There are numerous builders responsible for producing the beautiful new homes all around Calgary, but each and every home starts as a design and every design is created in a different way. Sometimes a single architect or designer is responsible for a floor plan, and other times it takes a team of people working together to produce the plans for a new home design. Heartland Homes is one builder that relies on teamwork to develop its beautiful homes.

Ryan Moon, associate design manager with Heartland Homes, is part of that well-oiled team. Although he has only been in his position for just over five months, Ryan has been with the company for five years now—ever since he graduated from SAIT.

“New home designs are generally inspired by one person and then become a collaborative effort by the whole in-house design team, including the larger group within Heartland Homes.” says Ryan. “Everyone on the team has graduated from SAIT’s Architectural Technologies program.” Along with this particular program, Ryan explains that all individuals bring something unique to the team. “We all have different backgrounds but every single one of us has a passion for design,” says Ryan. “A couple of team members have also completed the Building Development Technologies program and there are even some that have a Fine Arts background.”

One of Heartland’s most popular floor plans is the Belvedere, a 1,500-square-foot home with several different layout options to choose from. “This (rear) lane product is our most popular design,” says Ryan. “From a design standpoint, the Belvedere has the most flair.”

This beautifully designed floor plan has some unusual design elements that stand it apart from other new homes. “The Belvedere has a lot of infill flair,” says Ryan. “There are extra design elements—subtle things that add value to a home and are designed to be very eye-catching.” Some of these unique elements include the dual staircases leading from the front of the home up to the kitchen, and from the kitchen, the curved staircase leading to the upper level.

As well, the kitchen and the stairwell are afforded a sweeping view of the level above, which combined with the many windows gives the whole area a huge, open feeling. “This isn’t your average box home,” says Ryan. “We’ve included lots of interesting details to let light in, and although it’s got a very open feel, the main floor is still divided into three very distinct areas.” The upper floor is equally impressive to see, with a catwalk bridging the front and back of the home, allowing quite a lot of privacy between bedrooms. In addition to the windows on this level, large skylights have been incorporated to allow even more light to flow into the home.

Another great thing about the Belvedere is the versatility that the optional designs offer for the second level. There are four different plans to choose from, each designed with a different lifestyle in mind, and each equally as attractive.

Ryan says that over time the team may add different options and modifications to a floor plan, based on customer feedback, but that the Belvedere remains very popular. “There are a lot of unique features and a feeling of great space that you don’t always get in a new home; especially in a home this size.”

Heartland is currently showcasing the Belvedere in the Auburn Bay and New Brighton show home parades, so you can see for yourself what a great design team can do to create a great home. For more information on the Belvedere, you can visit the website at http://www.heartland-homes.com NL