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contents ISSuE 11 • SPRING 2015
department 6 EDItOR’S NOtE
expressions 8
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art scene
riTEs OF spring. Calgary’s vibrant arts scene is spotlighted in our photo feature of some of the city’s most intriguing art galleries
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lifestyle
THE HOME THAT DrEAMs BUiLT. inspired design gives Altadore couple a home for the ages
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in the cellar
MiLEsTOnE MArKErs. nothing better than celebrating with a glass of wine, or scotch or whiskey...
editor’s choice 12
capturing light
southern Alberta’s unique light inspires Jeremy sturgess’ creations
18 ON tHE COVER: this lovingly designed estate home in Altadore/River Park boasts plenty of customized architectural detail, not the least of which is this handcrafter wine cellar. Find out more about it in Courtney Allen’s Lifestyle feature. Cover Photography by Zoon Photos.
home spotlight 24 WINNING StYLE
Calbridge Homes creates milestone grand prize home for 2015 FHHL
28 tHE KINGStON BY AuGuStA FINE HOMES
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Height of elegance
innovations 34
behind the design
MATCHing pAir. Dynamic duo of the design world celebrates decade of excellence
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12
design
CUrTAin CALL. A variety of choices emerge for high-end trends in window treatments
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eye on custom homes
LUXUrY LAnEs. park Avenues sprout in several Calgary inner-city communities
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editor’s message
Luxury at a premium The slumping price of oil certainly has put the brakes on Calgary’s luxury home market. Once the country’s biggest market for homes over a million dollars, the until recently roaring sector now seems to be headed for a crash — if you believe all the Debbie Downers out there. Maybe it is heading for a correction, but from the lofty record-setting pace it had been on for the past few years, maybe a correction is actually needed. “The luxury market is a very specific niche market, and it is largely protected from the periodic dips in the economy,” Wolf Custom Homes Jaret Fry told us during a wine-tasting event at their Watermark show home. They are, in fact pushing on with their plans for a new — even grander — show home in this million-dollar estate home enclave in the fall. Richard White, who tells us about the new luxury condos going up in the inner-city, also doesn’t seem all perturbed with the oil slump. “While there has been a significant downturn in overall home sales in Calgary in 2015, the economic decline is not expected to impact the luxury home condo market as significantly. High net worth individuals are more resilient than the first homebuyer with larger and more diverse portfolios. And, they are not the ones getting laid off, many are retired and so employment is irrelevant,” he tells us. “Also we are not talking about thousands of condo units coming onto the market. Rather a just a few hundred units that will be staggered over the next three to 10 years. The luxury condo market will continue to be a strong niche market in Calgary for the foreseeable future.” The “high-net worth individuals” that Richard talks about would certainly fit the subjects of our Lifestyle story by Courtney Allen and their dream home — which graces the cover of this issue — is certainly something they are proud of. We also profile Jeremy Sturgess — Calgary’s architect supreme — in this issue as we detail how much his vision has transformed not only the look of Calgary, but the way we live. We also talk to the principals behind the Corea Sotropa Interior Design, who as they mark their 10th year in business, are expanding to commercial design projects from their usual high-end home grounds. We also shine our Home Spotlight on a couple of the most distinctive homes in Calgary: Augusta Homes’ The Kingston in The Point at Patterson Heights and Calbridge Homes’ singlular Grand Prize Show Home for the Foothills Hospital Home Lottery in Artesia at Heritage Point. What may be clear from all the economic upheaval going through the home market these days is that it may actually be easier to buy your dream home today, as experts do predict a buyers’ market may be just around the corner. But whatever the future holds, DOMUS will continue to chart design trends, and the growth of Calgary’s luxury homes.
PUBLISHER |
Source Media Group
info@sourcemediagroup.ca ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER |
Jim Zang
jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca Editor |
Pepper Rodriguez
pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca ART director |
Jean Faye Rodriguez
jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca graphic designers
Rylyn Kvarnberg rylyn.kvarnberg@sourcemediagroup.ca
Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca
Megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITORIAL
Courtney Allen, Shelley Boettcher, Aaliya Essa, Paige Johnston, Richard White Photography
Phil Crozier, Robert Lemermeyer, Don Molyneaux, Roy Ooms, Earl Raatz, Colin Way, Zoon Photos ADVERTISING SALES
Heather Dougall heather.dougall@sourcemediagroup.ca
Cindy Marks cindy.marks@sourcemediagroup.ca accounting |
Norma Robertson
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca
VOL 3 Issue 11 • 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 Motion” Shayne Dark’s work results from a rhythmic and organic process involving ideas, feelings, images, formal play, and structural necessity. Dark’s work is driven by the character of the material, but as essential as this physical aspect is, it is not the sculpture. Newzones Gallery
RItES n BY AALIYA ESSA
“Charlie’s Concern” Jay Belmore abstract paintings encourage a visual exploration that hinges on landscape and habitats with a fleeting nod to science. In recent work he is attempting to transcribe the vision of other organisms as they look out onto our world. Gibson Fine Art
“Moose” For Michel Poirier, it’s the painting process that matters, subject is secondary, no matter what imagery you create, “your soul will shine through every stroke, if you really love what you do.” The variety of styles and subjects he has produced over the years testify to his insatiable need to constantly reinvent himself. Latitude Art Gallery
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“Lake of many colours 28” Aunaray Clusiau personal intention as an artist is to contribute waves of positive energy and vibration to the world through works of art. He feels a reverence for nature and a profound connection to the landscape of the Okanagan, especially the lakes, which have been the source of inspiration for the ongoing series of water paintings. Latitude Art Gallery
of spring “Cake Escape” Angela Morgan (nee Harlton) lives and works in Fernie, B.C. Her work celebrates humanity through the use of colour, pattern, and line. Gibson Fine Art
