Calgary New Home Living March 2013

REALLY LIVING IS BETTER

THIS IS FOUR SEASON CALGARY LAKE LIVING AT ITS BEST. IT’S TIME TO MAKE IT YOURS. VISIT CALGARY’S PREMIER LAKE COMMUNITY TODAY, OR TAKE AN ONLINE TOUR

volUme 9 iSSUe 87 n march 2013

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12 cover Feature

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Mahogany — Calgary’s ultimate lake lifestyle 2013 will mark a turning point for Mahogany

Feature

53 Under the glass

Create your own ecosystem in your living room

Special Feature PuBLICATIoNS AGREEMENT No. 41072011.

RETuRN uNDELIvERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES To: Source Media Group Corp. 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.w., Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9

Check out what’s happening in communities east of Calgary

march 2013 new home living

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contents

18

FocuS on

10 Bring on the bling

Jazz up your cabinetry with bejeweled knobs and pulls

SHoW HoMe ProFIleS

18 Suburban soul

Shane Homes brings inimitable style to suburban living

22 The Huxley debuts

Cedarglen’s new Cranston show home makes life look easy

26 Fabulous functionality

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NuVista Homes’ Evanston show home puts the fun in functional

coMMunIty ProFIle

31 Mark of excellence

Watermark at Bearspaw gains national recognition

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37 Calgary’s economy boosts new home market CMHC predicts housing starts, prices to increase in 2013

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coluMnS

61 Around Town 70 Hope at Large

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8 Editor’s Message 64 Maps 68 Advertiser Index

41 Boutique baths

Turn up the style in this most private of rooms

SHoPPIng

47 Sinks in sync

Sinks and vanities play a key role in raising the bathroom’s “wow” factor

Feature

57 An alternative way to heat Economical heating solution at your feet

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editor’s message n

“March of the Show Homes” That should be the title of the next Pixar movie, I think. After all, if you want a sunny, upbeat look at life, all you need to do is drop by one of Calgary’s newest show home parades and they’re sure to pick up your spirits. I mean, just picture yourself living in the swanky surroundings and the lifestyle they present and your day just gets brighter no matter the weather. At least, that’s how they affect me.

And boy, do we have a good crop of newly opened show homes this March. Let’s start out with our cover feature in Mahogany, the Hopewell community is turning out to be Calgary’s premier stay-cation town, and the new multi-million-dollar show home parade by the lake will surely take your breath away.

Baywest Homes, Calbridge Homes and Morrison Homes have all outdone themselves with the level of sophistication their new show homes have here, as they take lakeside living to its full potential.

All the way to the north is Watermark at Bearspaw, which boasts a park-like setting that has come to represent luxury estate living as nothing else has before — they’re actually one of three Calgary developments vying for the National SAM Award’s best community this year.

We also visit Shane Homes two new show homes in New Brighton that seem to capture the spirit of family suburban living by stressing functionality and grace. NuVista Homes’ Evanston show home, The Avonley, creates pure comfort and an admirable basement development that makes you not want to leave home. Meanwhile, in Cranston, Cedarglen Homes’ The Huxley is a new design that has been making waves for its smart and sexy flow.

This feeling of rebirth is mirrored in the high spirits of the Calgary housing market, and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation expects the sector to benefit from Alberta’s growing economy. Deanna McArthur talks more about this in her feature on Calgary’s housing market forecast in this issue.

One of the rites of spring is looking at our home and deciding which parts can stand a little sprucing up (if not move to another home altogether). This issue, we look at the emerging design trends in bathrooms, as explored in both our Shopping story by Kathy McCormick and On Trend design feature by Jessica Patterson.

Even our Focus On photo feature on knobs and pulls enlightens us on how we can retouch the look of our rooms by this simple, easy way.

These are exciting times in Calgary, the new home market is booming, and there are 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.

PUBLISHER

Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca Ass o c i a t 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 g r a p h i 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 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

Marty Hope, Aaliya Essa, Deanna McArthur Kathy McCormick, Jessica Patterson Photography

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 U T 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 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.

Pepper Rodriguez,

Editor pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca

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.

Next month: It’s our ‘green’ issue, look for all things eco-friendly Follow us on twitter: CalgaryNewHomes 8 n e w home liv in g march 2013

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focus on

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Jazz up your cabinetry with bejeweled knobs and pulls

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BRING ON THE BLING n

By Aaliya Essa

The simplest, easiest and most economical way to change the look of your bedroom, bathroom or kitchen is to change the knobs of your cabinetry. Think of these knobs as fashion accessories for your drawers and cupboards, a simple switch and they get an instant makeover. The best part is the unlimited amount of choice, from a variety of metal finishes, to vintage crystal and stained glass options. one thing is for sure your cabinetry will never look the same again. nL

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1] amber glass knob, $7.29 each, at Home Depot.

2] classic Hardware bin pull, $9.10, at Pottery barn.

3] vintage glass knobs, $9.10, at Pottery barn.

4] geometric knob, $4.00 each, at Pier1 Imports.

5] Painted Floral knob, $4.00 each, at Pier1 Imports.

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6] black & White Floral knob, $4.00 at Pier1 Imports.

7] Ivory lace knob, $5.00 each at Pier1 Imports.

8] vÄrDe, $9.99 a pack, at Ikea.

9] crystal knob, $5.47 each, at Home Depot.

10] rose knob – Ivory, $5.00 at Pier1 Imports.

11] Westerly ‘t’ knob, $4.49 each, at Home Depot.

12] blackrock Standard Square knob, $5.96 each, at Home Depot.

13] Marsden knob, $4.89 each, at Home Depot.

14] allison collection cup pull, $4.39 each, at Home Depot.

15] vintage ocean ceramic knob, $5.00 each at Pier1 Imports.

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| Advertising cover Feature |

Mahogany – Calgary’s ultimate lake lifestyle 2013 will mark a turning point for Mahogany

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he lure of lakeside living has never been more irresistible, as Hopewell Residential introduces its new line up of show homes in the premier lake community of Mahogany. But it’s not just these sparkling new homes that make this one of Calgary’s best communities to live in.

“As a four-season playground and one of the most aspirational master plans in the city of Calgary, Mahogany boasts the ultimate lake lifestyle,” says Scott Hamilton, Hopewell’s Senior Manager, Marketing and Community Relations.

That lifestyle is going to get a considerable boost this year, as 2013 will mark major milestones in the development of the community.

Mahogany started the year off with a bang with the recent unveiling of three new million-dollar-plus show homes on the shores of the 63-acre lake — the largest in the city. Each lakefront show home features a walkout basement leading straight to the beach.

Waterfront property in Calgary is incredibly rare, and it is amazing to see Mahogany’s four-season lake lifestyle combined with luxurious, well-crafted custom homes, which this new show home parade brings to life.

“This is a rare and exclusive opportunity, not only in this community, but anywhere in the city,” Hamilton says.

“Lots range from 54 to 60-feet wide, and home buyers will enjoy triple-car garages, private docks, and walkout basements.

Each home is upscale, yet modern, with unparalleled lake access and sophisticated appeal.” Builders in the Reserve Collection

| Advertising cover Feature |

Lakefront Estate homes include Morrison Homes, Calbridge Homes and Baywest Homes. All three builders also build Lakeside Estate Homes as part of this collection.

