Okanagan Home - Dec 2009 Jan 2010.pdf

8/17/2019 Okanagan Home - Dec 2009 Jan 2010.pdf

1/114


2/114


3/114


4/114

Okanagan HOME Dec 2009/Jan 20104

Issue 14, Dec 2009/Jan 2010

ISSN 1913-075 [email protected]

Publisher:Raymond F. Oelrich

Senior Editor:Keri-Lynn Turney

Art Director:Tyson Henderson

Advertising Executives: Arlene Paulsen, Chris Matishak

Contributors:Albert Berkshire, Ross Freake, Mike FreeDon Gerein, Deanna Merrick, Keri-Lynn

Published for:Canadian Home Builders’Association:Central Okanagan212-1884 Spall RoadKelowna, BC V1Y 4R1Telephone: 250.861.3988Fax: 250.861.3950Email: [email protected]

Okanagan Home is published by:0855665 BC Ltd. DBA

Okanagan Home MagazineKelowna, BC, CanadaTelephone: 250-864-8382Email: [email protected]: Raymond F. Oelrich

No part of this publication may be copiedor reprinted without the written consentof the publisher.

Publications Mail Agreement# 41908512The opinions expressed in Okanagan Homare those of the writers and editors,and do not represent the ofcial positionof the Canadian Home Builders’ AssociatCentral Okanagan, or of its members.

10 The Dreamweaver 20 Wilden’s Skylands

26 AuthenTech Homes

32 Edgecomb Builders

38 Fawdry Homes

44 Meadow Ridge Homes

50 Rykon Construction

70 Mon Reposa Penthouse

ROUND TABLE

56 Craftsman Style

OKANAGAN REAL ESTATE REVIEW

8 Man’s Great Gift Lies in His Vision

2008 TOMMIE GOLD WINNER

64 Inspiration Homes

PROFILE

76 Curved by Design

82 Travel

96 PCS Construction

98 Cladco Constructors

100 Rediscovered Wood

102 Shaw

DECOR

81 From the Forest

88 Pure Granite Rocks!

94 Robinson Lighting

I N S I D ECraftsman Style

ENERGY

103 Teresan Gas

104 Okanagan EnvironmentalIndustry Alliance (OEIA)

108 CHBA Directory

COVER: Apchin Design Corp’s“Crescendo” by Shawn Talbot

2009 S ILVER T OMMIE

A WARD I SSUE !


5/114


This is the last issue of 2009 and we are proud of theprogress we have made in our rst two issues since webought the publication. We have increased the retailoutlets that carry the magazine from 30 in July to over

600 now, and doubled the number of copies from 25,000 to now50,000 copies.

The biggest change will be in distribution so we have an op-portunity for 100,000 or more readers to experience OkanaganHome, many for the rst time.

We have worked extensively with the Kelowna Daily Cou-rier to ensure we distribute at least 25,000 copies in all of their

newspapers in early December. They have an amazing variety ofnewsstand retailers and these give us the opportunity to get themagazine into hundreds of locations in a three-day span. We arealso mailing this issue to approximately 10,000 businesses, fromVernon to Osoyoos, and another 15,000 more copies go out fordisplay and free distribution at the Kelowna Airport, shoppingcentres, restaurants and other retailers, as well as our entire adver-tiser base and all CHBA members.

Speaking of the North and South Okanagan, we want to featureeven more stories from these areas, and you will see several inthis issue.

We are striving to feature more builders, developers, designers,contractors and suppliers in the entire Okanagan, not just Kel-owna. This will help bring Okanagan Home to the forefront as thepremier publication in the valley, which is our goal.

Remember, most of these homes and projects are actually forsale; they are not museums to be observed! Support the members,BUY SOMETHING and tell them you saw them in OkanaganHome. I know they will appreciate it, and I know we will! Asalways you can reach me at [email protected]

It’s Tommie Time! Yes, this is the 2009 Tommie Silver Final-ists Issue and is full of Silver Award winners. Some of thosewill win Tommie Gold Awards, to be announced the end ofJanuary.

Check out the February/March Tommie Gold Issue forthose winners.

We wanted to showcase some of the great design work the Oka-nagan offers and we hope you will enjoy reading this as much aswe enjoyed producing it!

We live in an area of tremendous talent and you will be read-ing about some of the most amazing homes in this issue we have

ever seen.You’ll nd ALL FIVE of the builders at Wilden, along withthe “Wilden story” itself, surely one of the best success stories inCanada. You may have not realized Wilden is a three-decade-longproject that will take many years to complete.

The value of these homes is understated and we hope you willtake the opportunity to read about their entire project, then go ‘upthere’ for yourself.

Raymond and I visited it when we began laying out this issueand were excited to nd this gem of a development right here inthe Okanagan.

I couldn’t decide which showhome I liked best! There arenearly 40 pages in this issue of “all things Wilden.”

We have many more great stories too, from Vernon to Pentic-ton. Round Table examines the Craftsman Style and its presencein the Okanagan.

From the Okanagan Home family to yours, have a great holi-day season and stay safe!

For editorial enquiries contact me at [email protected].

The Thompson OkanaganHousing Awards or TOM-MIE™ Awards is celebratingour 18th year of recognizing

excellence in the many facets of thehome building industry. With each pass-ing year, our association membershipgrows and along side that, our TommieAwards as the most prized and valuablesymbols of industry excellence. TheCanadian Home Builders’ Associationof the Central Okanagan [CHBA-CO] isdelighted with the success of last year’sTommie and we are building on that mo-

mentum and ready for Tommie 2009 Gold Gala January 30th, 2010.Tickets are available via www.chbaco.com or 250.861.3988 Terry Heinrich Tommie 2009 Chairman

Your Tommie 2009 Tommie Committee

Tommie 2009 Gold Gala tickets

available now visit

www.chbaco.com or

call 250.861.3988.


6/114

CONGRAT

Residential Planning, Design andConstruction - New and Renovation

EXCELLENCE IN C REATING AFFORDABLE H OUSING Rohit Communities ArtisanScuka Enterprises Ltd. Gordon Drive Short Term HousingCardan Enterprises Ltd. Suite

EXCELLENCE IN SINGLE DETACHED H OME UNDER 2,000 SQ . FT . Valux Homes Ltd.Bridges at Glenview Pond The Moledina ResidenceCardan Enterprises Ltd. Pouliot ResidenceSun Rivers Golf Resort Community Irongate Place ClassicAdult LivingCardan Enterprises Ltd. Lavioe ResidenceCardan Enterprises Ltd. Case Residence

EXCELLENCE IN SINGLE DETACHED H OME 2,001-2,999 SQ . FT . Edgecombe Builders Model HomeWoodstyle Homes Ltd. Goodgrove ResidenceMibroc Construction Ltd. Alpine Ski RetreatMeadow Ridge Homes Limited Show Home at WildenC.M. Edwards Construction McDonald Residence

EXCELLENCE IN SINGLE F AMILY DETACHED H OME 3,000 SQ . FT AND OVER Okanagan Dream Builders Ltd. The LincolnInspiration Homes Sage Pointe HomePCS Construction Mann ResidenceBellamy Homes Lakeview Model HomeValux Homes Ltd. Bridges at Glenview Pond - The Fedor

EXCELLENCE IN SINGLE F AMILY DETACHED H OME $1 M ILLION TO $3 M ILLION

Rykon Construction Management Ltd. SheerwaterFrame Custom Homes Lakeview Custom ResidenceWoodstyle Home Ltd. La MaisonEdgecombe Builders High Pointe HomeFawdry Homes Scenic View Vista

EXCELLENCE IN SINGLE F AMILY DETACHED H OME O VER $3 M ILLION Mibroc Construction The Ranch ManorTimberhaven Homes Lot 23 High Pointe Drive

EXCELLENCE IN SEMI -DETACHED OR T OWNHOME DEVELOPMENT Valux Homes Ltd. Bridges at Glenview PondThe Knight/Manual ResidenceThe Mission Group AmberhillValux Homes Ltd. Bridges at Glenview PondExecutive Townhome

Rohit Communities Kelowna Cypress Point

EXCELLENCE IN C REATING A L OW -R ISE M ULTI -F AMILY DEVELOPMENT Edgecombe Builders Martin LoftsG Group of Companies Southwind at Sarsons - Phase 2The Mission Group ModeScuka Enterprises Ltd. Gordon Drive Short-term Housing

EXCELLENCE IN C REATING A H I-R ISE M ULTI -F AMILY DEVELOPMENT North Ellis Developments The MadisonLake Placid Developments Inc. Centuria Urban Village

EXCELLENCE IN C REATING A R ESORT DEVELOPMENT Trasolini Chetner Construction + Development CorporationThe Waterfront EXCELLENCE IN R ESIDENTIAL R ENOVATIONS UNDER $250,000

Keith Dahlen Construction Ltd. Private ResidenceSquare Root Contracting & Consulting Ltd. Urban Santuar

EXCELLENCE IN R ESIDENTIAL R ENOVATIONS $250,000-$500,000DW Builders Modern Dream RenovationKeith Dahlen Construction Ltd. Private Residence Interior and Landscape Design