“Annika” Born in Wettingen, Switzerland, into an artistically talented family, Evelyne BraderFrank has been expressing herself through soapstone, bronze, and steel for over 20 years. She titles her sculptures after personalities from Greek and Roman myths, looking for a match between a character and her feelings for the new sculpture. Newzones Gallery
“Find my way back home” Kimberly Kiel moved to Calgary from Saskatchewan in the mid ’90s to continue operating the financial planning practice she was building. After 10 years in that area, she decided it was time for a change and sold her practice in early 2003 to take up life as an artist. She found one of her passions when she applied paintbrush to canvas for the first time; and find as much joy in the process as in the end product. Latitude Art Gallery
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art scene
“Excavate I”
“Character reference 14”
John Folsom’s practice is focused on constructing the ideal landscape; one that is a representation of land but at the same time, alluring and fictional. The artwork is photography based, in combination with traditional paint media, which references the sublime painters of the 19th century. Newzones Gallery
Pushing photography beyond traditional limits, Mak explores the visual possibilities of the medium. Known for its soft focus and minimized light values, her work disrupts the boundary between painting and photography. Newzones Gallery
“Morning Surf” Verne Busby has lived and worked most of his life in Edmonton, Alberta. He joined Bella Totino in Totino Busby Design Inc., an independent design and illustration studio. Verne also moderates life drawing sessions biweekly at the Edmonton We can Society, Harcourt House Annex. Gibson Fine Art
Gainsborough Gallery
n Premiere Calgary Exhibition of Paintings. Artist: Aleksandra, Brutsky, Gendelman, Mirovsky, Rozenvain, Sabina; Opening reception: March 7, 12-5 p.m. Show dates: March 7-21
“Onus” David Robinson demonstrates a great command of media and skill as a figurative sculptor. The artist’s sculptures juxtapose themselves in urban architectural settings, demonstrating a modernistic approach to a very classical domain in art — the nude. Newzones Gallery
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calgary’s canvas
Gibson Fine Art
n Bigoudi Show dates: March 21 – April 4 n Susana Espinoza Show dates: April 11 – 25 n Rachelle Kearns Show dates: May 2 – 16 n Audrey Mabee Show dates: May 23 – June 6
Herringer Kiss
n From Base Line to Islands in the Sun.
Artist: Kenneth Webb; Opening reception: Saturday, February 28, 2 - 5 p.m. Show dates: February 28 - March 28
Kenneth Webb
n The Green Grass Of Home. Artist: Reinhard Skoracki. Opening reception: April 11, 2 - 5 p.m. Show dates: April 4 - May 2
art scene
“Liberated” Clifford Jean-Félix is a Haitian-born Canadian painter. In 1992, at the age of 20, he moved to Canada and some months later, began to study interior design. Where he worked for the following 10 years. In 1997, a very serious accident sparks an extensive personal and artistic transformation that spurs the development of the style, vision and production methods. Latitude Art Gallery
n Endless Murmuring Artist: Elizabeth Barnes; Opening Reception: Saturday, May 9, 2 - 5 p.m. Show dates: May 9 - 30
n Colour Junkie. Artist: Franco DeFrancesca Opening reception: Saturday, May 9, 1-4 p.m. Show dates: May 9 – June 27
Stephen Lowe Art Gallery
n Eszter Burghardt Opening
Reception, Saturday, May 9, 2 - 5 p.m. Show dates: May 9 - 30
Elizabeth Barnes
Latitude Art Gallery
n Striking Oils. Artist: Kimberly Kiel; Opening
reception: Thursday, May 7, 5-9 p.m. Show dates: May 7-31
Newzones Gallery
n Wild Men. Artist: Jeff Nachtigall; Opening Reception: Saturday, March 14, 1-4 p.m. Show dates: March 14 – May 2
n Spring Show 2015 Artist: Cameron Bird, Lorna Dockstader, David Langevin; Opening reception: Saturday, April 18, 1-5 p.m. Show dates: April 18-30; Location: West Market Square (by Sunterra), Suite 509, 1851 Sirocco Dr. S.W. n Artist Spotlight – New works.
Artist: Yuan Cheng Bi; Show dates: May 4-16 Location: Downtown, Bow Valley Square, Suite 251, 255 – 5th Ave. S.W.
n Open Source. Artist: Jonathan Forrest;
n Art Spotlight – New works. Artist: Shinah Lee; Date: June 8-20. Location: Downtown, Bow Valley Square, Suite 251, 255 – 5th Ave. S.W.
n Cathy Daley
Wallace Galleries
Opening reception: Saturday, March 14, 1 - 4 p.m. Show dates: March 14 – May 2
Opening reception: Saturday, May 9, 1-4, p.m.Show dates: May 9 – June 27
Cathy Daley
Shinah Lee
n Colour Spaces Artist: Kenneth Lochhead;
Opening Reception: Saturday, March 7, 2 -5 p.m. Show dates: March 5 – 18; Preview of Show: Thursday, March 5
n Group Show 2015 Artist: Don Pentz,
Alain Attar, Gregory Hardy, Ted Godwin, David Newkirk, Robert Lemay, Walter Bachinski and more. Show dates: March 19 - April 1
n Easter Group Show 2015 Artist: Shi Le,
Andrew Lui, Bruce Head, Brent Laycock, Steve Mennie, Sylvain Louis-Seize, Jim Stokes and more. Show dates: April 1 - 15
n Inner Landscapes
Artist: Linda Nardelli & Diana Zasadny; Opening reception: Saturday, April 18, 2 -5 p.m. Show dates: April 16 - 29; Preview of Show: Thursday, April 16
Diana Zasadny
n Flower Show 2015 Artist: Robert Lemay, Jennifer Hornyak, Leslie Poole, Brent Laycock, Simon Andrew, and more. Show dates: April 30 - May 6
n Wabi Sabi/Dark Matters Artist: Nancy Boyd; Opening reception: Saturday, May 9, 2 -5 p.m. Show dates: May 7 – 20. Preview of Show: Thursday, May 7, D
Nancy Boyd
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editor’s choice
Capturing light Southern Alberta’s unique light inspires Jeremy Sturgess’ creations
f an architect does his work well, their buildings not only change the landscape, but also, over time, become the landscape itself. Over the nearly four decades that Jeremy Sturgess has been building in Calgary, the city — specifically the downtown and communities along its fringes — has become the canvas for his vision. Sturgess, and the firm he founded Sturgess Architecture, has designed some of the most recognizable buildings in and around Calgary. Many of them were key in the transformation of the city from its quaint Cowtown image of the past to the modern metropolis of today that befits the city’s stature as an economic power in the west. From the City of Calgary Water Centre, the new Skywalk tourist attraction at the Athabasca Icefields, the Bridgeland Riverside Community Centre, renovations to the 7th Avenue LRT complex, and the Bow Tower, the tallest building west of Toronto — all bear his fingerprints, and his signature look and love for the modern form and colour. Key to his vision is the unique natural light of southern Alberta. “There is something unique about the light here in Calgary — a Kodachrome brightness to it that’s present for most of the year — that has inspired my work,” Sturgess tells DOMUS. Sturgess was born in Montreal and grew up and studied in Toronto, before heading west to Calgary in 1977. Since then, his work has done much to shape the look of the city. »
Photography by Robert Lemermeyer
I
n story by pepper rodriguez
Athabasca Glacier Skywalk
Jeremy Sturgess
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Photography by Don Molyneaux s p r i n g 2 01 5 • D O M U S •
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editor’s choice