“On March 23, we are opening six brand new Lakeside Estate show homes, also built by Calbridge, Morrison and Baywest Homes.

These homes start in the $600,000s and offer value and prestige not seen in any other Calgary communities,” Hamilton says. “In addition to a fantastic address with private lake access, Lakeside Estate residents will enjoy newly designed floor plans, triple-car garages and unique, upscale designs.”

Hopewell is also opening a new show home parade of laned homes on April 13th by Sabal Homes and Stepper Custom Homes for the Lakeland Collection. Multi-family homes by Jayman Modus and Homes by Avi are also set to open this year.

“Life is a beach” will become a more common refrain around Mahogany, as Hopewell begins construction of a 22,000-squarefoot community clubhouse that will be the centrepiece of the total 84-acre lake and beachfront. “Hopewell anticipates this will become a hub of activity as residents of all ages utilize the space for classes, events and gatherings,” Hamilton says.

Mahogany’s lake is also continuing development, and is ultimately designed to have three distinctive parts and two private beach areas for the residents, and clubhouse will also feature playgrounds, fire pits, boat rentals and more.

Mahogany’s Urban Village commercial centre is expected to become the heart of the community’s social and cultural life, with a selection of commercial and retail destinations. “Just

Waterfront property in Calgary is incredibly rare, and it is amazing to see Mahogany’s fourseason lake lifestyle combined with luxurious, well-crafted custom homes, which this new show home » parade brings to life.

| Advertising cover Feature |

When completed, Mahogany will have an extraordinary mix of home collections, unique shops, restaurants, 265 acres of open space and parks, wetlands and beautiful streetscapes. imagine kayaking from your backyard to the central park, docking, and walking to the Urban Village to meet a friend for coffee,” Hamilton says.

“Mahogany offers an incredible lifestyle, and residents appreciate that active and friendly atmosphere.”

Its location by Marquis de Lorne Trail and Deerfoot Trail is also key in the community’s overall appeal.

When completed, Mahogany will have an extraordinary mix of home collections, unique shops, restaurants, 265 acres of open space and parks, wetlands and beautiful streetscapes.

Mahogany’s award-winning character is even more amplified by its list of award-winning builders, including Baywest Homes, Calbridge Homes, Homes by Avi, Jayman MasterBUILT, Jayman Modus, Morrison Homes, Sabal Homes, Stepper Custom Homes, and Trico Homes.

Mahogany’s three collections (Boulevard, Lakeland, and Reserve) have a variety of architectural styles to choose from, ranging in starting price from the $290,000s to upwards of $1.3 million. Homes are set to include everything from condos and townhomes to luxury island estate homes on the islands of Mahogany Lake.

“It’s only getting better, as the new interchange is getting completed this year, which will make Mahogany one of the most accessible communities in the southeast,” Hamilton says. n

Mahogany’s Collection of homes and their builders Boulevard Collection: Attached Homes and townhomes by Sabal Homes and Homes by Avi; multi-family by Jayman Modus — priced from the $290,000s.

Lakeland Collection: Laned Homes by Sabal Homes and Stepper Custom Homes — priced from the $330,000s.

Front-Garage Homes by Jayman MasterBUILT, Sabal Homes, Stepper Custom Homes and Trico Homes — priced from the $420,000s.

Reserve Collection: Lakeside Estate Homes by Baywest Homes, Calbridge Homes and Morrison Homes — all with private Mahogany Lake access — priced from the mid $600,000s. Lakefront Estate Homes by Baywest Homes, Calbridge Homes and Morrison Homes – with private docks and lakefront lots – from $1.3 million.

For more information, visit www.mahoganyliving.com

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show home profile n Shane Homes

Suburban soul Shane Homes brings inimitable style to suburban living n By

Photos on these pages are of Andorra II.

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Pepper Rodriguez

n show home profile

A suburban family home needs to be a lot of things — a comfortable place to live, a place where you can have friends over and one that offers enough flexibility for future growth. Then, combine all these in a distinctive style that makes the owners proud to call it their own.

Shane Homes understands everything it takes to create these homes and their latest offerings in New Brighton certainly bring those qualities to their soulful best, hitting all the right notes when it comes to accommodating a comfortably stylish suburban lifestyle.

Since opening in November, the Andorra II and Fiesta II show homes have garnered an astounding amount of positive feedback that centres on the amazing functionality and affordable luxury they both offer.

The Andorra II is the bigger of the two at 2,054 squarefeet and area manager Ron Kerr says people have fallen in love with the show home design that effortlessly combines traditional tastes with a modern twist. The vaulted ceiling in the great room with exposed beams and the wide-plank hardwood blend to create a classical ranch style look and the contemporary kitchen with its granite countertops, modern appliances and extended cabinetry give it a more present-day look.

“The rear living room with the vaulted ceiling is standard with this floor plan, as is a wall centred cantilevered fireplace flanked by windows, which combine to create a cozy atmosphere for family gatherings and entertaining,” Kerr says.

The double sink in the angled kitchen counter that looks out the rear window is another feature that has been getting positive comments. “You don’t see a lot of kitchens these days with a window to the backyard. This creates a more pleasing ambience when you can actually look out-

…people have fallen in love with the show home design that effortlessly combines traditional tastes with a modern twist. doors while doing kitchen chores,” he points out, “or you can keep an eye on kids in the backyard.”

The easily accessed walk-through pantry is a nod to the home’s remarkable functionality, making it a breeze to bring in groceries from the garage entry. “Shane Homes makes it a point to provide plenty of storage spaces in our homes. Storage is something families can never have enough of,” Kerr says.

The front family room upstairs offers an out-of-sight environment where the family can gather in privacy for movie nights.

There are also two equally sized bedrooms, making room selection for children easier and an owner’s bedroom with attached ensuite and walk-in closet, checking off the most sought-after features in suburban family homes.

“The Andorra II can also be built as a four-bedroom or five-bedroom home and still keep the bonus room. These are floor plan options that people can choose from when designing their new home,” Kerr adds. The Andorra II starts in the $470,000s.

The Fiesta II stands at 1,879 square-feet but feels larger than its actual size, especially with the bright white finish used in the show home. From the light coloured designer tiles that grace most of the main floor, to the stylish off-white paint used in the home, the open concept floor plan adds to its inviting allure.

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Fast facts: Builder: Shane Homes Area: New Brighton Developer: Brookfield Residential Style: Two-storey move-up homes with attached double garage Size: Andorra II is at 2,054 sq. ft., and Fiesta II is at 1,879 sq. ft.

Price: Andorra II starts at $470,000, Fiesta II is at $430,000 Address: 815 and 819 New Brighton Dr. S.E. Directions: South on 52 St. S.E. and left on New Brighton Dr. and follow the signs Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m.

WEB: www.shanehomes.com

March 2013 new home Living 19

show home profile n The deluxe kitchen has granite countertops and a central island with an extended ledge that provides a natural backdrop for parties and a practical spot for quick meals with just the family. It also has a walk-through pantry, which is a decidedly popular feature that many families look for today.

“The big bonus room upstairs and the spacious laundry room are perfect for the needs of today’s families. The Fiesta II accommodates their needs in a most functional and stylish manner,” Kerr says.

“Shane Homes also has the ability to sit down with our clients and come up with tweaks to the plan that will allow them to personalize the home to their tastes and style.”

