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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 90 n June 2013
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Uncommon beauty Sabal Homes builds its name on uncommonly stylish, award-winning homes
Community profile
The melting pot 28
Wide range of choices give EvansRidge an inner-city feel
PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NO. 41072011. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: Source Media Group Corp. 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9
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Focus On
12 Fashion curtain
Drapes add mystery, colour and allure to your home design
Show home profiles
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18 A family affair
Baywest Homes gives the family home a modern flair
News
Southeast community offers homes for every stage of life
Lifestyle
columns
53 Around Town 61 Hope at Large
23 Westmere wonder
Homes by Avi’s Grant presents lakeside living at its luxurious best
33 Building a new life
Peter and Monica decide to build a new home instead of renovating
On Trend
39 Open sesame
Create some magic with your home’s open concept design
shopping
There’s no question that summers were made for barbecues
51 Legacy opens
Items
10 Editor’s Message 58 Maps 60 Advertiser Index
42 Grill ‘em!
Giving Back
46 Play and learn
Avalon lends a hand in teaching tomorrow’s home builders
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PUBLISHER
Country roads
Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca
Intrepid, tireless and should-be-retired, Marty Hope has been a fixture in the Calgary home industry for more years than he cares to remember and his invaluable network of industry insiders has made him the perfect columnist for our pages. This month, he breaks the news about Silverhorn, the new 85-home development from McKinley Masters, which shows that the booming million-dollar home market is spreading to the countryside. Marty will continue giving us the inside scoop in the industry, and not just in the pages of New Home Living, but in Condo Living and Domus as well. For a retired guy, he sure is busy. We also continue to chart the growth of Calgary’s housing market with our show home profiles, and our cover feature on Sabal Homes just goes to show how far-reaching this growth has become, as the uncommonly stylish award-winning builder has new show homes in the popular southeast Calgary neighbourhoods of Mahogany and Copperfield, Heron Pointe at Reunion in Airdrie, and Riversong in Cochrane. We also turn our sight on two lakeside show homes: Baywest Homes’ Kendell VI in Mahogany, and Homes by Avi’s Grant in the Shores of Westmere Estates in Chestermere. Both display the kind of lavish luxury lakeside living should have. We also tour the thriving Dundee Development community of EvansRidge in the northwest, which, with its 10-member home building group, offers some of the widest choices of homes around. Jessica Patterson talks to designers on how homeowners can utilize the design space of their open concept homes, while Kathy McCormick takes us on a shopping spree for the new barbecue grills out there. Jessica does double duty this month with her in-depth look at the newly-opened community of Legacy. 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 limitless, and making a decision to find your new home starts right here.
A s s o c i a t e PUBLISHER
Jim Zang jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca Editor
Pepper Rodriguez pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca Art director
Jean Faye Rodriguez jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca graphic designerS
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 i s t r at o r
Colleen Leier
colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITORIAL
Andrea Cox, Aaliya Essa, Marty Hope, Kathy McCormick, Jessica Patterson Photography
Dave Macaulay , Don Molyneaux A d v e r t i s i n g SALES
Heather Dougall
heather.dougall@sourcemediagroup.ca Accounting
Donna Roberts accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY
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.
Pepper Rodriguez,
Editor pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca
New Home Living® is published 12 times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in Calgary and area. New Home Living® accepts editorial submissions by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions including all personal information to nleditor@sourcemediagroup. ca. Unsolicited submissions will not be returned. Advertising information available only by request. New Home Living® is a registered Trademark the propperty of SOURCE MEDIA GROUP CORP. Reg. CIPO TMA 693289.
We take a look at shopping for antiques, Next month: and designing the perfect flower bed. Follow us on twitter: CalgaryNewHomes 1 0 n e w home liv in g ju ne 2013
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
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focus on
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Fashion curtain Drapes add mystery, colour and allure to your home design By Aaliya Essa n Photos by Don Molyneaux
You can never underestimate the power of the curtain as a design element in the home. This elegant, cascading splash of fabric holds the design flow from your floor to the ceiling, and can turn a drab room into a stylish space in a simple way. Although there are still some who use curtains for their functional purpose in shutting out the world outside, they are largely used now more as an accent piece that adds bold colour or soothing texture to the home. NL
1] Madelina, $16.99 at JYSK Bed Bath Home 2] Nola, $16,99 at Bouclair Home 3] Adobe, $29.99 at JYSK Bed Bath Home 4] Pima, $49.99 at Bouclair Home 5] Naomi, $49.99 at Bouclair Home 6] Simona, $24.99 at JYSK Bed Bath Home 7] Hepburn, $49.00 at Urban Barn
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8] Suede Image, $14.99 at JYSK Bed Bath Home 9] Cadiz, $39.00 at Urban Barn
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10] Ivana, $39.99 at Bouclair Home
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june 2013 new home Living  13
| Advertising cover Feature |
Uncommon beauty
Reflex show home
Sabal Homes builds its name on uncommonly stylish, awardwinning homes Maybeck show home
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| Advertising cover Feature |
Maybeck show home
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hen Alberta homebuyers speak, Sabal Homes listens. In fact, giving customers what they want — quality homes, in great communities, at attainable prices — has helped make the Sabal Homes one of the most recognizable and respected builders in the province; a name synonymous with award-winning, uncommonly stylish homes. Building in Calgary since 1994, Sabal Homes has evolved in response to consumer demand, now building a variety of styles of homes — from Chalet townhomes, to attached, laned, and front-garage move-up homes. There’s a Sabal Home for every price point. Now, Sabal’s uncompromising brand of quality homes can be found in some of the best new communities in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, and Edmonton. s o u r c e me d i a grou p: ce lebrat ing it s 10t h y ear
Life’s a Beach at Mahogany In the southeast lake community of Mahogany, which won the 2012 Calgary SAM Award for Community of the Year, Sabal Homes has been on board from the very beginning. Its popular West Beach collection is comprised of thoughtfully-planned attached homes steps from the lake, meaning buyers can enjoy living in the lap of luxury while they soak up the year-round active lifestyle Mahogany provides. As an added bonus, quick possession homes are available. In addition, Sabal has recently opened four new, stunning laned show homes steps from Mahogany’s lake and wetlands, while two inspiring front-garage show homes are located nearby. Each of these product types boasts a wide selection of lots and floor plans to choose from. “Sabal Homes doesn’t only offer uncommonly stylish floor plans and home styles in Mahogany — our homeowners also benefit from year-round access to Calgary’s largest lake, 74 acres of wetlands, a future retail district, parks, school sites, transit and much, much more,” says Nicole McLaws, marketing manager of Sabal Homes. In Mahogany, prices for attached homes start in the low $300,000s; laned homes start in the $340,000s; and front attached garage homes start from the $490,000s. Family-Friendly Copperfield Sabal Homes is no stranger to winning awards, and recently its Ascent show home won the 2012 SAM Award for Best New Home $310,000 - $349,999. The Ascent is one of Sabal’s most popular models and is a frontgarage, two-storey, three-bedroom home, with two-and-a-half bathrooms. At 2,075 square-feet, this home makes maximum use of space, which any growing family will certainly appreciate, with an open-concept floor plan, nine-foot ceilings on the main floor, hardwood flooring, and many other value-adding details. In addition to its front-garage homes, which start in the $400,000s, Sabal Homes also offers laned homes in this community, starting in the $320,000s.
