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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 105 n SEPTEMBER 2014
contents
12 cover feature
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Prairie innovation Innovations by Jayman offers modern home insights in Airdrie
PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NO. 41072011. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Source Media Group Corp. 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9
News
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Alberta Awards of Excellence in Housing 2014 finalists announced
Special Feature Check out what’s happening in Airdrie Included in this issue of New Home Living
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contents 18
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Exotic cook off
Bring the heat to your kitchen’s look with these cookware
Show home profiles
18 Modern family
Excel Homes brings exciting urban designs to the suburbs
26 The cool cottage
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Cedarglen’s Riverstone show home exudes cottage living elegance
Community profiles
32 Loving Copperfield living
Hopewell’s Copperfield brings stylish affordability to suburban living
Feature
38 Scottish flair
Scotland’s Colin and Justin make a triumphant return to the Calgary Home + Design Show
Shopping
43 The shops of Inglewood
Boutique shopping at its best in Calgary
59 Around Town 66 Hope at Large
Style
50 All about bonuses
Mastering the art of creating a livable space with your bonus room
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columns
Items
8 Editor’s Message 60 Maps 64 Advertiser Index
editor’s message n
The shopping bug
We’ve run Kathy McCormick’s shopping stories for a couple of years now, and we’ve been able to talk about a variety of home décor and appliances — and all other sundry products — that help turn your home into a fashionable, functioning household. But we’re going to try a different take on the Shopping stories over the next few issues, as we let Kathy take us on an exploration of Calgary’s many exceptional commercial districts. Fittingly enough, we begin in this issue with one of Calgary’s pioneer communities: Inglewood. After all, with 38,000-plus new Calgarians coming into the city last year, not many may know the unique shopping experience one can enjoy in these hidden gems. There’s shopping beyond the big box stores here, you know. Let me know if this situation sounds familiar to you: you finally move in to your dream home with three bedrooms and a bonus room. The bedrooms are easy enough to furnish and decorate, but what do you do with the extra space? Our STYLE guru, David Crosson, tackles the design dilemma of the bonus room and gives us some helpful hints on how to make better use of this feature that many of us want in our home but don’t exactly know how to use once we have it. Style and shopping are blended in a colourful whole at the Calgary Home + Design show, which we also cover in this issue, and we can’t wait to see what the returning Scottish design duo of Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan will bring to the stage this time. They’re just one of the myriad array of celebrity designers headlining this year’s show, and of course New Home Living will be there as well, drop by our booth and say hello. The design and décor of Innovations by Jayman’s new show homes in King’s Heights brings a sense of modernity to this thriving community. The Nitro and The Verge are bringing a touch of urban sophistication to the suburbs, and buyers are noticing. In fact, our coverage of Airdrie’s newest communities in the Loving Airdrie Living supplement that comes with this issue is revealing this modern trend is taking a hold in our sister city to the north. Back in Calgary, we have new show homes from Cedarglen Homes and Excel Homes that exemplify how the best show homes not only show the full potential of a particular home design, but can also transport visitors to another time and place while influencing the look of the whole neighbourhood they are in. Summer may be over, but there are a lot of things to look forward to, and for me, that means the new show homes we get to explore this fall.
PUBLISHER |
Source Media Group
info@sourcemediagroup.ca Asso c i a te P U B L I S H E R |
Jim Zang
jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca E d itor |
Pepper Rodriguez
pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca Art d ire c tor |
Jean Faye Rodriguez
jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca gr a phi c d esigner S
Dave Macaulay
dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca
Megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca pro d u c tion a d ministr a tor |
Colleen Leier
colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITORIAL
David Crosson, Aaliya Essa, Marty Hope, Kathy McCormick A d vertising S A L E S |
Cindy Marks
cindy.marks@sourcemediagroup.ca A c c o u nting
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY
Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group ISSN 1918-4441 PR I N TE D I N C A N A D A
©Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the publishers. Source Media Group Corp. 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. New Home Living® is published 12 times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in Calgary and area. New Home Living® accepts editorial submissions by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions including all personal information to nleditor@sourcemediagroup.ca. Unsolicited submissions will not be returned. Advertising information available only by request. New Home Living® is a registered Trademark the propperty of SOURCE MEDIA GROUP CORP. Reg. CIPO TMA 693289. Source Media Group, 207, 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0J9. T: 403.532.3101, F: 403.532.3109, TF: 1.888.932.3101 E: info@sourcemediagroup.ca www.sourcemediagroup.ca
Next month:
We go shopping in Kensington.
@CalgaryNewHomes
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NewHomeLivingCalgary
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Bring the heat to your kitchen’s look with these cookware Aaliya Essa n by
Exotic cook off Be adventurous in your kitchen — in the dishes you prepare and the cookware you prepare them in. Cooking exotic dishes is a little like visiting faraway places while at home. Wouldn’t you just love trying out a Moroccan tagine — cooked a meal or a delicious Asian stir-fry? And now you can attempt to make these dishes in your very own kitchen with this cool cookware. NL
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7 1 ] STAUB Wok with Glass Lid, $324.99 at Hudson’s Bay Company. 2 ] Tunisian Hand-Painted Fresco Tagine, $80 at Williams-Sonoma. 3 ] All-Clad d5 Stailess-Steel Stir Fry Wok, $310 at Williams-Sonoma. 4 ] Tunisian Hand-Painted Mosaic Tagine, $80 at Williams-Sonoma. 5 ] T-Fal Jumbo Wok with Lid, $84.99 at Canadian Tire. 6 ] KitchenAid Hard Anodized Wok with Lid, $239.99 at Canadian Tire. 7 ] Emile Henry flame top tagine, $165 at Orange Works. 8 ] Revolution Tagine, $219.50 at Orange Works. 9 ] Hammered Flat Bottom Wok, $40 at Williams-Sonoma.