(right) City of Calgary Water Centre
Photography by Roy Ooms
(below) The Connaught Gardens
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The cumulative effect of his buildings go deeper than their looks, as his passion for contemporary designs — in many ways — transformed not only their surroundings, but also the way we live. Sturgess’ singular residential condos and beatific infill creations were a big part of the modernist movement in Calgary. The city now sees a greater occurrence of contemporary homes over traditional Tudor or Victorian designs — especially among the multi-million-dollar custom-built homes in the inner-city. He brought courtyard design for multi-family developments for the first time to the city with Battistella Developments’ Connaught Gardens in 1992. It was groundbreaking in more ways than one, as Sturgess remembers that the design changed Calgary’s land usage bylaws to allow for live/work units in this Beltline neighbourhood. The 11-unit Connaught Gardens townhomes feature art deco styling that makes it look like it was built in the 1920s. The homes are grouped around a courtyard that’s open to the west. The five homes fronting onto 13 Avenue S.W. have three levels with the lowest half below grade with walkout access. The homes at the back are of two levels on a raised concrete deck, allowing for indoor common-property parking beneath them, and a second on-the-drive spot outside each garage door.
Photography by Robert Lemermeyer
Sturgess’ singular residential condos and beatific infill creations were a big part of the modernist movement in Calgary.
“It replaced apartment building corridors with courtyards that allows for a better, more natural environment where neighbours can get to know each other,” Sturgess tells DOMUS. The courtyard concept also provides a unique opportunity for suites to have dual exposure allowing light and air to move through two ways. Battistella says that this remains to be one of its signature projects, and was even named by the Alberta Architects Association as one of the best projects of the millennium. The design has since become quite popular and some of Stugress’ latter multi-family developments carry the same central courtyard theme, including The Olive and The Block from Avi Urban. But the one multi-family development that shows Sturgess’ love for striking, unusual geometries, bright colours and thoughtful attention to site features is STEPS Bridgeland, a new condo by Assured Developments and Giustini Development Corporation. Currently under construction at 918 McPherson Square N.E., the 122-unit development is scheduled for completion in 2016. And Sturgess himself is going to be one of its residents.
editor’s choice
(right) The Olive (below) STEPS Bridgeland
It will be a six storey, concrete, condominium development consisting of studios, one and two bedroom apartments, townhouses and penthouses. It will also feature the courtyard concept that he has popularized in Calgary. Boldly coloured expanses of tall narrow glass decorate the interior courtyard on all six levels serving to add privacy and a dynamic tapestry of light. Each home will have a balcony or outdoor space facing either toward the courtyard, the exterior, or both. “A project like this has never been seen in Calgary before,” says Tim Taylor of SQFT Real Estate, whose company is responsible for sales and marketing. “For all those involved in STEPS, it is truly a legacy project. In 10 years time this will still be ahead of its time.” »
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editor’s choice
“What I loved about Calgary was its openness, it has been very open to new ideas, quite unlike back east where there was more of an old-boy network that got in the way of innovation.” The XII
The XII
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Its location in Bridgeland is also notable, as Sturgess was also deeply involved in rejuvenating this historic neighbourhood into a trendy, vibrant community that today is being called Calgary’s answer to Brooklyn. Sturgess designed the master plan for The Bridges, a largescale multi-use urban planning project including housing and public amenities that revived Bridgeland, and made possible the growth it is enjoying now. The Bridges project won the Architectural Review/ MIPIM International Award in France in 2005. His most recent multi-family development goes into the realm of the luxury condo market. The XII development in Mission will have a dozen extraordinarily upscale homes, most of which take up an entire floor (a couple of them take up two floors). What makes this development so unique is that it all sits on a 50-foot-wide-by 140-feet-long parcel of land on Mission along the Elbow River. The “smart” parking system designed by Unitronics Systems Inc. uses automated technology to stack cars in a three-level parking space beneath the building that does away with drive aisles and ramps. “The idea of building a tower with one unit per floor is an opportunity to make each floor a remarkable space,” Sturgess says. “The building is
oriented to make the most of views and light, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Elbow River and looks out to the mountains in the daytime and the sparkling city skyline at night.” XII will surely add to his enduring legacy as Calgary’s most prolific and influential architect. Speaking of legacy, Sturgess definitely has imprinted his world-view on Calgary with his work, but that work is far from done. Sturgess Architecture has the contract to build the CTrain stations for the southeast leg (whenever that gets going), and it promises to hold true to his vision for a modern city. This legacy, in a way, is his way of giving back to the city that gave him his first break. “What I loved about Calgary was its openness, it has been very open to new ideas, quite unlike back east where there was more of an old-boy network that got in the way of innovation,” Sturgess says. His work has opened doors to young architects in the city who may similarly find inspiration in Calgary’s openness to innovation. D
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lifestyle
The home that dreams built story by Courtney Allen n PHOTOGRAPHY BY zoon photos
Inspired design gives Altadore couple a home for the ages
U
pon entering this custom-built Altadore/River Park home, the feeling of inspiration is enrapturing. This is what a dream come true looks like. Soaring barreled ceilings, custom handcrafted features, materials that have traveled from afar and pieces collected in hopes that they would someday fit into the dream. Purchased in 2008, the property was exactly what the owners were looking for. “We liked this property because of the green space and the feeling that while in an inner-city neighbourhood, the views state otherwise,” says the owner, who wanted to remain anonymous. “It was important to us to preserve the 50-year-old trees which became a part of the design.” And design they did! The couple worked with Dean Bottomley of Dean Thomas Architectural Design, Brent Kusch from Kodiak Homes and Suzanne Hayden from Suzanne»Hayden Designs Inc., the team of professionals made their dream tangible.
