Todd Lewys / Free Press
A brand-new plan, the 1,743 sq. ft., two-storey Element checks all the boxes for families looking for a functional yet style-filled home.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
Filled with light, texture and classic colour contrasts, the great room is a quietly spectacular space.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
There’s no lack of space, light or style in the magnificently-designed main living area.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
Tons of natural light flows into the spacious primary bedroom through a huge window on its rear wall, while a midnight blue and grey colour palette creates a calm, relaxing feel.
Todd Lewys / Winnipeg Free Press
Big, bright and functional, the second floor laundry room is no afterthought.
As much as builders love a challenge, it’s extremely challenging to build a spacious, livable family home on a 34-foot-wide lot.
Yet, the design team at Broadview Homes found a way to make their 1,743 sq. ft., two-storey show home at 338 Emberwell St. in Transcona’s Summerlea feel as big as a 2,000 sq. ft. home.
“This home — it’s a new model that’s called the Element — is very well designed,” says Philip Musick, the new homes sales consultant for the brand-new design. “And considering the foyer shares space with a bedroom and bathroom, its design is nothing short of incredible.”
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the foyer and the spaces on either side of it is that each space is plenty big.
For starters, there’s ample room for a group of people to enter the home and take off their shoes and coats without elbowing each other to death.
Then, there’s the spaces on either side of the foyer — the bedroom to the right and the bathroom to the left.
“Neither space is an afterthought — both are quite spacious,” says Musick. “The bedroom is a very good size at 10 feet by 10.5 feet, while the bathroom is a full bath, not just with a walk-in shower, but with a tub/shower combination. You can use the room as a bedroom or den and have the bath nearby for an in-law or client to use.”
The impressive use of space continues in the main living area.
There’s absolutely no issue with a lack of width, which admittedly is a concern for a home built on a 34-foot-wide lot.
Each space — from the island kitchen to the dining room and great room — is well-defined and pleasingly spacious, with the kitchen checking in at 11.2 feet by 11.2 feet, the dining area 12.8 feet by nearly 10 feet and the great room coming in at a generous 12.3/14.3 feet by 14.2 feet.
“That wonderful, spacious feel was achieved by utilizing a clever design trick — both the dining room and great room have little alcoves behind them that add extra width and depth,” he says.
At the same time, an extra-wide sliding patio door and huge picture window were placed behind the dining room and great room.
“All kinds of light floods in from the east, making the area feel bright and cheery, which adds to the feeling of space. The tone of the vinyl plank flooring is just right — dark enough to add warmth, but not so dark as to soak up too much of the natural light.”
Musick adds that the kitchen’s sharp design sets the tone for the main living area.
“The island is the perfect size — functional, yet it doesn’t take up too much space. And the kitchen is very handsome with its dark soft-close cabinets, quartz countertops, beautiful hexagonal tile backsplash and stainless appliances. And just look at the size of the dining room. It can easily accommodate a large table and seat six to 10 people.”
He notes that the space next to it — the great room — is as fetching as the dining room is functional.
“The 74-inch linear electric fireplace is spectacular, surrounded by a grey stone feature wall that highlights it beautifully. People love how you can adjust the flame colours and the fact that it has a blower that can help add heat in the winter. The electric fireplace is also safer for kids than a gas fireplace.”
Meander upstairs by a wide yet unobtrusive staircase and the Element continues to defy expectations. Once again, space is never an issue.
“Each of the five spaces — three bedrooms, a main bath and laundry room — surround a good-sized, open hall,” Musick says. “The main bath is quite spacious and nicely finished, while the laundry room is deep and has a window that makes it so nice and bright.”
At first glance, it appears that there are two primary bedrooms, he adds.
“Many people mistake a huge secondary bedroom — it’s 11 feet by 12 feet — for the primary bedroom, it’s so large. However, the primary bedroom is even larger.”
True enough, as it checks in at 14 feet by 12.2 feet — a very impressive design feat.
“Not only is the bedroom huge, but so is the walk-in closet, which comes with an optional three-piece piano window. And the ensuite is a lovely space with its marble-style vinyl tile floor and black-trimmed walk-in shower with matching marble-style surround.”
Musick says the Element is an excellent all-round family home.
“As its name suggests, it addresses all the elements families need in a home — space, natural light and practical yet stylish spaces. It’s not surprising that it’s been very well received.”
lewys@mymts.net
The Details
Builder: Broadview Homes
Address: 338 Emberwell St., Summerlea (Transcona)
Style: two-storey
Size: 1,743 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: four
Bathrooms: three
Price: $624,846 (Includes lot, upgrades & GST)
Contact: Philip Musick, New Homes Sales Consultant, 204-795-8392
