NOV EMBER 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
| 1
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 107 n NOVEMBER 2014
contents
14 COVER FEATURE
14
Auburn Bay’s appeal The charms of this Brookfield Residential community go beyond its lake
SHOPPING
42
Upscale alley Shop the Design District for high-end glam décor
PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NO. 41072011. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Source Media Group Corp. 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9
NOV EMBER 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
| 7
contents 18 42 31
FOCUS ON
12 Close to nature
Artificial plants bring low-maintenance greenery to the home
SHOW HOME PROFILES
12
18 A difference maker
Landmark Homes’ Brookside III is a different kind of duplex
24 Riverside appeal
Baywest Homes’ luxury expertise comes to fore in Davinci II
COMMUNITY PROFILES
31
Estate of the art
COLUMNS
Artesia gives rise to ultra luxury living south of Calgary
47 Around Town 54 Hope at Large
STYLE
37 Fantastic foyers
Make lasting first impressions of the home
8 | NE W HOME LIVING
NOV EMBER 2014
ITEMS
10 Editor’s Message 48 Maps 52 Advertiser Index
editor’s message n
New developments
Fall is awesome — the dazzling colours, the slight chill in the air, the notion that we can sleep in for an extra hour when daylight savings time rolls in. Add to that the series of new show home openings that comes this season, and you can understand why I’ve always loved the –ber months. This time, there’s even more reason for me to look forward to the times ahead, as we see some indication that the long moratorium on new suburban community development seems to be showing some signs of thaw. In quick succession last month, we saw the approval for a new community in the northeast (Savanna by Genstar Developments), Genesis Land buying a new parcel of land in the southeast for residential development, and Harmony out in Springbank announcing their new builder group. You can see all the details in our Around Town section. Our cover feature on Brookfield Residential’s Auburn Bay announces the launch of their new estate phase, and reveals that they are likely just two years away from build-out. That was quick! I remember doing one of my first assignments at this gig for the launch of Auburn Bay some 10 years ago. Speaking of new communities, Artesia at Heritage Pointe, which we also feature in this issue, is releasing their latest phase as well and opened new show homes that carry on with its vision as a preeminent estate community. We also discover the charms of Landmark Homes’ attached homes in Sunset Ridge in Cochrane and Baywest Homes’ latest luxury home in Riverstone of Cranston. The two are at opposite ends of the market spectrum, illustrating the amazing width and breadth of new housing options available in the Calgary area. Aaliya Essa helps out those of us with less than a green thumb with her Focus On selection of artificial plants that we can use to bring a dash of colour and décor in the home. They can be a neat addition to your foyer design, which our Style guru David Crosson discusses how to create the best first impressions for your home, while Kathy McCormick takes us on a tour of the high-end Design District in the Beltline to give us an idea of the amazing home furnishing shopping that can be found there. The lasting impression we hope to give readers is that we want to be the top choice for all things new home — the market, the developments and the lifestyle that goes with it. Being the best new home magazine in the market says we are doing just that.
PUBLISHER |
Source Media Group
info@sourcemediagroup.ca A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R |
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 P R O D U C T I O N A D M I N I S T R AT O R |
Colleen Leier
colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITORIAL
David Crosson, Aaliya Essa, Marty Hope, Kathy McCormick PHOTOGRAPHY
Alexia Foster, Don Molyneaux ADVERTISING SALES |
Cindy Marks
cindy.marks@sourcemediagroup.ca ACCOUNTING
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY
Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group ISSN 1918-4441 PRINTED IN CANADA
©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:
Outdoor skating and Christmas décor
@CalgaryNewHomes
10 | NE W HOME LIVING
NOV EMBER 2014
NewHomeLivingCalgary
Visit atcogas.com
NOV EMBER 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
| 11
focus on
n
1
Close to nature Artificial plants bring low-maintenance greenery to the home
n BY
Aaliya Essa
LIVING IN A FICKLE climate like ours, plants certainly get the short end of the stick, though it doesn’t have to be this way. Artificial plants have come a long way, and it gets more difficult to tell a real one from the other. And that is the key for those of us with a less-than-green thumb. Life-like models give homes that green, decorative look that we yearn for but may not have the time to cultivate. NL
2
4 5
3 12 | NE W HOME LIVING
NOV EMBER 2014
1] Artificial Japanese Maple in Silver Pot, $349.95 at Pier1 Imports. 2] Artificial Bamboo Tree in Pot, $64.99 at Canadian Tire. 3] Mini Potted Grass, $8.95 at Crate and Barrel. 4] Potted Phaelanopsis Pink Orchid, $54.95 at Crate and Barrel. 5] Faux Areca Palm Plant, $259.95 at Pier1 Imports. 6] Faux Outdoor Red Agave Plant, $199.95 at Pier1 Imports. 7] Hypnotize, $34.99 at Silk Plant Warehouse. 8] Faux Baby Schefflera Tree, $259.95 at Pier1 Imports. 9] Potted Yucca, $199 at Crate and Barrel. 10] Faux Phalaenopsis Orchid – Red, $49.95 at Pier1 Imports. 11] Sunny Eh?, $274 at Silk Plant Warehouse. 12] Succulents in a Pot, $49.95 at Crate and Barrel.
n focus
7
on
9 8
6 11
10 12 NOV EMBER 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
| 13
| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
AUBURN BAY’S
Auburn Bay, and its 40-acre lake, certainly holds true as being a “legacy community” for Brookfield Residential. This master-planned community offers many amenities in addition to its wide array of housing choices.