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lifestyle
The main floor of this very well thought-out home is open and extremely bright. With an abundance of strategically placed windows, the view often lands upon greenery, trees, and in the case of the over 10feet of glass on the upper staircase, a stunning ornamental Japanese crabapple tree. The 11-foot ceilings on the main floor are barreled and extend from the foyer all the way to the art-adorned staircase at the other end of the home. Accented by six, individually turned wood posts inspired by turn of the century design, the upper and lower staircases flow into one another perfectly aligning the eye and drawing attention to the details of the posts that can’t be found anywhere else. Complimenting the esthetics of the ceilings are the pristine eightinch planked white oak floors by Carlisle Floors from New England, which carry through 90 per cent of the main floor. Standing over fivefeet tall in the living room is a magnificent hand-carved limestone fireplace, the limestone from a quarry in Mexico. Massive hand-hewn oak beams originating from a 100 year old out-building in Pennsylvania preside over the traditional study. Also used for the mantle on the downstairs fireplace, the historic oak brings richness to the overall design of the home. Decidedly French in their style, the myriad of materials have come together to create exactly what they’d envisioned. Not a small feat. It was having an architect who knew exactly what he was doing that made the difference for one of the owners, “There were details I could understand in 2D but really didn’t fathom until they were built,” she says, “but he did. Dean knew what he was doing.” It was extremely exciting for the couple going through the process as they looked forward to having everything they wanted materialize before their eyes. Art is a central element in this extraordinary home, and is not only hung on the walls, but also painted directly onto the drywall, specifically in the elevator. Beautifully designed, the elevator is an open structure operated by laser beams with the wall on each floor painted by local artist, Jocelyne Soubliere giving the passenger a “gallery-esque” experience as they travel from floor to floor. The kitchen is no exception and is a sight to behold. Cabinetry designed by BF Woodwork, the designer worked with the owner to create exactly what she had imagined, resulting in an exquisite walnut-
“There were details I could understand in 2D but really didn’t fathom until they were built.”
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topped island. Standing on bun feet, one foot in diameter, the island is more like a piece of art than a traditional kitchen island. From this stunning centerpiece to the vintage style brickbarreled ceiling, the kitchen is an eye-catching room from top to bottom. Finished with top of the line appliances and cabinets, this room transitions beautifully from an inspiring place to have that first cup of coffee to the hub of entertainment in the evening hours. While it’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, the owner’s favourite room is the main floor powder room. Featuring an antique French commode, the piece was bought and set-aside awaiting its place in their dream home one day. Retro-fitted for the couple, it found its spot near the end of the project. It was the genius of their interior designer, Suzanne that brought function and » feasibility to all of their dreams and ideas.
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lifestyle
Moving down the exquisite staircase into the lower level, the aboveground basement houses two wine rooms, one of which has a glass ceiling, allowing a view from the Butler’s Pantry just off the kitchen upstairs. A home theatre and media room, detailed copper accented bar and cozy fireplace area completes the downstairs, which is separated from the open staircase with tapestry-like curtains for sound barrier. State of the art technology has been installed throughout the home by Symbiotic Integrations, making the home as smart as a house can be. Among so many more fabulous features is another favourite, the room built just for the dog. A beloved pet, Ace the 10-year-old Bouvier Des Flanders, has a special place in the home. The dog room boasts a specialized dog shower, a camera to ensure Ace is behaving and custom-made elevated bed. Located on the main level at the back of the house, the dog room makes it easy for after-walk clean ups while pampering the darling of the house. This dream home brings new meaning to the word customized. Every detail was discussed, every inch measured, every idea given a chance to work. “The entire experience was very enjoyable,” the lady of the house said. “The opportunity to customize our own home was what I loved most about it, working with an architect, builder and interior designer who not only listen, but hear you.” Once the property was purchased, everything just fell into place and the process from beginning to end was positive. And that is what dreams are made of. D
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home spotlight
Winning style Calbridge Homes creates milestone grand prize home for 2015 FHHL Quality craftsmanship has been the hallmark at Calbridge Homes in the 37 years they’ve been building in Calgary. But for the last five years, this two-time Builder of the Year has broadened their appeal even more by creating exceptional, oneof-a-kind and always expertly crafted Grand Prize homes for the Foothills Hospital Home Lottery. Calbridge has grown in strength with each new FHHL Grand Prize Estate Home, as each seemed bigger in scope and even more ambitious in design than the previous one. Their 2015 edition may even surpass them all in beauty and style, as Calbridge pulled out all the stops to make a remarkable milestone home to go with the FHHL’s “The Big Win” campaign. This 5,700-square-foot regal estate home is located in the heart of Artesia at Heritage Pointe, and the sweeping elegance of this Tudor-style home is evident from the outside. Priced at $2.4 Million, this four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath, designer furnished, professionally landscaped Grand Prize Estate Show Home also comes with $50,000 in cash for the lottery winner. The serenely sprawling main level, adorned in gleaming tile and plank hardwood flooring, presents an inviting countenance embellished by the brilliant natural lighting the towering windows throughout let in. And wait till you see the circular bonus room upstairs and the totally customized lower level development. In a word: spectacular. “To do this (Grand Prize homes) year after year is a big challenge,” says Calbridge President Larry Thomson. “But it’s a challenge we’d gladly accept for the opportunity to help the community by doing what we love to do.” Over the past 22 years, the Foothills Hospital Home Lottery has purchased life-saving equipment and supported innovative programs focused on patientcentred health care and the building blocks of a healthier future. In conjunction with the Hospital Home Lottery, the Foothills Hospital Home Lottery has raised over $70 million, making a profound difference in the quality of health care services available to Albertans.
