From the natural cedar siding-accented exterior and the lavish use of big windows, to the smooth flow of the floor plan with its intelligent use of space, the Bjorn may just become to the Calgary housing market what ABBA was to the pop world. This multifaceted two-storey, 2,121-square-foot garage product shows its flexibility by combin­ing the comforts of a family home with the sophisticated allure of a downtown loft with an eye for entertaining.

Like many other models from the award-winning builder, the heart of the home is squarely located in the kitchen. In Bjorn’s case, the massive wraparound kitchen counter overlooking the elegant open space of the living room and dining room dominates the entire 934-square-foot main floor. Full-height tile backsplash and extended cabinetry give it a rare stately elegance.

“This is where the party happens,” says Sabal’s senior marketing manager, Chris Lu, who came up with the Arkitekt series while on a trip to Europe. Indeed, during the Bjorn house warming party in November, the house seemed quite suited to handling large gatherings comfortably. “The judicious use of space makes the Bjorn appear larger than its actual size,” Lu says.

Sabal’s signature three-panel sliding door to the deck and the huge windows in the living room give the main floor a sunny exuberance and adds to the sense of space. It is a very practical home as well, with a large laundry room off the garage entrance and extra closets for the all important storage space. A walk-in pantry features three-tier European wire shelving—while the pantry, itself, is almost the size of a spare bedroom and is con­veniently located opposite the flush eating bar.

Surprisingly simple, yet innovative and fresh design ideas continue on the 1,187-square-foot second floor. With elegant vaulted ceilings and big windows, it is a study in form flowing with function. Here, one of the most memorable features, and one that gets plenty of positive feed­back from visitors, notes Lu, is the enormous walk-through closet in the master bedroom. In through one passageway and out another, it provides plenty of space for even the most extensive ward­robe, and the two entryways makes it easy for couples hurrying for work in the morning.

The bonus room/loft has plenty of wall space for a flat-screen TV and there is a nook perfect for a computer table in one corner. Another innovative feature is a small open-to-below space by the corner window that lets people in the bonus room talk audibly with others in the living room below.

The two spare bedrooms both have spacious closets; one has a walk-in and the other has two sets of double doors that make more efficient use of space than regular bi-fold closet doors.

Meanwhile, the huge master bedroom is big enough to hold parties in, itself, and the far-from-sleepy space has more than enough room for a king-size bed with dressers, night tables and other large furniture without looking cramped. The stylish five-piece ensuite completes the picture, providing all the animal comforts one needs to enjoy life at home.

The Bjorn is a feature home in the southeast community of Copperfield, which can be viewed by co-ordinating with sales staff at the Sabal Homes garage product show home at 18 Copperstone Road for viewing. “We will have Bjorn as a show home in the new show home parade that will open later this year in the community,” Lu says.  NL