"Ask yourself what is really important and then have the courage to build your home and life around that answer." - Joshua Becker
It’s something we ask every single client we work with, getting to the root of what’s most important in their lives helps steer the direction. For those that love being within walking distance to established amenities or the ones that thrive on a street lined with towering trees and can appreciate the history of Edmonton’s 107 maturing neighbourhoods, infill is an option that’s been gaining substantial momentum in the last decade.
Over the past ten years the number of building permits issued in mature neighbourhoods has nearly doubled, breathing new life back into these vital areas. It’s a movement not just about building, but about sustainability. "Infill is not just about developing on land in mature neighborhoods, it is also about promoting an integrated approach to transportation, infrastructure, community design and land use zoning. Infill helps to build a city that is livable, sustainable and affordable for all of us today and generations to come," says Mariah Samji, Executive Director of IDEA.
With the upswing of infill projects - it’s important to ensure you’re securing the right builder for the job. Alair Homes Edmonton has long been a proponent of infill done right and employs their RespectFill philosophy in an effort to move the needle and raise the standards of an entire building community. “We know that somebody is living in their home next door to us, and the least amount of disruption we can cause we’re all for it,” says Jeff Machin, Project Manager at Alair Homes Edmonton. “We’ve noticed a big difference in the whole infill community, looking at the community as a whole and trying to change things for the better, that’s what we’re all for.”
Alair Homes is taking this philosophy to new heights with the latest project. Perched at the end of the block in the heart of the Laurier Heights neighbourhood, overlooking stunning river valley views are two unique and one-of-a-kind homes that are not only purposefully designed but thoughtfully built. On this particular project, Alair Homes is utilizing a new pre-manufactured framing system that dramatically cuts down on the impact to neighbouring homes.
“ACQBUILT drastically reduces the amount of framing time on a build. These two properties for example generally would have taken about a month each to fully frame and stand and these houses were stood fully and completely in five days,” says Jeff. “So we’re talking about a 75 percent reduction in hammers, compressors and saws. For a neighbour that’s a lot less of a dustruption when you have a construction project going up next door.”
ACQBUILT Framing at 8516 134 Street from Holland & Associates Real Estate on Vimeo.
8512 134 street
The first of the two homes is this stunning 2-storey, 3056 sq. ft. property with 3 beds, 4 baths, a finished basement, underground garage and 1300 sq ft. roof top patio with sweeping river valley views.
8516 134 street
The second property, located on a corner lot, is a 2 Storey, 3091 sq. ft. home and features a prairie modern aesthetic with 4 beds, 4 baths, a fully finished 1450 sq. ft. basement with a games lounge, bar and attached garage.
Both are beautiful additions to an incredible selection of infill builds going up around the city - it’s not only a way to preserve the integrity of core communities but it’s also a no-brainer when it comes to investment. “Just think of infill properties as paintings. If they only print 1000 paintings the value is going to go up and we’ve seen that across the city,” says Jason Holland, Co-Founder Holland & Associates Real Estate. “When you’re talking about the suburbs, they carve up a new farm field every year and they’re trying to sell the same products. So in terms of value for your investment, infill is the best place to put your money.”
Jason & Kerri-Lyn Holland built their own infill home in Crestwood in 2009 and it’s a decision they’ll never regret. “We came to these mature neighbourhoods specifically for the trees, the larger lots and the proximity to the amazing amenities, the schools, the community centres,” says Jason. “There was no question that we wanted to be in a neighborhood where we could walk our kids to school, walk to the park, go get ice cream - all of the things you love to do when you have a young family.”
Whether it’s a need to be closer to the core, convenient family-centred living or strong investment potential that attracts you to infill, there’s certainly a property to meet your needs. To find out more about the homes featured in this article or if other Laurier Heights real estate listings have caught your eye - please reach out, we’re always happy to help!
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