14 | NE W HOME LIVING
NOV EMBER 2014
| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
APPEAL
A
s one of the few lake communities in the city, Auburn Bay already has plenty of reasons to expect a life of relaxed luxury, but the southeast neighbourhood’s charms go way beyond that. Auburn Bay, and its 40-acre lake, certainly holds true as being a “legacy community” for Brookfield Residential. This master-planned community offers many amenities in addition to its wide array of housing choices. Brookfield Residential seems to have saved the best for last, as they introduce Auburn Point Estates, which promises some of the most exclusive lakefront lots in the market today. Auburn Point Estates is the premier estate phase for Auburn Bay and will have 38 lots in total, with 19 of them backing right on the shores of the lake. As anyone can imagine, these homes will offer stunning views and even private dock access to the shimmering waters and the beach. Dean McKenzie, Calgary Marketing Manager at Brookfield Residential, says Auburn Point Estates’ lots will be 46- to 56-feet wide, and feature upgraded landscaping and decorative fencing/entry treatment into the area. Albi Homes and Morrison Homes are the exclusive builders in this premiere estate phase. Auburn Point Estates is the cherry on top of this landmark lakeside development that in less than 10 years since it launched, has become one of the most complete neighbourhoods in the
The charms of this Brookfield Residential community go beyond its lake
city, offering everything from apartment-style condos, townhomes, move-up homes and estates. And it has undeniably been a big hit — winning several SAM Community of the Year awards. Now McKenzie says they may be just a couple of years away from build out. “Auburn Bay was launched in 2005, and has approximately two years remaining for development,” he points out. It will have just over 7,000 homes on completion with about 17,000 residents. But even before that happens, there are still a lot of new developments to get excited about that thoroughly embrace the cottage country lifestyle that Auburn Bay has in spades. Cardel Lifestyles and Avi Urban both recently launched their respective multi-family projects: Auburn Walk and Canoe, respectively. Stonecroft Auburn Bay and Muskoka townhomes by Brookfield Residential complete Auburn Bay’s complement of multi-family home offerings, which prove you can still live affordably in a premium lake community with homes starting from the $200,000s. Brookfield Residential is also the exclusive builder of semi-detached homes here, blending multi-family affordability with the convenience of a single-family home. These start from the high $300,000s.
»
NOV EMBER 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
| 15
| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
“From the very beginning there has always been a special character and charm to Auburn Bay. Customers have truly embraced Auburn Bay’s cottage country feel and lake atmosphere.”
Laned, single-family homes are from Brookfield as well and start from the low $400,000s, single-family move-ups from Cedarglen Homes and Innovations by Jayman are from the mid $500,000s. Semi-estate homes from Baywest Homes, Morrison Homes and Jayman MasterBUILT are from the low $600,000s, and the new estate homes from Albi and Morrison Homes in Auburn Point Estates will start from the upper $600,000s. New single-family show homes in their move-up and estate phases are expected to open next year. That’s quite a comprehensive range of homes, even for today’s new communities, but what ties them all together is Brookfield Residential’s unifying vision of a community where you can put down roots. “Private lakes, splash parks, walking trails, community centres, shopping and business areas — the things that make life easier and more enjoyable, are things we have incorporated into the design of the community,” McKenzie says. A new K-9 Catholic school and a new K-4 elementary school from the Calgary School District are already in the works. Having the new South Campus hospital and the massive Seton Commercial district right at the entrance ensures the value of homes here for years to come. Accessibility is also unparalleled, with its proximity to both Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail. “Auburn Bay will certainly hold true as a legacy community for Brookfield at completion,” he adds. “From the very beginning there has always been a special character and charm to Auburn Bay. Customers have truly embraced Auburn Bay’s cottage country feel and lake atmosphere.” n
16 | NE W HOME LIVING
NOV EMBER 2014
FAST FACTS: COMMUNITY: Auburn Bay DEVELOPER: Brookfield Residential BUILDERS: Apartments and Townhomes from the $200,000s: Stonecroft in Auburn Bay, ZEN by Avalon Master Build, Muskoka by Brookfield Residential, Canoe by Avi Urban and Auburn Walk by Cardel Lifestyles. Semi Detached Homes from the upper $300s: Brookfield Residential Single Family Homes from the low $400,000s: Brookfield Residential, Baywest Homes, Cedarglen Homes, Jayman MasterBUILT, Morrison Homes Estate Homes from the upper $600,000s: Albi Homes, Morrison Homes SHOW HOME HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. DIRECTIONS: South on Deerfoot Trail and exit on Seton Blvd. and follow the signs.
For more information, visit www.liveauburnbay.ca
show home profile n Landmark Homes
A difference maker Landmark Homes’ Brookside III is a different kind of duplex n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
THE DUPLEX — OR as they are called now, attached home — has been one of the most popular types of housing in Alberta in recent years. Offering the affordability of a multi-family dwelling and the convenience and freedom of a single-family abode, the attached home has been the clear choice for homebuyers who don’t want to be saddled with condo fees. Landmark Homes’ line of attached homes in Sunset Ridge in Cochrane offer all these and more, as their efficient floor plans and environmentally sustainable design continue to attract singles, couples and young families buying their first home. Available in two-bedrooms-plus-loft, three- and threebedroom-with-bonus-room designs, the four attached home designs offered by Landmark Homes in Sunset Ridge have been consistent best sellers. There’s also the fact that Landmark’s line of attached homes are among few that have front-attached garages, says Landmark Homes sales manager Robin Bower. “We are able to give our buyers all the must-haves at a very affordable price,” she says, which may explain why they are almost sold out in the current phase of Sunset Ridge. Their Brookside III show homes display all these attributes, and then some. The first show home shows a three-bedroom model and the other is a two-bedroom with loft option. Both are at 1,324 square-feet and equally charms and relaxes with its optimal use of space. The attached garage and spacious main floor make family life or entertaining a breeze. Bower says 24 attached homes will be made available in the next phase and that interested parties will still have the opportunity to make tweaks to the designs of these homes to further personalize them to their taste. Their location on Sunset Ridge has also been advantageous. Just to the north of downtown Cochrane, Sunset Ridge is at the top of a plateau with sweeping views of the river valley and backdropped by the Rockies. “Residents can relax and enjoy the gorgeous sunsets or go for a walk along the numerous paths throughout the community,” Bower says.