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| Advertising cover Feature |
Prairie innovation Innovations by Jayman offers modern home insights in Airdrie
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he creative minds at Innovations by Jayman are at it again, as they introduce two new show homes in King’s Heights that show how they can bring a deft touch of urban modernity to fit the prairie character of this popular southeast Airdrie neighbourhood. Recently opened in King’s Heights are The Verge, a 2,405-squarefoot four-bedroom home that is making its show home debut; and perennial favourite, The Nitro, which this time is given a design twist that ensures this 1,938-square-foot home will even be a bigger hit. Little houses on the prairie, they’re not! Both are front-attached garage homes lavished with the innovative use of design space that will fit all a family will need regardless of the neighbourhood they’re in. They work doubly better in King’s Heights, which engender the small town values of Airdrie, as they add a touch of modernity to the streetscape. Innovations by Jayman went all out in outfitting The Verge with all the bells and whistles of an ideal show home that shows visitors the whole potential of the home, including having the basement developed. Jayman’s popular Chef’s Fit kitchen design is used to great effect, creating an L-shaped peninsula of kitchen counters for better workflow, with a central island that maximizes the utilization of the space.
Both The Verge and The Nitro capture an inner city aesthetic of funky modernism and grounds it with the practicality of a suburban family home to fit the needs of a fun, family-friendly lifestyle. 12 | NE W HOME LIVING
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“Whether you’re entertaining with plenty of guests, or just for the family, the design with the built-in kitchen appliances maximizes the use and enjoyment of the kitchen,” says area manager Jeff Mitchell. Quartz countertops add glamour to the gleaming sophistication of the kitchen, and the engineered hardwood flooring throughout the main floor gives an added executive touch.
Photos on this page are of The Nitro show home
The Nitro is a triedand true design that has been one of Innovation by Jayman’s bestsellers, but here in King’s Heights they decided to update the design by adding a bonus room.
But the real show stopper for The Verge is its inventive way of maximizing the use of space in the upper floor, which has four bedrooms, two full baths, a laundry room and huge bonus room. The owners’ suite even has separate his-and-hers walk-in closets in the well-appointed attached five-piece ensuite. “Larger families appreciate the privacy it offers to all members. The bonus room in the middle of the second floor separates the parents’ room from the kids’ to give them the space they need from each other, but also provides a terrific spot for the family to gather for movie nights,” Mitchell says. The Nitro is a tried-and true design that has been one of Innovations by Jayman’s bestsellers, but here in King’s Heights they decided to update the design by adding
a bonus room. The adjustment added about 200 square-feet to its standard size of its upper story, but it does add a ton of pizzazz. It is a three-bedroom design, but the update makes this The Nitro iteration more in tune to the needs of families with older kids. One bedroom is next door to the owners’ suite making this ideal as a nursery, and the other is all the way across the hall past the bonus room. “Being in the front of the house, it has the benefit of large windows, a lot of space and incredibly high ceilings. This room functions well for an older child or a teen. Or can easily accommodate two twin Sep tember 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
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| Advertising cover Feature |
Fast Facts:
Photos on this page are of The Verge show home.
Builder: Innovations by Jayman Community: King’s Heights, Airdrie Developer: Melcor Developments Style: Two-storey front-attached homes Size: The Nitro starts from 1,674 sq. ft., The Verge is at 2,405 sq. ft. Price: The Nitro starts at $450,000 including GST, and The Verge is from $500,000 Address: 346 and 350 King’s Heights Drive S.E., Airdrie Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit www.jayman.com
“They have a lot of the features on a family’s wish list for the perfect home but designed in a fashion that you normally wouldn’t see outside of Calgary’s inner city.” 14 | NE W HOME LIVING
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beds for younger siblings” Mitchell says. The Nitro has a smart, urbane demeanor, heaped with fantastic functionality. The wrap-around kitchen design is also one of its most remarkable features, and its laminate countertops go a long way in showing that laminate doesn’t have to be boring. “It has a very modern feel, and true to form The Nitro is leading our sales in King’s Heights,” Mitchell says. Both The Verge and The Nitro capture an inner city aesthetic of funky modernism and grounds it with the practicality of a suburban family home to fit the needs of a fun, family-friendly lifestyle. “They have a lot of the features on a family’s wish list for the perfect home but designed in a fashion that you normally wouldn’t see outside of Calgary’s inner city,” he adds. The Verge starts at around $500,000 including lot and GST, and the show home itself would be at the $650,000 mark. While The Nitro is at $450,000 with the show home itself going for $499,900, Mitchell says. “King’s Heights is the ideal neighbourhood in Airdrie. It is conveniently located for commuters and allows for easy access to everything that this City has to offer. The community itself is beautifully landscaped with masses of green space, parks and pathways. The amenity-rich Kingsview Market is within walking distance, so there’s really plenty for families to love here,” he points out. n
show home profile n Excel Homes
Modern family Excel Homes brings exciting urban designs to the suburbs n Written by
Pepper Rodriguez
It’s part of Calgary’s cycle of home buying that first-time homeowners who are now outgrowing their condo or townhome move out to the suburbs where they can settle in homes with more space for their growing family. But that doesn’t mean they will settle for just any home. “People who come from Calgary’s downtown condos are looking for the same contemporary style of living that they have become accustomed to, they don’t necessarily want the house they lived in as a kid, but are looking for something with more of a modern design edge,” says Excel Homes’ area manager Henry Luong. The award-winning builder’s two front-drive garage show homes in the vibrant community of Walden in the southeast are brilliant examples of this transitional aesthetic. The Aberdeen and Kennedy are both exciting, contemporary homes, packing all the sizzle of an inner-city infill, and the functionality and budget-sense of family-friendly suburbia. “They both have a smart design that allocates space for entertainment and privacy and family togetherness,” Luong says. Both are three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath move-up homes that have plenty of options for personalizing their looks. “Both these homes are perfect for young professionals with growing families, who are used to the downtown style with designs that appeal to their sensibilities, including being a Built Green home,” Luong says. “Sustainable building practices are important to Excel Homes and their buyers, all our homes follow Built Green standards.” The community of Walden itself is a green community, inspired by its lush natural surroundings, close to the river with winding paths around tranquil wetland areas. Walden was always envisioned to be an environmentally conscious, sustainable community. “It also has a feel of an inner city neighbourhood with the varied and modern looking homes you pass on your way in, and Aberdeen and Kennedy perfectly blend with the vibrant character of the neighbourhood,” Luong says. Kennedy is at 2,362 square-feet and starts at $528,500 on a walkout lot, while the 2,117-square-foot Aberdeen starts from $469,000. Excel has eight front-drive models in Walden and they will be releasing laned homes in the new phase starting from $309,000.
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Photos on these pages are of the Aberdeen show home.
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ABOVE The Aberdeen show home features a built-in bookcase and reading bench area in the spacious, centrally-located bonus room upstairs. It is well-lit with a couple of skylights that bring a sense of cheeriness to the surroundings. The open riser staircase and vaulted ceilings add a dramatic statement to the home.
