VOLUME 9 ISSUE 85 n January 2013
contents
12 cover feature
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New Brighton rocks! The fun, family-friendly appeal of New Brighton
feature
HomExpo 2013 34
Kick start your style with Calgary’s first home show of the year
PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NO. 41072011. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Source Media Group Corp. 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9
January 2013 new home Living 5
contents 18 54 Focus On
10 Framed up
Bring your photographs and memories to life
23
Show home profiles
18 Jewel of the west
Crystal Creek’s four-season outdoor entertaining home amazes
23 Artistry in Artesia
Albi Homes’ Carrara show home wows in new estate community
Community Profile
29 Hi-ho Silverado
Ranching heritage lives on in SW community
columns
47 Around Town
Items
8 Editor’s Message 50 Maps 51 Advertiser Index
On Trend
38 Made to order
Custom-built cabinets add functional style
shopping
Hardwood flooring lends executive appeal to the home
fave finds
Add a little fun to your workday
43 Elegance at your feet
54 Break time
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editor’s message n
PUBLISHER
Source Media Group
Ring in the New Year
info@sourcemediagroup.ca Ass o c i a t e P U B L I S H E R
Greeting cards have all been sent, the Christmas rush is through … but the seeming rush for new homes seems to be heading to new heights in 2013. Consider, MLS listings show over 500 homes in the $1-million-or-higher range were sold in Calgary last year, and starts for new homes are also up with CMHC saying total housing starts for 2012 will come in at around 12,400. Good times for the market, indeed. This market exuberance can readily be seen in our cover feature on New Brighton. This southeast community by Brookfield Residential best exemplifies this kind of growth, as it begins to approach build-out hardly a decade after it was first established. New show homes are opening this January showcasing the kind of stylish move-ups that this English countrysideinspired neighbourhood offers. We catch a glimpse of the aforementioned prosperity of the market with two of our show home features. The Carrara show home by Albi Homes in the new estate community of Artesia is as beguiling as the rare Italian marble it’s named after, invoking a sense of Frank Lloyd Wright’s grand, Prairie House vision, and mixing it with its own stylish flair. Crystal Creek Homes also amazes us with their Westwood II in Aspen Woods, an entertaining estate home with two outdoor living spaces that still seem so inviting even on a snowy afternoon. Meanwhile, my trusty assistant, Aaliya Essa, takes a stroll down to the southwest neighbourhood of Silverado, where its Old World ranching heritage is reflected in its design and its close connection to nature makes it a great place to live and raise a family. Jessica Patterson talks to a couple of renowned cabinet companies to give readers some design tips on how to make your bookcase lend a sophisticated elegance to your home. Kathy McCormick’s Shopping feature on hardwood floors lays out the dos and don’ts when it comes to this now readily-available flooring choice, which undoubtedly brings an unmatched elegance to the home. These are exciting times in Calgary, the new home market is booming, so many terrific options all over the city. One thing’s for sure, the choices are a-plenty, and making a decision to find your new home starts right here.
Jim Zang jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca Editor
Pepper Rodriguez pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca Art director
Jean Faye Rodriguez jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca g r a phi c d esi g n e r S
Lama Azhari
lama.azhari@sourcemediagroup.ca
Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca
Megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca E D I TOR I A L A S S I S TANT
Aaliya Essa aaliya.essa@sourcemediagroup.ca p r o d u c t i o n a d m i n is t r a t o r
Colleen Leier colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca E D I TOR I A L
Kathy McCormick, Jessica Patterson P h o t o g r a ph y
Jessica Patterson, Pepper Rodriguez A d v e r t isi n g S A L E S
Heather Dougall
heather.dougall@sourcemediagroup.ca Accounting
Donna Roberts accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca D I S TR I B UT E D B Y
Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group ISSN 1918-4441 PRINTED IN CANADA
Copyright 2013 by Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the expresssed 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.
Pepper Rodriguez,
Editor pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca
Next month: We warm the hearts with designs for the master bedroom. Follow us on twitter: CalgaryNewHomes 8 n e w home liv in g Janu ary 2013
Like us on facebook: NewHomeLivingCalgary
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. Contact: Source Media Group, 207, 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9 T: 403.532.3101, F: 403.532.3109 TF: 1.888.932.3101, E: info@sourcemediagroup.ca www.sourcemediagroup.ca
focus on
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Bring your photographs By Aaliya Essa and memories to life
framed up n
Nothing is more ubiquitous in a home (or office desk) than a picture frame, but you can really get creative with how you frame your memories with wide range of choices available. From the traditional rectangular photo frames, to elaborately gilded ones, and multi-frame models, you can choose one that not only best captures a moment in life, but accents your home décor as well. NL
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1] Red Felt Roses Frame, $29.95 at Pier1 imports. 2] Isabel 8” x 10” Frame – Grey, $26 at Urban Barn. 3] Bone 3” x 2.5” Frame, $13 at Crate and Barrel. 4] Trellis Tin Frame, $19.95 at Pier1 imports. 5] Classic Photo Cube, $39 at The Bombay Company. 6] Live, Love, Laugh – Black, $18.46 at Walmart. 7] OLSBO, $4.99 at IKEA. 8] Silver Turkish Frame, $29 at Urban Barn.
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9] Embossed Tile Mosaic Frame, $19.95 at Pier1 imports. 10] Earth Bangle Frame, $15 at The Bombay Company. 11] Collage Frame, $19.98 at Walmart.
