Flow and functionality

One of the best things about building in communities outside the city is that lots are more expansive than they are in town.

Not only does that provide more separation from neighbours, but it also allows for the construction of king-sized bungalows that are rarely built inside city limits.

Still, builders need to take full advantage of the opportunity by coming up with designs that make the most of all that extra space.

That’s what Irwin Homes’ design team set about doing when they were presented with a huge lot at 3 Woodland Lane in Headingley’s Forest Grove Estates.

“The first thing to note is that this is a corner lot,” says the home’s sales representative, Jeremy Hiebert of the Powell Property Group. “That allowed for the main living area to be surrounded by large windows. With no one beside you, there are no privacy issues, so we were able to put three windows on the side wall — one over the stairs, and two either side of the fireplace.”

That created quite the atmosphere in the main living area, he says.

“Basically, natural light hits you the moment you walk in. It comes in not only from the windows in the great room, but from a huge window behind the dining area. The windows will also provide a beautiful view of the lake behind the home when it warms up. They allow for views down its full length.”

If there’s one thing that strikes you about the dwelling’s main living area — and the entire home, for that matter — it’s how spacious it feels.

Granted, the home is 2,083 sq. ft. in size. That said, the space must be used well to create that feel, and it was. Flow in and around the island kitchen is superb, while the adjacent dining area is huge.

“It’s a perfect layout for entertaining,” says Hiebert. “As it’s now staged, the dining area has a table for eight in it, but there’s plenty of room to expand it to seat 12 or more, depending on which way you place it.”

Then, there’s the kitchen itself, which features a rich colour scheme and new, innovative finishing materials.

“To offset all the natural light, we put in warm maple cabinets that help offset all the natural light that comes in from the large windows,” says Hiebert. “They go perfectly with the engineered white-oak hardwoods, which also add warmth and texture.”

Meanwhile, a new type of countertop material was used to enhance the kitchen’s visual appeal.

“They’re porcelain, which has a thinner, more-elegant profile. It’s also said to be stronger and more heat-resistant, which is another good feature,” says Hiebert. “The island also comes with a matching waterfall end, and the backsplash over the range matches the countertops. There’s also a coffee bar with pantries on either side at the end of the kitchen. The island also has storage shelves.”

He says the great room — which is anchored by a handsome (and simple) entertainment unit — also exudes subtle style.

“The grey herringbone tile around the fireplace and behind the TV is gorgeous — the detail is so intricate. Like all the finishes in the main living area, it’s timeless. It will never go out of style.”

And because the bungalow is an executive-style design, it has two bedrooms — plus a den — on the main floor. To maximize separation, the bedrooms were set in opposite corners of the home, while the den (which can be closed off by barn-style doors) was placed a few steps from the foyer.

As might be expected, the primary bedroom — which was nestled neatly behind the dining area — is the pièce de résistance of the main floor.

“It’s such a serene space,” Hiebert says. “A huge window on its rear wall provides a beautiful lake view, it has a massive walk-in closet with custom storage, and the ensuite is amazing with its gorgeous tile floor and oversized walk-in shower with tile surround and rain shower head.”

Head down to the finished lower level, and there’s over 1,700 sq. ft. of livable space to enjoy.

“This is a lookout lot, which many prefer to a walk-out lot,” says Hiebert. “It has big windows, but no slope. In this case there are three windows that allow light to flow into the rec room, which has a sitting area, media area, games area, wet bar and workout area, plus two bedrooms and a full bath between them.”

Hiebert says the masterfully designed bungalow is the ultimate executive abode.

“You feel like you’re outside the city away from all the hustle and bustle, yet you’re just minutes away in a beautifully designed bungalow that offers a perfect blend of style, convenience and tranquility.”

lewys@mymts.net