LEFT 1-1/4-inch quartz countertops and designer tile flooring bring an urban elegance to the four-piece master ensuite with dual sinks and large walkin closet.
LEFT Dark hardwood flooring and white quartz countertops bring a rare sophistication to the Aberdeen show home, accentuated by the stainless steel appliances chimneystyle hood fan and designer tile full-backsplash.
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show home profile n Excel Homes
LEFT The spacious kitchen is just what busy families need, the large centre island is a perfect spot for quick meals or as the party central for large gatherings. Polished hardwood flooring and maple-stained cabinetry bring an air of executive elegance.
RIGHT The high, vaulted ceiling and huge windows of the master bedroom make it an airy, relaxing retreat that gives new meaning to lofty living.
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Interior photos on these pages are of the Kennedy show home.
fast facts builder: Excel Homes community: Walden Developer: Genstar Developments Style: Double front-attached garage move-up homes size: Kennedy starts at 1,963 sq. ft., Aberdeen at 2,117 sq. ft. Price: Kennedy without loft starts from $528,500 (loft option adds $35,000). Aberdeen is from $469,000.
OPPOSITE PAGE Luong says the Kennedy’s loft feature is a first for an Excel front-attached home and is its most remarkable feature. “In a house full of kids, it’s nice for parents to have their own private haven where they can indulge in their own hobbies, their own creative pursuits.”
address: 217 Walden Heights S.E. Directions: From Macleod Tr. south, take 194 Ave. east into Walden and follow the signs. Hours: Monday to Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m.; weekends and holidays, noon to 5 p.m. Website: www.excelhomes.ca
BELOW The loft adds 399 square-feet of livable space to the home, and is accessed up the stairs of the master bedroom. The Kennedy show home’s loft has its own wet bar and tons of built-in cabinets and a worktable.
RIGHT The stunning, contemporary profiles of Kennedy and Aberdeen make them fit right in with the inner city ambience of Walden.
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Cedarglen Homes n show home profile
The cool cottage Cedarglen’s Riverstone show home exudes cottage living elegance n Written by
Pepper Rodriguez
Show homes are designed to give visitors a taste of a lifestyle, of the potentials of a particular home. The best show homes, however, can transport visitors to another place altogether. Cedarglen Homes’ new Huxley II show home is a great example of the latter. The 2,332-square-foot estate home in the upscale Riverstone of Cranston neighbourhood conveys a stately feeling of a charming seaside cottage; little architectural touches throughout make it seem like you’re enjoying a sunny day at home in Martha’s Vineyard. Wainscoting throughout the main floor, as well as hardwood-looking ceramic tile flooring, and dazzling white wooden shutters and full-height kitchen cabinets (some with glass insets) create a cool, relaxing dream home. The tall ceilings, plentiful windows and the gleaming, granite countertops add to its wow factor. But the design goes beyond wow, as the convenience it lends to families is also quite apparent. The kitchen is, indeed an entertainer’s dream with its huge central island with extended ledge, but L-shaped perimeter counter is just as essential to the easy workflow it offers. It is a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath home with a fully developed basement suite (adding one more bedroom and full bath) that’s crafted to answer all the needs of a growing family. An upstairs laundry and phenomenal bonus room speaks to the family’s comfort and convenience. The Huxley II is based on a similar design launched in Cranston last year (Huxley), which quickly became one of Cedarglen’s top sellers. Huxley II is about 200 square-feet bigger than its predecessor but it still has the same cozy, stylish and functional élan. The great room is made bigger and more elegant and actually incorporates the dining nook into one space that makes it the ideal entertaining house. If you lived here, this would be the entire family’s default Thanksgiving dinner house (and probably for every holiday, as well). The show home is just a block from the majestic Bow River, making it just the ideal home for the avid fly fishing aficionado and their family. The Huxley II can be built in Riverstone starting from $632,000, including lot and GST.
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LEFT The cool cottage look of Huxley II is embodied by this entertainer’s kitchen. The enormous central island can sit four comfortably along its extended ledge. But the astounding number of kitchen drawers and cabinets throughout give it a rare storage functionality that every family cherishes.
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show home profile n Cedarglen Homes
OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP The impressive designer stone fireplace with mantle is a crowning feature in the open space main floor, interacting beautifully with the white wainscoting and wooden shutters along the side windows. The back half of the Huxley II is almost entirely of glass, and along with the nine-foot ceilings, combine to bring the outdoors in with tons of natural lighting.
fast facts builder: Cedarglen Homes community: Riverstone of Cranston Developer: Brookfield Residential Style: Two-storey estate home with double front attached garage size: 2,332 sq. ft. Price: Starts at $632,000
Below The massive master ensuite is as functional as it is luxurious with brilliantly compartmentalized his-and-hers vanities and walkin closets. The spa-like standing shower uses tile that matches the main floor tile, and the built-in cabinets and drawers match those in the kitchen for a regal continuity.
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address: 22 Cranbrook Lane S.E. Directions: South on Deerfoot Tr. and exit on Cranston Ave. and follow the signs. Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. Website: www.cedarglenhomes.com
LEFT Huxley II brings a touch of gentility with its front anteroom with French double doors leading to the rest of the main floor. A bench doubles for extra storage and a place to take off outerwear. It’s a brilliant way to keep the cold out of the home during Calgary’s winters. RIGHT The Huxley II presents an earthy façade with lots of stonework accents, sturdy fibre cement siding and engineered wood paneling. It adds a modern touch to Riverstone of Cranston’s streetscape and blends well with the close-to-nature character of this southeast riverside community.
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community profile n
Loving Copperfield n Written by
Pepper Rodriguez
I dy l l ic , fa m i ly- f r i e n d ly and as suburban as they come, Copperfield is the embodiment of today’s whitepicket-fence lifestyle with its open spaces, green fields and a youthful charm. With tons of amenities and infrastructure improvements that long-established communities can only envy, Copperfield is a vision fulfilled for Hopewell Residential. Copperfield was launched back in 2002 and this year marks its 12th year of development. “It is hard to believe, but Copperfield is selling into its final phase now,” marvels Erin McGregor, marketing manager, development at Hopewell. “The community is approximately 90 per cent sold out! The last phase of lots is a large one, so we anticipate sales occurring into the early part of 2015 on the single-family side and likely the next two to three years on the multi-family front.” When complete, Copperfield will have 4,978 homes (including condos and townhomes) and an estimated population of 15,000 residents. It is one of the biggest communities in the southeast, but its inherent small town charm has not been lost; nor its friendly demeanor that is enhanced by its three scenic ponds, 12 neighbourhood parks and playgrounds and miles of interconnected green spaces and pathways. McGregor says these features give residents plenty of opportunity to interact and get to know their neighbours.