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January 2013 new home Living 11
| Advertising cover Feature |
New Brighton rocks! The fun, family-friendly appeal of New Brighton
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W
hen the community of New Brighton was established in 2002, the whole southeast sector of Calgary looked vastly different from what it is now, and anyone who hasn’t been around the area in the last 10 years will have difficulty believing how quickly it’s been transformed. There are no longer any stoplights along Deerfoot Trail south of Anderson Road, 52nd Street south of Glenmore Trail is a major multi-lane thoroughfare instead of the lonely back country road it used to be, and the bustling activity along the 130th Avenue commercial centre was but a dream a decade ago. That dream’s a reality now, as this easy accessibility and amenity-rich life had always been the promise in New Brighton, and residents are now enjoying its full fruition. The 640-acre development by Brookfield Residential has itself gown by leaps and bounds through that time, becoming one of the most popular neighbourhoods in the southeast. It is quickly approaching build-out that will see over 10,000 people in 3,700 homes when it is completed by approximately 2015.
| Advertising cover Feature |
Key to its growth has been the infrastructure development that continues unabated. 130th Avenue has just been extended east of 52nd Street, which further improves the accessibility for New Brighton residents, and the much-anticipated ring road extension is nearing completion. There is also the recent opening of the new South Health Campus hospital and the upcoming Seton commercial centre — both just down the road — to look forward to. New Brighton does really seem to have it all. Yet, amazingly, New Brighton retains that breezy, idyllic suburban calm and family-friendly appeal of a modern community. Its 20-acre central park with toboggan hill is alive with activity year-round, and a 12-acre pond provides a peaceful, scenic spot for early morning jogs or for walking the dog when you get home at night, says Brookfield marketing co-ordinator Laura Jobb. At the hub of the community is the vibrant New Brighton Club — complete with 6,500 square-foot community hall/activity centre, sport courts and a water park all within a three-acre site. And you don’t have to look far for everyday conveniences. Coffee shops, restaurants and grocery stores are right on your doorstep along 130th Avenue and McKenzie Towne’s High Street. Felimon Sarino has lived in the neighbourhood with his wife and two young children for the past four years, and he says they relish the wholesome family activity that New Brighton offers. “My kids learned to bike along the bike paths, we can go tobogganing in the winter on the hill just behind our house, and we can play tennis with friends at the New Brighton Club in the summer, there’s a lot of great recreational activities that are right at our doorstep.” This relaxed lifestyle is not all New Brighton has to offer. “New Brighton is all about balance; the balance between affordable, value-conscious home design and a neighbourhood that puts quality of life first,” says Jobb.
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New Brighton Club
New Brighton retains that breezy, idyllic suburban calm and family-friendly appeal of a modern community.
January 2013 new home Living 13
| Advertising cover Feature | New Brighton’s new move-up show home parade
Its location near major thoroughfares, including Deerfoot Trail and 52nd Street, is a big part of New Brighton’s appeal and there is BRT express bus service to the downtown. The latest feather in the community’s cap is the opening of a new show home parade on January 12, which promises to continue the brand of stylish family homes already available here. Shane Homes, Cedarglen Homes and Morrison Homes are unveiling their latest moveup models, and Jobb assures that it will be an event for the whole family with great prizes to be won. Details will be made available through Brookfield’s facebook page at livebrookefield Calgary. The amazing array of home choices in New Brighton is another reason for its popularity. Starter homes from Innovations by Jayman and Cedarglen Homes’ The District line are going strong and start in the $300,000s. Move-up homes are from the $380,000s. There are also a couple of multi-family projects open: york29 by Trico Homes and Mint by Jayman Modus. They offer townhomes starting in the $250,000s. “We also have another project in the works that will be launching in 2013,” Jobb says. The homes themselves present a charming streetscape, with masonry and latticework details that complete the English Country aesthetic. Arched entryways, window boxes and carriage-style garage doors add to the distinctiveness of New Brighton; some homes may even feature traditional dormer windows and decorative shutters. Ornamental handles and hinges are also attached to the carriage-style garage doors to add a further layer of distinction. Not surprisingly, young families and singles make up the majority of New Brighton’s residents. “They are mostly people looking for a fresh start in a safe and convenient neighbourhood,” Jobb says. n
The homes present a charming streetscape with masonry and latticework details that complete the English Country aesthetic.
New Brighton’s starter home line-up.
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FAST FACTS: Community: New Brighton Developer: Brookfield Residential Builders: Single-family builders: Starter homes — Innovations by Jayman, Cedarglen Homes; Move-up homes – Shane Homes, Cedarglen Homes, Morrison Homes Multi-family builders: Townhomes — york29 by Trico Homes, Mint by Jayman Modus Price: Townhomes start from the $250,000s, starter homes from the $300,000s and move-ups from the $380,000s Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. Directions: East on 52nd St. S.E. and left on New Brighton Drive and follow the signs
For more information, visit www.livebrookfield.ca
show home profile n Crystal Creek Homes
Jewel of the west Crystal Creek’s four-season outdoor entertaining home amazes n By
Pepper Rodriguez
You know you have a good thing going when the outdoor living space of your home looks warm and inviting even when its cold and snowing outside. That’s just the sense you get from Crystal Creek Home’s Westwood II show home in Aspen Woods. The 12-by-16-foot custom outdoor patio of this 2,650-square-foot show home effectively extends your living space outdoors, making it the quintessential entertaining home. The cedar trellis and its own designer gas fireplace give it a winsome, rustic look. It is located right off the dining room through sliding glass doors, making it that much easier to host big parties. And it doesn’t end there, as the Westwood II still has another deck on the other side of the home, off the kitchen, to really maximize the enjoyment of your private outdoor space. “It’s an enormously flexible home that’s meant to entertain,” says Lao Bell, Crystal Creek’s community manager in Aspen Woods. “But it’s not just all about entertaining, it’s also well-designed to suit the everyday life of today’s families.” 1 8 n e w home liv in g January 2013
