ALL BEAUTIFUL HOMES begin with an idea, and from there they evolve into the designs and floor plans that we call home. The architects and designers who create these homes are inspired individuals with an interest in crafting a unique living space that when finished will be as unique as those who would live in them. Quite often, a popular floor plan will be the basis for a variety of different designs; with lifestyle accounting for changes made to the original. In some cases an outstanding home designer will turn a beautiful floor plan into an exceptional one, which is what David Allan, senior creative director for Jayman MasterBUILT, has done with the Manhattan.

An experienced designer of new homes, Allan got into drafting and has been in the home industry since 1977, when he worked for Nu-West Homes, which was a very large company in its day. He continued in the design department until 1981. “That was during the last big oil boom,” says Allan. “I remember that in Calgary during that time, 15,000 single-family permits had been taken out in one year.” That number challenges the present even with the housing industry as hot as it is.

Allan first began to work independently, and then joined a friend in partnership for a time. Around 1995, he focused energies on the creative process, and approached Jayman, a company with whom he’d done contract work in the past. He has now been with the builder for more than 13 years, and has continued to create innovative floor plans. One of the models Allan is partial to is the Manhattan, a new take on one of Jayman's more popular homes.

This 2,791-square-foot home offers some impressive new options and the show home in Cochrane showcases the design’s best features. “The Manhattan offers a really exciting new option in Cochrane’s River Song show home,” says Allan. “Instead of an ensuite off the master bedroom, we are presenting the Enspa that offers the feel of a private spa in your very own home.”

Enspas are being offered in several of Jayman’s models, averaging about 440 square-feet. This massive area replaces both the ensuite and walk-in closet, creating a luxurious place to change your clothes, relax and take advantage of the stress-releasing features of this amazing area. European wardrobes replace open rods and hangers and are not only aesthetically pleasing, but the cabinetry also protects clothing. “This style opens up the space and creates a spacious dressing area in the bathroom,” says Allan. “The Enspa also includes several ways to soak away stress with massage and hydrotherapy treatments, and the heated tile floors are a nice added touch.”

Owners can choose from the large three-sided floor-to-ceiling glassed shower stall with tiled floor, wall and bench, or gorgeous stepped up soaker tub with its effervescent bubbles, luxurious tiled surround and KOHLER Laminar flow tub filler that cascades from above. Also included is a unique overflow basin and large bright windows spanning the length of the tub. Both shower and tub elements are designed to pamper and ease away the tensions of the day so every day can feel like a day at the spa for homeowners.

The main floor is home to the stunning Nordlund kitchen, a gourmet chef’s dream-come-true. “This is a very, very large kitchen with an abundance of cabinets and built-in pantries,” says Allan.

“The GE Monogram stainless-steel appliances are very high-end and the large island includes a raised eating bar,” Allan adds. The open-concept culinary space enhances the wide-open feel, while the large stone fireplace in the great room becomes an attractive focal point.

From the moment you enter the home, the main focus is definitely the elegant curved staircase ascending to the upper level. Meanwhile the design includes a lower-level walkout development—adding even more square footage to the home and incorporating a full-size wet bar, exercise room, bedroom and a family room. NL