EXCELLENCE IN K ITCHEN R ENOVATION UNDER $50,000Square Root Contracting & Consulting Ltd. Urban SantuarWestwood Fine Cabinetry Creed Kitchen Reno

EXCELLENCE IN K ITCHEN DESIGN UNDER $40,000 - N EW H OMInspiration Homes Sage Pointe Home KitchenATR Developments Inc. Trumpeter RidgeNorelco Cabinet Solutions WaterfrontCadence at The Lakes Cadence at The LakesMeadow Ridge Homes Show Home at Wilden

Excellence in Kitchen Design over $40,000 - New Home PCS Construction Finnerty RoadMibroc Construction The Ranch ManorBellamy Homes Lakeview Show HomeWestwood Fine Cabinetry Cates Custom KitchenFawdry Homes Scenic View Vista Kitchen

EXCELLENCE IN M ASTER SUITE DESIGN IN A H OME Bellamy Homes Lakefront Private ResidenceTimberhaven Homes Lot 23 High Pointe DriveOkanagan Dream Builders Ltd. The LincolnPCS Construction Finnerty RoadEdgecombe Builders High Pointe Home

2009 SILVER


7/114

ULATIONS

EXCELLENCE IN SALES C ENTRE AND M ODEL H OME P RESENTATION Meadow Ridge Homes Limited Show Home at WildenRohit Communities Kelowna Cypress PointRohit Communities Kelowna ArtisanCadence at The Lakes Cadence at The Lakes

EXCELLENCE IN INTERIOR DESIGN IN A C USTOM R ESIDENCE Inspiration Homes Sage Pointe Interior DesignPasedena Estates Ltd. Mon ReposaEdgecombe Builders High Pointe Home Interior DesignTimberhaven Homes High Pointe Drive Interior DesignWoodstyle Home Ltd. La Maison

EXCELLENCE IN C REATING AN INTERIOR F EATURE /I NNOVATION IN A H OME Edgecombe Builders High Point Home Interior FeatureDeJong & Sons Contracting Inc. Mon Reposa

Timberhaven Homes Lot 23 High Pointe DriveInspiration Homes Sage Pointe Shattered Glass CounterDutch Construction (1988) Ltd. Umbrella EXCELLENCE IN L ANDSCAPE DESIGN NEW OR RENOVATION SINGLE F AMILY Edgecombe Builders High Point Home Zlandscape DesignTimberhaven Homes Lot 23 High Pointe DriveSynergy Landscape Design Ltd. Fleury ResidenceGround Sense Landscaping Elements of The Dillon Residence

EXCELLENCE IN L ANDSCAPE DESIGN - M ULTI F AMILY Rohit Communities Kelowna ArtisanGGroup of Companies Southwind at Sarsons - Phase 2 Sales, Marketing and Outstanding

Achievements

EXCELLENCE IN L OGO , S IGNAGE AND BROCHURE DESIGN GGroup of Companies Southwind at Sarsons - Phase 2Maclean Group Marketing Black Mountain Golf Courseand CommunityAll Weather Windows Our Style

EXCELLENCE IN ADVERTISING C AMPAIGN Rohit Communities Kelowna ArtisanMaclean Group Marketing Black Mountain Golf Courseand Community

EXCELLENCE IN ADVERTISING - I NDIVIDUAL AD Rohit Communities Kelowna ArtisanMaclean Group Marketing Black Mountain Golf Course andCommunityCadence at The Lakes Cadence at The LakesAll Weather Windows Toughest Standards

EXCELLENCE IN W EBSITE DESIGN Canaterra Property Pages Canaterra PropertySun Rivers Golf Resort Community Sun Rivers

SALES T EAM OF THE YEAR IN NEW H OME C ONSTRUCTION Dilworth Quality Homes Inc. Dilworth Homes - All SitesRohit Communities Kelowna Artisan

O UTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN E NVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION AND E NERGY E FFICIENCY The Mission Group ModeScuka Enterprises Ltd. Gordon Drive Short-term Housing

BUILT G REEN BC B UILDER /R ENOVATOR OF THE YEAR Greenman Homes R-2000 DuplexSun Rivers Golf Resort Community Irongate Place ClassicMibroc Construction The Ranch Manor

BEST P UBLIC /P RIVATE P ARTNERSHIP Scuka Enterprises Ltd. Gordon Drive Short-term HousingOkanagan College The Home For Learning 2009CHBA Central Interior 2009 Training House

TERASEN AWARD FOR BUILDING E NERGY E FFICIENCY M ULTI F AMILY NEW C ONSTRUCTION The Mission Group Mode

Grand Tommie Finalists

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR

Trasolini Chetner Construction + Development CorporationThe WaterfrontLake Placid Developments Inc. Centuria Urban VillageGGroup of Companies Southwind at Sarsons - Phase 2Rohit Communities Kelowna ArtisanNorth Ellis Developments The Madison H OME BUILDERS OF THE YEAR - SMALL VOLUME ,LARGE VOLUME AND M ULTI -F AMILY Meadow Ridge HomesInspiration HomesWoodstyle Home Ltd.Cardan Enterprises Ltd.GGroup of Companies Southwind at Sarsons - Phase 2

COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR GGroup of Companies Southwind at Sarsons - Phase 2Valux Homes Ltd. Bridges at Glenview Pond

H OME OF THE YEAR Woodstyle Home Ltd. La MaisonMibroc Construction The Ranch ManorMeiklejohn Architects Inc. Meiklejohn Architects Inc.Timberhaven Homes Lot 23 High Pointe DriveEdgecombe Builders High Pointe Home

TOMMIE WINNERS


8/114

T


O k a n a g a n R e a l E s t a t e R e v i e w MAN’S GREAT GIFT LIES

IN HIS VISION

B Y D ON G EREIN

These were the last written wordsof Frank Lloyd Wright found onhis desk the day he died 50 yearsago on April 9, 1959 at the age of

91. The article he was writing goes on to say,“Creative architecture is the greatest proof of(man’s) immortal soul.” He could not have

known that he would de ne himself and his contribution to the worldof architecture in a few words that still have relevance today.

Architecture and design have great relevance in the real estatebusiness. Buyers are attracted to homes with great “street appeal”and functionality. First impressions are very important. These areproperties that not only have signi cant value to the proud owner, butpositive resale value on the open market. We recognize that all hu-man actions are initiated solely to improve the human condition andbuying a home ranks as one of the best examples of this psychology.Not only do the owners derive satisfaction from their home, they de-rive satisfaction from others recognizing and validating their choiceof architecture and living space. When they invite their friends to

their new dwellings for the rst time, they are hoping for (expecting)comments of positive reinforcement.

Wright despised pomposity and pretension, holding rm to hisprinciples of integrity and simplicity. He had an amazing ability towork in three dimensions. He grew up in Wisconsin close to the landand sought harmony with nature. He always spelled “nature” with acapital “N” and told employees to “go to the woods and elds forcolour schemes and search for warm, optimistic tones.” His practicespanned over six decades and was established in 1893 creating struc -tures right through to 1959. Photographs of his work show examplesthat would be very well received in our local market today. His use oflarge overhangs, ared eaves, high bands of windows and shingle onexterior walls and gables has connected with our local market.

Our best selling homes (both single and multi-family) incorpo -rate natural materials and colours that belong in this environmentand unite the interior with outdoor space. The outdoor space can bea simple deck or patio and go all the way up to the pool, outdoorkitchen or water feature.

When we were engaged to sell the 48 condominiums at AbbottHouse, we were presented a design incorporating large overhangs, animpressive beamed arch, shingle gables and board and batten sidingwith real brick detail and real timber accents all in soothing naturalcolours. This development incorporated these features from heritagebuildings and the architect blended them with his vision to impart a

SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL STATS

UNITS SOLD FOR THE MONTH

UNITS SOLD YEAR TO DATE

AVERAGE SELL PRICE YEAR TO DATE

LISTING INVENTORY SOURCE OMREB

OCT ‘06 OCT ‘07

175

2242

$400,621

935

216

2573

$476,385

1036

OCT ‘08

91

1622

$507,962

1861

OCT ‘09

215

1674

$460,327

1378

C O N T A C T B O X

modern feel. The artist’s conceptions engaged buyers in a manner had not previously experienced. The comment most often heard wa“ nally, a condominium building which tempts me to sell my housand move.” Not surprisingly, Abbott House was honored with a prestigious Tommie Award last year.

Jamie Maw of Huntington Homes summarized the project in thimanner: “We tried to suggest an architectural vision for moderKelowna, but one that would resonate with a timeless quality. Upclose, there’s lots of detail and different textures, but from a distancethey merge into a distinctive whole. It makes people smile.”

Our area has been inundated with many housing styles over thpast decade as we went through the eras of Spanish style, MiamVice pink stucco, fake Tuscan and bright coloured stucco contemporary. Thankfully, tastes have moderated and this in part is driven bythe consumer demand for quality.

The Central Okanagan has embraced the Craftsman Style of hous

ing and this movement began in the 1880’s to celebrate handicraftsimple forms and the use of natural materials.True Craftsman styles were those featured in Gustav Stickley’s

“The Craftsman” magazine from 1901 to 1916. The style featuredthe characteristics of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs and used open

oor plans, few hallways, numerous windows, art glass, exposeroof rafters, wide eaves and natural stonework. They were intendedto be practical houses affordable by a wide range of people.