18 | NE W HOME LIVING
NOV EMBER 2014
TOP LEFT Brookside III can come with a loft upstairs that allows couples and families a dedicated entertainment space they can share. The show home’s wood-and-spindle staircase gives the space a dramatic touch along with the oversized windows.
TOP RIGHT The kitchen comes with a central island and a walk-in corner pantry — both high on the list of must-haves for first-time homebuyers. The open-concept design gives the Brookside III main floor a smart, practical flow with lots of storage space and entertainment value.
LEFT The Brookside III attached homes is different from most other duplexes, as they are presented as a single entity rather than the traditional mirror image homes. This — along with the generous stone accents — creates a stunning street appeal that matches the character of Sunset Ridge.
»
NOV EMBER 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
| 19
ABOVE The simplified lifestyle that attached homes offer, doesn’t mean they lack any stylish appeal. Quite the opposite as the Brookside III show home adeptly displays. The Sunset Ridge models show one with a two-bedroomwith loft option and the other has three bedrooms. They start in the $360,000s.
20 | NE W HOME LIVING
NOV EMBER 2014
Landmark Homes n show home profile
fast facts COMMUNITY: Sunset Ridge, Cochrane DEVELOPER: Melcor Developments BUILDER: Landmark Homes STYLE: Attached homes SIZE: From 1,324 to 1,669 sq. ft. PRICE: Starts from the $360,000s ADDRESS: 11 and 15 Sunrise View, Cochrane HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. DIRECTIONS: West on Highway 1A, right on Highway 22, right on Sunset Blvd. and follow the signs. WEBSITE: www.landmarkgroup.ca
RIGHT The Brookside III comes with two-and-a-half baths, including an attached master ensuite, a feature that some multi-family homes don’t even offer. And the fact that you’ll never have to worry about rising condo fees is part of the growing appeal of Landmark Homes attached homes among firsttime homebuyers and even downsizers.
NOV EMBER 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
| 21
Follow us:
show home profile n Baywest Homes
Riverside appeal Baywest Homes’ luxury expertise comes to fore in Davinci II n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
THE MASTERFUL TOUCH Baywest Homes has in creating some of the most uniquely impressive estate homes in Calgary is in full display at the builder’s newest show home: the Davinci II in Riverstone of Cranston. The Davinci II has it all: the glamour, the easy-living finesse, and a versatile functionality that families — especially those who love to entertain — will surely appreciate. It’s a four-bedroom, side-drive triple car garage crowd-pleaser, with a wow factor in every room. But what gives this 3,043-square-foot estate home a unique twist is the dual nature of its main floor. “There’s a formal side and an informal side to every home,” says Baywest’s Jodi Hodgson. But he points out that for many, those two sides are all contained within the kitchen-dining room-living room dynamic; while with Davinci II — with its main floor bonus room — these formal and informal natures can be neatly divided into two distinct parts of the home. “The bonus room, dining nook and kitchen are in one side of the main floor and the area is designed more for informal gatherings or when it’s just the family. Then you have the dining room, living room and the massive outdoor living space of the deck on the other side, which gives residents the option for a more opulent setting for formal gatherings.” The walk-out home has a 1,197square-feet developed lower level that offers extra space for recreation and entertaining. Complete with a pool table and media space, it also offers an area for rest with a spare bedroom and bathroom and relaxation with a yoga/fitness space with cork floors and stunning views. The Davinci II show home also makes the best use of its prime location on a ridge lot in this premiere riverside neighbourhood. “The grand outdoor living space offered by the massive deck and the patio underneath it allows owners to really take in the close-to-nature character of Riverstone,” Hodgson says. “The fact that it sits on a ridge and you don’t have neighbours right behind you adds to the exclusiveness of the home.” The Davinci II starts from $1.050 million, and the show home itself goes for $1.25 million.
24 | NE W HOME LIVING
NOV EMBER 2014
ABOVE The polished look of the living room — with its nine-foot ceilings, oversized windows and a contemporary flush-to-the-wall fireplace with designer tile facing — is the focal point of the formal side of the Davinci II.
LEFT The show home boasts a Tudor exterior with acrylic stucco and smartboard battens. It is detailed with Banff Springs Cliffstone, and the arched entryway adds to the unmatched elegance it brings to Riverstone’s streetscape.
RIGHT The dramatic front entrance to the home creates a lasting first impression with the soaring, open-toabove foyer, spindle railing staircase and the contemporary chandelier hanging overhead.
»
NOV EMBER 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
| 25
show home profile n Baywest Homes
BELOW The dining area overlooks large deck and back yard and continues on to the living room that creates Davinci II’s “formal” side. A unique feature wall separates it from the “informal” side’s bonus room, dining nook and kitchen.
RIGHT The attached master ensuite’s design is nothing short of masterful. It’s free-standing tub, travertine tiled shower with 10-millimetre glass and granitetopped vanities create the ultimate spa experience at home.
