Calgary Herald

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS

Live-work space at the Bookkeeper

- JOSH SKAPIN

For many people, the ability to work from home isn't just a perk, but a priority, as well.

In this case, spreading out documents and a laptop on the kitchen table or great room coffee table just doesn't cut it.

Townhomes at Zen Chinook Gate in Airdrie are designed to help people get down to business.

This energy-efficient townhome developmen­t by Avalon Master Builder demonstrat­es the Bookkeeper as its latest show home. Measuring 1,265 square feet, this two-bedroom model has a front-facing live-work space.

At Zen Chinook Gate, live-work townhomes are pre-approved to operate a small business and do not require further permits.

As the model name suggests, profession­s such as a bookkeeper, may be attracted to this option. So would photograph­ers, artists, architects and pet groomers, among other careers.

The live-work/flex room, as described on the floor plan, reaches nine feet eight inches by nine feet six inches. This is a comfortabl­e fit for a large desk, chairs, shelves and space for clients to circulate.

Even for people who need to be productive from home on a semi-regular basis, this defined work space, removed from the busier parts of the home, is a valuable asset.

A short set of stairs connect to the main level, which includes a great room — separated from the live-work space by a stub wall — kitchen and dining area.

The kitchen is a well-designed space that makes cooking and entertaini­ng more convenient. It boasts a U-shaped design that combines considerab­le opportunit­ies for storage with a spot for guests to chat.

An extended eating bar that backs onto the dining area has space for two people to sit and socialize while one or more people prepare the meal. The combinatio­n of an island and extensive counter space create a comfortabl­e place for multiple people to play a role in getting dinner underway.

Its pantry and high volume of cabinets provide anyone with a generous set of pots, pans and other cookware the storage they need without worrying about clutter.

The kitchen is shown with a striking white subway tile and black grout backsplash and stainless steel appliances.

Large low-emissivity vinyl dual-glazed windows in the rear-facing dining area pull natural light across the open-concept main level.

Looking at bedroom dimensions, this is a home one can grow into.

The master bedroom reaches 14 feet by 12 feet eight inches, which is similar to what one would find in a move-up single-family home. It features a walk-in closet and ensuite.

The smaller sleep space is 11 feet eight inches by 11 feet eight inches.

In the show home, this room is presented with bunk beds, making this model a suitable fit for young families.

Both bedrooms have a boxed out segment that brings an additional element of architectu­ral interest.

Third-party Energuide-certified, townhomes at Zen Chinook Gate are designed and constructe­d with sustainabi­lity in mind.

This is achieved through features such as R50 attic insulation, an HRV fresh air system, Energy Star rated appliances and a programmab­le thermostat.

Two buildings have been constructe­d at Zen Chinook Gate and constructi­on is in progress on the third building. There are five floor plans to choose from, with the latest addition being a model dubbed the Teacher, which is 1,463 square feet.

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 ?? PHOTOS: AVALON MASTER BUILDER ?? The 1,265-square-foot Bookkeeper townhome by Avalon Master Builder at Zen Chinook Gate by features a convenient front-facing work space.
PHOTOS: AVALON MASTER BUILDER The 1,265-square-foot Bookkeeper townhome by Avalon Master Builder at Zen Chinook Gate by features a convenient front-facing work space.
 ??  ?? The island in the Bookkeeper creates a comfortabl­e place for cooking and gathering, while the dining area windows pull in lots of natural light.
The island in the Bookkeeper creates a comfortabl­e place for cooking and gathering, while the dining area windows pull in lots of natural light.
 ??  ?? The well-designed kitchen offers plenty of storage and features a backsplash in striking white subway tile.
The well-designed kitchen offers plenty of storage and features a backsplash in striking white subway tile.

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