The theme has been widely interpreted and there are some fantastic homes around our area that are attractive examples of this styleof architecture. There are some others that have borrowed heavilon the theme and may not stand the test of time. Overzealous use ocultured stone (fondly known as “lick and stick”) is prevalent, as ar

colours and styles of rock that do not assimilate with our area. Other mistakes include timbers that are stuck on the front of the houswith no structural intent, just decoration. Some colours that screamto make a statement have not been in keeping with the intent of thiarchitecture as noted previously. Generally, our local home builderand designers have been doing a pretty good job interpreting thitheme and making it commercially viable.

When it comes to the economic viability and survival of this styleyou — the buyer — are the ultimate critic, the nal decision makein this process. You alone decide if you like the architecture enoughto make the very expensive decision to buy it. You decide if thematerials look like they belong to the house and belong to the areaYou decide if the architecture and design engages the observer onall levels. This will be your home in which you seek shelter, comforand peace. At the same time it will portray to the observer a little biof the essence of the people that live within, but not too much fothere always should be the element of mystery.

Remember, less is more.

Don Gerein, Broker and President Macdonald Realty Kelowna

Phone: 250-860-4300 [email protected]

8


9/114


10/114



11/114


As all of us are unique, so are the homes Denis builds; each and every one a sistatement re ecting the dreams and visions of his clients.B Y M ICHAEL F REEMAN AND P HOTOGRAPHED BY S HAWN T ALBOT

Okanagan topography provides breathtaking places where views, privacy and proxim-ity to the lake inspire us to stop and think: “Right here—this exact place—is where Iwould build my dream home!”

Aside from the nancial restrictions facing the average citizen, there could be someproblems building the perfect castle. The same landscape that sparked the fantasy brings with itsome dif cult challenges, for how does one construct a house on a mountain or on an irregular lotwithout radically changing the natural features of the land?

One way is to shape the house to t the pro le of the lot, breaking the traditional model, andadapting elevations to match nature’s curves. It is a concept that the average homebuilder wouldlikely shy away from, but Denis Apchin isn’t an average homebuilder. The head of Apchin DesignCorp loves this kind of challenge and it shows in some of Kelowna’s nest architecture.

“The lot is absolutely the key in developing the nal design,” notes Apchin. “The land in -spires me; many of my luxury homes are built on either view or water property, so there is alwayssomething pretty special about each one.”


12/114


Apchin strives to design the home around the contours of the lot,as well as natural features like trees and boulders that might other-wise be removed. He calls the process “harmonizing with the environment,” made viable because every single house plan is drawn

from scratch. Apchin rst gets some basic guidelines at the initialmeeting: what rooms are required and what the family’s importantneeds are. He goes to the site to get some feelings and ideas about theover-all project and begins a preliminary design. “I never have a pre-conceived idea of what the home is going to look like,” he remarks.“We are always trying to create something unique.”

“Crescendo” at Big White is the perfect example of Apchin’s phi-losophy. Local snow-hounds will instantly recognize the resort’slargest single-family luxury rental accommodation located on leftside of The Woodcutter run on the way to the Ridge Rocket chairlift.“The lot is triangular, but I could have put a rectangular buildingthere. Instead I matched the outer walls to the property line—the roofand land comes to an exact point.” The designer wanted a more excit-ing look than a plain at roof, so he lifted one side to allow it to lie atan angle. To match the elevations of the mountain, Apchin designed a35 foot high circular staircase that has six separate areas to enjoy.

The unique aesthetic of the Crescendo is certainly what draws onour emotions, but engineering the project was no small feat. “Wewanted the 27 foot tall windows to go right to the sof t, we wantedto match the contour of the land, and we had to compensate for theincredible snow weight at Big White, 300 pounds per square foot!”explains Apchin. The only way to address all of the issues was tobuild a metal skeleton that would support the huge double trussesplaced one foot apart. There are massive spans and the roof is cant

12


13/114


$4,400.00The whole entry system1 3/4” x 42” x 8’• SDL 18”

$8,800.00The whole entry system,including iron1 3/4” x 42” x 8’• SDL 14”


14/114


15/114

up to eight feet in places. The structure had to be carefully engi-neered to withstand all that weight.

For the Crescendo, like many of his other projects, Apchin turnedto Greg Wylie of R & A Engineering in Vernon. “Greg is very easyto work with, he allows me to conceptualize my designs and thenhe always manages to engineer the home without compromising thedesign,” declares Apchin.

Some of his clients know exactly what they want, and may evenhave a physical collection of ideas. Others are much less speci c.“People come to me for inspiration, so I take their wants and needs,and maybe some of their tastes in architecture, and I try to make itas individual and personal for them as possible,” says Apchin, beforereferring to his amazing website portfolio, which reveals that no twoApchin designed homes are alike.

As the master designer re nes the concept of the home, he consults very carefully with his customers to determine precisely whatthey want, all the while keeping in mind the home’s visual elegance,architectural strength, and environmental harmony. He determinesthe best home style for the lot by considering such things as the char-

acteristics of the site, the view corridors, morning and afternoon sun,driveway approach, utilities and the layout of the home.Apchin Design also uses Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) pro-

grams to assist in designing the home. This technology allows themto draw a perfect, three dimensional model of the home that can beviewed from any angle, inside the home or out. The software can beloaded with all the nishing materials and their respective colours,so the homebuyer can “walk” through the most reasonable facsimile



16/114

ra R&A ENGINEERING (1997) LTD.Structural Consultants

Providing structural engineering throughout theOkanagan for over 35 years.

“C REATIVE S OLUTIONS F OR U NIQUE P ROJECTS .”

Greg Wylie, P.Eng., Stuct. Eng.

• The Crescendo, Big White (and other Denis Apchin homes)

• The Marriot Hotel, Kelowna• Coldstream Elementary School, Vernon• The Outback cliffside residencies, Vernon• Feature buildings at Predator Ridge• Luxury homes & condos throughout

BC & Alberta• Commercial buildings & reservoirs

WWW .RAENGINEERING .CA


of the nished home.Apchin has been designing and building custom homes in the in-

terior of BC for almost three decades. In 1975, he began a ve yearspecialized teaching degreein Industrial Education atUBC. When he graduatedin 1980, he returned to Kel-owna to pursue a career as ashop teacher. However, thetime Apchin spent at UBC,designing and building amultitude of projects thathoned his skills in wood-work, metalwork, powermechanics, materials tech-nology and electronics,gave him the solid back-ground to try somethingelse.

He started teaching fulltime, but also started Apchin Design. That rst summer he designedand built his rst house. “I started as a teacher and part time designer,building in the summers. After ve years, I was working both posi -tions full time,” he explains. “I was de nitely stretched, and I had tomake a decision: On one hand I had a good, secure teaching job; onthe other were my dreams and a lot of unanswered questions. I choseto take the rollercoaster ride!”

Apchin has built dream homes for af uent, discerning people,winning awards at both the provincial and national levels, but oneaward, the Canamera, is special for him. “I didn’t enter it. Nobody

does,” he says. Winners aselected by professionproperty appraisers wtravel throughout westeCanada and the US. “Thput on a wonderful awarceremony for us and pafor everything. I won aI didn’t even know I wentered in it,” shares thumble designer.

Awards are nice, but Achin prefers to concentrain other directions for acolades. “My awards comfrom my clients; I kno

when I’ve won by thhappiness—when I see they are ecstatic with what they have, that’smy prize,” he says, even though ve of his six entries won Georgies. Another rewarding experience for Apchin is conceiving andconstructing living spaces that protect the environment. Denis wasone of the rst builders over a decade ago to convert from naturalgas to geothermal systems for all his homes. “Geothermal just makessense once you understand the bene ts. It’s a no brainer, especially

16

Computer rendering


17/114


The Ensuite Bath & Kitchen Showroom1950 Windsor Road, Kelowna, BC l 250-448-8224 l

www.emcobc.ca


18/114



19/114

for the larger homes I design that can require as much as 20 tons ofair conditioning” says Apchin. Always an optimist he looks forwardto a future when homes will one day be completely self-suf cientand off the grid. Apchin is a member of the (OEIA) Okanagan Envi-ronmental Industry Alliance and is constantly looking to incorporatenew energy ef cient ideas and technologies into his homes. Neverone to restrict his thinking to the mundane, Apchin is unveiling a newproject called Summerland Sky. “A developer has retained me to dothe designs for eight incredible lots,” he announces excitedly. His feesare included in the price of the lot, which translates into a great valuefor the purchaser, but more importantly, the arrangement gives oneof Canada’s premier designers the architectural controls to maximizethe stunning views, privacy and investment values for an entire com-munity. “A conventional design guideline restricts the imagination andforces the developer to police it. I will provide an individual solution:an original Apchin home design personally created for the purchaser,”he promises. At Summerland Sky, Apchin Design is also happy tobuild these homes for purchasers; however, the sale is not condition-al to this service. “We can give people the complete package if they

choose,” says the builder.All his designs include the “hard-scape” as well. “We plan the entiresite, including wharves, docks, swimming pools, sidewalks, and steps.All the gates, the driveway, fences, and even fountains; any physicalfeatures that need to be constructed on the property are done by us.”

