I SI NG F E AT U R E | OKO T OK S FOR D L I NC OL N
LINCOLN The Royal Family of Automobiles
I Each vehicle also brings its own unique personality to the table, appealing to a different segment of the consumer market.
n the world of luxury automobiles, the name Lincoln is synonymous with class. The Royal Family of automobiles, if you will. Even Lincoln owners like to get good value for their money, however, and that’s a big reason so many head south to Okotoks Ford Lincoln. As part of southern Alberta’s largest Ford Lincoln dealership family, the Wood Automotive Group, Okotoks Lincoln offers the largest selection of Lincoln products in Western Canada, says General Manager Rick Cherrington. “Lincoln is a very competitive alternative to the high end import market.,” he says. “We have access to the entire Wood Automotive inventory, which means people come from far and wide to deal with us. And not just for the pricing.” In fact, the selection is better than ever, thanks to the variety of vehicles in the ever-expanding Lincoln family. “We’re seeing different buyers depending on the vehicle,” says Cherrington. “Crossovers tend to be younger people who need the space for their own families, while larger sedans like the Continental appeal more to people looking for a traditional luxury automobile.” The patriarch of the Lincoln family, the granddaddy of them all, is, of course, the Continental. Originally rolled out in 1939, it’s undergone a myriad of changes over the years, ageing gracefully until 2002 when the line was temporarily discontinued. There’s good news on the horizon for Lincoln lovers, though, says Cherrington, as the new 2017
Continental should be available mid-summer. “It’s the most advanced vehicle Lincoln’s ever built,” he says. At the other end of the spectrum is the baby of the family, the new kid on the block, the sleek and stylish 2017 MKZ. With a three litre engine pumping out 400 horses, it’s pound-forpound the most powerful Lincoln on the road. If it’s raw power packaged in a streamlined, sporty body that gets your gears going, this baby’s the one for you. In between are all the other members of the Lincoln family, each with all the classic upscale elements of a Lincoln – Revel audio system
2017 Lincoln Continental
2017 Lincoln MKZ
Lincoln Navigator
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the all new Lincoln MKX
with up to 20 speakers, the new SYNC 3 voice activated interior control system, Bridge of Weir Deepsoft leather-trimmed seats, optional walnut interior trim, and oodles of safety features like auto traction monitoring and even pedestrian detection. The list of upgrades and options goes on forever with your best bet being to check online for details at either www.okotokslincoln.com. Like the members of a large extended family, however, each vehicle also brings its own unique personality to the table, appealing to a different segment of the consumer market. If you want the biggest Lincoln there is, the roomy Navigator has roughly the same space as some small condominiums. For large families, soccer teams,
or towing capacity, it’s your first choice. If you like sport utes, something a little more rugged, there’s the MKX. It’s close sibling, the MKC, is more of a crossover, combining the best elements of a sport ute with all the driving comforts of a luxury sedan. At Okotoks Ford Lincoln, they understand their customers and treat them like part of the family. That’s why all Lincoln owners receive a Lincoln ‘loaner’
“It’s the most advanced vehicle Lincoln’s ever built.”
if they bring their vehicle in for servicing. “If you drive in in a Lincoln,” says Cherrington, “you drive out in a Lincoln.” In the end, it’s all about a quality driving experience and Lincoln drivers demand excellence. They always have. n
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in the cellar
KEEPING IT COOL This summer’s best selection of wines and spirits is casually cool n BY SHELLEY BOETTCHER
S
ometimes you want Champagne. Sometimes you want a fine red. Sometimes you want a great Scotch. Me, too. Here are a handful of wonderful wines and a spirit to track down this summer, for your drinking pleasure. May you enjoy them as much as I do.
Fielding Estate Winery 2012 Chosen Few (Beamsville Bench, Niagara, Ont., Canada) Made only in small quantities from the best barrels in the best vintages, Chosen Few is as special as it sounds: a rare and magnificent red wine from Ontario’s outstanding Beamsville Bench, a thin strip of land in Niagara that is particularly renowned for its warm days, cool nights and great wineries. About $60. Veuve Clicquot Rich (Champagne, France) One of the best-known Champagne brands in the Alberta market these days, Veuve Clicquot dates back to 1772, but became particularly famous in the early 1800s, when Madame Clicquot, also known as Veuve (widow) Clicquot took over the family business after her husband’s death. About $85. Ruinart Blanc de Blancs (Champagne, France) Maison Ruinart was started in 1729 and is France’s oldest Champagne house. While it has had a rather low profile in Alberta, it deserves to be much better known; the wines are excellent and the house’s reputation is stellar. It is particularly famous for its ancient white chalk caves, which are like stepping into vast cool underground cathedrals. About $90. Aberfeldy 21-year-old Scotch Whisky (Highlands, Scotland) Founded in 1896, the Aberfeldy distillery was founded by John Dewar. Yes, he was the man behind the name on one of Scotland’s most popular blended scotches and, in fact, Aberfeldy makes a large part of the whisky that’s used in the famous Dewar’s blends. About $115. D
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n Shelley Boettcher is the national weekend wine columnist for CBC Radio and the author of three books about wine. Contact her at drinkwithme.com or on Twitter @shelley_wine.