Sustainable Living
Story Cheryl Long | Photography Jason Hartog
Stepping inside the foyer of the three linked models by Activa in Kitchener’s Doon South community is reminiscent of a scene from Alice in Wonderland. You’ll find yourself faced with very different choices, but fortunately none will take you down a wrong path.
Turn right and you’re a young couple, maybe with a toddler or a baby on the way. You’re looking for an environmentally friendly, sustainable lifestyle and you want a living space that offers a relaxing refuge from the outside world.
Step straight ahead and now you’re a professional couple or a family with young children in school. Either way, your busy lifestyle demands a more minimalist space that’s stylish and contemporary, but easy to maintain. Your design vocabulary may include words like modern and clean lines.
Finally, a left hand turn takes you into the largest of the three living spaces. The kids are older and need their own space, and you do as well. This could be your forever family home or the final step before downsizing.
Though not everyone will fit into these scenarios, they do reflect the wide range of homebuyers that Activa is attracting to Ormston at Doon South, a new community of homes that combines beauty and functionality with easy access to the Highway 401 corridor. What makes this development unique is its proximity to the Ormston heritage lands, some of the first to be settled in Waterloo Region. That means residents can enjoy the greenspaces, parks and trails not always found in newer developments. “Even though you’re close to the 401, when you get home you feel you’re in the countryside with nearby nature trails and greenspace to enjoy,” says Laura Wilson, manager of Activa’s Design Studio. That connection to nature is reflected in the homes’ designs and amenities. Second-storey balconies with glass railings offer unobstructed views of the nearby greenspaces and natural light pours into the open-concept designs through larger patio doors and windows. Activa’s commitment to building Energy Star homes not only cuts down on utility costs but satisfies the environmentally-conscious consumer. Tech-savvy homeowners will appreciate smart-home options, including audio/video and security systems by Station Earth.
Three of the 21 layouts in Activa’s Ormston development are freehold townhomes; the rest are single detached homes. What makes this development special is the choice of either traditional or contemporary elevations in some of the designs. Ready to go down the rabbit hole? Here’s a closer look at the three models and their distinctive features and finishes
The Sandridge II
The smallest of the three models, at 1,910 sq. ft., Activa’s Laura Wilson describes its overall feeling as “clean and serene, light and airy.” Though contemporary in style, the theme is inspired by nature with a calming colour palette, lots of natural textures and extra-wide windows and sliders by Casa Bella Windows & Doors that lead to a raised deck off the great room.
Light pours into the foyer through sidelights and a transom window framing the front door. From this spot, you can see straight through to a large, raised deck by Heritage Design that’s perfect for entertaining or relaxing. The open-concept kitchen has a modern vibe with its white lacquered cabinets from CW Kitchens, grey glass-tile backsplash, white appliances and a generous island with a quartz waterfall counter and minimalist light fixture from Chatelaine Lighting.
On the main floor, a wood and wrought-iron staircase heads to a loft space, a feature that’s popular with Activa homebuyers, Laura says. “They love that they can shut everything down on the main floor and head up to a cosy loft area for a movie. They’re close to the kids and it’s also a great space for teens who want to get out of the main floor.” The multifunctional space has limitless potential, whether it’s used as a home office, quiet den or children’s play area.
Three bedrooms upstairs are all bright and airy. The master bedroom offers a spacious walk-in closet and en suite with an optional luxury en suite upgrade available.
Brookstone
If you’re looking for something more contemporary, this model brings modern to the forefront. At close to 2,400 sq. ft., this is a great option for a growing family and the minimalist feel creates an even greater illusion of space. Sleek barely begins to describe the décor that’s based off a black, white and grey palette by Dulux Paints, warmed by touches of blonde wood.
Black is the contrasting colour and it’s everywhere without being overdone; it’s seen in the window casings, interior doors and Weiser hardware, the TV and fireplace surround and the staircase.
Oversize contemporary profile millwork by Riverside Millwork brings a subtle sophistication to each room. In the kitchen, black is paired with charcoal grey cabinetry that’s mirrored in the kitchen island with its matte-finish waterfall countertop.
A stunning master en suite is both modern and luxurious. Features like the floating vanity, wall-mounted faucets, spacious tiled shower and a floor-mounted tub faucet give it a hotel-chic ambience.
Riverstone
At just shy of 2,700 sq. ft., it’s the largest of the three models and well-suited to family life. Laura describes the design as “traditional with a twist,” ideal for buyers who want a new home with touches of character.
Warm neutrals abound, combined with special features like herringbone-patterned flooring and a coffered ceiling in the open-concept living area. The sense of flow from the elegant kitchen to an expansive raised deck makes for an entertainer’s dream, though there’s no doubt guests will gather around the granite-topped island with built-in wine fridge and microwave. Luxe finishes like brass hardware and a ceramic arabesque backsplash bring shimmer to the space, and the walk-in pantry provides extra storage.
Partway to the second floor is a multi-purpose loft, well-lit and roomy enough to be transformed into any imaginable use.
Oasis is the best way to describe the master suite. The spacious bedroom opens on to a covered second-floor patio that’s perfect for morning coffee or a glass of wine in the evening. The en suite is the epitome of spa with a freestanding Mirolin tub, water closet, extra-roomy tile and glass shower and walk-in closet, all set against a glossy ceramic tile floor by Ceramic Decor.
Many features that would be considered upgrades in some developments are standard in Activa’s designs. “You can achieve the look you want regardless of your budget,” Laura explains. Extras like a dedicated design consultant, transparent pricing and a well-informed sales team make for an exciting, low-stress process for buyers in this up-and-coming community. OH