The Summerland Sky website is embedded in TheApchin Design site, and vice-versa. Both are great places tocontact a real, live Dreamweaver.

C O N T A C T

Apchin Design CorpDenis Apchin

phone: 250-862-2078 fax: 250-868.3489 www.apchin.com [email protected]

Everwood Exotic Doors phone: [email protected] www.everwooddesign.com

R&A Engineering (1997) Ltd phone: 250-542-1357

greg@raengineering www.raengineering.ca GeoTility

phone: 250-686-0863 www.geotility.ca

Crescendo www.skicrescendo.com

Okanagan Hardwood Flooring phone: 250-765-2610

www.okanaganhardwoodfooring.comEnsuite (Kohler) www.emcobc.ca

Blair Mechanical Services Ltd. phone: 250-491-2700

www.blairmechanical.com



20/114



21/114


I S THAT YOU GUYS WAY UP THERE ?B Y A LBERT B ERKSHIRE

If you look at the housing industry as a business, it’s easy to see how the primarygoal of any residential developer is to create a neighbourhood that appeals to a targethomebuyer — you, me, the couple down the street. Optimum success, it could beargued, requires a combination of great design, preferred location, and the social

image that is attached to the property.When you look at it from a consumer point of view, it’s all about lifestyle, image, de-

sign, practicality, his and her closet space, and what you get for your dollar. Effectively— value.

On both sides of the equation, Wilden hit the mark with its rst four neighbourhoods,and carried that success over the mountain to the new, and breathtaking Wilden Sky-lands.

If there’s one constant in the Okanagan Valley’s real estate market it is the expression,

“lake and valley views.” People love a view. I mean, really, do you want to look at theback of your neighbour’s fence? Or do you want sunsets, glistening water, and beautifultrees? Considering how many hillside neighbourhoods there are in and around Kelowna,the preferred choice for a great view and Okanagan Lifestyle has been Wilden. But thatshouldn’t surprise you. Wondering why? Here’s a few interesting facts that has madeWilden so attractive to homebuyers looking for something different . . . something better.

When local developer, Gerhard Blenk rst started planning this 2,000-plus-acre community, his hillside-building scheme was so new, and so comprehensive that many of thedesign parameters were incorporated into the City of Kelowna’s of cial hillside-buildingguidelines. And the innovation didn’t stop there.

Wilden was the rst development, possibly in Canada, to pre-drill every home site forgeothermal heating and cooling systems. The goal has been to create a community thatgives back to the environment. The use of geothermal systems eliminates the need for ho-meowners to use natural gas to heat and cool the home, hot water, and even a swimmingpool. This option for homeowners helps them greatly reduce their carbon footprint, andsave long term on their heating and cooling bills. Score another one for Wilden.

Interestingly enough, the advanced hillside-building scheme and geothermal systemsare not front and centre at Wilden. Call them background bene ts, if you will. It is thesheer beauty and creativity of design in every home at Wilden that has really won overbuyers.

Form, Function, and FeedbackIn the last ve years, Wilden has built some stunning new homes, and collected some

serious hardware. Wilden and its ve custom homebuilders have won over 50 Silver and


22/114


Gold Tommie Awards for excellence in creating outstanding homes,kitchens, master suites, landscaping, a community, and several envi-ronmental consideration awards. And as nice as it is to be recognizedfor excellence, it’s the recognition of the Wilden homebuyers thatreally makes the Wilden team shine.

“We’ve consistently had positive feedback, strong sales and excel-lent reviews,” comments Brent Couves, Sales and Marketing Man-

ager at Wilden.It’s no surprise. With ve dedicated homebuilders showingoff their model homes at Clear Pond Place — at the entrance toWilden’s Skylands — it’s a row of creativity that makes you wantto move in right away. Artfully crafted homes encompass the Oka-nagan lifestyle creating homes that have a uniquely broad appeal.Empty nesters and families alike seem to favour the Wilden designs.Main oor living is emphasized, and true to our fantastic seasons,it blends indoor-outdoor living seamlessly. Private yards, court-yards, and entertaining spaces form an integral part of every home.If you could clearly de ne Okanagan architecture, you could do it in

22

any Wilden neighbourhood.

Is That You Way Up There?So what about the view? The view that everyone one really wants.

It’s where most people didn’t think to look. Wilden’s Skylands is sohigh up that when the street lights were lit for the rst time alonSkyland Drive, the calls started pouring in. The common question

was, “Is that you guys way up there?”That is one of the beauties of Wilden’s Skylands. It’s completelyunexpected, while being exactly what so many homebuyers havebeen seeking. It’s a well-planned combination of stunning lake andcity views, larger than usual building lots, and simply beautiful, natu-ral surroundings.

It is everything Wilden strives to be.Even though Wilden Skylands provides stunning views across the

city, and up and down Okanagan Lake, its proximity to the downtownbusiness core, shopping, dining, golf, and beaches is what makes itmost attractive. Sure views are incredible, but so is the convenience


23/114


of being within 10 minutes of just about everything. Thenew Wilden Skylands is accessed from Clifton Road, al-lowing Wilden to stay true to the motto, “Ten minutes todowntown, 10 steps to nature.”

Lifestyle and ValueAs Wilden has grown, each new neighbourhood has

moved up a notch on the “wow” scale. It’s not just “wow,nice homes,” it’s the ne tuning of the community, the add -ing of the current residents’ ideas, the new hiking, biking,walking, and “strollering” trails, and of course, new tech-nology to help make the homes even more comfortable.

What hasn’t changed with this newest Wilden neigh-bourhood is the incredible value it represents for home-buyers. Wilden Skylands puts you on top of the city, ina quiet, private neighbourhood just moments from youreveryday life.

Couves makes a great point about the real bonus for buy-ers choosing Wilden right now comes from the value being

offered from their award-winning builder team. “We’re of-fering incredible value right now with home and lot pack-ages at Wilden’s Skylands from under $440,000. You justcan’t beat this offer,” he says.

When you consider the craftsmanship and the price, it’sa great deal. Add to it the fact that Wilden consistently sellsout quickly as each new neighbourhood is released, andyou have a winning combination of exceptional lifestyle


24/114

C O N T A C T


Take a Tour No matter which Wilden neighbourhood you visit, you’ll see beau-

tiful, award-winning homes surrounded by Mother Nature. It wasdeveloper Gerhard Blenk’s plan from the start, and 50 years fromnow, it’ll be just as beautiful.

To see the beauty today, visit the Model Homes at Clear PondPlace. They’re open Saturday through Thursday. It’s always a greattime to see the homes and neighbourhoods at Wilden, but there’snever been a better time to move to Wilden!

WildenBrent Couves, Sales and Marketing Manager

Phone: 250-762-2906 Toll-free: 1-866-762-2906 www.wilden.ca [email protected]

GeoTility Geothermal Systems

(250) 762-5776 www.geotility.ca

Small’s Tile

(250) 765-0245 www.smallstile.ca

24

Wilden Quick facts: OVER 2,000 ACRES

1,000 ACRES DEDICATED TO GREEN SPACEQUIET STREET , QUIET NEIGHBOURHOODS

AWARDED OVER 50 HOUSING INDUSTRY AWARDS

FIVE CUSTOM HOMEBUILDERSHOME AND LOT PACKAGES STARTING UNDER $440,000

THREE -LEVEL , 2,700 SQ. FT . TOWN HOMES UNDER $450,000

#112 - 3677 Highway 97 North, Kelownawww.smallstile.ca

765-024

Importers and Distributors of Tile and Stone

and tremendous value — the two key components necessary for asolid real estate investment.

With Wilden’s Select Builder Team looking after new home con-struction in Wilden’s Skylands, Wilden’s own building company hasturned its attention to its rst major project. Hidden Lake Lane isunderway with fantastic 2,700-square-foot townhomes. These are

just beautiful with three levels, open concept living, sundecks and

covered patios, and four nicely sized bedrooms. It’s luxury livingwithout the maintenance. And like the Skylands homes, these townhomes at Hidden Lake Lane represent wonderful value and lifestyleconvenience from under $450,000.

Wherever you look at Wilden, you’ll nd nely crafted homes in anatural setting. It’s as close to de ning the Okanagan Lifestyle as youcan come. And it’s all just 10 minutes to downtown.


25/114


26/114


B UILDING YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITYB Y M ICHAEL F REEMAN

AuthenTech Homes is a designated Certi ed ResidentialBuilder (CRB,) and has been building custom homes inthe Okanagan for almost 20 years. Scott Tyerman, thepresident, is an inter-provincial journeyman carpenter

and a Registered Housing Professional (RHP) who has been in theconstruction industry for nearly three decades, but don’t expect to

nd him suited-up behind a big desk in a fancy of ce.

“He’s at the job site; he’s the guy in blue jeans and work boots,”laughs Greg Vinton, the sales and marketing manager of Authen-Tech. Tyerman is at the home site doing a “walk through”—a tourwith his clients to update the progress of their new home, answerany questions and implementthe features to make the homeuniquely theirs. This is just oneof several inspections he willundertake with his clients. Hepersonally does the all the walk-through’s.