LEFT The kitchen provides ample working space and style — not to mention, abundant storage — with its cream, double stacked cabinetry with glass doors on the top, Aspen White granite counters, marble backsplash, Jenn Air, stainless steel commercial grade appliances and a large walk-in pantry. RIGHT The decadent walkin closet comes with custom shelving and plenty of space to complete the master bedroom ensemble. “It is a wellstructured space that is easy to keep tidy because a space is provided for every need,” Hodgson says.
26 | NE W HOME LIVING
NOV EMBER 2014
fast facts BUILDER: Baywest Homes COMMUNITY: Riverstone of Cranston DEVELOPER: Brookfield Residential STYLE: Four-bedroom, triple-car garage estate home on walk-out lot SIZE: 3,043 sq. ft. PRICE: Starts at $1.050 million, show home is at $1.25 million ADDRESS: 11 Cranbrook Drive S.E. DIRECTIONS: South on Deerfoot Tr. 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.baywesthomes.com
NOV EMBER 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
| 27
Artesia nn community profile
Artesia gives rise to ultra luxury living south of Calgary
Estate of the art Marty Hope Alexia Foster
n WRITTEN BY PHOTOS BY
T H E S U N H A D no intention of showing itself, staying put behind deep gray clouds that spit periodic drizzle on the 200 or so in the park. No problem. The guitarist and singer moved their show under cover, the lineup at the food truck was steady, and kids climbed the playground structures while grownups chatted — all in all, the party carried on. “Pretty good crowd for a day like this,” says Ted Stack, vice-president of land development for Heritage Pointe Properties Inc. Party central was the community park at Artesia, the final segment of a triumphant triumvirate of communities by the Heritage Pointe folks on the occasion of Wish to Connect — a special event hosted by Heritage Pointe to say thank you to those choosing to live in Artesia. But it could also have been a celebration of the phenomenal appeal — which has turned into sales success — of a development that puts as much thought and effort into high architectural standards as it does stewardship of the land it is working with.
»
NOV EMBER 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
| 31
community profile n
“We were in an apartment condo but always had the goal to have a bungalow villa in a community with low density and high-valued properties — that is what Artesia offers.”
All of this culminated in Artesia being named the New Community of the Year by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary region this past April, and a national finalist in a similar category. Plain and simple, sustainability shares the spotlight with impressive, eye-catching good looks. And it’s a continuation of the Heritage Pointe way of doing things — differentiate themselves and their product from everyone else by going that extra mile. “Artesia is set apart from other communities because it offers true estate lots from 65 feet and up, because 50 per cent of the 137-acre community has been dedicated to open space, linear parks and trails, environmental reserve, and water features; and because we have integrated sustainable development and water conservation practices into every element of this community,” says Stack. And, by the way, every home in Artesia backs onto one of these amenities. If you’re not familiar with Artesia, it’s east of the Deerfoot Trail off Dunbow Road right on Calgary’s southeast boundary. Turn onto Artesia Boulevard and go around a couple of roundabouts and the single-family homes by Albi Homes, Astoria Homes, and Calbridge Homes come into view drifting away along the deliberately narrow streets with charming names like Waters Edge Drive, Whispering Springs Way, and Morning Mist Lane. What will also be noticed at the entrance to the community is the cute pump house with operating water wheel and rock bubbler sitting on the shore of Stillwater Bay — the heart of the community’s intensive water conservation and water management program. Bioswales deliver overland water to the three water features in the community where it is recycled and used to irrigate lawns and gardens and common green areas. “We estimate that we reduce potable water treatment by about 60 million litres of water per year,” says Stack. The water conservation program has been a focal point of the 280-home
32 | NE W HOME LIVING
NOV EMBER 2014
community since planning started in 2005. Heritage Pointe started moving dirt around in 2011 and at that point ponds were being carved out of the prairie lands so that they now peacefully and unobtrusively co-existed with the homes that have been built. Another key element in the design of Artesia is space — the separation between homes. “That was always a key element for us as we moved forward,” says Stack. The residences — 40 per cent of which are semi-detached villas built exclusively by Calbridge and the remaining 60 single-family estate lots — are large. The villas have 1,700 square feet on the main plus another 1,000 on the lower level. Detached bungalows have a minimum 1,750 square-feet on the main while two-storey homes have 1,400 of mainfloor living space with a minimum total area above grade of 2,400 square feet. Villas are priced from the mid $800,000 range while detached homes start in the high $900,000s. And all of the varied styles of homes have their demographic bent, says Stack. For the
n community
most part, the detached homes are being bought by those 35 to 50 years old, with children of all ages.The villas have grabbed the interest of the older, lock-and-leave set, predominantly those 50 and older. “But for both groups, it’s ultimately about having a prestigious address and home that fits their lifestyle.” For Bill and Dianne (no last name at their request), Artesia offered the opportunity to find the style of home and lifestyle they had been looking for since their retirement. They have purchased a villa in the second phase. “We were in an apartment condo but always had the goal to have a bungalow villa in a community with low density and high-valued properties — that is what Artesia offers,” says Bill. They like the quiet of the rural setting, the natural feel of the community, the sustainable aspects, and the neighbourliness they have been greeted with. “Our first impression of Artesia was great, it’s really well done and it meets all our needs,” he adds. Stack says that due to demand, the second-phase is selling out quickly. Phase three is now available and servicing for the fourth and final phase is now under way. Third-phase possessions will begin in the fall of 2015, about the same time show homes will be opening for the fourth phase. And Stack continues to be excited about what’s going on in Artesia. “Most people find it difficult to get excited about dirt, but for us, this is special,” he says looking out at what has been created. NL
profile
fast facts COMMUNITY: Artesia at Heritage Pointe DEVELOPER: Heritage Pointe Properties Inc. BUILDERS: Villas exclusively from Calbridge Homes Single-family estate homes from Albi Homes, Astoria Homes, and Calbridge Homes PRICES: Villas start from the mid $800,000s; Single-family homes starting from $900,000s DIRECTIONS: South on Deerfoot Trail and exit on Dunbow Road and follow the signs HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEB: www.liveartesia.com
