KAYU Canada
As our interests continue to reach outside our home to optimize useable square footage for a variety of hospitable amenities and features, Kayu Canada provides the beauty, durability, and easy maintenance that bring an incomparable finish to our outdoor endeavors. Extending both one’s landscape and lifestyle, Kayu provides far more than just beauty to projects that prefer a natural host of products.
A pioneer and leading supplier of the finest quality tropical hardwoods available, Kayu’s exotic, yet affordable sustainably harvested lumber is a desirable option for any exterior project such as decking, siding, soffits, fencing, fascia and pergolas. People are noticing that the best builders and landscape architects are choosing tropical hardwoods that offer an incomparable lustre and beauty.
This sustainably harvested product is imported from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brazil where tagged trees open the rainforest canopy to sunlight that generates new growth. “It’s important to understand that manufactured products do not break down quickly and are made from harsh chemicals,” notes Jim Labelle of Kayu Canada in Calgary. “Trees grow back, but plastic tends to stick around.”
These wood species will last for generations. “Early on, these exotic hardwoods were the preferred choice for ship building and today are a popular as decking on yachts,” finds Jim. A supplier of Ipe, Meranti, Merbau, Yellow Balau Bangkirai, and Red Balau Batu hardwoods, all are resistant to rot, abrasion, and decay for lasting beauty. Competitively priced with clear grade softwoods and composite plastics, tropical hardwoods add their own cachet and quality to any surface and feature.
Weathering very well in Alberta with its extremes in temperature, these species exhibit proven performance in Calgary. “Some of our initial projects were over 25 years ago and the wood and its features still look great. All of our hardwoods host a tight, clear grain that can be oiled or stained to match existing wood features and even interior finishes for a seamless and fluid continuity of form.”
Exhibiting a look and a texture that is superior and readily apparent, it’s a luxury wood product in every possible way.
Showcasing 3,600 square feet of functional luxury, this walkout bungalow in St. Andrews Heights sits on a gently sloped lot that afforded enough height to provide a secluded courtyard. “Corner lots typically don’t have backyards, so the courtyard offers desirable outdoor privacy that is sheltered from the wind,” says Derek.
Visually compelling features abound throughout the home that displays tongue-and-groove vertical fir treated with a non-toxic wood coating for longevity that further provides a weathered aesthetic. “It will never need restaining and no maintenance is required,” admits Derek. The inspired staircase hosts a custom one-piece handrail and stringer that is a singular architectural gesture that corners creativity in its turns with its elegant simplicity. Environmentally conscious and budget-friendly, the precast concrete foundation is thin, affording a less carbon intensive footprint with better insulation.
“During the construction process we were able to implement workable solutions to architectural features. We tried to help realize this intent while matching expected use with the homeowner’s intent,” considers Derek on an achievement that could only be attained through clear communication and a concise interpretation of wants and needs.
“Its often hard to explain why an architecturally designed home feels as it does. It’s apparent simplicity is elusive because it takes a lot of planning to make it so,” shares Vlad who included subtle, personalized messages on behalf of the
homeowner that created a personal relationship to the home versus a commodity. “There was some good back and forth with Vélin Homes who solved problems with practical solutions that kept me grounded and the client very happy.”
“This is a walkable community with the front entrance provides an opportunity for interaction. “The
cast concrete steps offers the function of a staircase and a seating area at the front of the home,” describes Derek. Also, by keeping the home at a single level, the site lines remain well in view, while honouring the existing height of the homes in the community. “They were all very happy about that. This home is flooded with natural light as it’s important to be able to appreciate the outdoors from
inside your home with every season hosting a new setting,” observes Silkie Deemter, who adds that the home also includes eight skylights, eliminating gloom from all rooms.
Working diligently with their clients during the design phase to strike the perfect balance between comfort, practicality and beauty, Velin Homes carefully aligns this stage of development with their construction and budgeting expertise. “I think we looked at three different versions of the staircase before we found the right balance of affordability, style and function,” recalls Derek.
“The initial design of the home was completely different from what you see now and needed to be tweaked for construction feasibility and budget,” found Derek. “Our collaborative efforts eventually paid off and we helped develop a a more practical design that met all of the parameters of the build, budget, and the client’s wish list.”