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Hopewell’s Copperfield brings stylish affordability to suburban living
Even during the cold days, it is not uncommon to see people taking advantage of the pathways to walk their dogs or go for a quick jog. There is also a skating rink, sports courts, toboggan hill and tennis courts. “Having all of these amenities available to you the day you move means that you get to move into a new home in an already established community,” she adds. Copperfield homeowners also enjoy all the benefits of a thriving community association with no annual fee. “We do encourage residents to become members of the Marquis De Lorne Community Association, which is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to creating a vibrant and healthy community. They host a number of great events and programs each year at Copperfield’s centrally located community centre.” These features are nice to have but they wouldn’t have the same effect if Copperfield didn’t have the accessibility and infrastructure support that all communities need to thrive. And with the opening of the southeast extension of Stoney Trail and the new Saint Isabella K-9 Catholic school in the com-
It is one of the biggest communities in the southeast, but its inherent small town charm has not been lost; nor its friendly demeanor… munity itself, Copperfield is wonderfully close to being complete. “The opening of Stoney Trail has improved accessibility almost overnight, getting to the airport and all points north is so much easier,” says Edmund Alcaide, who has lived in Copperfield for the last seven years. His wife, Linda, says having the school right in the community is a welcome bonus. “We decided to live here because it was affordable and had no community fees, but to have a school where my kids can just walk or bike to is a tremendous benefit,” she says. McGregor adds that a public school is slated for completion in 2016 also within the community. “According to the Public School Board it will accommodate kindergarten to grade 4 students and will have capacity for 600,” she says.
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community profile n
fast facts Community: Copperfield Developer: Hopewell Residential Builders: Multi-family: Chalet No. 5 townhomes by Sabal Homes, Aura townhomes by Aldebaran Group, Stonecroft at Copperfield apartment style condos and townhomes by Stonecroft, Copperfield Park II and III apartment style condos by Brad Remington Homes Single-family (with show homes): Excel Homes, Sabal Homes by Hopewell, Stepper Homes Prices: Condos from the $140,000s, Townhomes from the $290,000s, Laned Homes from the $380s, Front Garage Homes from the $490,000s Directions: From 22X east head north on 52nd street and follow the signs Hours: Check with individual builders to see particular show home hours Web: www.copperfield.ca
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There is also the added ease of living afforded by its proximity to the 130th Avenue shopping complex with all its big box stores and unique shops and restaurants. The opening of the 130th Avenue extension east of 52nd Street has further improved accessibility giving Copperfield residents another option going in and out of the community. The wide variety of homes makes it a perfect setting for everyone from first-time homebuyers, families looking for move-up homes, and even empty nesters and retirees. No less than four multi-family projects are in various stages of development in this southeast neighbourhood, and include both townhomes (from the $290,000s) and apartment style condos (from the $140,000s) that will appeal to various tastes, lifestyles and budgets. These projects include Chalet No. 5 townhomes by Sabal Homes; Copperfield Park II and III by Brad Remington Homes; Stonecroft at Copperfield by Stonecroft; and Aura townhomes by Aldebaran Homes. Laned single-family homes are offered by Excel Homes and Sabal Homes on lots that range from 28- to 30-feet wide. These start from $380,000s. While attached garage move-up homes from Sabal Homes and Stepper Homes sit on 24- to 38-foot wide lots and start from the $490,000s. Affordable, innovatively designed, and distinctly eye-catching architecture has always been the promise of Copperfield, and it is a promise that Hopewell has kept. But more than that, it is a community people can easily fall in love with. NL
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Scottish flair Scotland’s Colin and Justin make a triumphant return to the Calgary Home + Design Show n Written by
Pepper Rodriguez
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t’s been five years and they’ve been missed, but Scotland’s own dynamic duo of home design are back to give Calgary another dose of their uproarious brand of home improvement tips at the Calgary Home + Design Show. Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan will be among the headliners at the Trail Appliances Main Stage of the Calgary Home + Design Show that takes place at the BMO Centre from September 18 to 21. According to Teri Salazar, show manager for the Calgary Home + Design Show, the return was long overdue. “We are thrilled to have our favourite designing duo back at the Calgary Home + Design Show!” says Salazar. “Colin and Justin made their Calgary debut at our show in 2007, and we can’t wait to host them again. From their signature humour to their savvy design insights, this popular pair is not to be missed!” The duo has been especially busy since they last made their appearance in town back in 2009, soaring to ever-greater heights as “interior designers, style commentators, Hollywood celebrity interviewers and all round lifestyle gurus” their website proclaims. But their brand of “cheeky” humour — not to mention their love for the Canadian audience — remains the same.
Joining the list of headliners at the Home + Design Show is ever-popular contracting king Bryan Baeumler, star of HGTV’s Leave It To Bryan.
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Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan
“There’s a wonderful affinity between Canada and Scotland and we’re absolutely certain that being from Scotland helped endear us to warm, Canadian audiences. Sure, we’re cheeky — but Canadians seem to resonate with this. You’re a naughty lot too!” Justin says. They are proud Scots who don’t shy to wearing kilts on their shows, but that’s not all they are all about. “We’re not ‘rock and shortbread’ or ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ in our ‘thang’ — we’re much more about being European in our designer outlook. As such, we’re very tailored and streamlined and this aesthetic seems to appeal to the ‘organised’ Canadian market. But yes — we often wear kilts. And what’s ‘worn’ under our kilts? NOTHING — it’s all in perfect working order. Sorry — couldn’t resist that old Billy Connelly joke!” Colin remarks. Their latest show “Cabin Pressure” on Cottage Life Network brings the boys on a hunt for their perfect cottage, but what they will bring to the Home + Design Show encompasses more than this. “We’ll be looking at ways in which to create the look of serious budgetary outlay but on a wildly limited spend. That’s always been our shtick — maximum visual return for minimal financial spend.,” Justin says. “During our sessions we’ll be offering lots of tips and tricks and shopping suggestions, put together around a wonderful before and after presentation. We’ll showcase our own cottage plus various associated urban projects that have a country edge,” adds Colin.