Vinton is the “face” of thecompany, the rst person youare likely to meet at their show-home of ces in Wilden, and heremains involved throughout

26


27/114


the construction process. “I’m here so he can be out there,” notes

Vinton. “We feel our customers want the guy with 20-some yearsexperience building their houses.

“We are a tightly-knit team of professionals who all work withthe homeowner, to ensure their dream is realized. Scott and I rstmeet the homebuyer to help them through the design and selectionprocess. Whether it is selecting a lot and a design, or helping tochoose from the wide array of options available, the client valuesthis upfront help, which gets them going in the right direction,”says Vinton.

AuthenTech also includes the design services of Ginette Sig-ouin, of Ginette Interiors. This helps assure the customers thattheir homes are tailored to their speci c wishes. “The homeownerappreciates this helping hand in selecting their colours, as quiteoften they are overwhelmed without this helpful service,” explainsVinton. Out on site, the excellent management skills of projectmanager Fabio Gaudio guarantees that the job will be carried outprofessionally and in a timely manner.

“We all know our clients really well; we are easy to get a holdof, and there is always someone to answer your questions. There isclear communication from the beginning, so there are no surprisesdelivering your home as desired, on time, and on budget,” prom-ises Vinton.

When you call them, you will likely be greeted by the friendly


28/114



29/114


voice of Gina Tyerman, the business administrator and co-owner.Gina is involved in every project as well, and she is happy to answerany questions her customers may have.

The principals at AuthenTech believe that in recent years, manyindustries have experienced below average customer service due tothe previously ballooning economy. “Scott actually handles the cus-tomer service himself,” af rms Vinton, “ensuring our customers thatthey are being looked after by the guy who signed their buildingcontract! They really appreciate that he is involved right through tothe end.

“AuthenTech’s Wilden show home is a perfect example of how acollaborative effort can exemplify some of the many detail featuresand design ideas a craftsman like Tyerman has seen over the years.

The rst thing to notice coming in the front entrance of this practi-cal family home is that the stamped concrete walkway and decora-tive rock walls continue from the exterior into the foyer. The doorseems to be oating in space, an illusion created by the glass sur-rounding the portal.

Throughout the home and rear outdoor kitchen there are func -

tional countertops made from unique, coloured concrete. Those inthe kitchen are complemented by three wet stations: a full sink, aprep sink, and a pot- ller, which is a faucet over the stove to aid incooking.

Visitors to the show home comment about the great ow of the de-sign. “This family-friendly plan was designed with the quiet neigh-bourhood setting in mind,” con des Vinton. A well placed mudroom/laundry room is discreet, yet easily accessible from the garage and


30/114


front entrance. It backsonto a large butler’spantry, a convenientplace to drop the gro-ceries.

“We have heardcomments from somepeople who don’t likethe television to be thefocal point of the Greatroom,” says Vinton,

“So we designed this.”He pushes a button, and in a large hardwood wall unit a facade be-gins to rise. Behind it is a at screen television. With another press ofthe button, the door closes, making the travertine-accented replacethe highlight of the room.

Majestic hardwood handrails accent the central staircase that risesto the upper level, its curve paralleling the circular ow of the restof the house. The huge master suite has a double-sided replace, a

con dential sitting area and a private deck. The en-suite remainsconsistent to the rest of the home with the concrete counters, heatedmarble ooring, and a large walk-in closet complete with furniturestyle built-ins.

“Every home is custom-tailored, to suit your speci c needs,whether you have kids, a dog, or if you want a view, or a lot that willaccommodate a pool,” con rms Vinton.

AuthenTech’s dedication to their customers has earned them

C O N T A C T

AuthenTech HomesGreg Vinton

Direct: 250-979-8359 Business: 250-491-7690 [email protected] www.authentechhomes.com

Dannburg Interiors250-762-7337

[email protected] www.dannburginteriors.com

Gienow Windows & Doors250-868-9006

[email protected] www.gienow.com

Norelco250-765-2121

www.norelcocabinets.ca

90 Joinery250-212-1389

30

many awards over the years, including the Gold Tommie for “BestBuilder” and most recently, a Gold Tommie for “OutstandingCustomer Service.”

O


31/114


1872 Spall RoadKelowna

250.868.9006www.gienow.com


32/114



33/114

“W E BUILD YOUR HOME LIKE IT ’ S OUR OWN .”B Y M ICHAEL F REEMAN

Agood barometer for measuring the success of a builder isto see how many house warming parties he gets invitedto,” says Kevin Edgecombe with a wide grin. He may be

kidding, but as we know, un-derlying truth is what makesa joke funny.

Edgecombe is the ownerand driving force behindEdgecombe Builders; it is hisvision and attention to detailthat has brought him not onlyTommie Awards, but also theRSVPs to many of those

house warming galas he covets.With a father who inspired him by being an independent business-

man, Edgecombe knew from an early age that he would be followingthose same footsteps. Starting as a carpenter’s helper while in highschool, he studied drafting, which led to him earning a diploma inArchitectural Technology at the Northern Alberta Institute of Tech-nology. This was the stepping stone that allowed Edgecombe to pur-


EDGECOMBE BUILDERSsue his career as a builder.

“My education in architecture compliments my carpentry experi-ence, and my skills as a tradesman allow me to visualize designs,”he explains, “It’s a real key to my success . . . being able to con-ceptualize three dimensionally is a really important skill when youlook at a set of drawings and try to imagine the end game.”

Edgecombe, like any successful businessman, saw opportunities for growtand expansion and hit the gas a few yearback, helping to rebuild the homes destroyed by the res of 2003, and goinon to win the prestigious High VolumeBuilder of the Year Tommie Award in2007. Then, on the verge of becoming aserious volume builder, he throttled back

Striving to be a builder with a different approach, Edgecombe’s philosophy to

blend so-called “white-collar professionalism” with “blue-collarknow-how,” has to be approached “hands-on.” He has a team ofprofessional of ce staff and skilled site superintendants that he collaborates with. He insists on only hiring people who are quali edand courteous. These are employees that, like most, have been withhim for a long time, allowing him to spend time consulting with


34/114



35/114


customers. “I am very proud of my staff and realize that withoutthem, Edgecombe Builders would not be able to do what we do,”says their employer.

Although there are many great builders in the Okanagan, for Edge-combe, it all comes down to the pleasure of the process. “I really en-

joy the progression from the rst pen on paper, right down to concep -tualizing the basics: which side is the driveway on, where the mostdaylight is, where you spend your mornings or your evenings.”

This “architecture rst” perspective allows the home to have goodow and liveability, as well as having a practical layout. During this

design analysis Edgecombe Builders recognizes opportunities fortheir clients to take advantage of low-cost changes that could addthousands in aesthetic value to the home. These small, unique andnoticeable features often make the entire house stand out.

A big challenge that prospective clients face is the seemingly lim-itless number of unknowns that comes with building a new home.It can be an emotional time. To deal with these issues, EdgecombeBuilders developed a program called Step by Front Step. “We put alot of work into making the process enjoyable, our people are easy

to talk to, exible, professional and listen carefully with the client’sbest interest at heart. We are extremely transparent throughout thebuild, walking you through step by step,” says Edgecombe.

The show home at Wilden boasts consistent quality hardwoodthroughout with majestic beams, posts and three spectacular featuresbuilt from new and reclaimed lumber. Complimenting the woodare railings, caps and brackets made from hand-hammered steel.Wall nishes include slip trowel drywall, an effect Edgecombe rst

Bevanda Architecture Inc.

208-399 Main StreetPenticton, B. C.V2A 5B7Tel: 250 492-1005Email: [email protected]


36/114

C O N T A C T


saw in California. “We’re ‘running with scissors’ a little with thisnish, since it is quite expensive and unique, but I love the look

of it,” he explains.Another uncommon touch is the large indoor/outdoor bar top

with a fully retracting window that matches the similarly retract-ing glass doors in the great room. The cutting-edge remote accessmedia centre makes entertaining easy and includes a suspended atscreen television that not only pivots 360 degrees, but it also retractsinto the ceiling when not in use!

The home features unique views of the character highlights with-in its interior from many vantage points and “damsel in distress”balconies. The hand crafted hickory oor draws a lot of positivefeedback, as do the tasteful bedrooms, travertine appointed bath-rooms and huge ensuite. The drop ceiling in the master bedroombrings with it a very intimate ambiance and Edgecombe reveals alittle of his personality by staging the large, naturally lit ex roomas a drafting studio.

“A home is an evolution, and I consider myself very capableof visualizing plans. Sitting in with the client and the designer, I

can see things from both a construction, as well as an architectur-al perspective, so I can ask questions that others might miss. I’mconstantly sketching little concepts during the nishing stages andpointing out unique, often inexpensive ideas to my clients.

“I really believe in the relationship side of the business and theimportance of getting to know each and every client,” he explains.“We know we can build a quality house — but not everyone canbuild a quality relationship.”

36

Edgecombe Builders is proud to be one the builders representingthe Blenk and Wilden Development Team.