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| Advertising cover Feature |
FAST FACTS: Mahogany Home styles: Attached, laned and front garage homes Size: From 1,181 – 2,681 sq. ft. Price: Starting from the $300,000s Copperfield Home styles: Townhomes, laned and front garage homes Size: From 1,033 – 2,568 sq. ft. The Vasi show home
They also have the popular Chalet townhomes, starting in the low $290,000s. Chalet townhomes’ standard features include attached garages, large windows to let in natural sunlight, and spacious kitchens and dining rooms. The master bedrooms are airy and bright, with large walk-in closets, so that homeowners can enjoy townhome living at its best, without sacrificing space. “In Copperfield, Sabal Homes is proud to offer a wide variety of home choices and price points,” McLaws says. “We are also looking forward to the opening of brand new laned homes this fall in the community — but for those who’d like to move in sooner, our existing townhome, laned and frontattached garage show homes are open now, with lots available for all.” The Airdrie Advantage Ten minutes north of Calgary in the city of Airdrie, Sabal Homes is making its mark in the prestige community of Heron Pointe at Reunion. “Airdrie is a fantastic and vibrant city, with welcoming character and appeal — and of course, it’s a quick commute to and from Calgary as well,” McLaws says. “We’re currently offering laned homes in Reunion, along with incredible amenity lots in Heron Pointe at Reunion. In this established Hopewell community, our homeowners can choose from park or pond lots, and will enjoy being 1 6 n e w home liv in g ju ne 2013
within walking distance of Herons Crossing School, parks, playgrounds and other amenities.” Two new show homes, the Adero and the Vasi, showcase what stylish Airdrie living is all about. Open May 25th, these two frontgarage homes seamlessly blend style and comfort. “We’ve never before built the Vasi as a Calgary show home, and we’re thrilled with the response so far,” McLaws says. “People love its welcoming, open floor plan, its secondfloor laundry and entertainment room, and the abundance of practical space it provides.” Front-garage home prices in this neighbourhood start in the $400,000s. Charming Cochrane West of Calgary, in the foothills along the Bow River, folks are living in an outdoor paradise. Riversong, one of the newer communities in Cochrane, provides stunning backdrops for residents. So, what’s a view of the Rockies cost? Not as much as you might think. Starting in the $300,000s, a Sabal home here appeals to buyers that appreciate the natural surroundings. With 100 acres set aside for an environmental reserve, homeowners can enjoy and take advantage of the pathways in the community, and the pathways that connect the entire Town of Cochrane together. Sabal Homes has a variety of exterior and interior options to choose from in Riversong,
Price: Starting from the $290,000s Heron Pointe at Reunion Home style: Front garage homes Size: From 1,347 – 2,417 sq. ft. Price: Starting from the $400,000s Riversong Home style: Laned homes Size: From 1,033 – 1,704 sq. ft. Price: Starting from the $300,000s
For more information, visit www.sabalhomes.com
which means there truly is something for everyone. Homes here are dressed to impress, with white trim and clean lines. “Cochrane is the doorstep to adventure for so many, and that’s why our newly-opened Ovation and Verso laned show homes are such perfect options for active homeowners,” says McLaws. “Lots in this community are available now, and feature close proximity to the Bow River, along with mountain views, and a coveted address in Riversong, one of Cochrane’s most beautiful new communities.” With so many options, in a variety of communities to choose from, one common factor remains the same: Sabal Homes is a builder that caters to discerning buyers, in a variety of coveted locations, with an unwavering dedication to quality, innovation and style. n s o u r ce m e di a g r o u p : ce l e b r at i ng i ts 10th y e a r
show home profile n Baywest Homes
A family affair Baywest Homes gives the family home a modern flair n By
Pepper Rodriguez
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The family home, traditionally, means a collection of bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen and living room — nothing fancy about it, just functionality at its barest best. Baywest Homes’ family homes have found a way to put sexy back in the traditional abode, and its plain to see in its Kendell VI show home in Mahogany. Baywest Homes has built its name on its creative custom homes and it is this same expertise, skill and eye on design that it instills on its line of family homes. The Kendell VI’s easy flair strikes the perfect balance between family functionality and modern style. Baywest Homes’ Gabriel Hagg says the 2,736-square-foot Kendell VI has all the requisites needed to allow families to grow and lead a happy, normal life. But it also has that open, stylish,
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joyous character that makes it a perfect home to entertain guests. He cites the central bonus room as one of the design innovations that makes the Kendell VI an exceptional family home. The walk-through design and its central location at the top of the stairs separating the master bedroom from the three other bedrooms makes it the perfect neutral ground and creates an environment that allows families to be together and yet give each member a sense of privacy. “The house just ticks all the boxes for a great family home,” he tells New Home Living. “It starts at $644,000, and building the showhome on our best priced lot is barely more at $662,000. We mostly showcase our considerable standards in the Kendell VI.” The flawless use of space is essential in any family home, and the Kendell VI exhibits an adroit hand in this. The layout of the upper floor is especially notable, as Baywest was able to fit four bedrooms, two full baths (including the luxurious attached ensuite in the master bedroom), a laundry plus the bonus room in this space without sacrificing comfort. The rooms remain spacious and well-lit with large windows, the master bedroom is maintained as a private retreat with its five-piece ensuite and walk-in closet, and the upstairs laundry provides the convenience of not having to lug the dirty laundry of a large family through the house. “Most of the laundry gathers upstairs anyway,” Hagg says. The exquisite style of the Kendell VI is evident in its open layout main floor, where 3-1/4-inch-wide Smoky Grey solid maple hardwood flooring gives it a swanky countenance and the stylish quartz tops on the massive central island and its perimeter kitchen counters add to its glamorous visage. The family room with its designer-tile-faced gas fireplace makes it a cozy spot to entertain, and the free flow of conversation is assured from any part of the open concept main floor. The roomy walk-through pantry and the spacious mudroom with its built-in lockers give props to Kendell VI’s functional raison d’etre. Hagg says the conveniences afforded by these two features are appreciated by those who value the extra storage space and breathing space they offer. Bringing in groceries from the garage is never fun if you have to contend with narrow hallways, he says.
The family room with its designer-tilefaced gas fireplace makes it a cozy spot to entertain, and the free flow of conversation is assured from any part of the open concept main floor.
