For the first time since before the pandemic, Urbandale Construction has opened new townhome models at its flagship community of Riverside South. Almost simultaneously, the company has also opened its first-ever models at Kanata Lakes, making it a busy month of unveiling staged homes for the longtime builder.
Four models at Kanata Lakes, three at Riverside South
Showcasing almost its full two-storey townhome lineup between the two developments, there are four models at Kanata Lakes and three more at Riverside South, plus a fourth Riverside South model introducing Urbandale’s new three-storey, back-to-back townhomes.
“We really wanted to give purchasers the opportunity to get a good sense of our complete lineup between the two communities,” says Melissa Boudreau, Urbandale’s director of sales, marketing and product development. “Our goal is that they work together in conjunction and show our lineup, which we’re really proud of.”
Net zero ready standard for two-storey townhomes
The models also illustrate Urbandale’s recent decision to build its two-storey townhomes to a net zero ready standard, meaning all that’s needed to make them net zero homes (ones that produce as much energy from solar panels or other sources as they consume over the course of a year) is the addition of solar panels. The net zero ready standard does not include the builder’s Aspire series, which are Energy Star-certified homes (homes that are third-party tested under a federal government energy-efficiency certification program). Urbandale’s singles have been net zero ready for a few years now.
“They’re 80 per cent better than code at net zero ready,” Boudreau says, adding that the Energy Star-certified homes are 20 per cent more efficient than homes built to the building code. Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of Urbandale’s building philosophy.
Design collaboration with Wei Sanchez Design Studio
Urbandale paired once again with Wei Sanchez Design Studio to style the homes. “They did a phenomenal job,” Boudreau says, adding about the three-storey Dorchester in particular: “When I walked into the Dorchester after they staged it, it was one of my favourite reactions that I’ve had to seeing a model completed.”
Wei Sanchez co-founder Candice Wei says the overall design intent for the Dorchester “is bright, airy and contemporary, with a clean and approachable esthetic that appeals broadly to the general public without feeling overly themed or stylistically niche. This model was staged with a strong focus on real-life usability and adaptability, emphasizing how families can maximize every square foot of the home. The goal was to reflect how a variety of households would realistically live in and personalize the space.”
For the other models, she says that each has a distinct identity, shows how millwork, finishes and furnishing choices can transform the same base home, and includes a range of upgrade levels.
Community context and future plans
The Riverside South models join two single-family home models that opened last year, while a single-family home model is expected to open at Kanata Lakes later this year. The Atlantis is an end unit at Kanata Lakes with three bedrooms and a loft. The Endeavour at Riverside South is shown as an end unit with three bedrooms and a loft. The Santa Maria at Riverside South is the largest of the townhome models with 2,620 square feet. The Calypso at Riverside South is done with minimal upgrades to show what you can get with mostly included features and finishes.