Fast facts: builder: Crystal Creek Homes area: Aspen Woods Estates developer: Springbank Land Company Model: Westwood II
Even from the outside, the Westwood II exudes an inviting suburban appeal with its wide covered front porch — a design accomplishment that not many front double attached garage homes have. “Lots are a little bit bigger here in Aspen Woods, which allows us to come up with these elevations that create a really wonderful streetscape,” Bell says. “Our lots here range from 46-feet to 54-feet wide.” The Westwood II show home is on a corner walkout lot, but Bell says they can build these homes with the two-deck option in interior lots, too. But the beauty of Westwood II is not just in the party aspect of its design, but ultimately in its functionality, and how this meets the needs of today’s families. Lots of storage, lots of flexibility and lots of space to enjoy it — no wonder the Westwood II has been a big hit since it opened in this popular southwest community. The stylish, contemporary feel of its open concept main floor defines its character, with the wide-plank hardwood flooring and the nine-foot ceilings lending a sense of elegance to the proceedings. And it’s not just nine-foot ceilings here, there’s a vaulted part in the great room and the bonus room upstairs (both
style: Two-storey move-up home with double front attached garage size: 2,650 sq. ft. Price: Starts at $970,000 address: 4 Aspen Dale Way S.W. Directions: West on 17th Ave. S.W. and north on 73rd St. and right on 15th Ave. Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEB: www.crystalcreekhomes.ca
The beauty of Westwood II is not just in the party aspect of its design, but ultimately in its functionality, and how » this meets the needs of today’s families. January 2013 new home Living 19
show home profile n
The basement development is one of its enviable upgrades, and a lot of buyers are choosing to include this. 2 0 n e w home liv in g January 2013
standard features) and even coffered ceilings in the dining room. The kitchen is a masterwork of style and functionality with a large central island that will certainly play a key role in any entertaining scenario or in food preparation, the granite countertops and the French Country style cabinetry adds a definite design punch. There’s a lot of storage space to boot, with plenty of drawers and cabinets for your pots and pans and dishes and other kitchen essentials. The open-riser staircase to the second storey adds a unique design touch and the inviting bonus room upstairs provides a safe, welcoming environment for the family to enjoy some downtime. “We wanted to show everything the Westwood II had to offer,” Bell says. The basement development is one of its enviable upgrades, and a lot of buyers are choosing to include this in their package. It adds a further 1,285-square-foot of living space, and the way Crystal Creek designed it is a real crowd-pleaser. “It has everything anyone can want, from a home theatre, games room and even a crafts room, plus another bedroom and a full bath, it’s everything a family can want,” Bell says. Surprisingly, though, she says many of Westwood II’s biggest fans are downsizers, retirees, and empty-nesters. “Many of them are adjusting to a smaller home from the acreage they have, and with Westwood II they don’t have to sacrifice any of the lifestyle,” Bell says. But its location in Aspen Woods is certainly its biggest draw. “We’re walking distance to the Aspen Landing commercial centre, the recreation centre is just down the road, and the new LRT station just opened five minutes from here — you couldn’t ask for a more accessible and convenient location,” she says. The Westwood II starts at $970,000, and to build one similar to the show home is about $1.3 million. NL
Albi Homes n show home profile
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Albi Homes’ Carrara show home wows in new estate community n
By Pepper Rodriguez
Timeless elegance in southern Alberta’s rolling grasslands seems to best describe Albi Homes’ latest show home masterpiece, as the renowned luxury estate home builder introduces Carrara in Artesia at Heritage Pointe. Carrara is the latest in Albi Homes’ successful string of high-end show home launches in 2012, which has considerably raised its profile as one of the province’s premiere home builders. The new show home may take its name from the exquisite blue-grey marble found in the Carrara region of Italy, but its executive flair and elegance is all Albi. Even amidst a streetscape of million-dollar estate homes, Carrara still stands out, and its well-defined exterior of strong horizontal lines, sloping roofs and natural wood and brick accents shows a heavy influence of Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous “Prairie House” style. It’s location in this new estate community by Heritage Pointe Properties along Calgary’s southern outskirts matches the glorious Big Sky country feel of the neighbourhood. It is also the perfect setting for what Wright had in mind for this style — which is said to be the first example of the “open plan” and used to stunning effect by Albi. The 2,432-square-foot Carrara brings an understated elegance and stately character to estate living, even as it takes the bungalow lifestyle to a whole new level of executive grandeur.
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The soaring, vaulted ceiling of the great room, with its impeccably crafted details and tall windows, gives a feeling of airy splendour. The gorgeous fireplace, with designer brick facing at its centre, lends a distinct contemporary touch and echoes the legendary American architect’s principle of bold horizontal lines. Organic elements are everywhere, including the natural walnut kitchen cabinets, and natural walnut hardwood that’s also used to accent the ceiling of the great room. The natural stone and marble flooring in the attached ensuite bring to mind a stylish Roman bath. “It’s a luxury home where you can host large gatherings in comfort. In fact, we were able to fit at least 25 people