NOV EMBER 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
| 33
34 | NE W HOME LIVING
NOV EMBER 2014
n
style
Fantastic foyers Make lasting first impressions of the home n WRITTEN BY
David Crosson
A
s we all know, you only get one chance to make a good first impression. And, in terms of our homes, that’s generally not achieved with mounds of shoes, piles of unopened mail and a coat rack so buried in garments it would take a paleontologist to find it. Like it or not, the foyer (or front entrance, if you want to be pedestrian about it) is your first chance to impress visitors, guests and anyone else who might show up at your door. If a functional mudroom is the working horse of a house then the foyer is surely akin to one of Cavalia’s equine stars. Although many — if not most — generally opt for back or side door access on a day-to-day basis (obviously not an option in certain condos), that’s not a reason to leave the front entry “undressed”. After all, what sort of reputation would you get if the UPS driver or Girl Guides showed up and saw it in the altogether? Scandalous! Believe it or not, creating a fabulous foyer is a matter of formula — and a simple one at that. All you have to do is address three areas of the space while imparting a bit of purpose and pizzazz. And, like any sensible project, it’s best to start from the ground up. Although I’m a fan of consistent flooring throughout a home, a practical option in the first few feet is a must—especially in our climate.
»
Long, leggy and slightly rough around the edges, the Silviano Console is a devilishly handsome chameleon, suiting modern and rustic spaces alike. Photo courtesy Crate and Barrel. NOV EMBER 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
| 37
style n
TOP LEFT The ZigZag console, offered in wood and steel or powdercoated metal, offers its own suggests on how to corral clutter. Photo courtesy Trica. TOP RIGHT: Multi-colour chevrons enliven the face of the Stella Cabinet to make a distinct style statement. Photo courtesy of CB2. BELOW: Rough-hewn carving and a honeyed finish make this Sakandi Cabinet say “welcome home” the minute you lay eyes on it. Photo courtesy Pier1 imports.
38 | NE W HOME LIVING
NOV EMBER 2014
Tile is an obvious choice and there are so many great options out there it would be silly for me to single out only a few. For a timeless look in any setting, consider a largescale faux stone that’s as convincing as it is low-maintenance, perhaps in a diamond configuration for added interest Next, layer on a durable yet attractive area rug or mat (depending on available square footage) and consider going bold with pattern and colour to make this pass-through space truly sing. Surya (available in Calgary at The Other Room and Cricklewood) has some wonderful offerings created in such hard-wearing materials as polyester and polypropylene so you never have to worry about them looking more shabby than chic. A few of my favourites include Alfresco, Aura and the ultra-exuberant Jax. For the traditionalists among you, Surya offers a wide variety of classic styles that are just as hard-wearing as their contemporary cousins. Of course, the key to effective clutter-busting is a great piece of furniture and console tables offer big function within a small footprint. I love the colour punch delivered by CB2’s aptly-named Mini Red Console Table and the bold rusticity of Crate & Barrel’s Silviano piece. For storage on either, look to decorative boxes or baskets for quick and easy concealment. Canadian-based Trica has storage built right into its charming and aptly-named “Zigzag” piece, which is available in a range of colours and finishes. Crate & Barrel also delivers the goods in sleek ‘n’ chic fashion with their midcentury-inspired Nash console, complete with a storage drawer and lustrous marble top. If more capacity is required, consider a shallow cabinet such as Pier 1’s Sakandi unit, or CB2’s very playful Stella, jazzed-up up-front with vivid chevron stripes. Naturally, whether you’re coming or going, a mirror is a must-have for a foyer. On top of bouncing light around the space, they also offer the indispensable service of letting you know if your ‘do is askew or you have schmutz on your face. Although all serve this purpose, here’s a good rule of thumb: if the furniture below is exuberant (see Stella cabinet, above) then choose something more demure in design. How-
n
style
WHETHER YOU’RE COMING OR GOING, A MIRROR IS A MUST-HAVE FOR A FOYER. ON TOP OF BOUNCING LIGHT AROUND THE SPACE, THEY ALSO OFFER INDISPENSABLE SERVICE OF LETTING YOU KNOW IF YOUR ‘DO IS ASKEW. ever, if your looking glass is surmounting a more restrained piece, you can definitely go all-out. For a perfect blend of form and function, Trica’s “Halo” set offers a combination of ledge, storage shelf and mirror — perfect for more compact spaces. Finally, if you really want to make a style statement, this is an excellent place to play with wallpaper. One option to consider is commercial wall vinyl, as the needle has moved from dentist office drab to decidedly fab in recent years. This more durable relative of wallpaper is great for imparting style while helping to protect your walls from the elements. Word to the wise, however: if you go this route then hire a professional, as vinyl is generally wider and heavier than wallpaper and, quite literally, a handful. If you really want to feel like you’re in on the action, pour yourself a drink, pull up a chair and supervise silently from the sidelines. As I said before, your foyer is your introduction, your greeting to visitors welcomed within. With a little effort and imagination this traffic zone can be one of the most memorable and spirited spaces in your home. NL
ABOVE The Nash Console, with a marble top and discreet storage drawer, is a lean and lovely example of mid-century revival chic. Photo courtesy of Crate & Barrel. BELOW Durable and dynamic, these Aura rugs will make any space sing. Photo courtesy Surya Rugs
NOV EMBER 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
| 39
40 | NE W HOME LIVING
NOV EMBER 2014
NOV EMBER 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
| 41
shopping n
Upscale alley Shop the Design District for high-end glam décor n WRITTEN BY
Kathy McCormick
W
ith the Beltline area of the inner city the busiest in terms of new housing choices, especially high-rises and condos, it was only natural that the shops and services that cater to home décor and design gravitated to an area near there. And how they have flourished. The Design District is the area on the western edge of downtown Calgary that lies between 10th and 11th Avenues S.W. from 4th Street to 14th Street. You’ll find an abundance of cutting-edge shops with furniture, home décor and unique items to make your home fit your personality. Add in creative designers, architects and specialists and it’s truly a spot you’ll want to visit again and again. Prices, though, tend to be higher than your chain furniture stores. But the nice thing about it is, as these avant-garde shops set up, so did others catering to virtually every whim of the new home shopper. There is an abundance of specialty stores, including wine merchants, a bakery, cooking school, yoga studio, spa, and cafes and restaurants where you’ll want to linger. While this is just a sampling, here are a few favourites you won’t want to miss.