(top) Calbridge’s unmistakable expertise is very much palpable as soon as you enter; from the floor to ceiling windows that connect the central custom kitchen to the adjoining great room and den — the design celebrates sun-splashed living and panoramic views of the ponds that personify this award-winning community.
(far left) This traditional Tudor-style Grand Prize Estate Show Home features a solid knotty alder door, textured stucco, stone detailing and Smart Board trim in a rich, warm earth-tone palette. It’s location in the upscale, family-friendly community of Artesia at Heritage Pointe makes the owner a winner two times over.
(left) The curved design of this home encourages a connection between living spaces, and nowhere else is this characteristic more pronounced than in the unique central circular bonus room upstairs. It’s shape and location in the middle of the second storey serves to bring families together and also stylishly give each family member their privacy.
»
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home spotlight
winning style
(above) Living large is given new meaning in the lower level development of this Grand Prize home. It sits on a walkout lot and is aptly equipped for any kind of entertainment purpose. The circular wet bar with a matching curved bulkhead continues the home’s overall theme and again illustrates Calbridge’s consummate workmanship and skill.
(right) With light, striated marble tile, a spa-inspired rain head shower and tall, free-standing tub overlooking the ponds below, the ensuite bathroom is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate at the beginning or end of each day.
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(right) The open concept design connects various aspects of the main floor and the the great room, with its towering windows, rustic plank hardwood and a contemporary gas fireplace provide the backdrop for relaxed living at any time of day.
(below) Any golfing enthusiast will find the built-in putting green in the lower level development irresistible. The only drawback might be that your guests may never want to leave. Tickets to the 2015 FHHL Grand Prize home can be bought at the show home at 18 Whispering Springs Way, in Artesia at Heritage Pointe. D
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home spotlight
The Kingston by Augusta Fine Homes Height of elegance
n photography by Earl Raatz
Grandeur personified. That can be the
with a young family, but we get a lot of interest
only way to describe Augusta Fine Homes’
as well from empty-nesters and downsizers,”
latest luxury show home, as The Kingston
says area sales manager Cordell DaSilva.
in The Point in Patterson Heights brings the WOW factor to an all-caps level.
The wide lots and the fantastic views available at the Point in Patterson Heights gave Augusta
Dramatic open spaces, luxurious, top-of-
Fine Homes the inspiration to build The Kingston,
the-line appliances and finish, and an elevated
and they make the best use of its pristine location
sense of style and comfort all come together
backing onto municipally protected green space.
to create three-levels of estate home living as only Augusta Fine Homes can offer. All of the multi-awarded builders’ prodigious
The oversized windows throughout the home, the open-to-above grandeur of the main floor, even the glass panes of the open-riser stairway
talent in building one-of-a-kind custom
give The Kingston a translucent quality that
homes is brought to bear in The Kingston, a
mirrors the panoramic views from its ridge
statement home if there ever was one. All 3,461
location overlooking the lush Bow River Valley.
square-feet of this Modern Prairie style home
This three-car side-garage home sits
is designed for one thing: to impress. That
on a walkout lot and is priced at $2.49
said, it is still the perfect home for growing
million. Lots at The Point range from 48- to
families with an appealing functional style
60-feet wide and DaSilva says Augusta
that’s pretty hard to come by these days.
Fine Homes can build custom dream
“It’s the perfect home for a young executive
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homes here starting from $1.5 million.
(left) The Modern Prairie architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright is used to grand effect in The Kingston, which features asymmetrical massing with off centre entries and deep overhangs. The upper floor look almost as if they are completely composed of glass to give it a distinctive look from the outside and the benefit of natural lighting inside. Natural stone and acrylic stucco exteriors give it a stately curb appeal.
(above) The masterfully designed kitchen features inherent functionality and style, as it melds modern aesthetics with an industrial edge. The stainless steel top on the central island and the flue style hood fan over the stove top are easily its most striking features, but the utility evidenced by the elongated eating ledge with swing-out stools, the streamlined look of the appliances and enormous storage capability of the cabinetry make it a gourmet chef’s dream come true.
(right) The 12-millimetre glass railing of the open-riser staircase brings a sexy elegance to the home, and the impeccable stylishness of the upgraded ceramic tile flooring of the main floor adds to its considerable gloss.
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home spotlight
The Kingston by Augusta Fine Homes
(above) You can just imagine entertaining your company’s board of directors in this lavish living room with its majestic open-toabove ceiling, bathed in natural light from the tall, oversized windows at the back. The double-sided fireplace with designer stone facing adds to its measured elegance.
(left) Owners can probably charge for admission in this totally tricked out home theatre in the lower level. State-of-the-art audio-video equipment and cushy theatre seating for seven make this the ultimate home entertaining place — be prepared to host frequent movie nights for your friends.
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(above) The 1,173-square-foot developed lower level also boasts a fully equipped wet bar with wine cooler station, U-shaped granite countertops with raised ledge and a wide-screen TV of its own if the patrons of the bar want to watch the game instead of the movie playing in the home theatre.
(left) The pampered luxury offered by the ultra lavish master ensuite will make you want to take as long as can in its all-enveloping comfort. The deep stand-alone tub, heated tile flooring, and stylish stone countertops bring a high level of class, but the massive walk-in closet adjacent to it with lots of built-in shelving is also one of its most coveted features. And if that wasn’t enough comfort, the master bedroom also has a private balcony. D
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behind the design
Matching pair Dynamic duo of the design world celebrates decade of excellence n story by PEPPER RODRIGUEZ
T
en years is a long time, but not when you’re having this much fun. In the decade since Corea Sotropa Interior Design was established, the design duo of Jacqueline Corea and Reena Sotropa established themselves as among the most trusted names in Calgary’s high-end home design set.
