Collection by Zach Edelson

A Durable Calgary Home Allows For Easy Aging-In-Place

An empty-nester couple enlists their soon-to-be daughter-in-law (and architect) to design a home where they could live for decades to come.

Home design can be a hazardous endeavor for a couple: the process can rapidly reveals different visions and priorities. One husband and wife nearly found out the hard way: Dave, a longtime entrepreneur, and Maria, who works in the oil industry, experienced a stormy first home design. The pair—who are empty-nesters but still active professionals—now sought a new home that would accommodate their needs well into the future. The house would have to be hardy and low-maintenance while adapting to potential changes in their health and mobility. After securing a plot within inner-city Calgary, they tapped their soon-to-be daughter-in-law Deana Lewis to lead the design. With only one designer in charge, says the architect, there wouldn't be "too many cooks in the kitchen" like last time. Lewis, who recently co-founded the architecture firm DOODL, used durable materials to craft generous and flexible spaces that Dave and Maria can use for the forseeable future.

The walkways are broom-finished concrete and the landscaping features low-maintenance, hardy perennials.
The walkways are broom-finished concrete and the landscaping features low-maintenance, hardy perennials.
The main living spaces are designed for comfort: Dave and Maria love to host and, in the future, they may spend more time lounging at home. Rich walnut floors, seen here, run throughout the home. Much of the furniture, such as this green accent chair, were collected by Dave and Maria over the years.
The main living spaces are designed for comfort: Dave and Maria love to host and, in the future, they may spend more time lounging at home. Rich walnut floors, seen here, run throughout the home. Much of the furniture, such as this green accent chair, were collected by Dave and Maria over the years.
The home's custom cabinets, such as the dark stained oak seen here, were designed by DOODL. All kitchen countertops are Ceasarstone “Eggshell.” Kitchen fixtures are Blanco; fridge, range, bar fridge, and steam ovens by GE Monogram.
The home's custom cabinets, such as the dark stained oak seen here, were designed by DOODL. All kitchen countertops are Ceasarstone “Eggshell.” Kitchen fixtures are Blanco; fridge, range, bar fridge, and steam ovens by GE Monogram.
The bungalow's L-shaped plans allows for more exposures and sunlight. A stand-up desk in Dave's office was custom-tailored to his 6'6" height.
The bungalow's L-shaped plans allows for more exposures and sunlight. A stand-up desk in Dave's office was custom-tailored to his 6'6" height.
Wide hallways and sliding doors ensure easy movement even if Dave and Maria's personal mobility becomes limited. Tall ceilings in the living areas ensure ample views while the private rooms are acoustically isolated and feature more intimate dimensions. The stairs, seen right, lead to a basement which visiting family can lodge.
Wide hallways and sliding doors ensure easy movement even if Dave and Maria's personal mobility becomes limited. Tall ceilings in the living areas ensure ample views while the private rooms are acoustically isolated and feature more intimate dimensions. The stairs, seen right, lead to a basement which visiting family can lodge.
Porceilain tiles, in Metalwood "Argento," line an ensuite shower designed to be handicap accessible. The bathroom's oversized soaker tub is also easily accessible. All bathroom fixtures are by Grohe.
Porceilain tiles, in Metalwood "Argento," line an ensuite shower designed to be handicap accessible. The bathroom's oversized soaker tub is also easily accessible. All bathroom fixtures are by Grohe.
Comments
Private
Start a public conversation on this collection by adding your comments below.