Calgary Herald

UPSCALE ELEGANCE

Welcome to Vela at Capella

- JOSH SKAPIN

Choosing a new home when one requires less upkeep is a decision that takes balance. It's about the buyer finding more suitable dimensions but with spaces and a design that maintain the lifestyle they presently value.

People who want bright, upscale living in an amenity-rich area will see a potential fit demonstrat­ed in the award-winning University District in northwest Calgary.

The Vela is a striking two-bedroom, single-level residence, now presented as a show suite at Capella by Brookfield Residentia­l. It boasts a fully private attached garage and semi-private elevator access. Capella also features a fitness studio and scenic central courtyard.

Single-level residences at Capella offer the benefit of fully separate heating, ventilatio­n and air conditioni­ng (HVAC) systems, meaning there is no shared air.

Design elements in the Vela follow those of a detached luxury home, with high-end materials elevating every key space.

The floor plan itself optimizes its 1,778-square-foot reach. Rooms are grand where they should be — and there's no trace of areas with excess, underused space.

The great room is well proportion­ed and full of natural light. At 16-foot-one by 15-foot-five, it's comparable to similar spaces in some estate homes.

Towering windows on two walls in the great room help create a sunny, inviting gathering area for friends and family to sit and socialize. An elongated fireplace with a mantel add another element of visual interest.

Flooring is sometimes an underrated factor in setting the tone. The selection for this show suite is elegant and warm. It's the Cigarro-coloured oak engineered hardwood from the Traditiona­l Amarosa Grande collection.

For some people, the ability to work from home is not just a perk, but a priority. Just off the front entrance is a flex room that can be used as a home office. The 10-foot11 by 10-foot space accommodat­es a well sized desk, multiple chairs and shelves. It also lets in considerab­le light from windows on two walls.

People who do not need a work space can use this room for a variety of purposes, such as craft room, sewing room or a children's toy and book room, for when the owner's grandchild­ren visit.

For those who enjoy hosting get-togethers, the kitchen will be an attraction. It's designed to both support meal preparatio­n and thrive as a social hub.

Connecting with the great room through an open-concept design, the kitchen features an 11-footlong island with a sink and eating bar that seats at least four people.

This creates plenty of space for people to sit or stand and chat comfortabl­y while the host puts the finishing touches on dinner.

The island in the display home shows off an eye-catching Pietra grey polished quartz.

Other highlights in the cooking space include a stainless-steel chimney-style hood fan, fullheight tile backsplash, and cabinets in a mix of stained wood and painted medium-density fibreboard.

Adjacent to the kitchen is a spacious dining area.

Both bedrooms are removed from the most active areas of the home, allowing one to go to bed before the rest of the household without noise being a concern.

The master bedroom, which measures 13 feet 10 inches by 13 feet 10 inches, includes a walk-in closet with organizers, and an elegant ensuite bathroom.

Its ensuite has dual vanities across from a deep soaker tub, and a large glass-encased shower.

University District — certified LEED ND (Leadership in Energy and Environmen­tal Design — Neighbourh­ood Design) Platinum — is designed to be a highly walkable community. It features a wide range of businesses, anchored by a Save-on-foods grocery store.

 ??  ??
 ?? PHOTOS: BROOKFIELD RESIDENTIA­L ?? The great room in the Vela show home in University District has tall windows on two walls and a fireplace, making it a great place to relax and gather.
PHOTOS: BROOKFIELD RESIDENTIA­L The great room in the Vela show home in University District has tall windows on two walls and a fireplace, making it a great place to relax and gather.
 ??  ?? The spacious dining area is adjacent to the kitchen offers lots of natural light.
The spacious dining area is adjacent to the kitchen offers lots of natural light.
 ??  ?? The master bedroom includes a walk-in closet with organizers and ensuite.
The master bedroom includes a walk-in closet with organizers and ensuite.
 ??  ?? The kitchen's long eat-in area can seat four and is great for entertaini­ng.
The kitchen's long eat-in area can seat four and is great for entertaini­ng.
 ??  ?? The master ensuite has a deep soaker tub and a glass-enclosed shower.
The master ensuite has a deep soaker tub and a glass-enclosed shower.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Canada