Named one of the “Top 20 Design Firms to Watch” by Canadian House and Home Magazine, Corea Sotropa Interior Design’s projects are frequently featured in various local and international print media magazines. They’ve been featured as well in the book, “Spectacular Homes of Western Canada” and the prestigious Alberta Ballet Home and Garden Tour. Though their company started in 2005, the two have been friends for much longer. “We met as classmates at Mount Royal College in 1999,” Sotropa says. “We were doing an interior design project for one of our classes and we realized that we just clicked.” Sotropa, originally from Saskatchewan, moved back home after graduating while Corea stayed in the city. Both got married and were
raising families when they realized that they both missed working with each other, leading Sotropa to move back to Calgary and launch their enterprise. Soon, they became the go-to interior decorators for the hot luxury home market. The upscale inner-city communities of Roxboro, Mount Royal, Elbow Park, and more, soon became almost like a second home to them from their steadily growing number of clients that lived there. Their success is very much a reflection of the city’s red-hot luxury home market that has been the strongest in all of the country, but that is only part of the explanation. Their engaging, open » personalities also played a crucial part.
Reena Sotropa (left) and Jacqueline Corea
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Photography by Phil Crozier
behind the design
Corea Sotropa Interior Design’s newly expanded 1,702-square-foot office in Marda Loop.
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“Interior design is an intensely personal business, you are basically selling yourself, your vision, to your clients. Even more than that, you have to translate the client’s own ideas for their home as part of the vision.” The process can be fraught with landmines — you never want to tell anyone that their ideas won’t work, or worse, are tacky. “What we try to do is provide a fresh set of eyes, to look at the space in a house and determine with a professional demeanour what would work,” Sotropa tells DOMUS. “Luckily, both Jacqueline and I have easy-to-talk-to personalities that people respond to. Our methods work well with our clients, and many have become return customers — even more than that, we become close friends with them and sometimes even become part of the family,” she adds. Their design expertise is something clients can rely on. It didn’t quite start out that way with Jacqueline, who has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Calgary before deciding to go into interior design. Reena, meanwhile, was an art history major at the University of Regina. “We both knew there was a different calling for us than what we had initially started out on,” Sotropa says. Their tastes for traditional and transitional designs mesh well with their niche market; most of who — like themselves — are professional couples with young children. Sotropa says that’s how their designs get so universally accepted by their clients: they instinctively know what their needs are, because these are their own needs. They have empathy for their client’s situation, and that in turn brings trust. “We know what its like to run a busy family home, functionality is the backbone of our designs.” Although every day presents a new challenge in the last 10 years, they wouldn’t have it any other way. “We started in 2005 with four full time employees and 796 square-feet of office space. We now have nine full time employees (majority of whom are also from the Mount Royal Interior Design program) and a newly expanded 1,702-squarefoot office in the same two-storey building in Marda Loop where we » began,” Sotropa says.
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Photo courtesy Corea Sotropa Interior Design
behind the design
Corea Sotropa were the interior designers for the Tommyfield Gastropub (bottom right photo) in Seton in the southeast and the Bank & Baron on Stephen Avenue (left).
Photography by Colin Way
Photography by Colin Way
They’ve gone all out to mark the milestone, including revamping their website and refurbishing their office — including installing two beautiful vintage chandeliers, one from Beverley Hills and another from London. They have also started diversifying their clientele and have recently taken on a couple of projects for commercial endeavours. Corea Sotropa were the interior designers for the Tommyfield Gastropub in Seton in the southeast and the Bank & Baron on Stephen Avenue. This willingness to try new things and their finely honed design tastes, they feel will serve them well — not only to weather the market misgivings brought about by the oil slump, but make their partnership reach newer heights. “Any lawyer can tell you that partnerships were designed to break, but what Jacqueline and I have is something that we think will last,” Sotropa says. D
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design
Curtain call A variety of choices emerge for high-end trends in window treatments
n story By Paige Johnston, BID
“Patterned linens are becoming the on-trend fabric for drapes.”
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W
indows are a beautiful feature in any space, so don’t miss the opportunity to highlight them! Gone are the days of serviceable metal shades, vertical panels and honeycomb blinds. Today, window treatments are designed to play up the character of a space, acting as an extension of the homeowner’s style. Whether your home is sleek and modern, artsy and eclectic or traditional with an edge, the right window coverings will add warmth and style to your space and help take your look to the next level. Striking geometrics, gorgeous patterns, embellished textures and layered sheers are amongst the defining trends in window coverings at the moment; let’s take a look at how you can incorporate these looks into your home. Prints Printed window coverings add visual interest and character to any space. Alykhan Velji, principal of Alykhan Velji Designs, notes that, “Patterned linens are becoming the on-trend fabric for drapes.” A printed motif immediately updates the look of a simple roller blind, with both dramatic and subtle patterns readily available. Alykhan adds that roller shades, “[work] well in both modern and traditional settings.” »
Photo courtesy Aly Velji Designs
interior design
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(above) “In a modern home, a wall of sheers is a beautiful layer that can soften sharp edges and create balance.” (opposite page) Roller shades work well in both modern and traditional settings.
Be bold with a large-scale pattern with high contrast colours or add depth in a more subtle way with a monochromatic, tone-ontone motif. Geometric prints readily compliment a modern interior but can also be a striking addition to a traditional space. Heather Draper, founder and director of The Heather Company, is another proponent of roller shades, stating that they are a great option today and, “…geometric prints are perfect in this application and keep a house feeling like a home — not an office.” Florals continue to dominate home trends and textiles and whether you favour a classic vintage look, a romantic watercolourinfluenced effect or a modernized graphic, they are the perfect pattern to play up your draperies.
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Laser-cut fabrics have recently made their way from designer clothing to home textiles and are a unique way of adding dimension to window treatments and introducing pattern to a space. Layering Today’s leading homes are trending towards layering drapery treatments. Layering textiles adds depth and visual appeal to a space and can make a room appear grander. The layering of window treatments might sound like something you might remember from your grandparents’ home but today’s applications are anything but old. A look making its way back is the layering of a valance over drapes. Gone are the scalloped edges and trim work of valances past, giving this traditional window treatment enough of a contemporary note to be hung in a modern home.