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“During our sessions we’ll be offering lots of tips and tricks and shopping suggestions, put together around a wonderful before and after presentation.” Sep tember 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
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We don’t want to exclude anyone, so there’ll be advice for everyone, no matter where they live — in the urban or suburban setting, or indeed at the lake.
TOP: Marie-Claire Williams and Clare Gardner BOTTOM LEFT TO RIGHT: Wanda Weston, Leigh-Ann Perrault, Heather Draper
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The nice thing about their show is that you don’t have to own a cottage to appreciate the design tips they dispense. “Although (Cabin Pressure) was set in the country, many of our design principals can be played out on an urban canvas. We don’t want to exclude anyone, so there’ll be advice for everyone, no matter where they live — in the urban or suburban setting, or indeed at the lake. Or deep in the woods!” Justin says. “And ‘UPCYCLING’ will be a big part of the presentation — we’ll show some wonderful visuals of junky furniture transformed into useable home items. Abra — blinkin’ — cadabra!” Colin promises. Joining the kilted couple on the list of headliners at the Home + Design Show is ever-popular contracting king Bryan Baeumler, star of HGTV’s Leave It To Bryan, and Canada’s Handyman Challenge. Baeumler has become a fixture at Marketplace Events’
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shows in Calgary, having appeared at the Calgary Home + Garden Show this past February. Also appearing on the Trail Appliances Main Stage is a slew of top-notch local experts, each primed to share their expert know-how on everything from home improvement to haute interior design. The line-up includes: Leigh-Ann Perrault Regular guest expert on Cityline Heather Draper Interior designer at The Heather Company Marie-Claire Williams and Clare Gardner Interior designers at Cardel Designs Wanda Weston Interior designer at WW Designs “The key to design is finding what you like and molding it to fit effectively and affordably into your everyday life,” says Salazar. “We want every guest at our show to leave with at least one tip to use in their home, whether it’s big or small, owned or rented.” For tickets and more information on the Calgary Home + Design Show, visit their website at www.calgaryhds.com. NL
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The shops of Inglewood Boutique shopping at its best in Calgary n Written by
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Kathy McCormick
algary’s first neighbourhood still attracts shoppers. Inglewood, now in the centre of town, was first formed in 1875 around Fort Calgary. Located at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, it was a natural site for settlement — and of course, where people gather, shops and services follow. With a population today of 3,647, the interesting and diverse community continues to grow, but it’s as much the wonderful location as it is the retail and culture it has attracted that bring people from all over the city and beyond. And it just keeps getting better, says Cindy Shockey, owner of Modern Country Interiors. “It’s a real eclectic balance now. It’s not just furniture or just galleries. There are those, but now also clothing and a lot of new restaurants. “It’s still primarily owner operators and boutique style.” That adds up to fun and unique opportunities for today’s shopper to discover, no matter what they are looking to buy. Some of the old favourites remain — think antique shops and consignment stores, music venues and art galleries, motorcycles and homemade, awesome sausages, compliments of Spolumbo’s. And don’t forget Recordland, which has become a shrine for audiophiles. It is also a haven for house decorators, as there is a variety of shops and services to take care of their every need. Here is a sampling of some of the shops to help give your new home the personality Architectural Remnants Woodland Reclaim laminate. Photo courtesy Armstrong Laminate Floors. to make it your own.
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Dory is one of the newest designs at Limitless, priced at $5,810.
Lightform
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Limitless
As the name implies, nothing is beyond your imagination — and the store specializes in making furniture that is adaptable to your needs. “Limitless business is all about choice,” says Bruce MacMillan, who has owned the Inglewood Limitless store for two and a half years. The Dutch design firm is now global, with a modern, clean mix of quality furniture for all rooms in your home. Says MacMillan: “Today’s style choice is more modern or contemporary. I think Calgarians travel a lot all over the world and bring those design preferences home — and a lot of builders are now building more modern homes and condos. The inner city developers have done a great job with modern designs — and condos, too. People see these online and traditional just doesn’t work. “Modern is optimistic, so even the downsizers today are looking for it. It’s clean, focused and minimal.” Look for a few really versatile and sleek pieces that are signature to Limitless. The G Sofa, for example, is made up of modules that can be made to fit any space as separate units or as a sectional. The backs of the pieces adjust for height and can be used to sit on as well in an informal space. “G is a symbol of return. The backs bridge as benches for drinks around the kitchen island.” Another popular item is the Eyres Chaise Lounge that’s so sleek and sophisticated, it just is meant to be lounged in — and the soft, micro-super leather material is so practical even a challenge from Spolumbo’s didn’t stain — cannelloni and red wine spills. The Dylan is another signature of Limitless. The simple bar stool won an international award for its simple design — no screws or fasteners and designed to last forever.
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What better way to show off that contemporary furniture and modern design than with lighting that makes a statement all on its own? Look no further, says Donna Rasmussen, account executive with the shop that just reopened its showroom late last year and has a large display of dramatic and different lights that are sure to be focal points of any home. “The majority of our manufacturers are European firms. We are Canada’s largest distributor of European lighting,” says Emily Jepson, inside sales and project co-ordinator. “There’s been quite a bit of interest in contemporary. People today are going away from traditional — but we do offer some transitional as well.” Structural contemporary, creative, handmade, unique — all descriptions you’ll find at Lightform. “You get the feel for uniqueness,” says Rasmussen. “It really is art.” Perhaps one of the most unusual and dramatic light décor is the indirect lighting that’s built right into the wall and finished with drywall so it actually looks like a fissure right in the wall that has lights behind it. Dramatic, to say the least. “Flos, an Italian manufacturer, has this soft architectural line that looks like it’s integrated to the wall,” says Jepson, noting that they are exclusive to Lightform.
This G Sofa model from Limitless is at $15,924.
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n Modern Country Interiors
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Modern Country Interiors
Modern Country Interiors
In Inglewood for 12 years, the shop continues to make custom wood furniture from its manufacturing plant in B.C. for the more traditional and transitional styles that have an enduring ‘today’ twist. “We stay in front of the trends,” says Shockey. “And we design custom furniture exclusively for our clients.” Some of the new furniture now in their showroom includes the Live Edge reclaimed big leaf maple tables. “They are like artwork,” she says. “You pick your own slabs and they’re unique to you.” The Thetis Dining Table is one example at $8,150. The Cole collection is the latest bedroom furniture — smooth and simple, yet elegant and beautiful. “It appeals to men and women. It’s timeless but very current in its look.” Cog Mirrors are another popular choice — in all sizes and set so they can be interlocked for design customization.
