The Eagle’s Nest
The Eagle’s Nest may only be a young infill in the established Garneau neighbourhood, but what it lacks in history it makes up in stylish personality.
The Plan
The owners were travelling to downtown and Whyte Avenue for everything from dance lessons to dinner date nights. They wanted to live in a vibrant area which would put them within easy reach of their many activities, and Garneau seemed like the ideal neighborhood. Most homes in the area were built in the 1920s and lot sizes are modest, so they wanted to maximize the space by building up two and a half storeys.
Not wanting to have their infill clash with historic homes around them, they wished to incorporate a peaked roof as opposed to the flat ones found in some modern designs. This peak is what would become the inspiration for their new home’s name. The family wanted to enjoy the existing trees and landscaping which would surround their new home, by connecting to it from as many interior rooms as possible.
In addition, the owners wanted a private basement suite. The independent suite gives the owners flexibility to be used for generating rental income, guests, accommodation for a family member (be it a parent or child) or as accommodation for a caregiver.
The Build
The house is a modern spin on split level design, with the main floor offering a cozy, relaxing living room and a lowered kitchen/dining area. A beautifully finished walnut staircase adds warmth to the neutral colour scheme. Grey diamond polished concrete floors and a clean canvas of white walls allow for bold splashes of colour with decor and artwork. Wanting to make the most of the park-like landscaping found in Garneau, all outdoor spaces were intended to act as extensions of the home’s interior common areas and to take full advantage of the mature neighbourhood setting.
The Eagle’s Nest was named to pay homage to the cutouts on the roof for a patio. The roof patio, which is in full view and accessible from the loft area, looks out over the treetops of the neighbourhood. In addition, the home has an elevated main courtyard which can be viewed from rooms on three sides of the courtyard. At the back of the home, the rooms look out through full height windows over a beautifully landscaped back yard. The owners’ creativity and love of the outdoors shines throughout the infill, resulting in a home that not only radiates their energy but that of their spirited neighbourhood as well.
