Ward calls the design “modern,” but with mass appeal.
Infill houses are becoming more common in Saskatoon. Lexis Homes is experienced working on infill projects and this show home at 1309 Osler Street is their latest. jpg
Building an infill house has many challenges, but the advantages are obvious — a beautiful new house, mature trees and established amenities. The Lexis Homes’ show home at 1309 Osler Street is a classic example of what an infill house can offer and the rich design that can result.
Shilynne Ward, design and style coordinator, says infill houses are becoming more popular for Saskatoon buyers.
“It’s definitely more expensive,” she cautions, “but then you get the neighbourhood feel right away. And then there are amenities.”
The upstairs boasts a bonus room — a unique feature in an infill home. The bonus room can be used as an extra sitting space, a study area, or a play area. (Jennifer Jacoby-Smith/The StarPhoenix) jpg
Some builders will divide larger lots into two smaller lots, which makes the homes built there more cost effective — as is the case with home at 1309 Osler Street. Often, though, the resulting lot can be a little skinny. And that creates some design challenges.
A narrow house can sometimes feels long and small. To avoid the “bowling alley effect” the Osler Street floor plan includes an office off the foyer.
A feature wall is given modern flex with shiplap for texture and modern pop of colour with teal. (Jennifer Jacoby-Smith/The StarPhoenix) jpg
Ward calls the design “modern,” but with mass appeal. Horizontal railings and white risers create a crisp, clean look with a touch of character.
In order to maximize natural light in the main living space, Ward faced a dilemma. The house sits too close to the property line to allow for windows on the outside walls. To solve this problem, she created two small alcoves for the windows. This added some architectural interest to the space as well.
Built-in banquette seating between the window alcoves creatively solved another issue. The bench seating takes up less space than a typical dining room would. This allows for better flow and more walking room through to the living room.
The living area is open concept to maximize the feeling of space. Large windows, modern black window frame interiors, and a fireplace with a minimalist mantel create an airy space that functional and bright. (Jennifer Jacoby-Smith/The StarPhoenix) jpg
The dining room also boasts a useful bar with built-in beverage fridge and cabinetry for storage.
Large windows, modern black window frame interiors and a fireplace with a minimalist mantel create an airy space that is functional and bright.
The oversized island with sink creates a contemporary workspace. The white upper cabinets extend all the way to the nine-foot ceiling providing lots of storage. And the corner pantry offers more room for storing small appliances, recycling and more.
The skinny dimensions of the lot meant some creative thinking in dining room. To maximize space, the dining room seating includes a built-in banquette along the exterior wall. (Jennifer Jacoby-Smith/The StarPhoenix) jpg
At every turn the layout maximizes the square footage and offers more storage. By the back door, which also serves as the entrance from the garage, Ward found a way to fit a mud room and storage closet.
Upstairs homeowners will enjoy the bonus room — a unique feature for an infill home — which can be used as an extra sitting space, a study area, or a play area.
The thoughtful design continues with the vaulted ceilings in the homeowner’s suite. Ward included a dramatic shiplap feature wall in teal and vaulted ceiling. The adjoining bathroom includes a tub, walk-in shower, glass-enclosed shower, and two sinks.
The modern kitchen space has a large island, white upper cabinetry, upgraded appliance package, walk-in pantry and quartz countertops. (Jennifer Jacoby-Smith/The StarPhoenix) jpg
The white tile and quartz contrasts with the matte black fixtures and touches of natural wood ground the entire space. The ensuite also features in-floor heating to keep your toes warm on the tile.
Despite being just 20-feet wide, this efficient design by Lexis Homes still feels spacious and airy, with enough luxurious touches to feel like a custom build. It is a testament to what good design can accomplish even in the face of challenges.
Located at 1309 Osler Street, this infill show home by Lexis Homes is open for viewing today and tomorrow from 2 to 4 p.m.
jjacoby-smith@postmedia.com