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Trail Appliances
This store in Calgary and Edmonton in several locations has a decidedly different look in Inglewood, says Kim Peterson, senior account representative. “It’s very high end with some real luxury items. For example, we carry Wolf and Sub Zero. “And we are excited about the Dacor line that’s exclusive to our company. A lot of our builders put this into their luxury homes. They are California-made Dacor’s IQ wall oven so they come with a North American is at $5,349. price point.” So what are people asking for these days? Gas or induction ovens, says Peterson. “Electric is gone by the wayside. It’s hard
Lightform
to handle, hard to control and hard to clean.” And stainless steel is still king, she says, although Dacor is now bringing in some white models. Some new items you will want to check out: Dacor’s new IQ Wall Oven that has a tablet in the control panel, allowing people to access the internet to research recipes, streamline cooking videos or plan menus. It recently won the best new product at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. You’ll want to ask about the Discovery WineStation that is the first automated, temperature-controlled, four-bottle wine dispensing and preservation system for your home. Many other stores await your discovery. Inglewood is located along 9th Avenue S.E. just east of the Elbow River and Fort Calgary close to downtown. NL
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left: The Pax wardrobe system can be customized to make the most of limited storage space. Photo courtesy IKEA. Right: When closed Pax recedes into the background, letting other elements in the room shine. Photo courtesy IKEA.
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about bonuses Mastering the art of creating a livable space with your bonus room n Written by
David Crosson
W
hether you’re a core-dwelling condo owner or far-flung suburbanite, chances are you count among your square footage something called a bonus room (read also: den, spare room, guest suite, etc.). While the generosity of this space will vary by location, one thing is consistent: very few people know what to do with them. Oftentimes, regardless of what it’s called, people assume they want a space to function in some way other than what they might actually need. For example, if out of 365 days a year you might host overnight guests for a cumulative total of one week, it doesn’t make sense to sink time, money and effort into a full-blown guest room. Likewise, if watching a bit of telly is all you want to do after a long day of corporate slogging, making that space into an office is equally foolish. The truth is most people will have some degree of need for both — as opposed to either — and may also benefit by throwing in a bit of efficient, attractive storage for good measure. The key to a successful bonus room is use — and I mean beyond a quick visit to drop off a worn-once bridesmaid dress or the inflatable boat you occasionally use to float down the Bow. In this instance, variety is both the spice and the solution. You’ll soon learn to talk in slashes (“And here is our office/den/guest room”) when you show visitors around, smug in your knowledge that you actually got yours to ‘work’. Start by adding interest to the space through personality-packed wallpaper (although a neutral grass cloth would be both cozy and stylish) or defining the room through colour. Blue or blue-tinged cool tones are a great choice as they are conducive to both productivity and restful slumber and are, in the western world, among our most widely favoured hues. Next, create a bit of structure and storage with pieces that serve a variety of purposes. Crate & Barrel’s Incognito Compact Office is a superb option if you are going to use the room for doing a bit of work. Try putting three in a row along a wall: one in the middle set up as an actual “hidden” office and one on either side to serve as storage for linens and your guests’ foldables. Place a computer on the centre unit and have it set up with both a guest account and a Netflix subscription; that way you don’t have to fuss with a TV or splicing in cable if it’s not already there.
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The Incognito Compact Office unit packs a lot of Opposite this hub of enterprise (or sloth, depending), place a really great upholstered productivity into a relatively small space. Photos piece that can easily convert to a bed as needed. Gone are the days of creaky, uncomcourtesy Crate & Barrel fortable hide-a-beds with meagre mattresses and hideous fabric options. The new crop is sophisticated, easy to use and, most important, slumber-worthy. Crate and Barrel’s Karnes model is an excellent choice for providing some mid-century dash while their Willow series handily delivers a relaxed, beachy vibe. Both are available in either twin or queen format and the Willow boasts the option of an easy-to-inflate air mattress. If you have the room, another way to increase the function of the space is to run a wardrobe system along the full length of one wall. Here you can opt for a fully concealed system that essentially just becomes part of the room or select one that offers a mix of open and closed storage that you can accessorize to impart a more welcoming, personalized feel. IKEA offers some very cost-effective solutions in their Pax range but don’t just limit yourself to that. Their Bestä collection of entertainment units is equally customizable and offers some seriously slick looks to make a modern room sing. Even a series of kitchen cabinets (shallow or deep) in a suitable door profile would provide an enormous amount of discreet yet attractive storage capacity to the space. If a less portable solution is what you have in mind — and budget — kitting out the room with bespoke built-ins is an excellent way to go. Great strides have been made in modernizing the murphy (bed, that is) and nowhere is this more evident than in the Clei line at Resource Furniture. Their discreet, Crate & Barrel’s Karnes sleeper sofa delivers clever wares lend smashing style to any room. If you mid-century style that’s big on comfort despite its small stature. Photo courtesy Crate & Barrel go this route, consider adding integrated lighting for heightened function and drama or even splashing out on some ultra-chic lamps to make ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David Crosson is the room feel truly special. the owner of Barbarian Interior Decoration The possibilities, while not endless, are at least Ltd., which works with both residential and within reasonable grasp if you use your resources commercial clients in Calgary and beyond. wisely and employ a bit of judicious forethought. He is also the author of the blog Hausfrau: And isn’t that better than constantly tossing your Better Living Through Better Living and is frequently called upon to provide ‘stuff’ into an afterthought? Just imagine how commentary in matters of life and style in thrilled you’ll be when you show it to guests and the local media. For more information visit their universal response is “Congratulations on www.barbariandesign.ca your bonus”. Happy decorating! NL
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Alberta Awards of Excellence in Housing 2014 finalists announced