The Fiesta II starts from $430,000 (including house, lot and GST) in New Brighton. Shane Homes offers 13 models of move-up homes (two-storey homes with double attached garage) in New Brighton from $430,000 to $550,000-plus.

Their location in New Brighton has undoubtedly helped generate sales, as this Brookfield Residential community has been one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in the area. “The convenience of living here is pretty fantastic, as the recently opened extension of 130th Avenue S.E. has really improved accessibility to the amenity-rich commercial areas surrounding New Brighton,” Kerr says.

“New Brighton only has two-and-a-half phases left and this will likely be our last show home parade here. It is one of the last opportunities to buy a new home in this popular, family-oriented neighbourhood.” NL

“It is one of the last opportunities to buy a new home in this popular, family-oriented neighbourhood.”

Photos on this page of Fiesta II

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show home profile n Cedarglen Homes

The Huxley debuts Cedarglen’s new Cranston show home makes life look easy n By

Pepper Rodriguez

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If show homes were meant to give you a distinct image of what life would be like living in them, then consider that mission accomplished by Cedarglen Homes’ The Huxley, as the bright, inviting floor plan just makes everyone long for the kind of easy living lifestyle it represents.

The 2,152-square-foot show home in Cranston — Cedarglen’s latest in the popular southeast neighbourhood — is an original design that’s making its public debut, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“People really like what we did with The Huxley,” says Cedarglen Homes Marketing Co-ordinator Ashley Simpson. “It’s a new model for us, by doing away with the flex room in the front of the home; the main floor became much more open allowing us to feature a phenomenal kitchen.”

These simple design adjustments created a nice open feel to the 910-square-foot main floor, and the nine-foot ceilings and oversized windows (standards at Cedarglen) add to this feeling of exquisite spaciousness.

“It’s a very inviting room and a really good home to entertain,” Simpson says. An avid foodie, Simpson says she can just picture herself working on her recipes and entertaining guests in this home. “The huge island and wide counter spaces makes it perfect not only in preparing meals for your guests, but presenting them in a pleasing manner, too.”

The galley style kitchen with its engineered stone countertops (a pleasant alternative to granite) is not only a stylish knockout but there’s an inherent practicality to it, too. “There’s plenty of storage space, there are four cupboards along the kitchen and more than enough drawers to store all your pots and pans and sundry kitchen appliances, but there’s still room to display essentials like a coffee machine, and a butler’s desk gives you some room to set up a tech centre for your laptop,” she adds.

Having the fridge, microwave and oven (all stainless steel) as part of the wall array gives the kitchen that much more room and flexibility, and the stylish hood fan over the ceramic cook top adds a sense of modernity along with the gorgeous full-height, glass tile backsplash.

The roomy corner walk-thru pantry with is an excellent addition to the home for the tremendous functionality it offers, and the mudroom off the garage access provides a handy area where residents can

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March 2013 new home Living 23

show home profile n Fast facts: Builder: Cedarglen Homes Area: Cranston Developer: Brookfield Residential Style: Two-storey move-up home with double front attached garage Size: 2,152 sq. ft.

Price: Starts at $459,900 Address: 210 Cranston Gate S.E. Directions: South on Deerfoot Tr. and exit on Cranston Ave. and follow the signs.

WEB: www.cedarglenhomes.com

“People really like what we did with The Huxley.” shed their outerwear — plus golf bags, hockey gear, etc. — in spacious comfort.

Adjacent to the kitchen is the living area with an elegant corner fireplace with a mantle of light stone and dark wood that lends the home an executive look. There are two sets of patio doors that add to the natural light streaming into the interior. White oak hardwood flooring in super matte finish complements the sumptuous suburban allure of the home.

Classy spindle railings grace the staircase leading to the 1,242-square-foot upper floor, that was designed with privacy and comfort in mind.

The upper floor includes a large master bedroom with a private ensuite and walk-in closet. The full-sized mirror is framed to the wall for a better appreciation of the ensuite’s calming space, there’s an oversized shower stall next to a generous soaker tub.

Two additional bedrooms are both more than adequately sized to leave plenty of room for dressers and a bed — and one of them even has a walk-in closet of its own.

There is also a large bonus room with vaulted ceiling, and an upstairs laundry — a nod to the busy home keeper who won’t need to lug their dirty laundry around the house. “Most of the dirty laundry accumulates in the upper floor anyway, that’s why these second floor laundries have been such a big request among buyers of family homes,” Simpson observes.

The Huxley starts at $459,900. But to purchase one exactly like the show home (including all upgrades) on a corner lot, the price starts at $489,100.

“We thought Cranston would be the perfect community to debut The Huxley, as it’s a truly family-friendly design that fits this family-oriented community,” she says. NL 2 4 n e w home liv in g march 2013

show home profile n NuVista Homes

Fabulous functi NuVista Homes’ Evanston show home puts the fun in functional n By

Pepper Rodriguez

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Suburban living never looked so good as in NuVista Homes’ latest show home in Evanston, but the Avonley is more than just a fabulous family home, as it also expertly shows the fun side of the grown-up world.

The 2,378-square-foot home is packed with innovative design features, including a two-sided fireplace separating the flex room and living room on the main floor (a standard feature) and a centrally-located bonus room upstairs that creates a buffer between the master bedroom and the children’s rooms for more privacy for the occupants.

“Having the bonus room in the centre like that also provides the family a welcome environment where they can have fun watching movies or playing video games in a more intimate setting,” says area manager Kathy Schmidt.

The two-sided fireplace is also a big favourite among show home visitors, she says. It is

n show home profile

nctionality framed by gorgeous designer stonework on both sides in the show home, with built-in shelving that resonates class. Of course upgraded tile flooring does wonders to create that classy look of timeless elegance for the entire home.

Having the fireplace designed this way also allows owners to hang their own flat screen TV on the living room wall for a more relaxed viewing experience.

Or, alternatively, a lovely painting or artwork can also make a terrific centerpiece there if they don’t want the distraction a TV in this setting may bring.

The functionality and style of the home is endearingly captured in the well-crafted kitchen showcase with its wide central island with upgraded granite surface that just begs to host parties. The dark-coloured cabinetry adds a touch of refinement. There is abundant space to work and create

culinary masterpieces, and a sumptuous stage to display these creations.

The three bedrooms upstairs are all more than adequately sized, and the master bedroom comes with a big walk-in closet and an exquisitely luxurious five-piece ensuite with a deep central soaker tub flanked by dual vanities.

But the show home feature that gets the most wows is, undoubtedly, its jaw-dropping 811-squarefoot basement development that creates a funfilled cavern of luxury and comfort. There’s a pool table, a wet bar, a spacious fitness room with cork flooring, and a dedicated home theatre for more immersive movie nights (or video game showdowns). “Children, including the child in all of us, will never want to leave this room,” Schmidt says.

Functionality in the home is never far behind though. The walk-through pantry is a straight

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March 2013 new home Living 27

show home profile n

Fast facts: builder: NuVista Homes area: Evanston developer: Qualico Communities style: Two-storey move-up home with double front attached garage size: 2,378 sq. ft.

Price: Starts at $538,000 including lot and GST address: 978 Evanston Dr. N.W. Directions: North on Symons Valley Rd. and left on Evanston Dr. and follow the signs Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m.