Edgecombe Builders Kevin Edgecombe

Phone: 250-491-8655 Fax: 250-491-8611 www.edgecombebuilders.com [email protected]

Interior Floor Connection Phone: 250-717-11985

www. oorconnection.ca From the Forest

Phone: 250-765-3706 www.fromtheforest.ca

Claymasters Phone: 250-861-0678 www.claymasters.ca

Suntec Windows & Doors Inc Phone: [email protected]

Tubello Stone Works Phone: 250-860-4280

[email protected]


37/114



38/114


C OME HOME TO EXCELLENCEB Y M ICHAEL F REEMAN

Natural Resources Canada says on their website that R2000homes “are built to demanding standards for energy ef-

ciency and indoor air quality that far surpass others inthe marketplace.”

A home’s air ow, heat and internal moisture allinteract and work together, a concept referred to asthe “house as a system.” First developed as an energy saving program for Canada’s frigid prairies, theR2000 Standard was introduced in 1981, changingforever the way our houses are built.

Glenn Fawdry has over 30 years in home buildingexperience under his belt. A conservationist at heart,when Fawdry heard about R2000 in the early 80’s,

38


39/114


40/114


choose to take additional strides that protect the Earth and im -prove air quality beyond typical standards, then Fawdry and com -pany are certi ed to take a home all the way to the R2000 standardor anywhere in between.

The Fawdry Homes team is a loyal bunch. The boss isn’t the kindof guy who stands in front of a Christmas party and gives a longspeech. He prefers to go to each employee individually to state, inperson, what he appreciates about them, and he says it regularly —not just at Christmas parties.

Protecting the environment and good employee relations aren’t theonly things that makes Fawdry Homes special. “We are a smallerbuilder, dedicated to quality. We are always thinking of how to im -prove a home — to create a healthy, comfortable living space,” ex -plains Janelle Fawdry, a sales associate and estimator at her father’sbusiness. “Glenn has such a long history and believes in check-listsand documentation. He works closely with clients during the designstage, asking questions to ensure that the construction specs are ex -tensively detailed. He often goes to the lot to check for drainage is -

sues, how the house ts the contours of the land and where the roomswill be situated to take maximum advantage of the views and naturallight,” she remarks.

“Speak quietly, but listen loudly” is more than just an axiom forGlenn Fawdry. He wants to hear his customer’s ideas and input inall respects of the build, and he asks his own questions early enoughin the process to be properly addressed. “We have very extensive


41/114


construction specs that we walk the customer through, pointing outfeatures and details, as well as environmental, healthy, and ef cientoptions,” he says — quietly.

Fawdry’s show home, con -ceived by Chris Robinson ofRobinson Designs, has a lu -minous, summery feel, thelight colours keeping it brightall year. The White Oak hard -wood oors are nished onsite,scraped and sanded smooth,completely opening the optionsfor staining.

“This is a very exible plan,”says Janelle Fawdry, “We havecustomers who want just themain oor, since the mastersuite is here. We then build

guestrooms on the lower levelfor them, making it a three-bedroom home on two levels.Other people use the upstairs for their children’s bedrooms, and adda ex room or perhaps a deck.”

There are many features within the home, the late-night brain -storms of the builder: A soft, four-inch drop in the ceiling in the mas -ter suite is elegant, the soaker tub in the ensuite has an over ow

trough that allows its user to be completely submerged, and there isKettle Valley granite decorating the main oor powder room.

Another interesting convenience is the elimination of a shower’s“toe banger.” Fawdry hdropped the joists beneathe shower to allow the rmoval of the lower lip of thensuite’s shower stall, saing a few bruised toes in tprocess!

The vaulted great rooshows nice angled lines thstretch to peaks, and the rtractable patio door invitindoor/outdoor entertaininThe majestic replace is thighlight of the room.

Upstairs, the bedroo

and sitting area are spacioand inviting, but it is tceiling detail that captur

attention with ne nishing to the peaked apex, including a cool little“sleep over niche” over the door and closet of one bedroom.

Glenn Fawdry loves clean lines and a quick look at the backsplashin the kitchen of his show home proves it. A dozen feet of clean area,not even an electrical outlet. The outlets are there, but he has con


42/114

C O N T A C T


cealed them beneath the cupboards. But it doesn’t stop there. Uponfurther investigation you will nd that things like vacuum outlets,wall sockets and alarm system hardware are inconspicuous, keepingthe sight-lines unblemished.

“I still get excited about new projects, doing them right, and do -ing them in an environmentally friendly way,” explains Fawdry, “In

Fawdry HomesJanelle Fawdry

Phone: 250-862-8630 Fax: [email protected] www.fawdryhomes.ca

Dannburg InteriorsPhone: 250-762-7337

[email protected] www.dannburginteriors.com Suntec Windows & Doors Inc.

Phone: [email protected]

90 JoineryPhone: 250-212-1389

Okanagan Hardwood FlooringPhone: 250-765-2610

www.okanaganhardwoodfooring.com

the early 80’s when R2000 started, it was a pretty tough sell. Now,with things like geo-thermal heating, Heat Recovery Ventilators andreduced off-gassing of products, we have the ability to build reallybeautiful, Earth-friendly homes.”

42

O


43/114


Lynx Brand Fence Products765-1468 (of ce) • 765-7797 (fax)904 Alsgard St

www.lynxfence.comFENCE PRODUCTS SINCE 1971


44/114



45/114

A F ULL -S ERVICE P HILOSOPHYB Y M ICHAEL F REEMAN

Born on the prairies, Miles Krahncut his teeth in Calgary’s construc-tion industry. In 1980, he formedMeadow Ridge Homes, and then

spent 20 years perfecting hisbuilding techniques. But theseweren’t cookie-cutter boxes inthe suburbs; they were largecustom homes in the most ex-clusive areas of the city.

In 2001, Krahn and his wifeSusan, the rm’s interior deco -rating expert, moved the busi-

ness to the Okanagan. “We’ve loved it herefrom day one,” he explains, “The weather isgreat, the views are spectacular and the people

are friendly. It’s beautiful.”With Meadow Ridge Homes in Kelowna, theKrahns, along with construction manager Gra-ham Koyich, saw an opportunity to take theirskills and knowledge and apply them with a“full-service” philosophy: building homes ofuncompromised quality. Uncompromised inmaterials, and uncompromised in craftsman-ship — from design all the way through tolandscaping.

Typically, his customers are very discerning,usually willing to spend slightly more to select

MEADOW

RIDGE


P HOTOGRAPHED BY C OLIN J EWALL


46/114


only the most luxurious products. “Our standard spec is unique, it’swell above the building code,” says Krahn. The information he re-fers to is published on their website for people to see and judge for

themselves. It is an example of the transparency for which MeadowRidge is known.

For close to a decade, they have been building custom homes inKelowna. “I routinely give out my client list to prospective buyersand I tell them they can call anyone on it for a reference,” he putsforth, and then adds with a smile, “One man even asked me if thelist was of my friends and family, because he didn’t get a single badreview!” In fact, the le is simply all of his past customers.

Meadow Ridge builds approximately a dozen houses a year, whichallows Krahn to really get to know his clients. The initial communi-cation is a two-way procedure where he asks about the home buyer’swants, needs and expectations, while inviting questions and ideasfrom them. “We are different from other builders; it’s me from thevery beginning, I use a rigorous interview process to determine thingslike design requirements, view, sun exposure, privacy, and budget tosee if we can build the sort of house you want.”

Communication is the key for this builder. By examining every de-tail of the plan with his clients, Krahn can discuss the critical aspectsof the project and ne tune it for them right at the beginning. “Thatway,” he says, “there aren’t any of those ‘infamous surprises,’ there’sno disappointments — we all know exactly what to expect.” Thispromise of communication has won Meadow Ridge many “absentee”

jobs, where the client, because of other commitments, is unavailableto physically visit the home site. These clients have the option of


47/114


following the progress of their home on an interactive Internet con-nection that contains hundreds of pictures, copies of the blueprintsand email links for communicating. “Of course we work with localpeople too; this just emphasizes how we feel about the critical impor-tance of understanding all our clients’ visions,” he explains.

Krahn’s con dence in the homes his company produces is unde -niable, but there is also a humble side to him. “This select groupof home builders at Wilden may be erce competitors; but they arealso tremendously respectful of one another. We all walk through thecommunity and comment on, or compliment, each other’s work. It’snot uncommon for one of us to call on the expertise of another. I’mvery proud that Meadow Ridge is one of the ve.”

When designing the Meadow Ridge show home, Krahn and hiswife took a bold stride in a new direction. “People are familiar withthe ‘Arizona’ style, or the ‘California’ style, but we don’t know thatanyone has ever tried to establish an ‘Okanagan’ style,” he declares.When pressed for details, he points out that many of his customersare avid entertainers. They also want to live primarily on the main

oor of the home, and they want overnight visitors to enjoy a certain

level of privacy.To accomplish these things, the main oor has entertainment fea -tures like a multi-level wet bar that is within a few steps of the largekitchen island, the idea being that two groups can interact in the openarea without becoming crowded. The circular wine rack, double sizeFisher and Paykel professional fridge and drawer style dishwashers;plus the 20-foot tiled replace, convenient patio access, and butler’spantry are all functional for hosting guests. The gorgeous front en-


48/114


C O N T A C T

Meadow Ridge HomesMiles Krahn

Phone: 250-861-3344 Fax: 861-3310

[email protected] www.meadowridgehomes.com

Co-operators Insurance250-861-3777

[email protected]

Gienow Windows & Doors250-868-9006

[email protected] www.gienow.com

Coast Wholesale Appliances 250-765-2421

[email protected] www.coastappliances.com

48

trance, Merbau hardwood ooring and detailed nishing makeshome owners proud to do so.

