The lower level of a home is often treated as a secondary space, even though it sometimes takes up significant square footage. Commonly seen with a spot for the TV and maybe a bedroom or two, this stretch of the home is rarely taken to its full potential.
A show home by Jayman Built in the southeast Calgary community of Seton demonstrates how much value can be added to its developed lower level. The Karma 24 is a 2,345-square-foot front-drive single-family model with four bedrooms above grade.
Lower Level Features
Its lower level boasts a gym, theatre and walk-up bar.
The theatre space shows how a basement can go beyond overflow use into something more intentional. Instead of a basic TV setup, the room is planned around viewing.
Closed off by two glass doors, it orients seating toward the screen in an enclosed layout.
This setup improves usability. It creates a dedicated place for watching movies or sports without competing with the main floor, which can reduce transfer of noise and free up shared living areas.
The gym, on the opposite end of the lower level, is spacious and provides direct access to a bathroom with a shower. In the show home, it is staged like a space from a yoga retreat. But it can easily accommodate a stationary bike, rowing machine and treadmill.
Centrally located, an elegant wet bar with integrated millwork ties the lower level together. Whether it is to grab a bottle of water from the beverage fridge after a workout in the gym, or pour a glass Cabernet to accompany movie night, the wet bar is an important contributor to the developed basement.
Main Floor Flexibility
Upstairs, the home continues to emphasize flexibility. One bedroom is located on the main floor, positioned just off the foyer and next to a full bathroom with a shower. This makes it a practical option for households with someone who needs to avoid stairs, such as an elderly family member or long-term guest.
The remaining bedrooms are located on the second floor. A central bonus room with a vaulted ceiling divides the second floor into two halves with two similarly sized secondary bedrooms up front and the primary bedroom at the back.
In the primary bedroom, the ensuite is elegant and bright. It is equipped with a large soaker tub, glass-encased shower, and vanity with two sinks beneath a full-width mirror.
It also includes a separate makeup desk and direct access to the walk-in closet, adding everyday convenience.
The direct walk-in closet access saves steps during morning and nighttime routines.
The secondary bedrooms are located near a full bathroom that includes a vanity with two sinks. This enables more than one child in the family to brush their teeth at the same time, a handy feature on busy weekday mornings.
Kitchen and Great Room
On the main level, the L-shaped kitchen stars a large island that seats four people. Overall, the space is functional and uncluttered, with a focus on storage, work surface area and clear circulation around the island.
A standard set of stainless steel appliances is built in, including a french-door fridge and a range with a hood fan integrated into the cabinets.
The island has a white, solid-surface countertop with an undermount sink and a single-handle faucet positioned off-centre. There is additional storage built into the island base.
The cooking space also has a walk-through pantry that connects to the mud room.
Bulkheads provide a visual separation between the kitchen and the rear-facing wall, where there is a dining area and great room. The focal point of the great room is a stylish elongated fireplace surrounded in full-height tile.
The Details
- Home: The Karma 24 is a 2,345-square-foot front-drive single-family model.
- Builder: Jayman Built.
- Area: Seton is a mixed-use community in southeast Calgary.
- Developer: Brookfield Residential.
- Hours: The show home is open 2 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
- Directions: The show home is located at 19755 44th St. S.E. To get there, take Deerfoot Trail to Barlow Trail, then turn right on 114th Avenue, and right on 44th Street S.E.
- Information: jayman.com