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“The feeling of space, the flexibility of having four bedrooms, the standard specifications and the price are what people like about Kendell VI.” “The feeling of space, the flexibility of having four bedrooms, the standard specifications and the price are what people like about Kendell VI,” Hagg adds. Completing its family-friendly perfection is its location in the southeast lake community of Mahogany. Kendell VI and its sister, Savannah, are Baywest’s two show homes that are part of the Hopewell community’s Reserve Collection. “Both homes show what family life in a four-season lake community should be about,” Hagg says. “The Kendell was specifically designed for Mahogany, though it could be built elsewhere pending appropriate lot size.” Baywest’s Reserve Collection show homes had their grand opening in April and feedback has been outstanding.” Sales are off to a good start, and we’re anticipating a strong finish to the spring market,” Hagg says. NL 2 0 n e w home liv in g ju ne 2013
Fast facts: builder: Baywest Homes area: Mahogany developer: Hopewell Residential Communities style: Two-storey, four-bedroom with double front garage. size: 2,736 sq. ft. Price: Starts at $644,000 address: 521 Mahogany Manor S.E. Directions: South on 52nd St. S.E. past Marquis of Lorne Tr. left on Mahogany Gt. And follow the signs. Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEB: www. baywesthomes.com
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Homes by Avi n show home profile
Westmere wonder Homes by Avi’s Grant presents lakeside living at its luxurious best n By
Pepper Rodriguez
Homes by Avi sure knows how to put style in lifestyle — especially a lakeside lifestyle, as their Grant show home at the Shores of Westmere Estates brings out all the best in creating the perfect family home in this resort-like town just outside Calgary. “There has been great feedback on the home — the details, the finishing, the layout, the beachy/cottage feel, the way it is decorated have all been getting great compliments from viewers,” says area manager Allyson Marcus-Benson. The 2,805-square-foot Grant feels like a gentrified lake cottage, but unlike any you’ve ever seen. There’s the massive deck that spans the whole width of the home, the big windows that lets you take in the tranquil scenery, and the lofty, coffered ceiling of the main floor — all of it taken to the highest stylish sensibility that Homes by Avi has become known for.
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[The] Grant feels like a gentrified lake cottage, but unlike any you’ve ever seen. s o u r c e me d i a grou p: ce lebrat ing it s 10t h y ear
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show home profile n
Fast facts: Builder: Homes by Avi Area: The Shores of Westmere Estates Developer: Melcor Developments Style: Two-storey estate home Size: 2,805 sq. ft. Price: Starts at $750,000 including house, lot and GST Address: 285 Stonemere Close, Chestermere Directions: East on Trans-Canada Hwy. 1, exit in Chestermere, right on Marina Dr. and follow the signs Hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. Web: www.homesbyavi.com
The dramatic light fixtures that decorate the main floor give the Grant its glow of success. This triple-car garage, walkout basement show home was built to impress, and it does a great job of doing just that. The James Hardie fibre board siding used for its exterior adds to its remarkable exterior look. But the functionality underneath the flash is pretty evident as well. The main floor bedroom with attached ensuite makes
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for a perfect guest room. It may also be the best room in the house as it has direct access to the huge deck at the back of the house. If you were a guest here, you’d never want to leave. A double-sided, designer stone fireplace accentuates this feature even more, as it divides Grant’s indoor living space with this enticing private outdoor spot that gives the home an even more palpable feeling of resort living serenity. The open concept main floor has a definite French Country feel to it, the kitchen with its wall mounted stainless steel microwave, fridge and oven lend a splash of stylish modernity, and the off-white Caesarstone quartz kitchen countertops adds a layer of elegance. The Del Rio stain aged maple hardwood flooring caps the ensemble off with a touch of glamour. The formal dining room is reserved for adult gatherings and may even prove equal to the task of having your boss over for dinner. The dramatic light fixtures that decorate the main floor give the Grant its glow of success. The three-bedroom second floor has a centrally-located bonus room that separates the master bedroom wing from the spare bedrooms, and acts as a natural buffer zone to give each member of the family a sense of privacy. Vaulted ceilings hint at the varied s o u r ce m e di a g r o u p : ce l e b r at i ng i ts 10th y e a r
n show home profile
rooflines of the Grant that gives it a more dynamic and distinct curb appeal. The show home has a developed basement that just gives visitors an idea of the incredible potential the Grant possesses. With its pool table and home theatre section, it’s your ultimate mancave. It has also been outfitted with another extra room and full bath to take Grant to another level of greatness. Its starting price of $750,000 including house, lot and GST, makes it perfect for families with young children and even older couples who want to downsize. The Grant show home itself is at $1.08 million. Its location on the beatific community of The Shores of Westmere Estates is just the cherry on top. Situated on the north end of Chestermere Lake, The Shores at Westmere Estates by Melcor Developments offers a promise of lake living and unrivaled affluence. Westmere is a 440 acre master planned community just 20 minutes from downtown Calgary. Recreational highlights include being in walking distance of the 750-acre Chestermere Lake, an 18-hole golf course, and the regional recreation centre. The Westmere community has two new schools, tot lots, parks, green spaces, and natural areas that provide tons of recreational opportunities for residents. Homes by Avi’s vision of small town living is realized here, and focuses on the kind of easy-living lifestyle you expect in this resort-like town. The multi-award-winning builder offers homes here ranging in size from 2,200 to 3,500 square-feet that brings to fore its expression of innovation, quality, and craftsmanship. NL
Homes by Avi’s vision of small town living is realized here, and focuses on the kind of easy-living lifestyle you expect in this resort-like town. s o u r c e me d i a grou p: ce lebrat ing it s 10t h y ear
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THE MELTING POT Wide range of choices give EvansRidge an inner-city feel
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vansRidge in the northern edge of Calgary may just be one of the fastest growing communities in the city, but its suburban serenity is laced with an enviable inner-city sensibility. This Dundee Developments community boasts what just may be the widest selection of products in the northwest with a total of 10 builders offering everything from multi-family homes, laned homes, single-, double- and triple-front attached homes and walk-out estate homes. “Prospective buyers can come into this community with a price point in mind, and they still have a wide selection of homes to choose from that will fit their budget,” says Dundee marketing coordinator, Cheryl Heilman. It is this extensive selection of home styles that has given EvansRidge a distinct inner-city feel, Heilman tells New Home Living. “I grew up in the inner-city in Calgary and I remember not just the varied styles of homes in the community, but the neighbours from all walks of life that you grow up with. There’s the senior in the bungalow, the young couple in a starter home,
older families in bigger homes, and it’s this kind of melting pot identity that EvansRidge reminds me of.” To create EvansRidge’s wide range of home choices, Dundee has gathered 10 of Calgary’s most notable homebuilders. “The builders were chosen because of their experience and reputation in constructing homes of the finest design, materials and construction. All have responded by coming up with innovative designs,” she adds. Homes by Avi and Calbridge Homes offer both multi-family and single-family homes, there’s also Genesis Builder Group, Excel Homes, Landmark Homes, Stepper Custom Homes, WestView Homes’ Red Door Homes (a WestView Homes division), Innovations by Jayman, and Morrison Homes. The newest to the group is DS Homes, which opened its first show home here in May. “DS Homes started in 1998 but we’ve mainly been building in areas outside Calgary, including in Okotoks, Spear Grass, and Strathmore,” says DS Homes manager Harneet Garcha. “We are a pure custom builder and our Chateau model in EvansRidge is our very first show home. It is a 2,443-square-foot estate home on a
This extensive selection of home styles has given EvansRidge a distinct inner-city feel.
