Creating curb appeal

Village at Griesbach

by PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

Planning the amenities, assembling the builder group – these are all essential in carrying out the vision for a community and developing the land into a home that people will want to call home. But that vision begins with determining how the community will look like, and this is where architectural controls come in.

Architectural controls determine the lasting look of the community, creating individual homes that bring a cohesive look throughout. No one house feels out of place, but each home can still be unique and personalized for the homeowner.

They also help protect and enhance property values of the community, says Doug VandenBrink, Rohit Land Development Senior Project Manager.

Having these guidelines in a community ensures that there is a cohesive look throughout the neighbourhood, without being repetitive or “cookie cutter,” he adds.

Here are a couple of award-winning Edmonton communities that have notable architectural controls worth checking out.

VILLAGE AT GRIESBACH

Canada Lands Co. (CLC), the developers of Village at Griesbach, says they are focused on making this former Edmonton military base an innovative and progressive urban village built with community in mind. “The design ensures access to daily conveniences and amenities within the community. Creating a balance within the urban village is the kilometres of interconnected walkable tree-lined trails, winding through the numerous parks and lakes,”

Village at Griesbach

Rohit Group

says Georgette L’Hirondelle, CLC Marketing Manager, Real Estate.

It is a community for everyone with a wide range of home styles fitting every budget, from condos to estate homes. It also has something for everyone when it comes to amenities, as 23 percent of its land is dedicated to the preservation or creation of parks, lakes, green spaces, recreation fields or lifestyle amenities.

Winning BILD’s 2019 Best Community in Alberta, Village at Griesbach also pays tribute to the property’s military heritage. “Streets and parks have been named after military heroes and battles in which local military units participated. As well, statues have been erected to commemorate the former base’s namesake, MajorGeneral William Griesbach and his wife, Janet.”

Classic architecture of homes goes well with the homage to its past. “Our architectural designs and mixed housing styles from apartments to estate homes ensures the diversity of streetscape in this vibrant community. With our variety of builders, we are able to offer several solutions to assist future homeowners with defining their home in Griesbach,” L’Hirondelle says.

Visit www.villageatgriesbach.com for more.

ROHIT LAND DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITIES

In all of its communities Rohit Land Development ensures that the architectural themes blend with the natural characteristics of the area and the product type being built.

“For example, Arbours of Keswick’s architectural theme blends elements of prairie modern, modern classic, and heritage modern together, creating a very diverse streetscape with lots of styles to pick from,” VandenBrink says. “All homes in the community feature detailed stonework and substantial detailing.”

While in Woodhaven Edgemont, the winner of back-to-back CHBA community of the year awards, Rohit emphasized the communitiy’s unique connection to nature.

“Considering it is surrounded on three sides by ravine, the intent was to amplify the feeling of being in nature. The result is home designs incorporating detailed brick, stonework, and timber craftsmanship. The architectural theme in this community provides elements of Tudor, craftsman, and modern-heritage style homes.”

Conversely, in a hugely popular and completed community of Starling at Big Lake, the theme was Cape Cod-esque, with white trim and bright ocean village-inspired colours.

“When developing the architectural guidelines for new communities, we often consult with our builder groups to ensure that the guidelines established are attainable. The intent is to strike the perfect of balance of enhanced exteriors without breaking the bank,” he adds.

“Rohit Land Development pays careful attention to ensure that no two homes next to each other look the same, while still complimenting the other. The guidelines cover everything from colour option, stone and other exterior requirements, roof pitches, and even the number of risers (stairs). The guidelines also include minimum landscaping requirements to ensure that you live in a beautiful community.”

Go to www.rohitgroup.com for more.