WEB: www. nuvistahomes.com

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The Qualico community is rich in amenities and has benefited from the improving infrastructure in the northwest. shot from the roomy mudroom and garage access to the kitchen. “You don’t have to carry your groceries halfway through the home to store them.” The second floor laundry with built-in linen closet is another nod to practicality.

“We keep in mind that storage space is important to families and we always design our homes to provide as much as we can.”

The Avonley has been such a popular design that NuVista has created two other designs based on this plan. “We have The Newport at 2,200 squarefeet and The Brittany at 2,500 square-feet that are both patterned after The Avonley which was introduced last year,” she adds.

The vibrant community of Evanston has also been a key factor to the success of The Avonley. “We get a lot of young couples, and even older couples with no kids who become enamoured with the plan, and many of them are from other nearby communities, like Harvest Hills and Coventry, and they want to stay in the area,” Schmidt says.

The Qualico community is rich in amenities and has benefited from the improving infrastructure in the northwest as the recently completed Stoney Trail provides tremendous accessibility for residents. “There are several plans for future schools in the community, and a long-term care facility that’s coming up will be great for families who want to be near their parents,” Schmidt says.

The Avonley starts from $538,000 including lot and GST. NL

March 2013 new home Living  29

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Watermark at Bearspaw n community profile

Watermark at Bearspaw gains national recognition

Mark of excellence

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By Pepper Rodriguez

Watermark at Bearspaw is setting the standard for luxury estate communities in Calgary and they’re getting national recognition for it, as this premier park-like community in the northwest was chosen as a finalist in the Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s 2012 National SAM Awards.

Watermark at Bearspaw is competing with four other developments (including two others from Calgary) for the CHBA’s prestigious Community Development Award. The award recognizes a single community in Canada that has best achieved the creation of an attractive, exciting, innovative and environmentally responsible community.

“With so many fantastic communities being built across this great country, having Watermark recognized as one of the best is truly a remarkable achievement,” says Matthew Jones, associate vice president of sales and marketing for Macdonald Development Corporation, Watermark’s developer.

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March 2013 new home Living 31

community profile 

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Watermark presents idyllic luxury living at its best with estate homes on huge lots that start at a quarter-acre. It also boats 46 acres of parkland, complete with cascading streams, large ponds, and over five kilometres of paved pathways.

Astoria Custom Homes

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Wolf Custom Homes

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But making the distinction doubly meaningful is that one of Watermark at Bearspaw’s five exclusive builders was also named as a finalist in the same national awards, with Albi Homes nabbing a score of builder nominations.

Albi Homes, which will be opening a new show home in Watermark later this year, is a finalist in four categories, including the Grand SAM, which recognizes the new home builder who demonstrates the highest level of excellence, in Canada, in both building and marketing.

“That Watermark at Bearspaw was honoured as a finalist in these esteemed national awards is already a huge accomplishment for us, but to have one of our distinguished builders also be recognized as one of the best in the country just gives further validation to the kind of community we’re creating here,” Jones adds.

Trickle Creek Custom Homes

Winners will be announced at the CHBA’s 70th National Conference on March 8 in Lake Louise, But win or not, Watermark at Bearspaw has already made its mark as the estate community of choice in Calgary. Located on the city’s northwestern border, Watermark presents idyllic luxury living at its best with estate homes on huge lots that start at a quarter-acre.

It also boats 46 acres of parkland, complete with cascading streams, large ponds, and over five kilometres of paved pathways.

Their impressive show home parade that opened last fall has been very busy, averaging 120 visitors a week, and sales have been on a terrific run.

“We have quick possession homes available right now for buyers who can’t want to wait to move in. Our builder group have sold three of these homes already since January,” Jones says.

Watermark is now releasing its second phase and Jones says he’s really excited about the opportunities that these new lots present homeowners. “There are plenty of walkout lots on the water, and the slope of the land is a little bit higher so there’s a good potential for homes to have fantastic mountain views,” he says.

Watermark at Bearspaw is changing perceptions for acreage living, as it is a fully-serviced community offering lots with frontages from 80 to 150 feet and minimum spacing between homes of 25 feet, making it a truly distinctive offering in the Calgary marketplace.

The centerpiece of Watermark’s amenities is a pond-side plaza complete with outdoor kitchen, pavilion, picnic tables, barbecues, fire

Homes By Us

community profile

Fast facts: community: Watermark at Bearspaw Developer: Macdonald Development Corporation Builders: Albi Homes, Astoria Custom Homes, Homes By Us, Trickle Creek Custom Homes, Wolf Custom Homes Style: Custom estate homes on quarter-acre to one-acre homesites Price: Home and lot packages start at $1 million Sales centre: 252035 12 Mile Coulee Road N.W. Show Home Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 pm to 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday12 pm to 5 pm, closed Fridays.

Directions: West on Crowchild Trail and south on 12 Mile Coulee Road N.W. WEB: www.watermarkatbearspaw.com

pit with amphitheatre style seating, basketball court, sports field and playground. “These amenities were completed as part of our first phase construction, so the first residents in the community were able to start enjoying them as soon as they moved in,” Jones says.

Watermark features five of Calgary’s most skilled homebuilders — Albi Homes, Astoria Custom Homes, Homes By Us, Trickle Creek Custom Homes and Wolf Custom Homes.

Their show home parade is a spectacle to behold with homes as big as 8,800 square-feet that back onto the cascading water feature.

Professionals and their families are the main buyers at Watermark at Bearspaw. “We get quite a few medical professionals because they like the fact that we are just 15 minutes away from the Foothills Medical Centre.

Also, being 20 minutes from downtown, our purchasers that work in the core are looking forward to an easy commute. In fact, we are also just 20 minutes away from the airport and have numerous northwest shopping centres nearby, so the location is pretty tough to beat” Jones notes. NL

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Calgary’s economy boosts new home market CMHC predicts housing starts, prices to increase in 2013 n

By Deanna McArthur

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hile not a banner year, 2012 housing starts were up significantly from past years, buoyed by our strong economy, the senior market analyst for Canada mortgage and Housing Corporation said.

And that should continue this year, richard Cho told close to 675 members of Canadian Home builders’ Association – Calgary region at its annual Economic forecast Dinner meeting in January. “for 2013 the housing market will benefit from a growing economy,” said Cho. “Employment growth will continue to increase, net migration will be fairly steady, the new home market will see single-family starts remaining comparable to 2012, and the multi-family starts will see a slight decline.”

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“The labour market in Calgary has been improving, and it has been improving at a faster rate compared to the national average, attracting more people to Calgary.”

CMHC reported 5,961 single-family starts in 2012, up about 14 per cent from 2011, and is expecting 5,900 in 2013. On the multi-family side, 2012 saw 6,880 starts, up 38.8 per cent from 2011 and CMHC is expecting this number to level off at 6,000 in 2013, a 14 per cent decrease.

As a comparison, 2008 had 4,387 single-family home starts; 2009 had 4,775; and 2011, 5,084. These numbers are a far cry from the record 10,482 recorded in 2006.

Absorbed price in Calgary has been gradually increasing since 2010. The absorbed price of a single-detached home in 2012 was about $570,000, up close to six per cent from 2011 — largely due to the strength of the luxury home market, he said.