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with room to spare just in the great room during the launch party for Carrara,” says Albi Homes’ Chris Kitt. The ornate French double door that is its main entrance is the perfect touch to introduce visitors to the grandeur of the interior, and an elaborate wooden screen — a reproduction of a Lloyd Wright pattern — serves to veil the open concept main floor. This spacious bungalow features an open kitchen and dining area that combines family comfort and functionality with stylish panache. It has a massive quartzite-topped, two-level centre island. The top level provides a lot of working room for food preparation, and the lowered ledge provides a convenient feature for chair-height seating. The soft-close walnut cabinetry and the high-end kitchen appliances create a backdrop of gourmet grandeur that would be a perfect set for any HGTV cooking show. “Albi knows the importance of kitchens as the heart of the home, and all of our homes feature some of the best designed kitchens around,” Kitt says. The bathroom in the master suite is the very picture of lavish comfort. The walk-in double shower lends a certain sophistication, and the stand-alone tub just begs for long-hours of luxuriating in this cozy cocoon. Natural cut marble dominates the room, forming a half-wall that hides the shower on one side and the toilet in the other. The developed lower level of the Carrara gives new meaning to the term ‘creature comfort’, as it is the dream
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Organic elements are everywhere, including the natural walnut kitchen cabinets, and natural walnut hardwood… come true of every home entertainment aficionado. There’s a wine tasting area for refined entertaining, and a cutting-edge home theatre area for more casual game day parties and movie nights. There’s also a separate home gym with cork flooring and a pub-size wet bar. The lower level — which adds 1,977 square-feet of living space — also has two spare bedrooms and a full bath. This side-attached triple car garage home is available for $1.7 million, although Albi Homes in Artesia start in the mid $800,000s. “Lots are 60- to 80-feet wide and it’s country living at its best,” Kitt says. “Artesia is a great, little community that’s still just 10 minutes to the city and not far from major amenities including the new South Health Campus and the future Seton commercial complex.” Artesia is along Calgary’s southern edge, next to Pine Creek Valley. It offers sweeping mountain views, large estate lots, and a quiet, country setting ideal for family living. More than half of the area has been devoted to open green spaces and pathways, and sustainable practices are at the heart of the neighbourhood’s development. Not to mention the Heritage Pointe Golf Course is minutes away. NL
Fast facts: builder: Albi Homes area: Artesia developer: Heritage Pointe Properties Model: Carrara style: Luxury bungalow with triple car garage size: 2,432 sq. ft. Price: $1.7 million including lot and GST address: 70 Waters Edge Drive, DeWinton, AB Directions: South on Deerfoot Trail, exit east on DeWinton and follow the signs Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEB: www.albihomes.com
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Silverado n community profile
Hi-ho Silverado
Ranching heritage lives on in SW community
There’s a gold rush going on in the southwest corner of Calgary — real estate gold, that is — and the community of Silverado is at the heart of it. Blending a master-planned community with resplendent single-family and multi-family offerings, with a location that’s at once in tune with nature and yet offers unmatched accessibility is a rare find anywhere. Silverado is a community where luxury connects with nature. Silverado is divided among two developers: United Communities (northwest portion) and
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By Aaliya Essa
Qualico Communities (southeast corner). The former holds three of the four parcels of land in the community, and Qualico the rest. But the family-friendly aspect and idyllic nature of the whole neighbourhood carries on throughout. Setting Silverado apart are its strong Western Heritage roots based on an equestrian theme, which makes sense given its proximity to the world-renowned Spruce Meadows show jumping arena that’s right next door. This refined Western theme can be easily seen in its Dressage (Qualico) and The Ranches (United) estate home areas, where homes mirror a classical world of ranching elegance.
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Steve LePan, marketing director at United Communities, says the Western look of the community is very distinctive. He says their architectural controls try to follow the “unique equestrian vibe with a rancher style.” Qualico Communities marketing co-ordinator, Nicky Barvir, agrees, adding that the panoramic backdrop of the Rockies gives Silverado a very scenic view. “We have focused on the vibrant colours in this community, we have a unique twist on the classic architecture,” she says. But asides from the natural beauty of the land, Silverado’s strategic and accessible location is a key factor for its continued popularity. It is close to some of the recreational hot spots in the city, including Fish Creek Park, and the amazing array of commercial amenities that makes life that much easier are but a stone’s throw away. LePan says there are a number of top-notch golf courses nearby, including the soon-to-open Blue Devil. “Fish Creek Park is close, and being at the edge of the city too makes it very easy to get out to Bragg Creek and Kananaskis Country, and we are close to Calgary transit as well,” he says. The wide selection of shops, restaurants and big box stores are five minutes away at the Shawnessy Towne Centre, and if you can’t find what you need there, Southcentre Mall is just a little further down the road on Macleod Trail. But with Silverado Marketplace already fast developing, residents don’t
even have to go outside the neighbourhood for most amenities. Sobeys grocery store is already open, and a Shoppers’ Drug Mart, TD Bank and other commercial outlets are soon to follow. Easy accessibility is another factor, as Silverado is surrounded by major thoroughfares, including Marquis of Lorne Trail, Deerfoot Trail and Macleod Trail. There are plans to extend the LRT line from Somerset right to the community so getting anywhere in the city is a cinch. It is admirable that despite the apparent busy location, Silverado still holds to its identity as a peaceful oasis in tune with nature. It helps that it has over 90 acres of designated green space, and is replete with parks, playgrounds and pathways to encourage an active lifestyle. There is an additional 60 acres set aside as an environmental reserve as its very backyard and even a seven-acre wet pond, the perfect spot to observe the wonders of nature. Further distinguishing Silverado is the fact home lots here are also generally larger than can be found anywhere else in Calgary. Estate lots start at 80-feet-by-170-feet, almost double to the 42-feet-by-115-feet that is the norm in most new communities in the city. “In the Ranches of Silverado, these are all estate lots and they are actually the largest lots you can buy in the city right now,” says United’s LePan. These estate lots in the Ranches of Silverado are almost
But asides from the natural beauty of the land, Silverado’s strategic and accessible location is a key factor for its continued popularity.
