For every new home design there is a talented individual or a team of talented individuals that turns a fantastic idea into a reality. Every beautiful home has its beginnings as a concept that evolves into a floor plan just waiting to be built. However, not every designer or architect starts their career in the same way, and sometimes it’s interesting to see how different paths can lead to the same destination.

Arnold Casten, an architectural technologist with Trico Homes, discovered he had an interest in building and design early on. “I was always artistic,” says Arnold. “But when I was in high school I was also very interested in our shop studies, drafting and carpentry courses.” Arnold says that this interest led him to pursue studies in this area even after high school. “I began by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in architecture while I was in the Philippines,” says Arnold. “When I immigrated here I upgraded at SAIT so that I could use what I had already studied.”

Although Arnold has been with Trico homes as an architectural designer for about two-and-a-half years, he has been working in the industry for nearly 19 years now. “Previously I was doing private design work,” says Arnold.

“Now I design residential homes and I enjoy it very much.” One of the homes he has recently designed is the Denver. This two-storey, three-bedroom home is 2,255 square-feet and includes a double-attached garage. “I designed the Denver as a brand-new plan,” says Arnold. “I customized it specifically for one of our corner lots in Silverado.” Trico Homes wanted a feature home fitting the requirements of the developer, including a side-entry offering an aesthetic appeal from the side street.

Arnold says this particular model was designed in consideration of this, and ultimately is ideal for any corner lot. “In regards to elevation, the Denver has a chateau-contemporary style,” says Arnold. “The exterior has a more linear look, and with the combination provided by materials and structure, it’s a great balance.”

The garage is actually a side-drive design—the main entrance is at the side of the property, still offering great accessibility from the street. As you approach the main entrance, you are greeted with a wide porch and an abundance of windows, creating a very welcoming look. “I was able to take advantage of the side-entry as usually there are glass restrictions in the building codes that limit the amount of windows that can appear on the sides of homes,” says Arnold. “With no neighbours on this side, I had the ability to include lots of windows.” Once you actually enter the home the foyer is open to the large bonus room above, creating a very open feeling.

 The main floor includes a roomy kitchen and a very large great room that can be divided to include an optional formal dining area. Tucked away at the other end of the home, away from the higher traffic areas, is the cosy den. “The den is ideal for a home-based business or for the growing number of people who like to work from home,” says Arnold. “Unlike some dens, however, this room is located at the corner of the home with large windows offering a wider view and lots of light.”

The upper level boasts both a great view of the foyer below and an amazing master bedroom with a terrific ensuite and walk-in closet. “The large ensuite has a luxurious corner tub with large windows on each side and separate his and her sinks,” says Arnold. “The walk-in closet is also a really good size and includes a built-in linen closet. When I designed this feature I made it so that it was spacious enough to even include a built-in island if that is what the owner wanted.”

While the Denver is a fresh new plan designed for a unique situation, it’s also a housed with enough practical and eye-catching features to also appeal to a broad range of new home shoppers. NL