“In 2013 we are forecasting the average price (for single-detached homes) to be about $580,000, which is above the record that was set in 2008.”

Watch for another year of employment growth in Alberta and Calgary, and an economy that is once again expected to be amongst the strongest in the country.

A trend since mid-2010, employment growth in Calgary reached 3.7 per cent last year, which represents 27,000 new jobs.

“A number of the new jobs have been in full-time employment, which means good news for the housing market and good news for housing demand. The labour market in Calgary has been improving, and it has been improving at a faster rate compared to the national average, attracting more people to Calgary.”

Net migration has been very positive, coming in at an estimated 29,309 for last year and expected to moderate this year — even though slowing slightly, that amount of people will continue to support demand for housing, Cho said.

The resale market is expected to see some slight increases in 2013. Sales are forecast to total 26,500, up from 21,206 reported by the Calgary Real Estate Board for 2012. The average price is forecast to rise from $412,315 in 2012 to $422,000, said CMHC. NL

Strong, slow recovery Calgary shines on economic platform New Home Living spoke to some of the industry’s leaders to get their thoughts on where they think the Calgary housing market is headed this year. Here’s what they say:

Monte Kendall, CEO Homes by Avi

“2012 was a year of milestones for Homes by Avi. We broke through the 1,000 sale mark and closed more houses with customers than ever before, which places us among the top three producing builders in the province. This sale achievement almost doubled our sales performance in 2011, and we look forward to holding these numbers in 2013.

I believe customers in Calgary and Edmonton will continue to receive great value for their purchasing dollar in 2013, however as land supplies get tighter in Calgary, due to the vibrant housing economy fueled by in-migration and the limitation on new lot positions being provided to the industry, there is a definite risk of prices escalating faster than earnings and home affordability becoming a bigger issue.”

Tim Logel , President and Partner Cardel Lifestyles

“The market looks positive for 2013 for the new home industry. Calgary currently has lower then normal mls inventory. Also, strong job growth and an increase in migration to the city has increased the demand in housing. Calgary also has higher paying jobs as a result of a strong local economy as companies look to hire. In summary Calgary continues to buck the national trend where other cities are seeing lower sales and construction starts. I expect to see a solid year ahead.”

Kurt Gibson, General Manager Brookfield Homes’ Single-Family Division

For Brookfield, 2013 has started the same way as 2012 finished, strong. Market indicators are suggesting a prosperous 2013 as interest rates remain low, net migration is high and MLS listings are at the lowest levels we have seen in several years. We feel that we are well positioned to attract skilled labourers and continue to maintain our high standard of quality and unparalleled customer service.

Reprinted with permission from CHBA – Calgary Region 3 8 n e w home liv in g march 2013

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Boutique baths Turn up the style in this most private of rooms

Story by Jessica Patterson n Photos by Don Molyneaux

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o longer are bathrooms an afterthought in home design.

Nyla Free, owner of Nyla Free Designs, says bathrooms are becoming more of a design focus in the home.

“Wallpaper in powder rooms, drapery in ensuite baths and investing in natural stone for counters, floors and walls are all details I’ve seen more of in the last few years,” the interior designer says.

“We’re seeing more confidence in making interesting choices in colour and materials which is translating into bathrooms with more drama than we’ve seen in a while.”

The 2013 bathroom is an upscale space, where function and beauty combine. From basic tile to sleek, glamorous, patterned and textured, the options are endless.

“There are few limits with the beauty of natural stone, the modern technology of digital imaging and everything in between,” Free says.

People want bathrooms that stay classy for years, but now “they’re not afraid to add a little bit of edge,” Free says.

“The words basic and bathrooms rarely go together any more,” she says. “Powder rooms, for example, are the perfect space to have fun and add elements of unexpected interest.”

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“Today, simple clean lines reign. The look is about clutterfree surfaces, with toiletries and personal hygiene items tucked away into sleek drawers and storage spaces.”

The design trend of creating spa oasis for your bathroom is passé.

Calgarians have moved on from the “spa” concept, Free notes, adding that they like to be fashion-forward and warm.

Given the temperatures in the city for several Nyla Free months during the year, it’s not hard to see why.

“I find we’ve moved on from the ‘spa’ concept and into an overall warmer feel in the bathroom,” she says. “Vanities with the feel of furniture, textured or even patterned tile or wallpaper, and an emphasis on lighting as well.”

Bathrooms can be interesting, functional and classic without being stuffy. Flexibilty is key for Free, “when designing a bathroom to suit today’s busy families,” she says.

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“Steam showers are becoming increasingly more popular, while media such as music and televisions to watch the morning news are also requested more frequently,” she says. “Multiple shower heads provide options for a purposeful shower in the morning to relaxing with a rain head at the end of the day.”

Janet Farnham, principal designer with The Design Studio Inc., in McKenzie Towne, says homeowners are looking for modern and streamlined design in their bathrooms.

“Gone are the days of heavy, chunky moldings,” she says. “Today, simple clean lines reign. The look is about clutter-free surfaces, with toiletries and personal hygiene items tucked away into sleek drawers and storage spaces.”

Contemporary design is often green and sustainable. Farnham says with the new options on the market, homeowners no longer need to sacrifice style for eco-friendly design.

“A large array of sustainable designer appliances are now available for homes, including low-flow and dual flush toilets, tankless water heaters, and low-flow shower heads,” she says. “There is also a plethora of options for sustainable tiles, counter tops, cabinets and lighting.”

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Mia Staysko

Green in the bathroom goes further than just fi xtures, the interior designer reveals. “investing in organic bath towels, bamboo bathmats, recycled accessories, and greening your personal care products with biodegradable alternatives are all ways you can create an eco-friendly bathroom.”

Janet Farnham our favourites include Kohler’s Cimarron® Comfort Height® high-efficiency toilet with 1.28-gallon flush, and bamboo bath furniture by bed, bath and beyond. reworks on 9th Avenue in inglewood has a gorgeous bendant lamp, which is made of recycled steel and finished with low voC paint.

As for colour in design, farnham likes earthy tones for bathrooms. “nature-inspired hues remain the order of the day — with whites, off-whites, beiges, browns and grays being the popular colours in bathrooms today,” she says.

“Add splashes of colour as they will add excitement to the space. This can also come by way of tile backsplash, shower floors or countertops.” so, venture into your bathroom this year with sleek lines and green designs in mind. you won’t regret it. NL

left: go “green” with this bath ensemble made of bamboo. a highly renewable resource, bamboo adds a subtle beauty to your bathroom.

Photo courtesy bed bath & beyond. below: natural stone, travertine and marble work well for bathrooms as they will last and create an organic look.

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Sinks in sync Sinks and vanities play a key role in raising the bathrooms’ “wow” factor n

By Kathy McCormick

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here’s no doubt that bathrooms, particularly master suites, have become more and more important in new homes today, and it’s all about luxury.

Everything from large, stand-alone or built-in jetted tubs, to walk-in showers with multiple showerheads from every angle, to any manner of other luxuries to make that room important — TVs, breakfast bars, fireplaces, and even toilets that fluff and duff and spray a wonderful scent around the room provide the ultimate in comfort and lavish living.

But the sink, faucets and vanities are key in creating that ‘wow’ factor in this most private of rooms, says Jackie Rainforth, sales and marketing manager of Canyon Plumbing and Heating.