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t’s a crowded field in the 2014 edition of the Alberta Awards of Excellence in Housing, and builders from Calgary Region lead the way with 32 finalist entries, including dominating the Community Development category with all three finalists. Brookfield Residential’s Auburn Bay, Heritage Pointe Properties’ Artesia, and Hopewell Residential’s Mahogany are the three finalists for the Community Development award — and you guessed it, they’re all located in the Calgary region. Edmonton Region came in second with 29 entries, and four for both Central Alberta and Lethbridge. A record 417 entries were submitted for judging by 156 industry members. Winners in the 23 individual categories plus three prestigious Builder of the Year Awards will be announced September 19 at BUILD 2014 in Jasper. “Many things have changed since the first province-wide housing awards competition was held 30 years ago,” says Stephen Amonson, President, CHBA – Alberta. “Back in 1984 the awards focused on affordable housing with a $39,000 cap on construction costs for single family homes. Today’s awards celebrate the full range of housing options — starting with homes under $245,000 without lot or GST,
“We are delighted to see record participation in the awards and the broad range of companies chosen as finalists…”
The following are the finalists in the Single-Family and Community Development categories. For the complete list go to chbaalberta.ca Company Model
City
Single Family Under $245,000 sponsored by Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation
Homes by Avi Tristan Edmonton ReidBuilt Homes Sage Calgary UrbanAge Homes D18-Modern Edmonton Single Family $245,000 - $260,000 sponsored by Blanket Home Warranty
Daytona Homes Falcon Homes Rococo Homes
Scion Edmonton Cove Sylvan Lake Cottonwood Spruce Grove
Single Family $260,000 - $290,000 sponsored by Robinson Lighting & Bath Centre
Daytona Homes Concorde Edmonton Jayman Renew Calgary White Eagle Homes Willow Edmonton
Single Family $290,000 - $310,000 sponsored by Huntwood Custom Cabinets
Caliber Master Builder Elmwood Custom Edmonton Parkwood Master Builder Avalon Edmonton San Rufo Homes Anthony St. Albert
Renew by Jayman
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Belvedere by Brookfield Residential
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Single Family $310,000 - $340,000 sponsored by Empire Drywall
Ashcroft Master Builder Griffin Brookfield Residential Belvedere Vesta Properties Brighton
Lethbridge Calgary Airdrie
Single Family $340,000 - $370,000 sponsored by Trane
Ashcroft Master Builder Marpole II Falcon Homes Brighton San Rufo Homes Nicholas II
Lethbridge Sylvan Lake St. Albert
Single Family $370,000 - $410,000 sponsored by Calgary Herald & Edmonton Journal
Pacesetter Homes Stepper Custom Homes White Eagle Homes
Gabriel Edmonton Conrad Calgary Sandstone Edmonton
Sorano by Albi Homes
right up to estate homes that top $1,750,000. The best multi-family, green homes, community developments and renovations will also be honoured.” There are a total of 45 companies in the running for an award. Two companies have a combined total of six homes among the finalists: Albi Homes/Albi Renova and Homes by Avi/Avi Urban. Two builders have three finalists and another 14 companies have double finalists. The highlight of the event is the announcement of the Builder of the Year Awards for the best overall scores in the competition. CHBA – Alberta will present awards to the top multi-family and small-volume builders and the Ralph Scurfield Award to the top large-volume builder. The finalists will be revealed at the awards ceremony. “We are delighted to see record participation in the awards and the broad range of companies chosen as finalists. Our industry has come a long way since 1984 when we built about 7,300 new homes — almost all for single families. Over the years consumer demand has shifted. Now we’re building more than 36,000 homes a year but almost half are duplexes, townhomes and apartments. Whatever their needs, buyers will find outstanding choices by visiting the show homes in their community,” said Jim Rivait, CEO, CHBA – Alberta. CHBA – Alberta is also thrilled to announce the finalists for the Safety Leadership Awards. Eight companies are finalists for the awards sponsored by ATCO Gas. The awards will also be presented at BUILD 2014, CHBA – Alberta’s annual conference. NL
Single Family $410,000 - $490,000 sponsored by MASCO Canada
Estata Developments Mardaloop I Calgary Vesta Properties Ashley Airdrie Vicky’s Homes Cruz Edmonton
Single Family $490,000 - $600,000 sponsored by Aviva Canada/National Home Warranty Group
San Rufo Homes Kaitlyn St. Albert UrbanAge Homes Copperwood Edmonton Vicky’s Homes Brooke Edmonton
Estate Home $600,000 - $800,000 sponsored by GEM Cabinets
Brad-Mar Homes Elbow Valley West Residence Calgary Signature Homes Sedona II Lethbridge Van Manna Homes Campbell Residence Calgary
Estate Home $800,000 - $1,000,000 sponsored by Can-Cell Industries
Albi Homes Elgin Estates Residence Calgary Albi Homes Sorano Calgary Perry Signature Homes Chelsea Edmonton
Estate Home $1,000,000 - $1,750,000 sponsored by Wall2Wall Media
Albi Homes Monticino 4 Calgary Perry Signature Homes Augusta Edmonton Sorento Custom Homes Ridgewood Red Deer
Estate Home Over $1,750,000 sponsored by Weiser Pfister
Empire Custom Homes Cedar Estates Empire Custom Homes Trophy House Marco Antonio Homes Platinum
Community Development sponsored by Christenson Communities, proud member of Alberta Community Builders
Brookfield Residential Auburn Bay Heritage Pointe Properties Artesia Hopewell Residential Management Mahogany *Note: Prices for the Single Family & Estate Categories do not include land or GST
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Calgary Calgary Sturgeon County
Calgary Calgary Calgary
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around town n
By Pepper Rodriguez
Sabal Homes celebrates 20 years In typical fashion, Sabal Homes by Hopewell celebrated their 20th anniversary by rewarding their customers — it’s like having a birthday with the celebrant giving the gifts. The multi-award-winning builder awarded $20,000 grand prize to Trio and Jessica Mulli at the culmination of their 20-week “style-bration” contest to mark the milestone. "We are thrilled to be celebrating 20 years of uncommonly stylish homebuilding and are excited to mark this momentous occasion by awarding the winner of our $20,000 contest,” says Shelly Osten, Regional Sales Manager — Riversong Laned. Every single Sabal homebuyer between March 1 and July 19, 2014, was automatically entered into this grand prize draw. The Mullis had recently purchased their Sabal home in the naturally beautiful community of Riversong in Cochrane. Twenty years of building innovative, high-quality and uncommonly stylish homes
has seen Sabal Homes by Hopewell grow from a three-person enterprise in 1994, to a company of over 200 today. Sabal has built thousands of homes since its inception, always priding itself on its attainable price points, wide range of features and lasting value. In addition to the $20,000 grand prize contest, Sabal’s 20-Year stylebration awards everyone who purchases a Sabal home between March 1, 2014 and February 28, 2015, each gets a $2,020 gift card to be used towards upgrades for their new home, as well as a custom Sabal front door lockset. Ongoing perks and bonuses will continue over Sabal’s anniversary year. "We are so proud of all that we have accomplished over the past 20 years, and we are excited to share the celebration with our Sabal homebuyers. Our congratulations goes out to Trio and Jessica as they embark upon their uncommonly stylish new home adventure.”