Photos courtesy Aly Velji Designs
design
Combining fabrics and patterns takes a good eye but, when done correctly, adds a modern esthetic that is totally on trend. Create drama in your space by overlaying sheers with a subtle tone-on-tone floral design with drapes in a bold geometric print. Textures and Fabrics Today’s interiors continue to adhere to a modern aesthetic but can be elevated to a whole new level in style with more luxurious window treatments. Now, you can add draperies in more contexts than you might think — like your kitchen, for example. Heather Draper adds, “In a modern home, a wall of sheers is a beautiful layer that can soften sharp edges and create balance.” An upscale look in widow treatments can be achieved through a myriad of textures and fabrics — from rich, wood shutters to beautiful fabric drapes. Heather Draper confirms, “Dark wood, 2-inch blinds are incredibly chic and timeless,” and mentions that another great option for window treatments is to use a
striking fabric with Roman shades. If you’re going to splurge on window coverings, let there be drapes! And let the fabric be the center of attention. Dawn Bollinger, owner of Peridot in Calgary, adds, “With fabric we are seeing luxury materials like velvets and silks bringing a more distinct and somewhat traditional presence.” Textiles with embellishments like beading, embroidery and appliqués elevate window treatments to tactile works of art. On the other end of the spectrum, though, we’re seeing the reemergence of toile, a plain traditional fabric updated to work with today’s esthetic. Hardware Today’s curtain rods and hardware have gotten more visually appealing and contemporary in style. Dawn Bollinger says, “You can now do double sets of sheers and draperies on the same rods versus having to use a double system. A channel rod system allows you to get a perfect set of pleats top and bottom for a clean, hotel styling.” Alykhan Velji adds that his favourite styling is to do a simple pinch pleat with a matte black rod with rings. “The look is classic, casual and timeless,” he says. If decorative hardware is not your style, there are plenty of options today for concealing the mechanics and having your draperies hang from barely visible tracks. Don’t undermine the importance of your choice in window coverings! Your window treatments help define your space, highlight the architecture of your windows and set the tone for your decor. Splurge for window treatments that are magnificent! Try dramatic dark wood blinds in your office, oversized geometric printed draperies in your kitchen and layered sheers in your living room. Have fun playing with textures, patterns and layering. Good window coverings not only save your furnishings from the damage caused by direct sunlight, but they add to the overall value and style of your space. D
Today’s curtain rods and hardware have gotten more visually appealing and contemporary in style.
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eye on custom homes
Luxury lanes Park Avenues sprout in several Calgary inner-city communities n by richard white
“D
arling I love you, but give me Park Avenue” was one of the lines in the theme song of the popular late ‘60s TV show, Green Acres. Park Avenue is well known as the street where Manhattan’s rich and famous live. While Calgary doesn’t yet have an uber-luxury street like Park Avenue — or for that matter even a luxury condo neighbourhood like Chicago’s Gold Coast — it soon may have one.
(right) Park Point’s façade design is reminiscent of the sculptural, wedding cake highrise towers popular in Chicago and New York City in the early 20th century.
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Mission’s Millionaire Row Over the past few decades, the three-block stretch of 26th Avenue east of 4th Street S.W. in Mission has gradually become home for many of Calgary’s rich and famous. One of Calgary’s first luxury condos was Roxboro House built in 1977. Though there was not a lot of condo construction in the ‘80s and ’90s, early in the 21st century (in 2000 to be exact), saw the opening of 56 luxury homes in the 16-storey The Grandview on the east side of 2nd street on 26th Avenue S.W. Since then, Calgary’s condo culture has evolved significantly, with more and more baby boomers becoming empty nesters and wanting all the comforts and freedom condo living offers. Mission has become the preferred place for many of those who live in the mansions of Roxboro, Elbow Park and Mount Royal to retire. Seizing the moment, 26th Avenue River Investments Inc. working with DIALOG architects, conceived The River, a 15-storey condo building with townhomes along the street. The resulting 38 homes are huge from 3,000 to 5,000+ square-feet, making it a vertical mansion.
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The River hit the headlines in 2012 with its recordbreaking sale of a penthouse (5,626 square-feet with 2,950 square-feet of outdoor space) for almost $9.5 million. It also broke with 26th Avenue tradition with its more contemporary glass and sandstone-coloured façade and an interlocking rectangular design that sets it apart from the brick facades of the older condos. The River’s townhomes form a long linear cube-like streetscape with two hard edge rectangles, one being glass and the other, stone, which forms the tower above. The design is very contemporary in a conservative and timeless way. What also sets The River apart from the older condos is that it is on the south side of 26th Avenue backing right onto the Elbow River. The River is expected to be move-in ready by mid 2015. The new kid on 26th Avenue is The XII, designed by Calgary’s own Sturgess Architecture. There is nothing conservative about this condo with its fully automated parking system (drop your car off at ground level and it parks itself) and its Tetris block-like design. There is a two-storey white façade base at street level, with the white façade continuing up the back of the building to a stark protruding white twofloor penthouse condo that mimics the base. Inserted inside the white mouth-like vertical element is an 11-floor dark grey/black façade tower with large white protruding balco-
nies. There is a peculiar dissonance in the juxtaposition of the dark and white elements. The XII is like nothing seen in Calgary before and will definitely add to Calgary’s growing reputation as North America’s newest design city. Riverfront Avenue Like Mission’s 26th Avenue, Riverfront Avenue in Eau Claire is also vying to be another Park Avenue of Calgary. The all-brick Eau Claire Estates (built in 1981) was designed by world-renowned high-rise architectural firms Skidmore, Ownings and Merill (founded in 1936, it is one of the largest and most influential design firms in the world, one of their signature buildings the worlds’ tallest building, the Burji in Dubai). Eau Claire Estates’ design, well ahead of its time has 10 connected towers (the tallest being 25 floors), with no more than two homes per floor and all situated around a beautifully landscaped central courtyard. With 14 elevators, there is no waiting to get home. Eau Claire Estates sat alone on the Bow River until the ‘90s when Prince’s Island Estates and the Princeton joined it along with the Eau Claire Y and Eau Claire Market. In the past few years, development along Riverfront Avenue has increased dramatically with Vancouver’s Anthem Properties’ Waterfront project on the old Greyhound Bus Barns site east of Eau Claire Market. With 1,000 condos in three high-rise towers, as well the low-rise condo/townhomes along the pathway, this is Calgary’s largest condo project to date. However, the big new luxury condo news for Riverfront Avenue (technically it is on 1st Avenue) was made in June of 2014 when Vancouver’s Concord Pacific Inc. announced they had engaged prominent Canadian architects Arthur Erickson and Peter Busby (both of Vancouver) to design 185 luxury suites just west of the Princeton, across from the Peace Bridge. Though The Concord’s list of amenities is long, the one that caught my attention was the golf simulator (though I expect the four seasons park, which will include a pond for skating in the winter, will attract most people). The two-building design, with each tower cascading down in height from 1st Avenue to the river, has the two towers facing away from each
other in a V-shape to create maximum privacy. The design and juxtaposition will also create large patios and spectacular views of the river valley and the private park. In many ways, it is a modern version of the ‘80s Eau Claire Estates. YYC’s Central Park Park Avenue’s name is derived from the fact that it offers spectacular views of the iconic New York City’s Central Park. Calgary’s Central Park (aka Memorial Park) located in the Beltline between 2nd and 4th Street and 12 and 13th Avenue S.W. pales in comparison, but it is too surrounded by intriguing upscale new residential towers. The Park at the corner of 13th Avenue and 2nd Street is glass tower that cascades downward from south to north, giving the top floor penthouses spectacular views of both Central Park and Haultain Park, as well as Calgary’s dynamic downtown skyline and huge patios. The newest kid on the park is Qualex-Landmark’s Park Point (corner of 12 Avenue and 2nd Street S.W.) designed by Tony Wai and his team at IBI in Vancouver. It has a very striking black and white façade design that segments the 34-story tower into five, black grid-blocks. The façade design is also reminiscent of the sculptural, wedding cake highrise towers popular in Chicago and New York City in the early 20th century. It may well become the Beltline’s signature building.
