“THE ROTARY DREAM HOME is a showcase of the best design and new products,” says Charron Ungar, vice-president of product development for Homes by Avi.  “We really try to out do ourselves every year and given the restraints —we have 100,000 people walking through it and the home has to come apart, be transported by truck and then put back together—we come up with some very innovative designs.”

“This is a premier corner lot, so we want to make a statement,” Ungar says of the home’s eventual location in Genstar’s northwest community of Panorama Hills. “We’ve paid a lot of attention to the exterior with trim details, bold colours and steeper roof lines, so it’s really appealing.”

As for the architecture, “we like to incorporate several styles so it has a Craftsman and Arts and Crafts look with our own flair creating spectacular curb appeal. It will definitely be a prize in that community,” says Ungar.

The 2,417-square-foot, smart-enabled home, is a fine example of innovative design.  The feeling is immediately apparent as you walk on 12-inch by 24-inch metallic series tile flooring and are greeted by three majestic pillars found at the entrance to the great room. 

Expansive, two-storey windows accentuate the vaulted ceiling maximizing light to both the main and second floors. The great room features coffered ceilings and an elegant two-storey fireplace that acts as a focal point to the entire main floor. A mosiac, urban steel backspash, stainless steel appliances including gas range, a custom island with built-in wine rack and granite countertops adds to sleek look of this room. The built-in pantry and taller upgraded cabinets all add to its functionality.

This year’s Dream Home houses a main- floor guest room adjacent to a full bath, making this four-bedroom/three full bath residence applicable to the needs of today’s diverse home buyer. “Traditionally, where you would find a formal dining room or a den, we’ve made it into bedroom to accommodate the changing needs in the family, and we felt it was something we really wanted to showcase this year,” Ungar says, adding that the room could be used by a nanny, grandparent or even semi-permanent guest.

The hustle and bustle seems worlds away in the second-storey master bedroom featuring shag carpet, vaulted ceilings and a luxurious ensuite with a frameless oversized shower and dual swing door. Other convenient features in this home include a second storey laundry and upstairs mezzanine with  built-in cabinetry and iron spindle railings overlooking the great room below.  Spacious secondary bedrooms share a main bathroom offering dual sinks providing the convenience large families require.

Of course, Homes by Avi is committed to the environment and uses products that help save energy and natural resources; such as a high efficiency furnace with programmable thermostat, high-efficiency hot water tank, and an integrated insulation system.

The Rotary Club of Calgary South has contributed close to $2 million to the community through the proceeds from the Rotary Dream Home. “Rotary has funded among other things a new kitchen for the Mustard Seed, and this year they are fundraising for Calgary’s first pediatric hospice. There are also funds raised to assist Calgary Stampede youth programs. We are well on our way to beating last year’s record sales, judging by the presale’s increased sales” says Marilyn Sellar, Chairman of the Calgary Stampede Lotteries. NL

The Rotary Club of Calgary South has contributed close to $2 million to the community through the proceeds from the Rotary Dream Home.  For more information about the visit: http://www.homesbyavi.com