FAMILY FRIENDLY
Sovanna has room to grow
When families move into a new home, if possible, many want to be there for the long haul. This takes a design that not only meets their needs today, but years down the road as well.
In some homes, the children's bedrooms have proportions that are sufficient for their early years, but won't keep up when they reach their teens. This leads to clutter and disorganization.
The Sovanna by Shane Homes presents a different route. This 2,307-square-foot, front-drive single-family home with three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms is demonstrated as a show home in the south Calgary community of Belmont.
Its two secondary bedrooms, which make sense for the children of the family, are both well-sized and each has a walk-in closet.
The larger of the two is 14 feet seven inches by 10 feet 10 inches, which is larger than average. Due to the wall boxing out, some of the depth to the exterior wall is nine feet 10 inches.
The other secondary sleep space is 12 feet one inch by 10 feet two inches.
The children's bedrooms are both conveniently within a step or two of the laundry room, which has a front-load washer and dryer.
The laundry room also features several white wire shelves, ideal for storing detergents, bleaches and fabric softeners.
A central bonus room creates a winged effect on the second level, adding a layer of privacy between the secondary bedrooms and master bedroom.
The bonus room, which has a niche for a TV, faces a loft with a built-in desk. It's easy to imagine one of the family's children using this desk to study for a school exam or polish off a homework assignment.
Both the walk-in closet and ensuite attached to the master bedroom are highlights. Resembling a dressing room, the walk-in closet is significantly larger than what one would expect.
People who appreciate elbow room at the vanity will be drawn to this ensuite. The dual sinks, which sit beneath a full-width mirror, flank a makeup desk — creating generous space for hair and hygiene products.
The ensuite also boasts a glass-encased shower and corner soaker tub beneath two windows.
On the main level, large rear-facing windows in the dining area and great room push natural light across the open-concept area. This is supported by glass railings on the stairs to the second level.
In addition to rear windows, sunlight in the dining area is further elevated by sliding glass doors, accessing the deck, on a side wall.
The wall for the dining area boxes out from the rest of the rear-facing wall, adding to the architectural interest of the space.
While most kitchen islands are rectangle or square in design, this one optimizes space in the kitchen's overall L-shaped format by also taking on an L-shaped design.
The island includes a sink and eating bar that seats at least two people.
There's a large volume of kitchen cabinets, including some with glass inserts, which create a display case for favourite glasses and plates.
Storage needs are further supported with a spacious walk-in pantry.
The appliances are stainless steel, including a wall oven and elegant chimney-style hoodfan.
Providing a degree of versatility for the household is a space dubbed the lifestyle room, just off the foyer. In the show home, it's staged with a chair and shelves, demonstrating its ability to function as a space to curl up with a good book.
For those who need one, it also makes sense as a home office.
A window in the lifestyle room and another in the neighbouring foyer keep this space bright.