BoConcept Calgary
Although BoConcept opened in Calgary in December of 2009, the store originated in Denmark, where it was founded by two craftsmen and cabinet makers in 1952. The furniture store now has 260 locations in 60 countries throughout the world, including four in Canada. “We offer customized furniture that we can co-ordinate with your entire home,” says Roslyn Ross, owner of BoConcept Calgary. “We have an extensive range of products and can coordinate to suit many styles and budgets.” As an example 11 different sofa lines come in over 100 different fabrics and leathers. An extendable butterfly dining table is available in seven different finishes, three shapes and two sizes. A three-seater sofa in fabric starts from $1,400 and up tp $13,500 for top-grade leather models. “Our mission is to make modern design furniture available to the urban-minded customer. We are affordable luxury,” says Ross. And what is new for home décor? “It is time to welcome back colour,” she says. “Blue comes in all the shades you want, from classic navy, to crisp turquoise or rich indigo blue. “Dare to be different with a bright yellow or a raspberry red.” But don’t forget the basics, says Ross. White, black and grey are the perfect backdrop to colour — or to the latest trends, metallic. “We welcome back shiny materials — brass, copper, silver, and even a bit of gold. The trick is not to overdo it, but just to give it a bit of sparkle with metallic-thread rugs, gold cushions, a copper lamp, or a silvery sculpture.” Designers help with furniture plans, will even visit the home, measure and put your home on their 3D design program.
Kit Interior Objects
Authentic design products from original, licensed manufacturers is at the heart of Kit Interior Objects, says Rachel Sawyer, who owns Kit Interior Objects with husband Jon. “We bought the store in 2005 and expanded it to its current location in the Danish Canadian Club building,” she says. “We are Calgary’s best source for classic modern designs from companies like Herman Miller and Knoll, as well as
BoConcept Calgary
42 | NE W HOME LIVING
NOV EMBER 2014
n
Maria Tomas Furniture and Décor
contemporary designs from Scandinavian companies like HAY and Muuto. No knock-offs!” Look for furniture, accessories or lighting — “everything from beds and sofas to pillows and tea towels,” says Sawyer. Some of the unique items include the original Fritz Hansen Egg Chair, the Herman Miller Aeron Task Chair (from $639), Marimekko mugs ($20), Jonathan Adler pottery (from $75 to $650), and Flos lighting (from $179 to $19,995). “Everything we carry has a significant design story behind it.” Although everyone has different needs and tastes, “regardless of your situation or budget, I would recommend moving slowly, one high-quality piece at a time. Let your home grow organically.” One design trend that she believes is here to stay is lighting that incorporates LED technology. It’s obviously longer lasting, consumes less energy, but “its unique qualities influence the way the actual fixtures themselves are designed, making it truly upto-date.”
Maria Tomas Furniture and Décor
Opened in November, 2001, Maria Tomas has evolved. It was first opened as a boutique custom fabric house and was the exclusive distributor of Martha Stewart’s line of fabric. “Now we sell almost everything — furniture for living room, dining room, bedroom; Farrow & Ball Paint, wallpaper, lighting, draperies, fabric, carpets, bedding, and wall art,” says Julian Riley, co-owner. “We have a great selection that tends not to look like everyone else, or so we are told… all because our of our great and talented design staff!” The “unfitted trend” is hot today, he says. “We rarely sell a matched set of anything — bedroom furniture, dining tables and chairs… even living rooms. The look is much more eclectic.” Look for a new stand-alone shop near Chinook Centre with seasonal, higher-end furniture coming soon from Maria Tomas.
