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Ottawa-Gatineau New Home Design of the Month ReviewJazz Terrace Homes by Urbandale
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The Harmony : Front Elevation Source: Urbandale |
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The Harmony : Interior Source: Urbandale |
Although some builders try to make their elevations distinctive from the front, the rear elevation differences also invite scrutiny, with their siding, stairs and balconies. In short, all Terrace Homes are not alike. And Urbandale's Jazz homes differ from all of them.
Jazz homes are offered in three different designs:

The Accapella features a cathedral ceiling in the master bedroom and a walk-in closet. Its den can easily be converted into a second bedroom if necessary. An open galley kitchen serves both the dining area beside it and a snack bar extending from it. There is, of course, a balcony. There is also an in-suite laundry, (in the form of a stacked washer & dryer in a suitable closet), and central air conditioning.
The Harmony is designed on two levels to allow a loft to overlook the living room below. Its master bedroom features a cathedral ceiling too. On offer is an optional luxury bathroom with Roman Tub and separate shower stall. Its second bedroom is situated on the level below. And its 2-storey living/dining room extends across one end.
Different levels are accommodated by designing the entire stacked structure to rise to an additional level at the centre for inside apartments - as opposed to end units. Rooms that do not have a cathedral ceiling have 9ft ceilings.
The Duet - which is on two levels, including the garage at the lower level - has a den and a powder room on that level too. The living/dining room, open kitchen and master suite are all upstairs.
Terrace Homes are designed and built especially for young singles and some young couples who want an affordable home that is easy and economical to maintain - as compared with a more expensive medium- or high-rise apartment building. In those types of buildings the greater costs are built into the price, (for excavation and concrete, elevators and common spaces), and maintenance is reflected in a larger condominium fee than for Terrace Homes, (which don't possess those features and have very little common space).
The lower the price, the barer the exterior of the building is likely to be. Terrace Homes are therefore generally "no frills" apartments for young people who want a hassle-free lifestyle at the lowest price. However, some builders have taken care to include luxury appliances and such luxury features as tiled floors and granite kitchen tops.
With their Jazz homes, Urbandale have designed a more luxurious version of the Terrace Home - particularly for home buyers who can't bear to leave their vehicle out in the open overnight!
As usual, it was not easy to choose only one design for our award for design excellence.
But, finally, we had to admit that the larger Harmony design is superior to the others because it provides more space for that second bedroom, and because of the galleried configuration of a loft overlooking the living/dining room. The additional visual dimension also creates interest and a richness that a one-level apartment simply does not possess. Since it is a greater challenge for builders to create an attractive and appealing home at a lower cost and with less space, this is where excellence in design really matters.
As such, The Harmony earns 5 Stars largely on the basis of originality and attention to detail.
| Design | Builder | Community | Area | Style | Type | Bed | Bath | Sq. Ft. | Price From |
| Harmony | EMAIL Urbandale | Riverside South | South | Apartment | Terrace Home |
| Parking | Features »» | |||||
| 1 car garage | Living/Dining Rm | Galley Kitchen | 2 Ensuites/w.i.c | Loft | Balcony | Insuite Laundry |
| Special Features |
| ♦ Jazz Home Mid-Level Inside unit ♦ 9ft Ceilings/Main Level ♦ 2-storey Living/Dining Rm ♦ Loft ♦ Cathedral Ceiling in Master ♦ Central Air ♦ ENERGY STAR |
| Design | Builder | Community | Area | Style | Type | Bed | Bath | Sq. Ft. | Price From |
| Acappella | EMAIL Urbandale | Riverside South | South | Apartment | Terrace Home |
| Parking | Features »» | |||||
| 1 car garage | Living/Dining Rm | Galley Kitchen | Ensuite/w.i.c. | Den | Balcony | Insuite Laundry |
| Special Features |
| ♦ Jazz Home ♦ Outside upper unit ♦ 9ft Ceilings/Main Level ♦ Central Air ♦ ENERGY STAR |
| Design | Builder | Community | Area | Style | Type | Bed | Bath | Sq. Ft. | Price From |
| Duet | EMAIL Urbandale | Riverside South | South | Apartment | Terrace Home |
| Parking | Features »» | |||||
| 1 car garage | Living/Dining Rm | Traditional Kitchen | Lxry Ensuite/w.i.c. | Den | Balcony | Insuite Laundry |
| Special Features |
| ♦ Jazz Home Inside lower unit ♦ 9ft Ceilings/Main Level ♦ $5000 extra for end units ♦ Central Air ♦ ENERGY STAR |
No reproduction whatsoever is permitted, in any form, without permission. All dimensions, prices, materials and other specifications are based on the most accurate information available at the time of collection. They should be considered approximate and subject to change without notice. E&OE. |
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