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all sold out, and demand remains strong for what’s left. LePan explains that this is because their lots are a much better deal than buying an acreage outside the city. “You get the acreage feel with the city convenience and not have to worry about getting services to your home,” he says. “The Ranches of Silverado estates provide something that has been sought after, but previously unavailable within the City of Calgary,” agrees United Communities’ Marketing Manager Tes Bonyai. It’s not just the lots for the bigger homes that make
Fast facts: Commmunity: Silverado Builders: United Communities: Lifestyle Homes, Baywest Homes, and Augusta Fine Homes and Qualico Communities: Broadview Homes, NuVista Homes, Sterling Homes, and Jayman MasterBUILT Developers: United Communities and Qualico Communities Price: Townhomes start from the mid $200,000s, and single-family homes from the $300,000s Directions: Macleod Tr. south to Hwy 22X. Head west to Sheriff King St. turn south, then west onto Silverado Blvd. Turn right on Silverado Ranch Way Hours: Monday to Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. Website: www.ranchesofsilverado.com and www.silveradobyqualico.com
Silverado so enticing. There is also a wide selection of multi-family developments, starter homes and move-up homes available here and a varied range of price points that will fit anyone’s budget. First-time homebuyers find the wide array of home choices here very appealing, as there are townhomes, attached homes, and laned homes that aren’t only budget-friendly but family-friendly, as well. Townhomes start in the $240,000 range, while single-family homes start in the $300,000s. Qualico Communities neatly partitioned their section of Silverado into two. “Dressage is our estate product and Sequoia is the starter and move up product,” says Barvir. “The views from Dressage are amazing as it backs out onto Spruce Meadows and Radio Tower Creek,” she says. While Sequoia offers a variety of home styles and lots large enough to have a deck, a swing set and a garden. Among Silverado’s newest multi-family offerings are Hunter House by Streetside Development (a division of Qualico) and Sawyer Silverado by Avi Urban (the multi-family arm of Homes by Avi). A few units in the Townhomes of Silverado by Slokker-West, are still available. Single-family builders for United Communities are Lifestyle Homes, Baywest Homes, and Augusta Fine Homes. While Qualico Communities builders are Broadview, NuVista, Sterling Homes, and Jayman MasterBUILT. Residents here will really have the best of the worlds; the extravagant options in homes and the outdoor living they crave. Silverado community has all the ingredients, that will make coming home the best part of your day. NL January 2013 new home Living 31
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Kick start your style with Calgary’s first home show of the year
HomExpo 2
013 could very well be the year you finally get that renovation underway or the year that you move into your new home. And HomExpo is just the place to begin the quest. HomExpo kicks off Calgary’s consumer trade shows for home, renovation and décor, and will be held on January 11 to 13 at BMO Centre, Stampede Park. The city’s strong economic numbers point to a big year, indeed. Net migration to Calgary is expected to almost double last year’s figure at 20,000 this year and 18,000 next year, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. That means people will be looking for new or resale homes in the city. CMHC is forecasting 12,400 total housing starts this year and 11,900 next. MLS sales through Calgary Real Estate Board are expected to hit 25,200 this year and 25,800 next — continuing the positive growth that began in 2010. At the same time, with the Calgary economy set to outpace the rest of Canada, people are optimistic and making plans to update and renovate their homes. “Renovations tend to rise with resales as owners make themselves more comfortable in their new home,” says Lai Sing Louie, regional economist with CMHC’s Calgary branch. Renovation spending in Alberta is forecast to be
in the neighbourhood of $6.6 billion this year, up from $6.4 billion last year and $6.2 billion in 2010, according to CMHC’s Housing Market Outlook. In fact, renovations are expected to be a major component of the market even further in the future, says Clyde Pawluk, senior corporate economist with the City of Calgary, which recently released its Calgary and Region Economic Outlook 2012 – 2017. That includes a long-term economic trend to 2042 which says that Calgary’s housing starts will hit 14,000 this year and be down to just 9,000 by 2042 — largely because of the demographics, says Pawluk. With HomExpo, the first consumer trade show of the year dedicated to home builders, renovators and suppliers, the information is there — and you’ll have a chance to talk to those in the know about the latest products, services, technologies, green innovations, and so much more. “Finding ‘stuff’ on the Internet is one thing, talking faceto-face with a group of serious businessmen involved in residential construction about your next home or home renovation is priceless,” says Rick Young, producer of the show. With the 200,000-square-foot show floor jam-packed with the many booths from all those companies involved in some way in residential construction, renovation or services, visitors will have a lot to see. “HomExpo attracts a wide variety of quality companies providing new and energy efficient products for the home,” Young says. Be sure to stop by Destination Renovation, the special booth set up and manned by all the RenoMark ™ renovators in the show who will be happy to answer your questions and provide information on the topics related to your needs.
…designer and TV personality Hilary Farr, host of W Network’s ‘Love It or List It,’ will share her design experiences and expertise in two presentations… 3 4 n e w home liv in g January 2013
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And it doesn’t stop there. The show has more to offer. For the first time, popular designer and TV personality Hilary Farr, host of W Network’s ‘Love It or List It,’ will share her design experiences and expertise in two presentations — Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Farr is the president of Hilary Farr Design Company, and one of Toronto’s top designers. And returning again this year is the always-popular kitchen and bath renovator John Sillaots. Sillaots is an Ontario-based home improvement specialist who also runs a cabinet manufacturing company to complement his renovation business. “His insight into how renovation planning needs to develop and be executed is essential information for homeowners,” says Young. And for the second year CHBA – Calgary Region is providing a valuable resource for every visitor to HomExpo free of charge — a Consumer Directory with the names and contact information of every member as well as articles to help you make the most of your decision to buy or renovate. The Directory comes in a handy cloth bag. As many as 18,000 people are expected to attend — and for the second year, the early birds get the proverbial worm. “Again this year, HomExpo is very pleased to be able to offer free parking on the Stampede grounds for the first 300 cars each show day,” says Young. “This was such a popular and user-friendly incentive for visitors last year that the halls were packed with free parkers long before the show opened. I guess that means come early.” It is the 41st year for HomExpo, sponsored by Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region. CHBA – Calgary Region is a not-for-profit organization representing more than 600 member companies in all aspects of residential construction. Another value-added part of HomExpo is the Calgary Herald Recreation and Investment Properties Show, which showcases properties and developments from North America and beyond. And Sears Canada will be giving away a major prize to one lucky entrant at the end of HomExpo. All-in-all, it’s the perfect start to a new year. NL
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By Kathy McCormick
HomExpo Quick Facts Where: BMO Centre, Stampede Park When: January 11 – 13, 2013 Time: Friday — Noon – 9 p.m. Saturday — 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday — 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Price: Adults — $12 Seniors/Students — $10 Children 12 and under — FREE
“Talking face-to-face with a group of serious businessmen involved in residential construction about your next home or home renovation is priceless.”