The master suite is in a discrete location on the main oor, and soare a washer and dryer, hidden away in the walk-in closet beyond the

marble adorned ensuite that boasts a spa shower. A second laundrypair is located in an upstairs niche to serve the two adult styled bed-rooms, one of which has twin closets, a private deck and a separateentrance to the well-appointed bathroom. The upper sitting area is aquiet space that overlooks the great room. This ability for companyto sleep, bathe, launder clothes, and relax on a oor of their ownmotivates people to invite out-of-towners.

1872 Spall RoadKelowna

250.868.9006www.gienow.com

“An important part of our business and marketing plan — ourmandate — is for our clients to recommend us with con dence,”says Krahn from his home — in Kelowna, BC.


49/114

KELOWNA: 101 2600Acland Road (Phone: 250 765 2421)

w w w . c o a s t a p p l i a n c e s . c o m

VANCOUVER

NANAIMO

VICTORIA

SURREY

CALGARY N.

CALGARY S.

COQUITLAM

EDMONTON N.

EDMONTON S.

ABBOTSFORD

SASKATOON

RED DEER

KELOWNA

REGINA

WINNIPE

TORONTONEW NEW

We s t e r n C a n a d a ’ s L a r g e s t S u p p l i e r o f H o m e A p p l i a n c e s

AD I V I S I O N O F


50/114


DOING IT B ETTER , E ACH AND E VERY D AYBY M ICHAEL F REEMAN

Being one of the higher volume builders in Wilden is not RandySiemens’ biggest concern. What is important to him is client satis-faction, an ideal that Rykon Construction Management constantlychallenges. The company’s owner and president vows to “do it bet-ter, each and every day.”

50


51/114

“Never, do we ever say that we are completely satis ed with ourprocesses. We always want to be striving to make it better for theclient — they’re the ones we are working for.” This commitmentto re ning procedures has led to the development of Home Steps,a series of sequential, manageable phases of the home buildingprocess that are easy to concentrate on, allowing clients to makethe decisions that affect the home’s construction.

The Home Steps program has been developed by Siemens’ partner and the vice president of Rykon Construction Management,Ken Pennington. His goal is to create a trust level that people arecomfortable with by being completely transparent about the pro-cedure, regardless if the home is project managed, xed fee or acombination of the two. The system starts the moment a customersits down with Roy Sinden, the director of sales. “Roy is very in-tentional in being the liaison between the homeowners and theconstruction team for the duration of the build, and well after,”explains Siemens.

The project manager is another key component to Home Steps,dealing with the clients on a day-to-day basis, assisting them

through each of the phases, walking them through inspections atthe job site, and providing valuable counsel in making the deci-sions that personalize a home. Siemens says that his customerstend to “drive the project in a direction that suits their personalitiesand lifestyle. The critical component for us is to recognize wherethe clients feel the most comfortable, and what we can do to help

them feel satis ed and contenwith both their new home andthe journey to get to it.”

In 1984, Siemens was managing Rykon’s construction di-vision on the West Coast. Even-tually he became their vic

president of construction. Thenin 1995, he moved his family toKelowna when he was overseeing the development of the



52/114


P EOPLE TRUST

US WITH A HUGE

AMOUNT OF WHO

THEY ARE , THEY ’RE

TAKING A LEAP OF

FAITH , AND THAT IS SOMETHING WE

DON ’T TAKE

LIGHTLY — EVER .

“

52


53/114


54/114


that, when pulled open reveal even more cold storage. The modernblack stove has been retro- tted with the chromed spring handlesfrom yesteryear.

The family room is comfortable with a nice television nook andeasy access to the patio which has a fully equipped outdoor kitchen.With both the patio and the courtyard available, the home is truly setup for entertaining, Okanagan style.

The upper level reveals the family side of the layout. The big mas-ter suite has a high ceiling, terri c lighting, a quiet sitting area, anda deck. In keeping with the French door theme, double doors leadinto a lovely ensuite that is encompassed in marble. The “his andher” motif, where there are twin sinks, walk-in closets and inlaidmarble accents in the heated oors, make the space easy to share,and the washer and dryer discretely hidden in one of the walk-ins isa nice touch of convenience.

The other two bedrooms on the upper oor have a special feature:each one has a separate entrance to a large rear-facing deck. Theserooms are designed for the kids, with a large bathroom betweenthem. The second laundry set is located in big multi-use room on

the main level called a home control centre.“In most cases, this is the largest expenditure people make, bothnancially and emotionally,” declares Siemens. “My passion is to

build the best relationship possible between us and our clients; to‘over-deliver’ what their expectations might be. People trust us witha huge amount of who they are. They’re taking a leap of faith, andthat is something we don’t take lightly — ever.”

C O N T A C T

Rykon Construction Management Ltd.Randy Siemens

Phone: 250-712-9664 Fax: 250-712-9654

www.rykon.ca [email protected] Koeda Hardwood Floors

(250) 765-0270 www.koedawood.com

Glenmore Millwork(250) 762-3011

www.glenmoremillwork.ca Pure Granite Rocks!

(250) 558-3773 www.puregraniterocks.com

Duradek(250) 807-1313

[email protected] Enterprises Ltd.

(250) 765-6444 AcuTruss Industries

(250) 860-6667 [email protected]

54


55/114

European Oil FinishEco FriendlyLocally CraftedWide Plank Hardwood Floors

270A Campion St. Kelowna

250-765-0270

San Marc Homes T

www.koedawood.com


56/114

& Craftsman StyleT HIS I SSUE : The demand for distinctive Okanagan home designP R O F E S S I O N A L P A N E L R O U N D TA B L EGlenn Fawdry, Fawdry HomesCerti ed Residential Builder Glenn Fawdry has over 30 years ofexperience building custom homes in Kelowna. Early in his career,the idea of building an R2000 home caught his imagination andignited his passion for the construction industry. The very rsthome Fawdry built was an R2000 home; these homes must be builtto demanding standards and focus on energy ef ciency and indoorair quality. Fawdry has carried these practices in consideration with

the customer’s budget for each home he has constructed. Fawdry and his staff pridethemselves on customer satisfaction with their extensive system of checks and “listeningloudly and speaking quietly” to achieve each customer’s dream home.

Robert DeJong, DeJong and SonsConstruction Inc.

Robert was born in southern Alberta and spent his formativyears gaining knowledge and experience in Calgary, WhitehorseVancouver Island and Vancouver before settling almost 15 years ago,with his wife and three sons, in the lush Okanagan Valley. DeJong hasan artist’s eye when it comes to design and construction; he has theability to envision the nished project complete with generous detai

and imagination. His ability to manipulate and create with wood is a true skill that hehas been able to utilize with his clients and help to ful ll their dreams and desires fortheir homes. A number of the interior features DeJong has built have been recipient ofbuilder’s awards in the Okanagan.


Scott Tyerman, AuthenTech Homes Ltd.Scott and Gina Tyerman have lived in the Okanagan since the early 80’sWith a Journeyman Certi cate in Carpentry, and plenty of experienceunder his tool belt, he started his own custom homebuilding companyat age 26. Gina and Scott then collaboratively formed AuthenTechHomes in 1995. Since then, AuthenTech Homes has been awardedmany local accreditations including gold Tommie awards for “BesBuilder” and “Best Customer Service.” Tyerman has volunteered on

many Canadian Home Builder Association (CHBA) committees. He served as CHBAKelowna President for several years. He also served on many technical committees atthe provincial level. Tyerman participated in the pilot “Residential Housing Professional(RHP)” training course offered by the CHBA, which gave his company the “Certi edResidential Builder (CRB)” designation.


57/114


How would you defneCraftsman Style building?

DeJong: Craftsman Style building gained widespread popularitin the late 19th century and has seen a recent resurgence in use foresidential homes in our area. The Craftsman Style home is de neby an informal lifestyle look with exteriors commonly known fobig porches and roofs with wide eaves. You would nd charismatidetails including columns, corbels, dentils and exposed beams. Woodis the material of choice but often there are combined uses of stonand wood throughout both the interior and exterior.

Tyerman: The true de nition of “Craftsman Style” refers Architecture characterized by the Frank Lloyd Wright era, witabundant use of natural exterior nishes such as stone and lowpitched roofs with large overhangs. I believe the Okanagan haestablished its own version of Craftsman, which utilizes many of thsame nishes in the original architecture, but adopts more attractiv

design elements, such as steeper roof pitches.

Fawdry: Craftsman Style incorporates handcrafted naturmaterials to achieve a strong clean appearance; an open ef ciendesign featuring built-ins, exposed beams and transoms windows.

What examples of this style do youbuild as features in your homes?