From left: Trio and Jessica Mulli with Sabal’s Shelley Osten and James Sharp
Morrison Homes expands in Nolan Hill
July housing starts moderate
Morrison Homes announces the release of new lots in the booming northwest community of Nolan Hill, where they can build single-family homes starting from the $580,000s. “We have new lots now available in Nolan Hill including walkouts, lots backing onto green space and onto water features,” says Morrison Homes’ Sam Hudson. Just like Morrison Homes, Nolan Hill combines the best of old and new. Built with the essence of old world character but still abundant with modern living amenities such as parks, shopping and schools, this is a great choice for your new quality-crafted Morrison home. With a wide variety of home styles, playgrounds, and park space, the community provides the perfect setting indoors and out.
From the peaks of June’s housing starts surge, the rapid pace of housing construction slowed down a bit in July, as the Canada Mortgage Housing Corp. says that starts in the Calgary census metropolitan area were down 2.2 per cent to 1,354. The multi-family sector saw starts drop by 16.6 per cent to 686 units while single-detached starts rose by 16.8 per cent to 668 units. But the dip was nothing alarming, according to Richard Cho, senior market analyst in Calgary for CMHC. “The trend in total housing starts in July moderated from the previous month due to a decline in the pace of multi-family starts,” he says. “While down from the previous month, the pace of housing starts remains elevated, supported by a multitude of factors including low new home inventories, low rental vacancies, gains in full-time employment, and rising incomes,” he adds. NL
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calgary map n Northwest/Northeast
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calgary map n Southwest
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Southeast/Calgary area n calgary map
AIRDRIE
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advertisers index n Avid Ratings page 49 Baywest Homes Riverstone page 3 Brookfield Residential pages 16-17 Calbridge Vantage Fireside page 46 Cardel Homes Chaparral Valley page 37 Cedarglen Homes page 30 CHBA page 58 Concept Coverings page 22
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Dream Development EvansRidge page 64 Genesis Land Bayside Estates page 25 Genesis Land Pier 11 page 7 Homes By Us page 58 Hopewell Communities Mahogany page 31 Hunter Douglas page 47 Innovations by Jayman Chaparral Valley page 15 Innovations by Jayman Kings Heights FC, pages 12-14
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Jayman Financial page 4
Sabal Homes by Hopewell page 42
Jayman MasterBUILT page 57
Shane Homes page 68
Landmark Homes Fireside page 54
Tamani Developments Riversong page 24
Mattamy Homes page 67
Trico Homes page 48
Marketplace Events Calgary Home + Design Show page 41
United Communities Drake Landing page 65
McKee Homes page 23
United Communities Nolan Hill page 36
Melcor Developments Kings Heights gatefold - page 2 Melcor Developments Sherwood page 9
Watermark page 48 WestCreek Developments Legacy page 53
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hope at large n
By Marty Hope
Modern treehouse Inner city builder not worried by increased competition is to provide one-on-one service to individTo do something right, there has to be ual clients, to help create what they want a passion. Regardless the product or project, it’s not for their own particular lifestyles. And the inner-city does have its own lifethat difficult to see when someone is just style, one that has attracted clients, both going through the motions. Cut a corner local and from out of town. here, slap a little paint on there, get it done “They love the trees, the parks, the and move along. existing amenities, the ease of access — the For Danelle Kaspers, the passion, love, whole inner-city feeling,” says Kaspers, and commitment she has shows itself in who moved into a Treehouse home in Altathe homes her company, Treehouse Develdore after being raised in Strathcona. opments, creates for her very discerning Her business card says client base. she’s the general manag“I am a boutique builder, er, but she wears many doing six to 10 homes a year,” hats, some of them hard, she says. “And I love what I during the course of a do.” project. Since 2007, Kaspers has “Today I’m the general been quietly and subtly manager, tomorrow I enhancing the streetscapes of might be the controlCalgary’s established neighler, then maybe the site bourhoods with traditional, supervisor. I do have a contemporary, and modern deconstruction manager, tached and attached designs and sub-contract all the that pump new life into the Danelle Kaspers work we do, but I have surrounding streetscapes of been known to pitch in on existing communities on the site,” Kaspers says with a shrug. fringes of Calgary. Before starting Treehouse, Kaspers spent Working the close-in communities as she five years as a controller for Coco Homes. does, the 36-year-old is seeing an increasBut the desire to build homes finally got to ing number of larger-volume builders her, and she struck out on her own — about turning more attention to the inner-city the time the economy went south midway market, plying their wares in the wake through 2007 and just after she purchased of proposals by City of Calgary adminisher first lot and started construction of the tration and elected officials who favour company’s first home. more residential development in existing It was a challenge, to say the least, but neighbourhoods. the company survived and bought its secThis, though, has little impact on Treeond lot in 2009. house, and the way it does business, which
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“Starting out during the rough times was probably a good thing. It gave me a chance to build relationships with my trades, to learn how to operate a business during a downturn, and how to prepare for the turnaround,” she says. “There was nowhere to go but up.” What didn’t change through all of this was the personal relationship she built up with her clients. She vividly recalls one client from Ontario who, because of commitments, could not get to Calgary to provide on-site input into the completion of the partially-built home in Killarney they had purchased through a realtor. Much of the planning, design, and selections was done electronically, but there still had to be a level of trust between them and Kaspers. But everything turned out for the best and the couple took possession in July of that year. “I like building homes. I especially like the part where I work with my clients to give them the home they want,” she says. For more information on Treehouse Developments, visit www.treehousedevelopments.com. NL
Marty Hope. For more than two decades Marty Hope has been reporting on the housing and development industry in Calgary, throughout Alberta, and across Canada. In March, he was presented with the Maple Leaf Award from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association which is given annually to a non-builder member in Canada for contributions to the industry.
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