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Photo by Dave Macaulay
walk-out lot, which really exemplifies the kind of quality and craftsmanship we put in our homes,” she adds. “We have some of the best walk-out lots in the neighbourhood and lots start in the $200,000s.” Calbridge Homes also exemplifies the kind of all-inclusive view of EvansRidge as they offer estate homes from the $550,000s all the way to unsurpassed luxury homes from the $1.2 million, and they just opened a three-car garage show home here earlier this spring. This year’s Grand SAM winner is also introducing Vantage townhomes — their first multi-family project here. Vantage on EvansRidge is a new 96-unit premium townhome community featuring up to 1,460 square feet of living space with up to three bedrooms, a private front patio and a rear covered deck completed with a double-attached garage. “The superior ridge location is built around a central landscaped courtyard and allows easy access to parkways and green space in a community that you can grow with,” says Calbridge’s Yvonne Lau. Vantage on EvansRidge starts in the $300,000s.
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Fast facts: community: EvansRidge Developer: Dundee Developments Builders: Townhomes: - Vantage on by Calbridge Homes starting in the $300,000s - Evansridge Street Homes by Homes by Avi from the low $300,000s Single-family builders: - Calbridge Homes from the $550,000s - DS Homes two-car walk-outs starting from $479,000 - Excel Homes from the $370,000s - Genesis Builder Group from $385,900 - Homes by Avi from the $340,000s - Innovations by Jayman from $322,900 - Landmark Homes from $459,900 - Morisson Homes from $336,000 - Red Door Homes from $449,000 - Stepper Custom Homes from $369,000 Directions: North on Symons Valley Rd. N.W., right on Symons Valley Pkwy. And follow the signs. hours: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. or check with individual builders Directions: Take Sarcee Trail north from Stoney Trail and follow the signs WEB: www.lifeontheridge.ca
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“We don’t have the traditional show home parades, we prefer to have the show homes in different parts of the community, which allows us to have more exciting streetscapes.”
Photos by Dave Macaulay
Homes by Avi is following up its highly successful Prospect Rise townhomes development with Evansridge Street Towns, only difference is these will have no condo fees, have a private backyard and a double car garage. Interested parties can already register at the Homes by Avi website. Morrison Homes and Genesis Builder Group are also opening new show homes in the community in late spring or early summer. “We don’t have the traditional show home parades like most communities, we prefer to have the show homes in different parts of the community, which allows us to have more exciting and varied streetscapes,” Heilman says. She adds that the future even looks brighter for the community with a lot of exciting new developments in the pipeline for the area that will surely turn this part of the city into a more vibrant, amenity-rich part of town. “A new K-9 Catholic elementary school will be built in the community, it has been awarded funds and it is anticipated to be completed by 2016. It will have a capacity of 750-900 students. Also approved was the public K-4 Evanston school with the capacity of 600 students,” she says. “There is also the Sage Hill Crossing commercial centre that’s coming up. It’s a major piece of infrastructure development that will improve the ease-of-life convenience of this whole part of town. There will be new
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entertainment and retail options, a major U.S. retailer will have a flagship store here.” Construction has already started for a portion of this massive commercial undertaking. “EvansRidge has been really popular, and everything is going gangbusters,” Heilman says. “We only have nine phases in this 150-acre neighbourhood and we’re already building in Phase 6, so it’s really going fast.” With prices starting from around the $300,000s all the way to the $1 million, there is indeed something for everyone. Evansridge is just a 20-minute drive to downtown, and much less than that if you’re going to the airport or CrossIron Mills in Balzac. The Stoney Trail extension enhances accessibility of residents in the neighbourhood, and this particular part of town in the northwest will be very much the centre of the action as far as future home developments go, and buyers have a chance to get in early. Improved bus routes into EvansRidge also address public transportation concerns. “It’s a vibrant community and it can only get better,” Heilman adds. NL
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n lifestyle
Building a new life
Peter and Monica decide to build a new home instead of renovating
Story by Andrea Cox n Photos by Don Molyneaux
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or Monica and Peter, downsizing wasn’t the answer to creating a better lifestyle once the kids were grown. In fact, instead of moving into a smaller, maintenance-free type of abode, the couple chose to build a brand new estate-style home on the ridge in EvansRidge. They initially toyed with remodelling the MacEwan home that they had built 20 years ago. After all it was chockfull of memories — they had raised two girls there, plus, they had established deep and lasting relationships with the neighbours and the community as a whole. Monica wanted to open up the home and create a new state-of-the-art kitchen with lots of storage, walk-in pantry and large island. “But what we found was that the cost was prohibitive. We just wouldn’t have gotten the value out of it,” says Monica, adding that she and her husband, Peter, really weighed the options before deciding to take the plunge into building a new home. The couple searched new communities and toured several show homes gleaning inspiration. “We started off looking in Sage Meadows,” recalls Peter. But their focus quickly shifted to the estate style homes on the ridge in the adjacent community of EvansRidge.
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...the couple chose to build a brand new estate-style home on the ridge in EvansRidge. june 2013 new home Living 33
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“Our friends were in the process of purchasing a lot on the ridge and they raved about the view and the builder,” says Peter. “So we took a look and fell in love with it.” For the couple, the impetus to buy in the area was multi-fold. It started with the expansive views, which span the Symons Valley corridor. The amenities and lifestyle were also a huge consideration. “There are lots of pathways and everybody is out walking their dogs. You can sit on the deck and people watch or walk down to the ponds which are part of the environmental reserve and there are kilometers of bike trails,” says Monica, who enjoys walking. But the real icing on the cake was the builder, Calbridge Homes, this year’s winner of the Grand SAM Builder of the Year. “We looked at other builders down in Sage Meadows but the upgrades were a
considerable cost,” says Peter, noting that Calbridge’s standard finishes were much higher quality and included granite and hardwood. “These were the basic things that we were looking for that the other builders just didn’t offer except as upgrades.” Peter and Monica chose a south facing ridge lot and opted for a 2,300 squarefoot estate walk-out style home with three bedrooms and upstairs bonus room. The home’s plan is perfect for the couple’s lifestyle and family requirements — their youngest daughter lives at home while attending the University of Calgary. “She can be upstairs doing her homework in the bonus room and we can be downstairs and not disturbing her,” says Peter with a laugh, adding that it is a little different from their house in MacEwan where they could hear everyone from floor to floor. The couple’s eldest daughter just purchased a townhome a few blocks away in Evanston, so family dinners are a regular occurrence. “I do a fair amount of cooking,” says Monica, who couldn’t be happier with her new kitchen. “It’s perfect. I have my big walk-in pantry that
“The end result turned out to be just great. The building process was well worth it, but now that we have done it, we love it.” 3 4 n e w home liv in g ju ne 2013
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I have always wanted — everything that I used to store in my basement in the other house, I am now able to have upstairs in my kitchen. I love it.” The couple did very few upgrades in the home, with the exception of the appliances. “I really wanted a convection oven and gas stove,” says Monica, adding that the standard fridge was perfect for their needs. The couple also upgraded the lighting, pushed out an interior wall in the living room, expanded the exterior deck and added a glass railing. “We didn’t have to do very much,” explains Peter. “The standard finishings were very high-end.” The couple moved in to the finished home in early November 2012, after a 10-month build time. “The end result turned out to be just great. The building process was well worth it,” says Peter, noting that it was a really hard decision to move. “But now that we have done it, we love it.” Although the couple is still discovering the neighbourhood and settling in to their new home, they are thrilled with their investment. “This is one of the last areas in the northwest where you can get a ridge lot. I think that the home will really hold its value,” says Peter. And he and Monica are excited about getting outside, doing lots of walking and enjoying the summer weather. “We’re definitely getting a dog. We’re not sure what kind yet — that’s the big debate,” says Monica with a chuckle. NL s o u r c e me d i a grou p: ce lebrat ing it s 10t h y ear
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Shane Homes’ show home Tofino III
Open sesame
Create magic with your home’s open concept design
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By Jessica Patterson
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he popularity of the open concept in both new home and condo design has done away with the partitions in the main floor of the home. In one way, it is a liberating concept that makes the home more suitable for entertaining large groups of people, but it does present a few designing challenges. With the living room flowing right to the dining area and the kitchen, there are no clear demarcation lines that will guide owners in finding just the right positioning for their furniture. Designing and decorating the home can be downright intimidating for some, so here are a few tips on how to properly utilize your open concept home. The most important thing, if you have to tackle open concept space yourself, is to think of it as a puzzle, says Susan Kennedy, of Kennedy Interior Design Inc. Kennedy, who has been designing home interiors in Calgary for over 20 years, says homeowners need to look at their options and how pieces are going to fit together. “The nice thing about open concept is that it gives you a lot of flexibility,” she says. “What I like about open concept is that you can change your furniture layout easily.” For example, living areas with a fireplace can easily change their look by making the fireplace the focal point in the winter, and then rearrange them in the summer to centre around the outside window, she says.
