Elkwood Architectural Design Guidelines
Introduction
Elkwood Development is where the future begins. On the west end of the city, located in Springbank Hill, the community offers a diverse and endless features. With green spaces, parks, recreation, endless pathway connections and all the amenities that are needed, Elkwood is the best location in the city for the family to enjoy, not to mention that everything is within walking distance.
The architectural guidelines were developed to support the overall community vision for Springbank Hill. They will be administered to ensure the community develops an appealing character and attractive streetscape. The guidelines provide detailed descriptions of important home features and elements that will establish the community texture. Attention to architectural features is a foundational element in the development of a cohesive community and is pivotal to creating enduring visual appeal. The main exterior design objective is contemporary/modern style architectural design.
The guidelines is to encourage a well-coordinated similarity of stacked townhouse designs involving four colour schemes and two different elevation types to complement the community. Elkwood consists of 100 units in total. Each townhome unit has a separate entry from the exterior, hosting a single car garage. These guidelines are put in place to ensure:
- High uniform construction standards,
- Integrated and attractive streetscapes, and
- Distinctive home designs and architectural continuity throughout the community.
Location
Streetscape Concept
With this, the overall goal with respect to streetscape is to ensure every building built within the Multi-Family development contributes to the overall look of the community and is compatible with adjacent developments. Therefore, it is essential that the relative massing and style of each building is compatible with its neighbor and the overall look of the subdivision. The two different elevation styles for the Arianna model and two styles for the Jasper models, including the 4 colour schemes will be strategically placed on the site so we do not have the exact building side by side.
Land-Use
The project falls under DC zoning based on medium Density. Setbacks, building height, density, parking, etc will meet the City of Calgary Land-Use bylaws.
Typical Design Elements
Modern/Contemporary
This type of exterior style will have horizontal lines, hipped roofs with low sloped featured details around boxouts, broad overhang eaves and with windows grouped in horizontal bands.
• A consistent theme and character throughout the development.
• Low-pitched hipped roofs.
• Strong horizontal lines, balanced massing and proportion with clean lines.
• Ribbons of energy efficient windows, arranged
in horizontal bands.
• Well identified front entrance elements. All entries are covered.
• The use of Stucco, Hardie Board Siding and stone work are the
main exterior materials.
• Broad, overhanging eaves (usually un bumpouts).
• Restrained ornamentation such as smart trim
around windows and doors.
• Projecting or cantilevered wings.
• Integrated with landscape and environment.
• Open floor plan with free-flowing spaces.
Townhome sizes
Our project consist of three type of stacked townhomes, The Arianna, Jasper and Lucas models.
The Arianna model square footage areas are between 939 sq.ft. to 995 sq.ft.
The Jasper model square footage are between 1072 sq.ft. and 1284 sq.ft.
The Lucas models square footage are between 1282sq.ft. to 1528 sq.ft.
All units have a open floor concept.
Site Design
The proposed townhome site will be designed to seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings, featuring thoughtfully curated landscapes and abundant vegetation that offer a serene and picturesque environment for residents. Green spaces and diverse plant life provide a refreshing escape from urban life, while a network of well-maintained pathways ensures easy pedestrian connectivity throughout the community. These pathways not only promote a healthy, active lifestyle but also foster a sense of unity among neighbors, making the townhome site a vibrant and welcoming place to live.
Lighting Requirement
Our townhome buildings feature elegant exterior lighting with recessed pot and wall mounted lights strategically placed to enhance both safety and ambiance. These discreet yet effective lights illuminate, entrances, decks and communal areas, ensuring residents can navigate the space securely after dark. Additionally, the soft, warm glow of the pot lights creates a welcoming atmosphere, highlighting the architectural beauty of the townhomes and fostering a sense of comfort and tranquility within the community. Lighting is also placed through out the site with bollard lights for walkways and street lights along the road ways. This thoughtful lighting design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the overall well-being of our residents.