DeJong: I work with my clients and offer suggestions and desigideas based on their lifestyle and objectives. I always like to includa signature piece that is unique for their residence. One client evenwanted his dog house to be a miniature replica of the main house. focus on attention to wooden details such as the addition of beamsbraces, layered mouldings and millwork. Never being afraid of good challenge, I am always willing to add round wooden features.

Tyerman: There are many great examples of “Craftsman” the homes we build in Wilden. Wilden has a requirement for threexterior nishes, one of which is rock facing. We incorporate otheexterior nishes such as stained wood timbers, wood doors, anhorizontal and shake siding, such as on our previous showhome. Thiensures an attractive exterior, for which Wilden is well recognized.

Fawdry: Natural stone, cedar shakes and horizontal siding. Froporch with stone foundation appearance and sturdy square columnsExposed beams. Open ef cient oor plan featuring two dominat

replaces. Transom windows. Built-in replace surround as well amud room lockers and bench.

Do you think these features and thisstyle commands a premium priceto build and when the home is re-sold compared to other styles?

DeJong: A Craftsman Style home will be the focus of a buywho wants expert detail and attention to the craft of woodworking

DeJong


58/114


AuthenTech


59/114


This is not the run-of-the mill, cookie-cutter house that looks thesame as others on the block therefore the added cost of materials andlabour will command a premium price. The Craftsman Style is soughtout by many who recognize the value and long-term appreciation inthe expertise and techniques used in building the home. The qualityput into the building will help the home to increase in value as it agesand the savvy buyer will recognize this opportunity when purchasinga Craftsman Style home.

Tyerman: If we were to compare a Craftsman styled homewith three exterior nishes, to a more conventional home with twoexterior nishes, I would say the Craftsman Style would cost slightlymore, but just the difference of the added feature. Most typicalhomes would incorporate rock facing along with siding, so I wouldsay the additional cost would be for the added exterior wood. Maybe$1,000. But, I feel that the home would command a much highervalue compared to the typical home out there.

Fawdry: Craftsman features can vary in cost but style can beachieved with a few selected features depending on the customer’swishes.

How and when were you most in uencedto build this style and home?

DeJong: I was very fortunate in the early 1980’s through to the mid1990’s, to be part of a team that worked with many leading architectsand designers building and renovating very exclusive homes in theVancouver area. Some of my favourites were Craftsman Style homes.

At one point, I was fortunate to be working on the home of ArthuErickson, one of Canada’s most well-known architects. While workingon renovating, updating and adding on to some of these older homesit was very challenging and rewarding for us to recreate old-styldesign. Sometimes we were adding on up to 10,000 square feet whilekeeping with the original style. Generally, the wealthy clients choseto make these changes because of the cost of materials and labour tohand make and re-create many of the details. For me, I experiencedone of the main philosophies of building Craftsman Style homes: th“joy of labour” in creating something beautiful from start to nish.

Tyerman: We have built Craftsman features into many of oucustom homes throughout the years at our clients’ request, but thmost in uential use of Craftsman has been since the start of buildinhomes in Wilden. Wilden has had a designated Craftsman themsince conception, that people have fallen in love with. It’s a nishthat everybody has come to know and love, so it’s an easy choice forhomebuyers.

Fawdry: Six years ago Chris Robinson wanted to brake awafrom mass production and take pride and focus on attention to detailwith handcrafted natural material this style offers we felt this was aharmonious t with our focus at Fawdry Homes.

Give us an example of one of yourhomes or projects that featuredCraftsman Style building.

DeJong: Prairie-style architecture with low pitched roofs and larg

Fawdry


60/114


overhangs are well suited to this area helping to shade windows fromthe sun’s intense rays during our Okanagan summers. Modern andcontemporary homes are also well suited to adapt to the challengesof the Okanagan’s sloped terrain. In addition to being aestheticallypleasing, they are also ideal for incorporating multiple levels, largepicturesque windows and expansive decks and patios for outdoorliving.

Tyerman: think our previous “Hidden Lake” Wilden showhomeis a great example of a Craftsman Style home as we know it inthe Okanagan. It has tasteful use of exterior horizontal and shakesiding, rock facing, stained wood timbers, wood door, and dividedtransom window lights. Basically, all of the natural elements that say“Craftsman.”

Fawdry: Wilden Skylands - 1362 Clear Pond Court

What is your favourite example

of Craftsman Style buildingoutside of the Okanagan?

DeJong: While working in the Shaughnessy area of Vancouver Iwould often pass a beautiful mansion where I sometimes stopped justto stare at the amazing detail and architecture. It turns out this homewas known as Glen Brae Manor and was built in 1910 by a retiredlumberman, William Tait. It was lavishly designed and stands outin the neighbourhood with its twin cupolas, intricate exterior detail,polished brick and enormous stained glass windows. It survivedthrough the years and had various uses such as a kindergarten anda hospital. Thankfully, it was designated a heritage house and wasdonated to the City of Vancouver where it now proudly houses the

DeJong

AuthenTech


61/114


Fawdry

AuthenTech


62/114


rst free-standing children’s hospice built anywhere in NorthAmerica – Canuck Place.(www.canuckplace.org/about/overview/our_house.htm)

Tyerman: I wouldn’t want to say that we work within aparticular style although I believe our work is being recognizeddue to the particular approach we take, through the design process.We are presently working on a restaurant for Tin Horn CreekWinery that is designed to be responsive to its context and therequirements of the owner. Our design strategies come from threeguiding principles: that architecture is an art; that all buildingsare public, whether publicly or privately funded, they contribute tothe over-all quality and live-ability of our communities; and thatonly through the responsiveness of Modernism can we producebuildings that are sustainable, and representative of our time. Westrive to produce buildings that contribute to the quality of ourcommunity and are worthy of preservation.

Fawdry: Whistler - Transitional Craftsman

DeJong And Sons Construction Inc. Robert DeJong

Robert: 250-212-0699 Benjamin: [email protected] www.dejongandsons.com

Fawdry HomesJanelle Fawdry

Phone: 250-862-8630 Fax: [email protected] www.fawdryhomes.ca

AuthenTech HomesGreg Vinton

Direct: 250-979-8359 Business: 250-491-7690 [email protected] www.authentechhomes.com

C O N T A C T

62

Fawdry


63/114


2668 Abbott StreetA Beach House creating a moodreminiscent of the 50s with a mas-sive lakeside porch connectinglake and living spaces includ-ing a large open air kitchen. SanMarc Homes craftsmen havetruly created one the Okanagan’s

nest waterfront properties.Price upon request.MLS® 9224884

1595 Gregory Road Absolutely extraordinary, thishome truly has to be seen to beappreciated, San Marc homes hasdone it again, separated them-selves from the rest. The themeand mood in this home is compli-mented with the highest of qual-

ity of nishing. Fabulous lakeand vineyard views. Price uponrequest. MLS® 220233

1702-1152 Sunset DriveTruly one of the most extraordi-nary waterfront penthouse suitesto be offered in the Okanagan.Pure luxury created with import-ed hickory hardwood, limestone,polished travertine and granite.No expense has been spared in the

gorgeous renovation transform-ing this unobstructed lake viewpenthouse to 2009 standards.Price upon request. MLS® 9223483

15510 Whiskey Cove Road Okanagan Lake’s most extraordi-nary offering, set on 1.1 acres ofgorgeous level beachfront. Thiscustom-built 5500 sq. ft. luxuryhome offers deluxe nishing, 6car plus garage and large dockwith boat moorage for 2 boat lifts.Price upon request.MLS® 223696

1520 Vineyard DriveAt the Peak of perfection situ-ated on 1.22 acres of total privacywith lake and vineyard views. Afamily and entertainer’s dreamhome built by San Marc Homes.Approximately 4000 sq. ft. on themain level and an entertainmentroom that would wow everybody.Price upon request. MLS® 222028

4269 Hobson Road Kelowna’s most prestigious ad-dress and a home that suits allneeds, extraordinary nishingwith chef-inspired kitchen andeuro-style spa bathrooms. Stepsto the beach. Main oor livingthat connect to gorgeous outdoor

entertaining area with swim-ming pool. Price upon request.MLS® 9218367

Live the Okanagan lifestyleThe Lake and Vineyard Collection


64/114


YOUR H OME , T HEIR P ASSIONBY D EANNA M ERRICK

Rod Doroshuk nds inspiration in a multitude of places.He considers his company, Inspiration Homes, to be asmall-volume builder but clearly, he thinks big. He is ex-cited by the challenge each home presents: the potential

for unique designs; the property; environmental considerations; thelifestyle it represents; the size of the home and theclient’s personal preferences. Doroshuk is a man whokeeps his nger on the pulse of every home his com-pany creates.

“My slogan is ‘Your Home, Our Passion,” he statesemphatically.

Although he’s been a developer in Vernon for al-most 20 years, Inspiration Homes, just four yearsold, is the culmination of his past experience and his

64

P HOTOGRAPHED BY C OLIN J EWALL

INSPIRATION HOMES

company’s current philosophy.“I have a team of fabulous designers and architects I work with

on every home. We are constantly reaching beyond the traditionalboundaries.

Okanagan Home - Dec 2009 Jan 2010.pdf

Documents

Transcript of Okanagan Home - Dec 2009 Jan 2010.pdf