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If you don’t have a fireplace, any statement piece of furniture can take its place in an open concept area, which can influence the layout of the room. Room size, shape, and level of formality will also help determine placement of furniture. Living rooms, great rooms, dining Susan Kennedy areas and kitchens are all places people gather for entertainment, and they’re most often visually open or separated with a half wall. The first step to designing and decorating such a space involves a thorough review of the homeowner’s needs and spatial requirements. Seating for six requires a little less planning than seating for 15 in conversation. Another option is to allow space for pulling up chairs or reserving area for standing room. “Also when you have open concept, colour flow is very important because all three areas need to be related,” Kennedy says. “Colour is the easiest way to achieve flow between spaces.” From dark, and neutral, the trend for 2013 is colour. Adding bright splashes of colour. “We’re moving away from the neutral, no-personality look,” Kennedy says. “I find clients are looking for a lot more colour. Whether it’s something temporary like painting an accent
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ReidBuilt Homes’ show home Opus
Innovations by Jayman show home in EvansRidge
wall, I always advise to be bold on a carpet, pillows or throw cushions, artwork, things that can be moved around and aren’t lifetime commitments.” Interior designer Natalie Fuglestveit designs spaces and environments to meet her clients’ needs. “Environments appeal to people differently,” she says. Storage in open concept spaces must be taken into consideration, when designing and decorating, Fuglestveit says. “Everything should have a multi-functional purpose,” she says. “Make sure the pieces you choose are multi-functional and inter-changeable.” After determining your needs and uses of the space, plan lighting to support those needs. Perhaps the far corner of your open space is a living area and will be the future home of great, intellectual conversation, and thus need ambient lighting and perhaps a couple of smaller reading lamps or recessed lights. Like everything else in your open concept space, layer lighting. Sconces work well in pairs to create balanced ambient lighting. Rooms with higher ceilings would do well to have pendant fixtures, perimeter lighting or tall lamps. Top your dining table with a chandelier to bring the space together. 4 0 n e w home liv in g ju ne 2013
“You could take an oversized piece, like an ottoman, and have smaller pieces that work around it. You can certainly have bold statement pieces.” Keep your centre lines and sight lines in focus. If you’re planning a casual living area in an open concept space, your sofa should be centred with your television. Sofas, chaises and sectionals are great ways to segregate spaces, Fuglestveit says. “Anything that has a visual corner.” Doors and passageways influence the flow of traffic through the space and are important to keep clear. They will also influence placement of furniture, though in an open concept area, there are fewer of them, which has a significant impact upon the use of the space. Larger and oversized furniture have become increasingly popular in recent years,. “You could take an oversized piece, like an ottoman, and have smaller pieces that work around it,” Kennedy says. “You can certainly have bold statement pieces, it’s just how it balances with the other elements in the space. It could make the difference between a space that is pulled-together, or a space that looks awkward.” The most common mistake homeowners make is not having a professional help with the layout. Having a couple of hours with a designer is helpful because they can suggest scale of furniture for the room. “Too often people don’t have a concept of how much space they have,” Kennedy says. “They end up buying pieces that are too big or too small for the room.” NL s o u r ce m e di a g r o u p : ce l e b r at i ng i ts 10th y e a r
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Grill ‘em! There’s no question that summers were made for barbecues n
By Kathy McCormick
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here’s something magical about the flavour of food that has been sizzling in the backyard, tantalizing the taste buds — but if you don’t have the right equipment, you aren’t getting the most out of your meal. The types, sizes, materials, and even the colours of barbecues have exploded in recent years, and picking the right one can be a daunting task. But one thing is for sure: beauty is more than skin deep. “There’s been a race for the bottom in recent years,” says Ross Mikkelsen, the president of Barbecues Galore. “The big-box stores have been pushing the factories to get the price lower and lower — and they’ve succeeded,” he adds. “Barbecues now are cheaper than ever for the features you get. However, the quality on some of the mass-market products is embarrassing. They won’t last very long in our climate and are, essentially, disposable.” Sophie Arcand, coordinator, communications and public affairs for RONA, agrees: “You’re better off focusing on design rather than look. Over the past few years, the look of stainless steel has become very popular, leading some people to become attracted to a feature that’s not necessarily a guarantee of quality. The experts at RONA agree that you need to look well beyond appearances to how the barbecue is built.” Here are some key design features to consider: Grill component The role of the grill component is to retain heat and ensure a relatively consistent temperature. “In general, a cast-iron component retains heat the best,” says Arcand. “If the preference is for a barbecue made of aluminum, you should ensure the component is made of cast aluminum.” The burners The burners give the barbecue its cooking power. What you need to look at, however, is not the number of burners, but their power.
Smoker box available at RONA
As well, the bigger the lid, the more burners you’ll need to ensure even cooking. “The quality of the burners is important because it directly affects the intensity and quality of the heat,” she says. “A poor-quality burner won’t cook food evenly. The preference should always be for stainless steel burners rather than those made of painted steel.”