Presenters: Hilary Farr, popular designer from TV show ‘Love It or List It,’ and John Sillaots, Ontario-based kitchen and bath renovator and home improvement specialist. Special features: Free Consumer Directory for all participants and chance to win a prize, complements of Sears Canada. The show also features the Calgary Herald Recreation and Investment Properties Show. Anticipated Attendance: 18,000 people. ** First 300 cars each day park for free at Stampede Park. January 2013 new home Living 35
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Made to order
Custom-built cabinets add functional style n
By Jessica Patterson
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his year, think outside of the bookcase. Bookcases, cabinets, shelving, whatever you call it, has gone on steroids, expanding to cover entire walls. These storage solutions, or built-ins as they’re called, dwarf the traditional bookcase or cabinet. They’re modern and chic, using materials like durable composite, wood, metal and airy glass. They’re definitely not your grandmother’s built-in, says Jennean Norris, a senior design consultant with Superior Cabinets in Calgary. Using an entire wall for storage is multi-purpose and multi-functional, Norris says. “When I’m designing something like this, there has to be closed storage because you want somewhere to hide all of your junk, there should be some functionality in terms of the interior components, like file systems,
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and drawers that pull out,” she says. “And, it doesn’t have to be books.” Shelves can be adjustable, so they can all be sitting at various heights to fit various treasures. “So, this takes it from Grandma’s built-in, to a modern, clean, sleek look,” she says. “Built-in storage takes your basement (that might have looked like a bowling alley to begin with), to clean, crisp, organized, with a place for everything.” And for most condo owners, space can be a bit of an issue. Built-ins make good use of your space vertically, if you don’t have so much horizontally. In small spaces, a builtin bookcase, shelving or cabinet unit maximizes storage. “People are going to this wall scenario, as opposed to a single cabinet or a set of shelves,” says Wendy McAllister of Simple Spaces. “If you can fit it in a room, it looks stunning, it looks
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Photo courtesy Simple Spaces
Photo courtesy Superior Cabinets
like it was made to be there,” she says. “It becomes a focal point in the room.” People have taken the traditional hutch out of their dining rooms and replaced it with walls of lower covered cabinet storage, with upper shelves, McAllister says. Use the architecture of the design to show off your furnishings. The box shape of open or floating shelves can act as a frame for your personal collections or artwork, making a feature or focal point of those objects, as you display for all to see. Your eye candy might actually include books, should you want to incorporate office space into your wall. Display your crystal, your dinnerware, your train collection on glass shelves for everyone to see. She recently finished a project where the design consisted of an entire wall of storage for a customer’s extensive model train collection. “We put storage below and halfway up, we started building with glass shelves, mirrors behind and glass above, so that you could turn light on certain
Photo courtesy Superior Cabinets
sections of the collection,” McAllister says. “There were 50 trains on display at any given time. It was that entire wall of that room.” For smaller spaces, it’s important to design to scale. “Each piece of wood is cut by us here, there’s nothing in a kit,” McAllister says. “Every piece is cut to measure, custom-made by us. You’re not stuck with certain heights, widths and depths. We can do pretty much anything.” For condo owners, more compact walls of storage may do the trick. “It doesn’t mean they’re not functional, they will just fit your space better,” says Bridgette Jessop of Debutante Design. “That way, they don’t look out of place, too.”
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“If you can fit it in a room, it looks stunning, it looks like it was made to be there.” January 2013 new home Living 39
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She warns against putting a large piece of furniture, like a ready-made bookcase or shelving unit in a small space, because it’s almost counterproductive. Trends in colour and material vary. For modern afficianiados, the trend will always be high-gloss white, Jessop says. “They’re now coming out with high-gloss black or grey, because those neutrals are really trendy right now.” A second trend Jessop sees as far as material goes is reclaimed or industrial. “Restoration Hardware is mixing reclaimed wood with metal,” she says. “That look is really here to stay.” Wood, which has been popular as a bookcase or cabinet material for decades (centuries, really), is still strong. “They usually go with maple or something with a finer grain, as opposed to oak, which is more of a traditional grain,” says Norris. Though, glass shelves in a wooden frame are also gaining in popularity. “In terms of materials, we see a combination,” says McAllister. “The actual cabinet itself is wood, but the components can be glass shelves. Definiatly the advantage there is everything is adjustable and you can choose your own colours.” This type of storage solution is where function dominates, though it can also be aesthetically pleasing, too. It’s function, turned fabulous. NL
“… go with maple or something with a finer grain, as opposed to oak, which is more of a traditional grain.”
Photos on this page courtesy Superior Cabinets 4 0 n e w home liv in g January 2013
n shopping
Elegance at your feet Hardwood flooring lends executive appeal to the home
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t used to be that you’d only see gleaming hardwood floors in the most upscale estate house — the kind of places you’d ogle on your tour of the homes of the movie stars. Yet today, hardwood floors are showing up everywhere, even in the modest starter homes in the suburbs. And no wonder. Not only are they beautiful and easy to care for, the choices have expanded to include almost every kind and colour of wood imaginable, and they’re priced to suit almost every budget. “Hardwood is a great choice for increasing the value of your home,” says Ganesh Krishnan, Merchant of Flooring at Home Depot. “Many styles and species are available including oak, domestic and exotic hardwoods, bamboo and cork. “Hardwood floors provide an ideal backdrop for almost any decorating style, and are renowned for their warmth and elegance. They are also a great choice for future resale of your home.” Dark woods are still a favourite in homes, but that is changing, says Daryl Stayura of Divine Hardwood Flooring. “Browns are still very popular, but the trend is definitely heading towards lighter colours, including grays and whites,” he says.
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Kathy McCormick
Krishnan agrees: “Greys and medium tones are back,” but adds that hand-scraped hardwoods with wider planks are also starting to trend. “Traditional hardwood remains popular, mind you, but we are seeing this new trend.” Wire-brushed hardwood, two-tone colour schemes and reclaimed or Canadian-made woods are making an impact with Home Depot buyers as well. Texture, colour variation and oil finishes are the newest products people are asking for at Divine Hardwood, says Stayura. And they have definite advantages. “Benefits are durability and ease of maintenance. Texture and colour variation offer a significant advantage in hiding any future damage that may occur, as well as dirt and dust. “UV oil finishes are a new technology developed out of Europe. With the proper maintenance products, UV oil-finished floors can be easily repaired and restored and they are very economical. In most cases re-oiling a floor will eliminate the need of completing a full sand and refinish. There are many different types of oil products in the market, as well as many maintenance products. The key is to find the right combination of product and maintenance products that are eco-friendly, easy to use and quick drying so you can do it yourself.” Thermo treatments are another newer technology from Europe.
