design et al are delighted to announce that Kon-strux Developments has been shortlisted for the Residential Architectural Property Award within The International Design and Architecture Awards 2017.
A contemporary piece of history: this residential celebration of the Prairie landscape focuses on southern views across the river valley and simple opulence inside. This new build occupies a sloped inner-city lot in an established community. With two storeys above grade in front, and four levels (three decks) out back, this property has a truly stunning panoramic south view across the city skyline and Bow River valley. From the commercial-grade hail proof roof and uninterrupted flat ceilings to heated floors throughout, and the main floor two-storey south windows, glass walls of the multi-level stairwell, the colour palette and surfacing choices: every detail in this home was deliberately planned and carefully designed to maximize comfort inside and light and sightlines out the south side.
The build used all high-end materials and finishings right down to the nails and screws, and included multiple layers of sound deadening throughout the house to ensure privacy on each floor, and a good sleep for every resident and guest. Each level and room has individualized wireless audio and Wi-Fi, and all four storeys are connected by an interior commercial-grade elevator to ensure ease of movement for guests of any age and ability. The humble-seeming Rumfeld fireplace has an unusual retractable guillotine glass feature for dual use as ambience or alternative heat if desired. Every detail of this house was deliberately planned to be simple, elegant, and beautiful. The target demographic of this new home is affluent, discerning, highly-travelled empty nesters who regularly host guests for Michelin-worthy dinners and overnight stays.
The exterior look of this build was deliberately designed to echo the remaining heritage structures (warehouses, a firehall, and brick agricultural storage buildings) within this inner-city community. The homeowner wanted a nostalgic brick warmth in the exterior & interior look of this new build, while tipping the hat to the industrial origins of all brick buildings in Calgary by including exposed steel structural beams inside and out. The location has an extraordinary and panoramic south view across the river valley and city skyline. Every part of the design and every detail in this home was planned and designed to maximize the interior light and sightlines within the home. On a materials side, the touch-close glossy custom Scavollini cabinetry in the kitchen is a favourite house feature for the homeowner and the Kon-strux team. However, the star of the show here are the views, truly exceptional from this property. Every part of the design and build was designed to maximize the impact of these views and the south light throughout the home. 