“The quality of the burners is important because it affects the intensity and quality of the heat.” 4 2 n e w home liv in g ju ne 2013
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STOK, quattro 4 Burner, Propane Gas Grill from The Home Depot
BTU Rating The rule of thumb for the number of BTUs (British thermal units) is 100 BTUs per square inch of cooking area. On that basis you can start evaluating the cooking power you need. However, you can’t go by this rating alone. “Some barbecues have a lot of cooking power but the heat they produce gets lost either because the grill component doesn’t retain the heat or the burners don’t provide uniform heat throughout.” The grates Stainless steel grates are a criterion for higher-end barbecues. They last longer because they won’t rust. However, stainless steel doesn’t transfer heat as well as cast iron, which could influence your choice when considering cooking quality. “If you like to see black lines on your steak, you would likely be better served with cast-iron grates. When well maintained, these last a long time.” Fuel Fuel types are another way to differentiate your barbecue grills. Propane remains to be popular, and natural gas models are just as effective. Some homes now come with natural gas outlets to the deck, but if you don’t, you need to get a permit from the city and make sure you have a licensed gas installer do the work. Charcoal barbecues have gained in popularity in Canada over the years, partly due to the flavours this method of cooking produces, says Arcand. Mikkelsen at Barbecues Galore agrees that the charcoal burners are a hit in Calgary right now. “The trend towards charcoal grilling is continuing and, in my opinion, picking up speed. Lots of people coming into our stores are asking questions about how they can return to grilling with charcoal.” But if you’re thinking of switching to charcoal, he offers these tips: “Two things are important to do this — natural lump charcoal and an egg-shaped cooker.” He says the natural lump charcoal has no additives — it’s just wood, “so you know Maple Leaf you’re not cooking over mysterious ingre- charcoal, 100 per dients that some of the mass-market coals cent hardwood, from Barbecues contain.” While the egg-shaped cookers are Galore. just incredibly versatile. What else is trending in backyard cooking these days? Lots, says Mikkelsen — and it’s all about versatility, and believe it or not, pizza cooked in the backyard is an emerging trend. Pizza “Everyone wants to make their own pizza in the backyard. We sell outdoor, Naples-style ovens for the backyard that are s o u r c e me d i a grou p: ce lebrat ing it s 10t h y ear
Charcoal barbecues have gained in popularity...due to the flavours this method of cooking produces. wood-fired and will make the best pizza you’ve ever tasted,” he says. “Also we have a raft of pizza-specific accessories that will turn your everyday, lunch-bucket barbecue into a pizza-producing machine immediately.” “If you’re buying pizza stone for your grill — get a good one. The cheap ones easily crack with temperature swings and don’t hold the heat nearly as well as the higher-quality, thick stones.” Stampede “We’ve been searching for years for the perfect, affordable all-griddle barbecue that people can use for their Stampede breakfasts — and we’ve found one. It’s perfect for pancakes, eggs and bacon. We’re calling it…The Stampede.” Smokers At RONA, there’s more and more demand for smokers. “If you want to get a natural wood smoke flavour, you can also buy a smoker box which you can fill with wood chips,” says Arcand. Burgers At The Home Depot, it’s all about the burger count. How many do you want? How many do you need? “Canadians love grilling and are known for hitting up the ‘Q’ all season long,” says Emily Di Carlo, media relations coordinator for The Home Depot. “Not sure what size to go for? Check out The Home Depot’s Burger Count for some additional guidance.” Broil King Keg Kamado Style Charcoal Grill Barbecue has a Burger Count of 17 and sells for $849.99. “The unique shape of this double steel-walled, insulated barbecue is designed for efficient thermal and convection-style cooking. Users can grill, bake, smoke, and slow-cook any meal to perfection,” Di Carlo says. However you look at it, it’s the favourite summertime pleasure — fire up your passion now with one of the new barbecue or other outdoor dining treasures that are out there today. NL june 2013 new home Living 43
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Play and learn Avalon lends a hand in teaching tomorrow’s home builders n
By Andrea Cox
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hat better way to pique a child’s interest in learning than with actual hands-on experience — especially when that hands-on experience involves designing and building a giant playhouse? So when the CEO of Avalon MasterBuilder, Ryan Scott was approached by his long-time friend and educational mentor for the Galileo Educational Network, Barbara Martin, to formulate ideas to enrich a grade four program at G.W. Skene elementary school in Calgary, he jumped at the opportunity and project Let’s Build a Playhouse was born. The goal was to create a project that would align with the math concepts of measurement, calculation, estimation, 2D and 3D shapes, area and perimeter, as well as engage the students in an authentic way. “Really building and designing a playhouse was an amazing tool for the children to learn,” says Scott. A collaborative partnership between Avalon MasterBuilder, celebrity home renovator Mike Holmes, the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and SAIT, project Let’s
Playhouse built by Avalon Master Builder 4 6 n e w home liv in g ju ne 2013
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Build a Playhouse was hewn from the desire to inspire and instil a love of learning. The impetus behind the project was to fuel the students’ young minds by firing their creativity using the aesthetics of art and design blended together with the principles of engineering. The children came up with preliminary designs for the playhouse, calculated the area and determined mathematically how many two by four’s were needed. They learned about concepts like scale. “When they first started, they drew a tiny centimetre- sized piece the same size as a fourfoot structural element, but towards the end of it, they had completely picked up the concept of scale. It was really neat to see,” says Scott. “It was so much fun for the staff to come up with ideas to get the kids interested in what we do as builders.” The design arose as an amalgamation of the best three original charrettes designed by the children (the children voted on the plans they liked the best). The finalists were then submitted to Avalon. “I took the common elements from the designs,” says Scott, adding that turrets, lots of colour and playground equipment were a common thematic element. The life- size playhouse was then constructed on-site at Avalon’s ZEN project in Auburn Bay, while at the same time the children made a scale model at the school using the same construction process. “We prefabricated the walls and took it to the school, craning the walls to standing and while the classes were sitting out in the field we put it together. We then invited them in to tour through and then we took it apart and took it back to the shop to build it up and absolutely finish it,” recalls Avalon’s general manager, Chris Williams, adding that the kids were very excited and completely enthralled with the project. With its medieval aesthetic, the playhouse emulates a castle complete with turrets and real Coronado stone. Designed to be an outside structure, the playhouse is 14-feet
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tall, 14-feet long and eight-feet wide. Moving the house to its final destination — the Heartland Agency was an exercise in originality because of the home’s weight and height — the maximum height on a moving load is 12 feet. “But it was the first time we had done this project and everyone was so passionate about it — they would say ’oh, we can get real stone MasterBuilder for you and it will Ryan Scott, CEO of Avalon look so beautiful’ and it really does look gorgeous,” says Scott, noting that many of Avalon’s trades donated their time as well as materials to the initiative. The front door is stunning and really adds another dimension to the look. “Our finishing carpenter built the door out of plywood and then hand carved all of the details,” says Williams. Inside millwork abounds with stairs to a raised area where a slide extends from an upper story window. “It’s a really, really cool playhouse. We even had it Holmes Approved,” says Scott, adding that perhaps they may have gone a little over the top with the design and size. And adding to the children’s sense of accomplishment, Mike Holmes took the time to create a two-minute video message for the children. The accolades from both the students and the teachers about the learning experience are extensive. “We feel passionate about bringing kids into the industry and getting them to understand what homebuilding is all about and getting them excited about it. It was so fun to work with them and you could see just how much they loved it,” shares Scott, adding that the goal is to expand upon and continue the project with other schools. The completed playhouse now resides at Calgary’s Heartland Agency at Battleford Avenue S.W. where it will be used for years to come to assist in goals that advance optimal development, progress children’s emotional, physical and intellectual health, increase children’s safety, and link families with their communities for more positive family outcomes. NL
“It was so much fun for the staff to come up woth ideas to get the kids interested in what we do as builders.”