Special order, Birch walnut, 3/4” x 5”, Goodfellow Inc. Photo courtesy The Home Depot Canada.
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January 2013 new home Living 43
shopping n A Red oak natural, 3 1/4” x 3/4”, solid hardwood, Dubeau Parquets
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B Imperial Walnut, 11/2” x 5/8”, Engineered hardwood by Strategies International. Courtesy The Home Depot Canada
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“The thermo-treated process changes the colour of the wood through the entire product,” he says. “The advantage of this treatment is that if any dents or scratches occur, the product will be the same colour right through. Compare this to a dark-stained maple where the dark colour is only on the surface; the natural maple colour is underneath, so if dents and scratches do occur on a floor that is only stained on the surface, the dents and scratches will be much more noticeable.” Aside from the beauty of hardwood and the durability, the ease of care is another huge advantage in this age where people are looking for maintenance freedom wherever they can. The floors are simply dry mopped or vacuumed regularly for best results. Here are tips to care for your hardwood floors from Divine Hardwood Flooring: a. Vacuum or sweep up crumbs or dust. b. Use a micro fiber mop in addition to a hardwood cleaning product that is recommended by a hardwood specialist. “If the wrong cleaning product is used, a residue build-up on the floor may occur causing the floor to look dull and the finish to look cloudy,” Stayura says. “Divine Hardwood Flooring carries an exclusive eco-friendly product called Clean and Green that can be used on all hardwood floors.” c. Use felt pads on all furniture feet and make sure to remove any small pegs that may be on the bottom of chair legs as well. d. When cleaning your floor, make sure the mop is only damp and not wet enough to leave puddles of water on the floor. Leaving water on the floor may result in water damage to your floor. 4 4 n e w home liv in g January 2013
So what are the disadvantages of hardwood flooring? For one, it may be out of your budget. It tends to be the most costly of the flooring options, depending on your choice. A general rule of thumb from Home Depot: “if you are installing hardwood flooring in a typical 10-foot by 15-foot room you should plan on $2.99 for product costs per square foot (for basic hardwood) and around $2.65-$3.50 per square foot for installation costs. And always allow for 10 per cent more material when you have determined your room size.” Lack of stability in Alberta is also a challenge, says Stayura. “We typically try not to go any wider than 3.25-inches with a solid wood floor to avoid serious issues with expansion and contraction. Solid wood flooring also cannot be glued or floated over concrete, and it is not recommended that they are installed on radiant-heated floors.” Hardwood isn’t easy to do yourself, either, says Stayura. “Unless you are very handy with tools, such as table and chop-saws, I would not recommend installing a hardwood floor yourself. The installation is a ‘HUGE’ part of the process. You can have the best product in the world, but if not installed properly it can look and perform terribly.” It can be done, however, as long as you have some confidence in your ability to learn how to use some equipment you may have not used before (i.e. hard floor nailer), says Krishnan. “The best place to obtain this information is on our website,” he says. “Right now our homedepot.ca ‘how to’ section is being updated but homedepot.com has some great tips.” Of course, if you are moving into a new home, the builder will do the work for you — and you just glean the benefits. Both Stayura and Dicarlo recommend looking at alternatives, as well, such as engineered flooring. “Engineered flooring has the ability to be glued or floated over concrete and installed on radiant heated floors which opens up the possibilities for condominium owners,” Stayura says, noting that it is more stable for our Alberta environment and available in plank sizes. “Engineered hardwood combines a tough real hardwood surface with underlying multiple layers of plywood or fibreboard. It is remarkably strong and more resistant to moisture than solid wood so it is great for below or above-grade applications,” adds Dicarlo. The key to a successful transaction, both say, is to make sure you are purchasing a very well manufactured and warrantied product. And deal with reputable companies who stand behind their work and are knowledgeable about the products. NL
January 2013 new home Living  45
around town By Pepper Rodriguez
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Toupee for a Day in March
Brookfield launches design competition
Mark your calendars for March 6, 2013, when Wellspring Calgary holds their Toupee For A Day all-inclusive, one-day non-event designed to bring awareness and support to all those living with cancer. This initiative brought in close to $99,000 last year, and with partnership from Nu-Way Floor Fashions, Source Media Group and CTV, it hopes to surpass the record. And with Sabal Homes signing on as a naming sponsor, the event is guaranteed to be more popular than ever. The Toupee for a Day campaign benefits Wellspring Calgary, a Calgary institution that delivers supportive care to those living with cancer and Heather Dougall their families. “We think it’s a wonderful cause,” says Sabal Homes’ vice-president for operations Richard Daley. “Cancer victims and their families need the kind of non-medical and emotional support that Wellsprings offers and we’re proud to be part of this initiative.” “We had over 1,200 participants for Toupee For A Day last year, with over half of them being kids. Together we have been able to raise $98,395 and growing,” says Heather Dougall, a cancer survivor and founder of the event.
Brookfield Homes has partnered with Bow Valley College’s Interior Decorating program to participate in a Show Home Decorating Challenge for its newest project, Harvest Mosaic in Cranston. Two student teams from Bow Valley College, under the guidance of Alykhan Velji, Calgary’s go-to designer, will be competing against each other for the most votes on the best decorated show home. Team “Ruby’s” will be decorating the Ruby home and team “Ivory Leaf Designs” will be decorating the Ivory home. Both homes are stacked 22-foot bungalows ranging from 720-800 square-feet. Harvest Mosaic is a parade of five show homes. The entire process is being documented in a series of “Reality TV” style videos to capture the two teams as they decorate their show homes. Watch on Brookfield Homes’ YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/BrookfieldHomesAB. Voting will start on January 10, 2013 and will go until January 31, 2013. The winning team will receive a cash donation of $500 per student so every vote counts! The voting challenge will also be hosted on their Facebook page (www.facebook. com/BrookfieldHomesCalgary). Aly Velji and the two teams.