shopping
Cookbook Co. Cooks
“Our mission is to make modern design furniture available to the urban-minded customer.” success — it’s celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. It’s been in the present location in the Design District since 1996, helping Calgarians become epicureans. “We think of ourselves as a culinary hub in Calgary,” says co-owner Gail Norton. “Anything to do with food chances are we will know about it. We have specialty foods, kitchenware, cookbooks, a very ambitious cooking school program, catering services, and corporate group cooking classes.” Their success boils down to this: “Everyone who works at the store is passionate about food, very knowledgeable and helpful,” says Norton. The customer is asked a simple question: “What are you cooking tonight?” — And the staff will work with them to figure out the right ingredients for a dish. What’s appealing to the palate these days? “Right now a lot of attention is on Moroccan and Mediterranean flavours — pomegranate molasses, preserved lemons, raw el hanout, and the tagine pot to cook it all in. “The kitchen is the heart of the home and we can help outfit it with interesting kitchenware and classes to help you make great meals for friends.” NL
Kit Interior Objects
Cookbook Co. Cooks
It’s no secret that the Cookbook Co. Cooks is a NOV EMBER 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
| 43
44 | NE W HOME LIVING
NOV EMBER 2014
N
around town n
Genstar to start new northeast community GENSTAR DEVELOPMENT COMPANY announces that the City of Calgary has given approval for the development of Savanna, a 320-acre parcel of land that will extend the community of Saddle Ridge in the northeast. “Savanna will offer northeast homebuyers the opportunity to live in a vibrant community, with the amenities they Paul Boskovich desire close at hand,” says Paul Boskovich, Genstar Senior Development Manager. “With two future schools, a commercial centre, and LRT station, Savanna will provide housing, amenities and easy transportation access to employment areas and downtown Calgary. The initial phase of Savanna will include a wide range of housing types including single-family homes, semi-detached homes, affordable apartment and townhome options along with commercial development and a proposed transit station. Home building partners will be announced this fall with the first phase of home sales expected in 2015. At buildout, Savanna will have approximately 2,800 new homes and house approximately 7,000 Calgarians.
Harmony in Springbank announces new home builder lineup THE NEW COMMUNITY of Harmony in Springbank recently announced the members of its Premier Builder Group that will help bring the vision alive for the community, which developers say is the only master-planned community on Calgary’s west side. Augusta Fine Homes, Baywest Homes, Broadview Homes, Homes by Avi, and Sterling Homes, will draw on both the innovation and rich rural history found in Harmony to offer a range of home collections to the market. This dynamic group will build the first phase of homes for the pioneer homeowners and families of Harmony, which is being jointly developed by Qualico Communities and Bordeaux Developments. Harmony’s first show home parade is set to debut in fall, 2015 with 15 stunning show homes opening to the public. The first phase of single family homes will be set on 44- to 70-foot lots. Harmony is set in the rolling foothills of picturesque Springbank, Alberta, and will be home to the elite Mickelson National Golf Club of Canada and centre around one of the largest fresh-water lakes in the Calgary area. A village core consisting of homes, boutique businesses, schools and community gathering spaces will provide convenient amenities and business opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The 1,700-acre community will feature 3,500 homes when complete.
By Pepper Rodriguez
Rotary/Mattamy Greenway nears 80 per cent completion THE MASSIVE ROTARY/ MATTAMY Greenway pathway project opened its latest phase in the southeast community of Mahogany, marking nearly 80 per cent completion of Parks Foundation Calgary’s largest project ever. The Mahogany leg of the 138-kilometre Greenway pathway features amenities that include a unique outdoor fitness park, climbing rocks. Parks Foundation CEO Myrna Dubé also says they have secured more than $1 million in additional corporate funding for the third and final phase of the Greenway system, which will eventually encircle Calgary. The second phase of the 138-kilometre Greenway goes from the Western Irrigation District (WID) Canal on the eastern border of Calgary to Highway 22X, crosses over the highway at 52nd Street S.E. and traverses the communities of Auburn Bay, Seton and Cranston before entering Fish Creek Provincial Park. Phase 2 also includes the major spur into Mahogany.
Genesis Land goes south GENESIS LAND DEVELOPMENT announces that it has entered into an agreement to buy approximately 350 acres of exceptional land in southeast Calgary along the Bow River worth $52.5 million. This will mark Genesis’ first development in the south part of the city and they’re very excited with the prospects. “It’s an amazing piece of land with views of the Rocky Mountains and the majestic river valley,” Genesis’ Jesse Coderre tells Around Town. “This projected new community is also just two-kilometres south of the Calgary South Health Campus Regional Hospital.” The land will be developed into a residential community, with construction forecast to begin in 2021. Once completed, the community is expected to include nearly 2,100 homes, parkland and supporting community commercial development. The land is currently zoned Future Urban Development within Calgary’s Southeast Planning Area. According to the developer, this deal is the first mid-term land purchase in seven years, and continues the Genesis strategy of focusing its portfolio on residential lands within the Calgary Metropolitan Area to provide a long-term supply of single family and multi-family home sites.
»
NOV EMBER 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
| 47
calgary map n Northwest/Northeast
48 | NE W HOME LIVING
NOV EMBER 2014
n
around town
Stepper Homes golf tournament aids El Salvador THE 5TH ANNUAL STEPPER Foundation Golf Classic by Stepper Homes raised over $120,000, with all the money going towards the renowned home builder’s charitable projects in El Salvador. “This year we raised enough money to purchase over 30 homes for families in need in El Salvador,” says Stepper Homes’ Murray Danyluk. “We are going back to El Salvador in the new year for three — oneweek trips. Each week we will build approximately 10 homes.” Over the past four years, Stepper Homes has helped build homes for over 200 families here, either building it themselves or purchasing materials and have the locals build them. “Week one will be a couple of our staff going down to be leaders as we have some of our trades go down to experience the work we do there. Weeks two and three will each have about 20 people going down. These are comprised of staff and family/spouses that decide to go down together,” Danyluk tells Around Town.
Multi-family leads rise in September starts THE MULTI-FAMILY market again led the charge in Calgary’s housing starts in September with 1,042 units introduced during the month, pushing total starts for the month to 1,528, a significant increase from the 904 starts in September 2013. Single-family homes, however, were down to 486 starts last month, from 595 a year ago. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation says a low volume of complete and unabsorbed units, coupled with low vacancies in the rental market, support the production of multi-family units. Year-to-date starts are up significantly with total starts of 13,803 compared to 8,833 for the same period last year.
