DUPLEX DESIGN HAS FUTURE IN MIND
Families have room to grow in the welcoming spaces of the Benedict in Savanna in Saddle Ridge
While duplexes can be a stepping stone into home ownership, some can also make sense as a landing spot longer term.
These are floor plans that support growth, a quality that people who may want to settle in for several years, such as young families, would keep top of mind.
One such example is the Benedict. Rather than something that only works for a few years before the purchaser is left house hunting again, this duplex is designed to give families spaces they can grow into, and design elements to match.
The 1,374-square-foot duplex is by Homes by Avi and displayed as a show home in Savanna in Saddle Ridge, a community masterplanned by Genstar Development Co.
Savanna is conveniently accessed from Metis Trail or Stoney Trail. It’s part of a mature end of northeast Calgary that’s near Saddletowne LRT Station, an established commercial development anchored by a Safeway, and an expansive multipurpose facility with a library dubbed Genesis Centre.
In the Benedict, the cooking space plays a primary role. While the main floor is designed in an open-concept, the kitchen sets the pace.
The large, L-shaped area has the tools for efficient meal preparation and is designed to be a social hub, as well.
There’s substantial space between the central island and kitchen features along the wall, making it convenient for cooking to be a team effort. It’s also beneficial for a quick kitchen appearance, where some- one can pour a glass of juice and not interrupt the work flow of the person getting dinner underway.
It’s easy to imagine the children of the family gathered around the island or sitting at its extended eating bar as their parents put the final touches on dinner.
If the children are in the backyard, there’s a large rear-facing window over the sink that allows parents to still keep watch when busy in the kitchen.
The kitchen features a functional pantry, large volume of cabinets and drawers, a stylish full-height mosaic style backsplash, and stainless steel appliances, including an over-the-range microwave. The appliances are thoughtfully dispersed, with a fridge on one side of the kitchen and the oven on the other.
The central dining area is spacious, too. As staged in the show home, it easily fits a table for six. But for special occasions, a table with a leaf extension can be a short-term fix to support larger gatherings.
A transom window gives meal time plenty of natural light.
A partial wall makes the dining area and great room feel separate, while not losing sight lines between the two spaces.
The great room is a welcoming space for family to gather and reconnect after days at work and school.
It comfortably fits a couch and two large chairs, and also pulls in sunshine through a generously sized window.
The design of the main floor isn’t a simple rectangle.
Its aforementioned partial wall in the dining area, along with a stub wall at the front entrance, and angled entrance to the stairs to the second floor, all enhance the visual interest of the main floor.
On the second level, all three bedrooms are well-sized.
The secondary bedrooms, which sit side-by-side along the back of the second floor, have dimensions that work for an assortment of age groups.
The master bedroom accesses a walk-in closet from one wall and an ensuite from another.
Between the two wings of sleep spaces, there’s a full bathroom and a laundry closet with a front-load washer and dryer.