The 2,238-square-foot show home is located in the sprawling community of Panorama Hills, a safe and family-oriented community complemented by countless walking paths with a plethora of green spaces, and play areas. “Genstar has a gated community centre for residents and the building is staffed and available for functions, kid’s parties, meetings, classes, and entertainment for the kids throughout the community,” says Shane Homes area manager for Panorama Hills, Margie Brekke. “Outside there is a waterfall, kids’ play equipment, water spray park, BBQs, and a beach volleyball area.”

Most of Shane Homes’ Panorama Hills clients are in a “move-up” situation—their families are growing and they need more space to live and to be located where schools are going to be within walking distance. A new Catholic elementary school opened this year and a public elementary school is currently under construction and should be opening in 2009. Panorama has been approved for a public junior high school that is scheduled for opening in 2012.

It’s not surprising the Stratton III recently took away a design award from the coveted Awards of Excellence, given out at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Alberta’s (CHBA – Alberta) annual conference in Jasper. This incarnation of the model boasts a traditional Craftsman-style exterior, as well as three bedrooms, two bathrooms and another half-bathroom. “Shane Homes designs all of its floor plans in-house and has a team of interior designers that decorate our showhomes,” says Shane Homes’ marketing and sales associate Brenda Kasianiuk of the team effort behind the prize address.

Kasianiuk says popular aspects of the home plan include the ever-spacious ensuite and a kitchen that is often described as a woman’s dream. The spacious owners’ suite features a deluxe four-piece ensuite with juice bar at its entry, large vanity with dual sinks, a separate built-in make-up area, private water closet, corner soaker tub flanked by windows, glassed walk-in shower, and a large walk-in closet. Finishing details include alternating glass and matte floor tile, punctuated by tile accents on the corner tub, backsplash and shower. “The feeling of openness in the kitchen and family room is comforting,” adds Brekke.

Meanwhile, a massive island with a granite countertop offers terrific space for food prep and a rounded end for breakfast bar seating. A drop ceiling above the island and differing lighting styles creates an intimate feel. Off the kitchen, a large extended dining nook has a box out with built-in hutch that is an extension of the kitchen’s design.

“Our homes come with tile floors on the main floor in the kitchen, nook, entrances and in the half-bath. We offer a variety of finishing packages to suit your family’s needs,” says Brekke.

The rest of this award-winning two-storey family-functional home features ample living space with great rooms on both floors. The positioning of the stairs maximizes living space at the front, while tucking the entry to the basement and second floor out of sight to guests. “The back entry serves as a mud room and convenient spot for the half bath, while providing access to the second floor and main living area,” adds Kasianiuk.

Creative use of space is made with the area over the garage in creating a spacious second-floor family room. Providing additional living space, it is also an ideal area for kids to use for plugging away on schoolwork or entertaining friends with a little separation from parents.

The Stratton III’s accolade was one of two design awards the builder came away with from the provincial award gala in Jasper. In addition to the hardware in the best single-family home in the $300,000 to $349,999 range, sister company Creations by Shane got a nod for the Barcelona model in the best single-family home, $225,000 to $259,999 range. But the icing on the cake for Shane was being honoured with the coveted Ralph Scurfield Builder of the Year award, which Shane Homes also earned back in 2002.

The Stratton III is located at 520 Panatella Boulevard. N.W. Show home hours are Monday to Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m., and Fridays, weekends and holidays from noon to 5 p.m.

A new Stratton III model also recently opened in  SkyView Ranch at 12 Skyview Springs Garden N.E., while a Stratton IV model can be viewed in Sage Hill at 21 Sage Valley Park N.W. NL