“Sinks or faucets are probably the number one plumbing piece in a home — and they are easy to upgrade,” says Rainforth, they’re the basics that can bring the bling. “It just takes a couple of hundred dollars to make a statement.”

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American Standard’s Studio line.

Photo courtesy Canyon Plumbing.

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“White vitreous china in a square or rectangular pattern is most popular, although we do still see some glass and stone.”

American Standard’s Studio line.

Photo courtesy Canyon Plumbing.

The powder room is one area that has become a favourite spot to create drama, she says. “It and the kitchen are the most used areas in a home and you want to create that ‘wow’ factor.”

A bathroom is a great place to let your personality show through, and many different styles and designs are available today, even if you don’t have the space to create a home spa in your bathroom.

Some new trends are making statements today, says Samira Gagne, manager of trend, colour and design for The Home Depot of Canada.

“Looking ahead for 2013, the new trend is all white bathrooms for a clean, bright and contemporary look — characterized with simplicity and void of any extra frills and ornamentation,” Gagne says.

“In addition to this look, people are bringing in natural elements like wood, slate and stone into the bathroom.”

The clean, contemporary look is prevalent in sinks, agrees Rainforth. “White vitreous china in a square or rectangular pattern 4 8 n e w home liv in g march 2013

American Standard’s Boulevard line.

Photo courtesy Canyon Plumbing.

A bathroom is a great place to let your personality show through, and many different styles and designs are available today... is most popular, although we do still see some glass and stone.”

The pedestal sink is not as popular as it once was, although it’s still a great way show off a style in a small room, such as a half-bath. “And if people still want a pedestal, they’re most often choosing a square, contemporary style,” Rainforth says.

“What’s new on the design landscape is that we’re seeing a lot of long, single basins for two faucets for a shared sink in a master bathroom,” says Gagne.

The vessel sinks, although still popular, are losing momentum, although, again, square or rectangular white ones still appeal, Rainforth says. “If you want one, go for the lower profile today.”

If your look is more vintage or classic, “farm house

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american Standard’s Boulevard line.

Photo courtesy canyon Plumbing.

style sinks with wide basins either under mount or vessel sinks are really popular right now,” Gagne says. faucets are the “jewelry” of the sink combinations, says rainforth.

“Jewelry is key — and many of the faucets are transitional, so they fit with any style.” most designs are still the shiny chrome that people have seen for years, although some matte metals, brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze are showing up as well. rather than the pedestal sink, people opt for vanities for storage space today and these, too, have taken on a contemporary flair. “floating vanities and wall hung vanities are most popular,” says Gagne, noting that these, too, have clean lines. some models in Canyon’s show room floor have smooth, curved wooden sides. “we’re seeing a move to grey and whitewash finishes on the vanities,” rainforth says. “but there are still the dark, espresso colours in contemporary styles or some with a European influence.” some vanities, in fact, look more like furniture pieces that could fit in any other room in the home.

They have intricate details and legs to stand.

“There are lots of styles that are more transitional, fitting with both contemporary or traditional so they are timeless,” says rainforth.

At The Home Depot, white vanities and tops are most common.

“And people are looking for storage underneath,” Gagne says.

Price range varies greatly and depends largely on what you need.

The Home Depot offers assembled vanities like magick woods classic single vanity at $199, while its ove Decors 60-inch upscale double vanity with Carrara marble top is at $1,199.

Popular at Canyon Plumbing is American standard’s boulevard line. According to the American standard website, The boulevard Above Countertop sinks are from $179 to $251, and boulevard pedestal sinks are from $289 to $405. but rainforth says solid wood vanities at Canyon are approximately “Farm house style sinks $1,000 depending on size with wide basins either under mount or vessel and style. nL

sinks are really popular right now.”

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Under the glass Create your own ecosystem in your living room n

By Pepper Rodriguez

Photo courtesy Greg West

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ames Cameron needed something like $280 million to bring the lush ecosystem of Pandora alive in his movie “Avatar,” but you can create your own living world in the comfort of your own living room — and you don’t need such an outlandish budget.

The world of terrariums and vivariums has exploded over the last few years, with new enthusiasts discovering the joys of creating basically your own mini-ecosystem. Best of all you can create these fanciful, elaborate glass-encased worlds almost anywhere, even in a condo or townhome with limited space.

Much as an aquarium is a showcase for your fish, a terrarium is essentially the living quarters for your reptilian, or amphibious pets. A vivarium is likewise a display case for flora as well.

The word “terrarium” is derived from the Latin word “terra” meaning “earth,” while “vive” for vivarium is Latin for “life.” Greg West of Cornels World, a Calgary-based custom-terrarium maker, defines terrariums as a glass enclosure that would house animals — usually reptiles and amphibians — with everything they need including heat, light, and substrate (soil, sand, rocks, etc.). While vivariums are more complex undertakings that is set up to replicate a more natural environment where you grow live plants, and have things like hides, ledges, running water, and waterfalls.

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“Most of the time reptile and amphibian keepers will keep both plants and animals in a terrarium/vivarium together making it somewhat difficult to really rule out the complete differences between the two. But when you really come down to it, a vivarium is something that would be set up in a way to replicate a more natural environment for your animals,” he says.

Allen Abbot of NewLife Enclosures — a local supplier of ABS racks and enclosures — says terrariums and vivariums are both easy to care for, although there is a slight difference between the two.

“With a terrarium the most of your maintenance will be of the basic need of cleaning your reptile or amphibians’ living area. Such as bedding, waste, leftover foods, and fresh water and feeding, also water changes when keeping aquatic animals such as turtles,” he says.

A vivarium would involve a bit more work, you would have to have more equipment such as an automatic misting system, as well as a manual one to mist/water your foliage, and also equipment to prune your plants, Abbot adds.

…reptiles as pets have become more popular now, as they are still pretty low maintenance — no need to take them out for walks.

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An important aspect is the heating of the enclosures, as both reptiles and plants need a fair amount to survive and keeping them in room temperature is likely not enough to sustain them.

Heat lamps, UV or infrared lamps are essential and can be set on timers. Humidifiers are needed as well, and depending on the animals or plants you have in your enclosure, some need as much as 90 per cent humidity to survive.

Despite this, West says reptiles as pets have become more popular now, as they are still pretty low maintenance — no need to take them out for walks. “Also they are hypoallergenic, so for people who can’t have cats or dogs, this gives them another option.”

There are some concerns, because reptiles do carry

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"The cost of the terrarium is relative to your imagination, and how much you want to spend on creating you and your reptile’s paradise.” salmonella. But Abbot believes that keeping the enclosure clean and washing your hands thoroughly after handling your pets will prevent any contamination.

Terrariums range widely in price depending on the size, shape, and additional items within the cage. “A terrarium could be based upon a simple 20 gallon aquarium and then set up for the requirements of the animal,” West says. “I have done enclosures ranging from $60 all the way to $5,000 plus. The cost of the terrarium is relative to your imagination, and how much you want to spend on creating you and your reptile’s paradise.”

For the price of reptiles and amphibians themselves, Abbot says they can go from $5 to as much as $500,000!

“There are many extremely rare animals out there that are very limited and pricing gets up there. But there are many available for the beginner — dart frogs, all kinds of lizards and snakes — all the way up to the advanced breeder or hobbyists.” Buyers have to keep in mind, though, that Canada has some strict laws against the importation of endangered species.