Strong net migration bodes well for Calgary Strong employment growth in the Calgary region has sparked more people from other parts of the country to move here, buoying the local housing market for the next two years. According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., net migration to the Calgary census metropolitan area will balloon to 20,000 people this year after numbers dropped to 9,209 in 2010 and 11,220 in 2011. And the CMHC is forecasting net migration to the region to be 18,000 in 2013.
“With the relative strength of our labour market, the growth of employment and a low unemployment rate will help attract people to Calgary,” says Richard Cho, senior market analyst in Calgary for the CMHC on as the agency held its 19th Annual Alberta Housing Outlook Conference in Calgary. “Net migration is a key component to housing demand… whenever you have an influx of people come to a region you’re going to see some strong demand for
housing in the rental market as well as in the homeownership market.” Net migration to the Calgary region peaked in 2006 as it approached 25,000 people. The impact of these net migration numbers can already be felt in the housing starts, and the CMHC says single-detached starts increased 15 per cent in November to 511 units, up from 446 a year ago. Total housing starts are estimated to rise by 33.4 per cent this year to 12,400 units but dip by 4.0 per cent in 2013 to 11,900.
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January 2013 new home Living 47
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Wonders continue in Watermark Watermark at Bearspaw continues to amaze, as this landmark estate community by Macdonald Development Corporation was named a finalist in the 2012 CHBA National SAM Awards, even as its latest multi-million-dollar show home opens to the public. Watermark at Bearspaw snagged a nomination as Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s 2012 National SAM Awards for the Community Development Award. The Community Development Award recognizes a single community in Canada that has best achieved the creation of an attractive, exciting, innovative and environmentally responsible community. The winner will be announced at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s 70th National Conference on March 8, 2013 in Lake Louise, Alberta. “It is an incredible honour to be a finalist for the Community Development Award,” says Matthew Jones, associate vice president of sales and marketing at Macdonald Development. “With so many fantastic communities being built across this great country, having Watermark recognized as one of the best is truly a remarkable achievement.” Meanwhile, Wolf Custom Homes shows again why Watermark may just have the most distinctive show home parade in town, as it opens its 8,800-square-foot show home. Inspired by a California Mediterranean revival style of architecture, this spectacular three-storey home is definitely one of a kind. It has six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, four fireplaces, a conservatory and a billiards room and more. The detailing is amazing with Italian glass countertops, copper pounded sinks and tubs, hand-painted tile inlaid into staircases, fireplaces and niches. Hand forged wrought iron elements are present on Juliet balconies which overlook a turret style wine room. Unique ceiling details, elevation changes, fabulous porticos, extended outdoor living spaces and courtyards give it a Renaissance feel. Check the Watermark website for hours. www.watermarkatbearspaw.com. n
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calgary map n Northwest/Northeast
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n advertiser index Baywest Homes page 21
Hopewell Copperfield page 41
Bri-mor Westgrove Estates pages 16-17
Hopewell Mahogany page 9
Brookfield Residential New Brighton FC, pages 12-14
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Mattamy Homes page 55
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Marketplace Events Calgary Home & Garden Show page 15
Melcor Kings Heights page 33 Melcor Sunset Ridge page 42
Calbridge page 27 Canadian Home Builders Association - Calgary Region HomExpo page 22
Sabal Mahogany page 49
Cardel Homes Evansview pages 2-3
Shane Homes page 56
CDR Custom Closets page 48
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ReidBuilt Homes Uniti page 7
Cedarglen Urban Renovations page 45
United Communities Drake Landing page 37
Genesis Builders Bayside page 36
United Communities Nolan Hill page 28
Genesis Builders Sherwood page 26
Walton Developments Skyview Ranch page 4
Genesis Land Development Sage Meadows page 46
Wellspring Toupee For A Day page 32
Don’t miss the next edition of New Home Living!
Book your ad space now! Contact Heather Dougall 403.532.3101 ext. 241 heather.dougall@sourcemediagroup.ca January 2013 new home Living 51
calgary map n Southwest
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AIRDRIE
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COCHRANE January 2013 new home Living 53
fave finds
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Break time Add a little fun to your workday n By
Aaliya Essa
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Try adding a little fun to your office desk space with this range of quirky gadgets that’s sure to relieve the monotony of your work-a-day — just make sure the boss isn’t looking. NL
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A. Hoops & Yoyo Office decider-nator. Spin the wheel and see what kind of break is in store for you, is it time for coffee or a nap, surf the web or perhaps go home early. $24.95 at Hallmark. B. POP Phone. This retro-look for the age of the smart phone features high quality speakers and microphone that allows you to navigate your phone while talking. $39.99 at The Bay. C. Ask Hoops & Yoyo. Ask your question and press the button to hear your answer, the fortuneteller is fun and entertaining. $29.99 at Hallmark. D. Assorted metal décor. A little bling is a great way to brighten up your desk, a miniature car, plane, or camera is a cool distraction. $19.99 – $29.99 each at Home Outfitters.
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E. Arkcanary II. Turn up the volume in style, this handy little smart phone attachment to give it a classic gramophone look. $12.99 at The Bay. F. Jawbone Jambox. Crank up the tunes and your desk décor with this wireless speaker, which also doubles as a speakerphone. $199.99 at The Bay. G. Hoops & Yoyo Office Snow Globe. A variety of hilarious sound bytes yell out when you pick up this snow globe. $29.95 at Hallmark.
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H. USB Hubman. There can never be too many USB connections at your desk, the Hubman comes equipped with four, one attached to each limb. $12.99 at The Bay.