Simplicity within the home and exterior offers a ?modern classic? feel
Mary Frances Hill
The Province
Oak + Park
What: 7600 Oak Street
Project size: 40 townhomes
Residence sizes and prices: 3-bed + den + flex, 1,280 — 1,732 square feet, from $1,250,000
Developer and builder Alabaster Homes
Sales centre: 301 — 1788 W. Broadway
Phone: 604-558-5851
In designing its Oak + Park townhome community in Marpole, Alabaster Homes was mindful of homeowners’ needs for both social and private spaces.
Those who visit the project sales centre won’t find a full display suite, but they will be able to check out a cross-section of the Oak + Park layout that illustrates such distinct spaces.
On one floor, two bedrooms are separated by a den and a bathroom for extra quiet and privacy. The master suite occupies its own floor on the highest level, and opens to its own deck. Meanwhile, the bottom floor has an open-concept living and dining/kitchen space that encourages socializing, and gives way to plenty of outdoor space.
Achieving that balance is everything to both Alabaster Homes and Jennifer Hawk.
“This floor plan gives a great sense of open-concept living on the main floor, which will create a wonderful space to socialize in, while allowing the lower level to be a place for TV, games and entertainment,” says Hawk, a designer with Occupy Design, which worked on finishes in the homes, and furnished the display space.
“The location of the bedrooms is great for each family member to have their own personal retreat and sanctuary in the home. That’s something we feel is important.”
Simplicity is key within the home and on its exteriors. This comes out in the details. Take, for instance, the hex-tile, a sophisticated — and understated — tile that lines the wall in the large shower in one bathroom.
“The hexagon-like tile was our piece of flair. We wanted to add a little interest without being to busy or overtaking the space and that white colour of the tile mixed with the pattern achieves this.
“We wanted to create a palette that would allow homeowners to add their own touches if they wanted, but could stand firmly on its own legs just as it is.”
The classic look comes out in the muntin bars on the windows—in the doors, kitchen and in the living space, thanks to Ciccozzi Architects. Hawk says Occupy Design aimed to add a modern look to the interiors to strike a balance with the exterior details, and the glass in the doors and windows.
“The exterior of the homes are very classic looking, so I took this as a cue,” she says. “We wanted to pay tribute to the classic elements, but I also wanted the interiors to be fresh and feel modern.”
To incorporate the two vibes, she introduced a brick pattern marble backsplash in the kitchen.
“The materials used throughout create a neutral colour scheme, but have clean, fresh lines and this also attributes to the ‘modern classic’ feel I was aiming to achieve.”
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