Both West and Abbot caution that anyone thinking of bringing in a new pet — regardless if it’s a dog or amphibian or reptile — has to do their research first and know all they can know about the particular species they are buying.

“Understand EVERYTHING about your choice of reptile,” Abbot says. “You can’t just look at the price tag and the look at its face and say ‘wow, this will look great in our living room!’ Remember to ask yourself if you’re

ready to feed bugs or rodents live or dead? Or are you ready to dedicate the space and time to keep this animal for the lifespan of the specific reptile? Are you capable of supplying all the required equipment such as heat bulbs, UV bulbs, and misters?”

Most pet stores carry reptiles and amphibians as well as the supplies. But there are two reptiles-only shows in Calgary where enthusiasts can get their supplies. The bi-annual shows — organized by the Alberta Reptile and Amphibian Society — is becoming more popular. “We typically see 2,000-plus people through the doors at each show,” West says. There are similar shows held in Red Deer and Edmonton, too, he adds.

“Just about anyone young or elderly, single or families, any culture there is a market out there for all areas and I see this always continuing to have growth through the years, as since I was a child in the hobby it has come an extremely long way!” Abbot says. NL

Photos courtesy Greg West

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An alternative way to heat Economical heating solution at your feet

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uppose you were given the choice; be charged $5 for heating every room in your home, or be charged $5 for the rooms you spend the most time in?

Of course, the latter ould seem the logical solution. Think about it; how much time do you spend in your laundry room as opposed to your kitchen? Your basement versus your living room? We spend a great deal of our home-lives in a very select number of rooms.

So why do we spend money heating every room, instead of just heating the rooms we use? Often, the answer is that we didn’t know there was another way to do it. But there is an option available — and it’s right under our feet.

In-floor electric radiant heating systems — or simply ERH systems — offer a room specific heating solution that allows you to zone heat your home. That means you only heat the rooms you use.

Consisting of a thin heating wire embedded between two layers of durable fabric to create a heating mat, ERH systems are installed underneath your floor covering— whether that’s tile, stone or laminate/engineered wood.

Controlled via a programmable thermostat, many ERH systems — such as industry leader Nuheat Floor Heating Systems — emit 41 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per square foot, creating consistent heat output through the entire floor area.

And the real beauty of these systems is your home is already set up for them. No sacrificing ceiling height for new duct lines, no additional unsightly heating equipment cannibalizing living space — ERH runs off standard 120V or 240V circuits just like a baseboard heater.

Particularly well suited for new additions, bathrooms or basement upgrades, ERH systems offer an easy-to-install, comfortable heating solution that costs only pennies a day to operate.

And cost effective comfort isn’t the only upshot of ERH — it’s also healthy heating. With no moving parts, ERH systems eliminate allergens and dust stirred up by forced air systems. It’s also completely silent and requires no maintenance.

Fully encased beneath the floor, ERH is also safe heating. By virtue of being sheathed below the floor there’s no hot metal baseboard heaters threatening couch-backs, curtains or children, nor any off-gases or particulates discharged in to the home.

A cost-effective heating solution, ERH can allow you change the way you heat. NL

In-floor electric radiant heating systems (ERH) offer a room specific heating solution that allows you to zone heat your home. That means you only heat the rooms you use.

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Sabal Homes takes lead role in Toupee For A Day Sabal Homes has long been known for their “uncommonly stylish” homes, now they are also building a reputation as a staunch ally for Wellspring Calgary in raising cancer awareness.

Sabal Homes has signed on to be a presenting sponsor for Wellspring’s marquee event: Toupee For A Day. “We at Sabal Homes are proud to be the presenting sponsor of Wellspring Calgary’s Toupee for a Day. We feel this is an important and inspiring event that will ultimately affect thousands of local

Sabal’s Richard Daley, with Wellspring Founder Barbara Cunnings-Versaevel and President / Board Chair John Bargman

families,” says Richard Daley, Sabal Homes’ Senior Vice President, Operations.

This initiative brought in close to $99,000 last year, and with partnership from Sabal Homes, Source Media Group and CTV, it hopes to surpass the record.

The run-up to the March 6 main event has already met resounding success, including a fashion show held at Wellspring Calgary, and a flash mob dance off at the Eaton Square in downtown.

“These events served to bring attention to Toupee For A Day and we hope to break the record set last year when we had over 1,200 participants, half of them kids,” says New Home Living’s own Heather Dougall, a cancer survivor and founder of the event.

“We were moved to support Wellspring Calgary and Toupee for A Day, as cancer touches so many people, including our homeowners, our families, and our friends. For all of these people, Wellspring Calgary offers free support, resources, and programs allowing them to battle cancer in a positive and supportive environment. This support is vital for those living with cancer and for the people who care about them,” Daley says.

Aly Velji’s Design Exchange opens Local interior design guru Aly Velji has done it again. Never one to shy away from innovative ideas, Velji’s newest concept — Design Exchange 202 — is a first for Calgary.

(From left) Alykhan Velji Design — Ijmal Haider, Alykhan Velji, and Helen Del Bucchia.

Located on the ground floor below his new Alykhan Velji Design office at 217 4 Street N.E., the Design Exchange is exactly that: a place where interior designers and decorators can come to look for new ideas, get together with colleagues and even meet with clients.

There’s even talk of holding monthly seminars and other educational events.

“Like many Calgary designers, I used to work from my home office,” says Velji, “making numerous trips with clients to visit suppliers’ showrooms, weighing myself down with samples and spending time traveling around the city.”

The 400-square-foot space is equipped with a large boardroom table, internet access, and a comprehensive library of samples. Velji hopes to be able to add to the product samples already on hand, and has a website in development that will make it even easier for local designers and supplier to connect. If you’d like to get involved, drop Aly a line at alyvelji@shaw.ca

Landmark’s solar community Landmark Homes is offering something no other builder in Cranston is doing right now, and that is offering solar panels to their new homes at no additional cost.

“We’re adding 12 solar panels to our homes in Cranston up front, these dozen panels are sufficient to cut by half the owner’s annual electrical use,” Landmark’s Stuart Wen tells Around Town. “The best thing is it doesn’t cost our buyers anything, we’re retaining home prices and a bungalow still starts at $489,900, a two-storey home will be at around that price too.”

Landmark also introduced the first NetZero home in this southeast community, which Wen says will be Landmark’s solar community.

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Shane Homes gets best of Houzz 2013 award sHAnE HomEs TooK home the “best of Houzz” 2013 award given by Houzz, the leading online platform for residential remodeling and design.

The award was for the design of the home office in shane Homes’ Delmar grand prize lottery home for the 2012 Kinsmen lotto for the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

The Houzz “best of Houzz” award for 2013 is given in two categories: Customer satisfaction and Design. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the community of 11 million monthly users, also known as “Houzzers,” who saved more than 124 million professional images of home interiors and exteriors to their personal ideabooks via the Houzz site, iPad/iPhone app and Android app. “shane Homes is estatic to be chosen as a “best of Houzz” winner. with over 124 million images it is amazing that we were able to stand out amongst entries from around the world,” says shane wenzel, president of shane Homes.