Source Media brass takes part in Cancervive bike ride charity SOURCE MEDIA GROUP partner and publisher, Norma Robertson, and Condo Living sales representative, Heather Dougall, were among the 27 riders who took part in last September’s Tour du Cancervive bike ride to raise funds and awareness for Wellspring in Calgary and the new Edmonton location slated to open spring 2015. Heather Dougall This is the first year that Cancervive stayed in Canada for their ride, which was billed as the first Tour du Cancervive from Edmonton to Calgary. The four-day ride left from Edmonton on September 10, passed through Drayton Valley, Rocky Mountain House and Cochrane, and ended at Wellspring Calgary’s Carma House on September 14. “We were able to raise over $110,000 for the ride,” Robertson says. “We will continue to support this cause, we have people on staff — including Heather — who’ve had cancer and have used Wellspring’s facilities. We know the value Wellspring brings to the community. NL
NOV EMBER 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
| 49
calgary map n Southwest
50 | NE W HOME LIVING
NOV EMBER 2014
Southeast/Calgary area n calgary map
AIRDRIE
OKOTOKS
COCHRANE NOV EMBER 2014 NE W HOME LIVING
| 51
advertisers index n
ATCO Gas page 11
Hunter Douglas page 22
Avid Ratings page 17
Innovations by Jayman Chaparral Valley page 30
Brookfield Residential Auburn Bay FC, pages 14-16
Jayman MasterBUILT page 3
Brookfield Residential Riverstone of Cranston page 46
Mattamy Homes Cityscape page 55
Calbridge Vantage Fireside page 44
Mattamy Homes Southwinds page 23
Cardel Homes Chaparral Valley page 2
McKee Homes page 6
Cedarglen Homes page 45
Sabal Homes by Hopewell Mahogany page 5
CHBA Homexpo page 34
Tamani Developments Riversong pages 28-29
Concept Coverings page 36
The Grasslands of Beiseker page 40
Creations by Shane Homes Urbana page 56
Trico Homes page 34
Dream Development EvansRidge page 52
United Communities Nolan Hill page 41
Genesis Land Pier 11 page 9
Vesta Properties page 4
Homes By Us page 44
WestCreek Developments Legacy page 35
Hopewell Communities Mahogany page 40
52 | NE W HOME LIVING
United Communities Drake Landing page 53
NOV EMBER 2014
hope at large n
By Marty Hope
DIGITALLY YOURS Brookfield Residential’s new app brings homebuying to the digital age SO, LET’S START off this whole thing by saying I’m not all that comfortable with new technology. Computers and I don’t get along all that well. I’ve been told countless times that I’m a dinosaur, so as such, I’ve been dragged into the electronic world, kicking and screaming much of the way, and in the end grudgingly accepting the fact electric typewriters will not be back, my phone will always be more than just a phone, and my television set — well, let’s just not go there. Oh, I can pilot my way around the computer world, sometimes rebooting a crash, installing a program, etc. but I’m not at ease doing it. OK, that said, I have plunged into the world of Augmented Reality. And my guide on this adventure is Ryan Moon, sales and marketing manager for the single-family division at Brookfield Residential. Simply put, Augmented Reality is a marketing tool introduced to the Calgary marketplace by the land development and homebuilding giant that allows potential homebuyers a totally differRyan Moon ent view of various single-family models available. So unique and innovative is this Augmented Reality tool that it received a 2014 Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region SAM Award for Best Innovation for Idea or Product. Brookfield partnered up with EON Reality Inc. to de-
54 | NE W HOME LIVING
NOV EMBER 2014
velop the tool over the course of one year. “In this technology-driven era we’re realizing we must embrace technology,” says Moon. “As customers’ demands change, we have to be able to look at new, innovative ways to provide tools that align with their wants and needs.” How does this whole thing work? Well, let this dinosaur take you on the 10-cent tour of the world of Augmented Reality — or AR as we who grasp the technology refer to it. Got yourself a mobile device? Silly question I know, but you’ll need one to work with AR as it will partner up with an app, available on iTunes or Playstore, that can be found on Brookfield’s website. A little high-tech digression here. Use of the app requires iOS 5.1 or later, or Android 2.2 and up and is compatible with the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch but is optimized for iPhone 5. That out of the way, back to how AR works — and it really is simple. Focus the in-camera on your device on the AR marker, accessible on the website or at one of Brookfield’s single-family show homes, and just like that an interactive 3-D image of the home model pops out of the page. Then just move the camera around to take a look at the model from any angle, including a roof-off view that allows you to zoom in on a particular room on any floor. With icons that show on the 3-D
model, you can snap a few photos of that room to take with you. “The demographic of today’s home buyer is a person well-versed in technology, and with AR it’s the user who controls the whole experience,” says Moon. “And response by consumers has been positive.” The AR tool is available for Brookfield’s standard single-family models and is currently deployed in show homes in Cranston and Auburn Bay. “The technology is mobile, people can take it away from the show home and view the models at their leisure and share it with family and friends,” says Moon. When AR was first published in 2013, only one model was set up to use the technology. Now, though, all nine Brookfield models are accessible. While Brookfield was the first to launch what Moon calls a “transformational” concept, the industry continues to evolve with the pace of technology. “It’s great to see our fellow home builders embracing this technology,” adds Moon. other builders in Calgary have come on board with the same technology. For more information on Augmented Reality, visit www.livebrookfield.com/ calgary-homes/ar. 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.