(above) The River’s townhomes form a long linear cubelike streetscape with two hard edge rectangles, one being glass and the other, stone, which forms the tower above. The design is very contemporary in a conservative and timeless way.
Last Word While Calgary cannot match New York or Chicago for luxury, highrise, urban condo living today, it is certainly making great strides to get there. D n Richard White is the Urban Strategist at Ground3 Landscape Architects and has written about urban design, living and development for over 25 years. You can follow him on twitter @everydaytourist or his blog at www.everydaytourist.ca. s p r i n g 2 01 5 • D O M U S •
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in the cellar
milestone Nothing better than celebrating with a glass of wine, or scotch or whiskey... n By Shelley Boettcher
H
appy birthday to you, happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear famous scotch distillery. And it’s a major birthday, too. Two brothers, Donald and Alexander Johnston, started the Laphroaig distillery on the banks of Islay, Scotland’s fifth-largest island. This year, the distillery celebrates its 200th anniversary. “Technically whisky production wasn’t legalized until 1823, but 1815 was the year when the English began taxing production, so as a result, we say it was established in 1815,” says Simon Brooking, Laphroaig’s North American brand ambassador. The team at Laphroaig will celebrate the milestone with events around the world, including a limited-release 15-year-old whisky and the popular Islay Festival in May 2015. “That’s when the first birthday cake will be rolled out, but we’ll be celebrating all year,” says Brooking, who travels about 10,000 kilometres each month to promote the popular whiskies. “I intend to mark as many of the occasions as I can with a glass in my hand.”
Laphroaig, 2015 Cairdeas (Islay, Scotland) Laphroaig has several wonderful whiskies in our market, including the popular Quarter Cask and the 10-Year-Old Single Malt. For a limited time only, you’ll also find the Cairdeas. Pronounced pretty much like it’s spelled, it is packaged in a sunny yellow tube, and it has been double-aged, including one year in amontillado sherry casks, which gives it a lovely deep orange colour. Look for cinnamon, lemon, almond and salt notes. Only 300 cases will be for sale in Canada. About $100.
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in the cellar
markers
Quinta do Vallado, Adelaide Tributa 1866 (Douro Valley, Portugal) Only five bottles of this 149-year-old Portuguese wine were shipped to Canada — and all were released in Alberta. Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira once owned this great Port house in the 1700s; her descendents, who still run the family business, have created this special release in her honour. It’s packaged in a crystal decanter and enclosed in a box designed by architect Francisco Vieira de Camps. But beyond the beautiful bottle, it’s delicious. Rich and intensely aromatic, the Adelaide Tributa is history in a glass, with gorgeous notes of salt, raisins, citrus and buttery marcona almonds. You’ll never forget trying it; I know I won’t. About $5,000, only at select Co-op Wine Spirits Beer stores.
Merryvale Vineyards 2011 Profile (Napa Valley, California, USA) Located in St. Helena, this family-owned winery has been making award-winning wines for about three decades. Profile is Merryvale’s flagship red, a Bordeaux-style blend of grapes chosen from the winery’s top vineyards. The 2011 is a blend of 42 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 24 per cent Cabernet Franc, 19 per cent Petit Verdot and 15 per cent Malbec. It has powerful but elegant notes of blackberry, black cherry, plum, vanilla and spice, plus a finish that goes on forever. Only 957 cases were made; we’re lucky to see any of it in Calgary. About $225. »
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in the cellar
Taittinger, Nocturne (Champagne, France) They say packaging isn’t everything, but this fun bottle has both sassy style and seriously tasty contents. Located in Reims, France, Taittinger is one of the country’s best-known Champagne houses. These bright, citrusy bubbles never disappoint. Serve chilled with smoked salmon as an aperitif at your next party. Or just enjoy them with someone you love. About $100.
Casamigos Reposado Tequila (Mexico) Actor George Clooney (yes, that guy), Rande Gerber (supermodel Cindy Crawford’s husband) and developer-actor Mike Meldman came up with the idea to create a tequila brand. But celebrity hype aside, this tequila is good stuff — a mellow, golden-hued spirit that is wonderful to sip straight-up or on the rocks. No salt, lemon or frat boys required. About $78. D
n Shelley Boettcher is a national CBC wine columnist and an award-winning food and wine writer. The third edition of her book, Uncorked: The Definitive Guide to Alberta’s Best Wines $25 and Under, is in stores now. 50
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