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Legacy opens
Southeast community offers homes for every stage of life n
By Jessica Patterson
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ind your forever home in Calgary’s newest community, Legacy. Located at Macleod Trail and 210th Avenue, between Walden and Heritage Pointe, Legacy takes the best of life in Southern Alberta and makes it affordable, accessible and all yours. Stretching over 1,100 acres of prairie, the community’s plan includes over 15 kilometres of walking trails, a communal garden that is sure to be a showstopper, as well as green spaces for generations to frolic. Three hundred acres of green space along the Pine Creek Valley has been set aside, as protected riparian area. Homes in this brand new community will last a lifetime. Legacy features starter homes, semi-detached, and semi-estate homes and more, partnering with eight Calgary-based builders. These fantastic home builders include Sterling Homes, Trico Homes, Lifestyle Homes, Excel Homes, Morrison Homes, Stepper Custom Homes, Creations by Shane Homes and Albi Homes. Over time, Legacy will come to feature an elementary school, public and separate junior high schools, and a separate senior high school. The community will also have plenty of amenities for residents, including an 800,000 square-foot mixed use retail area for shops, services and businesses. Though, Legacy’s gorgeous location provides quick access, five minutes north, to Shawnessy Towne Centre, the Somerset-Bridlewood C-train station and other amenities. The first 14 show homes opened in April for viewing, and 16 more will be open to the public in June. Explore your options with eight different builders. Legacy came together after 10 years of planning and preparation by developer WestCreek Developments. For more information, check out legacylife.ca. NL
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around town By Pepper Rodriguez
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DS Homes debuts first show home The transcendent beauty of the Chateau becomes evident as soon as you enter, what makes it more amazing is the fact that this 2,443-square-foot walkout estate home is the very first show home by DS Homes. The seasoned custom home builder began in 1998, but finally felt that the time was right to debut their first show home in the booming community of EvansRidge in the northwest. “DS Homes started in 1998 but we’ve mainly been building in areas outside Calgary, including in Okotoks, Spear Grass, and Strathmore,” says DS Homes manager Harneet Garcha. “We are a pure custom builder and our Chateau model in EvansRidge is our very first show home.” The skill and design craftsmanship is quite impressive inside the home, and the home evokes a feeling of grandeur but the price remains affordable. The Chateau starts at $479,999 including GST. “We have some of the best walk-out lots in the neighbourhood and lots start in the $200,000s,” Garcha adds.
Cedarglen opens new show homes in Auburn Bay Cedarglen Homes is proud to announce the grand opening of The Enchant, The Aspen, and The Newbrook V show homes at 187 Auburn Springs Blvd S.E. in The Enchant the community of Auburn Bay. This new show home parade features the just-released Newbrook V, a four bedroom, two and a half bath home with an upper floor bonus room, and open concept kitchen, nook, and great room. The new show home parade is in Auburn Bay’s Phase 32 and range in price from $450,000. Cedarglen Homes has been a member of Calgary’s building community since 1981 and is celebrating over 30 years of building excellence. Cedarglen Homes is also a recipient of the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Builder of Excellence for providing “An Outstanding Home Ownership Experience” for Single-Family homes in Calgary.
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Brookfield: Building Homes, changing lives Volunteers from Brookfield Homes and Brookfield Residential volunteers came out swinging — their hammers, that is — as they lent their expertise to Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build Initiative to help build two new homes for two Calgary families. Brookfield Residential and Brookfield Homes have been supporting Habitat since 2009 in Alberta, but what makes this year special is in addition to the build day in Calgary, Brookfield Edmonton region is donating a home. “We are excited and honoured to partner with Habitat for Humanity to help families in need of housing,” says Trent Edwards, Chief Operating Officer of Brookfield Residential, Alberta. “Today really is a true reflection of our core giving philosophy — s o u r c e me d i a grou p: ce lebrat ing it s 10t h y ear
supporting local communities and our commitment to community enrichment and staff volunteerism.” More than 10 Brookfield female staff grabbed shovels and hit the dirt on Monday, May 6th to begin construction on a Side-by-Side Brookfield Home in the Auburn Bay community. The project will have double the impact as two Calgary families, instead of one, will get the benefit of owning their home. “By sharing our talents and skills, we are able to increase our capacity to help transform communities,” adds Wendy Jabusch, Vice President of Calgary Housing with
Brookfield Homes. “It’s inspiring to be amongst such strong, enthusiastic women who have dedicated their time to give back to their community. Habitat’s Women Build is an international movement that helps bring women together for a common purpose: to change the lives of families in their own communities.
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Hopewell wins Volunteer Calgary Award
Peanut Butter Classic – Give the gift of giving for Mom
Hopewell Residential Communities (HRC) proudly accepted its second Volunteer Calgary Award, receiving its second such award in three years, this time taking home the “Leaders in Employee Volunteering Award” for its work with Calgary Reads. HRC accepted the award at Volunteers Calgary’s 17th Annual Leadership Awards — an annual celebration of the contributions and accomplishments of outstanding volunteers in the Calgary community. “Our team couldn’t have asked for a more fulfilling experience,” says Scott Hamilton, senior manager of marketing and communications with HRC. “Giving back is a regular, every day part of our culture, and to be recognized for those efforts is proof positive that those efforts make a difference in the Calgary community.” The Award celebrated HRC’s partnership with local charitable organization, Calgary Reads, in support of their efforts to improve early-childhood literacy in the city. Calgary Reads is an early literacy initiative changing the lives of struggling Grade 1 and 2 readers and their families in Calgary and area schools. Its vision is to create a thriving community where all children can read with confidence and joy. “It was a great fit for us,” added Hamilton. “Our communities suppor a very large number of young Calgary families, and because of that we feel especially compelled to assist such an innovative organization with their efforts to improve the lives of children and families across the city.” “Just being able to share that time with those ids, and to have been able to support Calgary Reads in the way we did was award enough, but being selected as a Leader in Volunteering in this city is a huge honour for us,” he adds.
Organizers of the 10th Annual Peanut Butter Classic Golf Tournament continue to put women and children at the forefront and have fun at the same time. The annual ladies only (with a few exceptions) golf tournament will be held on June 10th at the prestigious Heritage Pointe Golf Course. Participants get a signature gift for each golfer, breakfast followed by an 18 hole Texas scramble tournament. It wraps up with a delectable dinner, prizes for all, and a silent auction with a tempting selection of items. And to round it out nicely, Calgary Firefighters will be on hand to heat things up, lend support to the ladies and join in with the fun. The Peanut Butter Classic is a ladies only charity golf tournament for women with passion: a passion to help and a passion to golf. Now in its 10th year, this event, run and organized entirely by volunteers, has raised over $730,000 to support programs for women and children in need, and contributed nearly 2000 jars of peanut butter to the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank. Heather Forsyth, MLA for Calgary-Fish Creek, chair and founder of the Peanut Butter Classic says, “The 10th Anniversary event is just around the corner and we’re at 80 per cent of our goal to raise $200,000. With the monies raised we are making a significant difference to the bottom line of a local charity that is devoted to helping local women and children. At this time of year when Mothers are at the tops of our minds, we hope to inspire others. Give the Mother in your life a break and give her the gift of playing in the 10th Annual Peanut Butter Classic.” Shane Homes has been the major sponsor of the Peanut Butter Classic since 2010. Shane Homes announced recently the extension of their major sponsorship to 2015 with an increased contribution to $112,500 over 3 years.
