The kitchen is often the busiest room in a home, juggling meal preparation, storage, and social interaction all at once. The Oakridge Zero, a front-drive single-family model by Trico Homes located in the Huxley community of east Calgary, tackles this challenge with a layout that spreads tasks across distinct zones. This 2,757-square-foot show home, situated less than three minutes from East Hills Shopping Centre and about 10 minutes from Village Square Leisure Centre, offers a blueprint for efficient and sociable cooking spaces.
Zoned for Efficiency
In the Oakridge kitchen, the island, perimeter counters, and appliance areas each serve a specific purpose. The island is dedicated to preparation and cleanup, while cooking takes place along the back wall. This separation allows two people to work side by side without getting in each other's way. Generous spacing between the refrigerator and stove further reduces congestion, enabling one person to grab ingredients while another tends to the stove.
Seating and Natural Light
The island features two stools facing each other, promoting conversation rather than side-by-side seating. Large rear-facing windows flood the cooking area with natural light, enhancing the ambiance. The kitchen is oriented so that someone at the island can face the great room, keeping the cook connected with family or guests.
The great room itself centers around an elongated fireplace clad in full-height tile. The dining area, positioned between the kitchen and great room, maintains an open-concept layout while clearly defining each zone's function.
Flexible Spaces and Privacy
A front-facing flex room, measuring 11 feet by 9 feet 11 inches, can serve as a home office. Its location adjacent to the foyer allows for easy access without disturbing the rest of the home. The foyer is designed with privacy in mind, limiting views of the main level's rear areas.
Above grade, the home includes three bedrooms and 2½ bathrooms. The Huxley show home features a legal suite in the developed basement with two additional bedrooms. On the second level, a bonus room with a vaulted ceiling separates two secondary bedrooms from the primary suite.
Primary Bedroom and Ensuite
The 13-foot by 15-foot primary bedroom boasts a spacious walk-in closet large enough to function as a dressing room. The ensuite is brightened by an expansive window above a deep soaker tub, and includes a glass-encased shower and a vanity with two sinks beneath a full-width mirror. The secondary bedrooms are similar in size, each with a walk-in closet.