“Houzz provides homeowners with an in-depth, 360-degree

Dundee’s evansridge “going gangbusters” DunDEE DEvEloPmEnT’s CHEryl Heilman says their northwest community of Evansridge has been very busy over the winter, and it’s about to get busier with the opening of new show homes this spring.

Calbridge Homes has recently opened a three-car garage show home here and in march will be opening their townhome show home too.

“Evansridge has been really popular, and everything is going gangbusters,” Heilman says. “we have added two more builders to our exceptional team up there. Ds Homes and Excel Homes will be building in phases just released. Come late spring or early summer — we will be having another launch of new show homes in our Phases 4, 5 and 6,” she adds. “new show homes will be available to view from Genesis Home builders, Excel Homes, Ds Homes and morrison Homes. stepper will be having their own exciting news to announce.”

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view of building, remodeling and design professionals through images of their work, reviews and an opportunity to interact with them directly in the Houzz community,” said liza Hausman, vice president of community. “we’re delighted to recognize shane Homes among our “best of” professionals for design as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts who are actively remodeling and decorating Shane Wenzel their homes.” with Houzz, homeowners can identify not only the top-rated professionals like shane Homes, but also those whose work matches their own aspirations for their home. Homeowners can also evaluate professionals by contacting them directly on the Houzz platform, asking questions about their work and evaluating their responses to questions from others in the Houzz community.

braving the cold for Inn From the cold somE 55 CHAriTAblE-minDED people braved the cold waters of mahogany’s lake for the Hopewell residential Communities’ 4th annual Polar Plunge to raise money for inn from the Cold.

“This is the most number of participants we’ve had,” says Hopewell’s nicole mclaws. They also raised $37,000 and counting this year, which brings the total haul to $133,000 over the four-year period. “it was a good, warm day to take the

hrc President Lesley conway

plunge, it’s a lot of fun and we get to help people at the same time,” HrC President lesley Conway tells Around Town. inn from the Cold not only provides temporary emergency shelter, they also help Calgary’s homeless find housing and strives to end local homelessness through various programs and services.

“At Hopewell, we bring the community to life in each of our communities, and through each of our many charitable endeavours,” mclaws says.

Stepper homes’ dave hooge

hopewell vP chris Plosz

January housing starts “stable” THE surGE in single-family home construction offset the dip in multi-family starts for a “stable” housing starts trend in January in Calgary, according to the Canada mortgage and Housing Corporation (CmHC) “The trend in total housing starts has been relatively stable in Calgary over the last four months, as a rising pace of single-detached construction has offset a moderation in multi-family starts,” said richard Cho CmHC’s senior market Analyst for Calgary. “overall housing starts in Calgary

continue to be robust, supported by job creation, net migration, and reduced active listings in the competing resale market.”

Housing starts in the Calgary Census metropolitan Area (CmA) were trending at 11,622 units in January, according to Canada mortgage and Housing Corporation (CmHC). The trend is a six-month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (sAAr) of total housing starts.

The standalone monthly sAAr was 10,353 units in January, slightly down from 10,663 in December last year. n

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COCHRANE March 2013 new home Living 67

advertiser index  n ATB pages 54-55 Apex Developments Hillcrest page 35 Apex Developments Mountain View page 60

Chatterson Riverwood page 30 Dundee Developments Montrose page 66 Emerald Sovereign Court page 44

McKee Homes page 45 Melcor Sunset Ridge page 16-17 Sabal Homes Mahogany page 71

Artesia Heritage Pointe page 30

Homes by Avi page 63

Shane Homes Nolan Hill page 72

Baywest Homes Nolan Hill page 7

Hopewell Copperfield Park page 51

Tamani Riversong page 56

Bri-mor Westgrove Estates pages 2-3

Hopewell Mahogany FC, pages 12-14, 15

United Communities Drake Landing page 21

Brookfield Communities Cranston page 9

Innovations by Jayman Evansridge page 46

United Communities Nolan Hill page 52

Brookfield Homes Side by side page 40

Jager Homes Aspen Acres page 39

Watermark Bearspaw page 44

Cardel Homes page 58-59

Jayman MasterBUILT page 34

Walton Developments Skyview Ranch page 36

Calbridge Evansridge page 50

Legacy page 68

CDR Custom Closets page 29 Cedarglen Homes page 25

6 8   n e w home liv in g march 2013

Morrison Homes page 69 NuVista Homes page 4

March 2013 new home Living  69

hope at large

By Marty Hope

n

Broadview milestone Broadview Homes expects banner year as it celebrates 25th anniversary The brain trust driving Broadview Homes may not be reinventing the wheel, but it is certainly improving the way it looks and operates.

The wheel, in this case, is redesigning of homes the company builds, from the components that go into those homes to the floor plans and to the ever-improving pride sales staff has in presenting them, even as the renowned builder gets ready to mark its 25th anniversary.

Heading up the brain trust is vice-president Peter-John Woolf who, while at the helm of the new environment at Broadview, is mindful of the fact that a level of value and affordability must be maintained.

“We have excellent specs right now, but any time we see an opportunity to improve our product we will,” he says. “But not at the cost of breaking the bank. Consumers continue to be very value conscious, they want bang for their buck.”

Broadview has also improved its profile by expanding the price points it now covers — from estate homes to starter and from single-family to multi-family in a growing number of communities.

Currently it has show homes in Evanston, Silverado, Redstone, Ravenswood in Airdrie, The Hill in Okotoks, and Kinniburgh in Chestermere. Among those, Redstone, a Qualico Communities development in northeast Calgary, is the latest addition to the show home areas. A show home in the Pollyco Land Development Corp. community of Kinniburgh is not expected to open until June.

That opening will be part of Broadview’s 25th anniversary celebrations, that will see 7 0 n e w home liv in g march 2013

Sorrento in Evanston, 2012 CHBA – Alberta Award of Excellence for best townhouse or duplex under $325,000.

the company offer home buyers a special treat, says Woolf.

“We’ve asked our staff to put together a list of the upgrades they’d like in their homes. From those lists we will offer certain ones as an anniversary package to buyers at no extra cost for a limited period of time,” he says.

It’s all part of an extensive program to continue to improve Broadview’s profile.

Coming off a 2012 when the company started 120 homes, Woolf is confident enough in his product and the marketplace to project between 140 and 150 homes this year. “We’re doing well in all of our communities,” he says.

Another element in the profile-raising strategy is the company’s increased level of involvement in the upcoming SAM (sales and marketing) Awards being presented in April by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association-Calgary Region. Woolf has already planned between eight and 10 entries, the highest number ever for Broadview.

Last September, Broadview won a CHBA

– Alberta Award of Excellence for the best townhouse or duplex under $325,000 for its Sorrento in Evanston. Broadview and Jayman MasterBuilt were also finalists for the Ralph Scurfield Award (for top builder in the province). Broadview also won its second straight safety leadership award in the small builder category for Alberta.

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in three years, and I want our sales people to continue to be proud of what they sell. I want them to be able to walk the walk and talk the talk,” says Woolf.

For more information on Broadview Homes, its models, and communities, visit www.broadviewhomes.com NL

Marty Hope. For more than two decades Marty Hope has been reporting on the housing and development industry in Calgary, throughout Alberta, and across Canada. In March, he was presented with the Maple Leaf Award from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association which is given annually to a non-builder member in Canada for contributions to the industry.