Hopewell Residential team accepting the Volunteer Calgary Award. From left: Celene Carey, Lesley Conway and Jennifer Cann
Housing starts stable in April Housing starts in the Calgary Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) were trending at 11,323 units in April compared to 11,242 in March, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The trend is a six month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR)1 of total housing starts. “The trend in both single-detached and multi-family starts was fairly stable in April, keeping the pace of total housing starts comparable to the previous month,” said Richard Cho, CMHC’s Senior 5 4 n e w home liv in g ju ne 2013
Market Analyst for Calgary. “The decline of active listings in the competing resale market along with gains in employment and migration has helped support demand for new homes,” he added. CMHC uses the trend measure as a complement to the monthly SAAR of housing starts to account for considerable swings in monthly estimates and obtain a more complete picture of the state of the housing market. The standalone monthly SAAR was 12,853 units in April, up from 10,943 in March. n s o u r ce m e di a g r o u p : ce l e b r at i ng i ts 10th y e a r
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AIRDRIE
OKOTOKS
COCHRANE s o u r c e me d i a grou p: ce lebrat ing it s 10t h y ear
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advertiser index  n Airdrie Air Show page 17 Baywest Homes page 21 Calbridge page 11
Hopewell Communities Mahogany page 9 Hunter Douglas page 38
Cardel Homes Highland of Cranston page 26
Innovations by Jayman SkyView Ranch page 22
Cedarglen Homes page 37
Jager Homes page 52
DS Homes page 57
Jayman MasterBUILT page 50
Dundee Developments EvansRidge page 31
Mattamy Homes page 64
Dundee Developments Montrose page 60 Emerald Homes Soverign Court page 36 Hopewell Comminities Copperfield page 49
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McKee Homes page 4 NuVista Homes page 32 ReidBuilt Homes Uniti page 45 Riverwood Black Diamond page 36
Sabal Homes Mahogany page 63 Tamani Communities Riversong page 6 United Comunities Drake Landing page 48 United Communities Nolan Hill page 44 Vesta Properties Williamstown page 5 Watermark Bearspaw page 55 Walton Developments Skyview Ranch page 41 West Creek Developments Legacy pages 2-3
Sabal Homes FC, pages 14-16
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hope at large By Marty Hope
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Green country Silverhorn vows to integrate nature with home life The Japanese have, for centuries, practised shinrin-yoku. In the western world it translates to forest bathing. More loosely translated it’s about slowing down, taking time smell the roses. And scientific measurements have uncovered the fact that forest scents, sounds, and light have a healing effect on the human condition. Mark Kwasnicki doesn’t have medical diploma, but under the McKinley Masters Custom Homes banner he has been building luxury homes in the rural areas around Calgary for nigh on a quarter century, so he’s learned how appealing trees are to homeowners and the important role they play in nature’s wellbeing. “Integrating nature into modern life is possible by choosing where we live,” he says from his Bowness office. “It is becoming a scarce privilege to live in areas where the pace of nature provides surprising health benefits.” So, shinrin-yoku will become one of the star attractions in the creation of Silverhorn, an 85-home development by Kwasnicki’s Silverhorn Inc. in the Bearspaw area of the County of Rockyview. And to ensure that nature remains the headline act, 50 per cent of the property will be open space and homes will be pre-positioned on building lots to ensure as little disruption to nature as possible. “We will protect the existing tree cover, watershed, and wildlife,” says Kwasnicki. Lot sizes will run from 1.5 to 2.5 acres in size, but outside of a small area immediately surrounding the building envelope no landscaping or grass cutting will be allowed. Lots, every one of which looks onto green space, are priced from $435,000 to $639,000, with lot-and-home prices starting at about $1.25 s o u r c e me d i a grou p: ce lebrat ing it s 10t h y ear
million. Silverhorn will be brought to the public in two phases, the first of which will have 36 lots. Presently, there are two builders — McKinley Masters Custom Homes and Maillot Homes, but Kwasnicki also says buyers are free to “BYOB” — bring your own builder — as long as they abide by design and construction regulations and controls already in place. Approved architectural styles will include French Country, Tudor, Mountain, Craftsman, and Prairie. Of the 230 acres making up Silverhorn, 58 have been set aside as environmental reserve. As well, there are a half-dozen water features and more than seven kilometres of pathways meandering through the country residential community.
A McKinley Masters creation
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To further reduce the size of the development footprint, Silverhorn has been designed a series of cul de sacs so construction will be clustered, thereby providing more green space. As well, Silverhorn will have a communal sanitary sewers and a co-op water. Even the homes won’t be overly large. Kwasnicki says that under the strict architectural design guidelines bungalows will have a minimum of 1,800 square-feet while two-storey homes must have 1,500 square-feet on the main and 2,400 square-feet over two storeys. “We’re not talking about monstrous homes here,” says Kwasnicki, whose McKinley Masters company has been named Builder of Merit (smaller volume builder category) by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association-Calgary Region eight times. This development, though, is something special. “I wanted to ensure I do it right. That’s why I brought IBI Group on board to help with research, planning, design, and administration of architectural controls for Silverhorn,” he adds. Elvin Karpovich, a director with IBI, says from a nature perspective, Silverhorn has a lot going for it. “The conservation plans will be a way to increase the amount of natural vegetation that is being retained, will reduce the amount of water required to maintain large areas of manicured landscapes, and will reduce the overall impact that development has on the environment,” he says. 6 2 n e w home liv in g ju ne 2013
“But the Silverhorn land is the nicest piece of land that has been available for a long time, the topography is phenomenal,” he says of the property he purchased about six years ago. So unique is Silverhorn, which is classified as a conservation development, that Rockyview officials have designated the area as the Silverhorn Residential District. It is located on Township Road 262 between Bearspaw Road and Lochend Road. “The designation for Silverhorn protects the community plan and character of the land forever — and at a legislatively enforceable level,” says Kwasnicki. Currently, plans are for an onsite sales centre to open its doors this spring. Stripping and grading is well under way, roads have been cut, and there is a growing level of interest in what is happening there. “We’ve already got six sales and haven’t really started marketing the property,” says Kwasnicki, a Bearspaw resident for more than 16 years. “I think people are looking for something unique, different and away from the city — but with big-city amenities close by.” He expects buyers will likely be people currently living in upscale areas of the city, particularly the northwest, who are looking for the country-residential lifestyle. “This will be the new standard for city living. People will have the privacy of their rural homes, but they will also have all the city amenities just a short distance away,” Kwasnicki adds. NL
“We’ve already got six sales and haven’t really started marketing the property. I think people are looking for something unique, different and away from the city — but with big-city amenities close by.”
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.
s o u r ce m e di a g r o u p : ce l e b r at i ng i ts 10th y e a r