Project Description :
Weekend Family Gatherings

The Client's Story
Not willing to give up their friends and neighbors and move from their outdated, 70’s style bungalow in beautiful Parkland, Boyd & Gail Russell began their due-diligence in seeking out a reputable renovation company. Suffice to say that chemistry was kindled with Pinnacle during the course of an initial feasibility meeting, and…several phone calls and emails later; Pinnacle was awarded the opportunity to complete their bungalow makeover.

A Makeover in the Russell’s context was not simply shuffling a few walls, new cabinets, paint and voila! No…in this context it resulted in removing every wall, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and flooring on the main floor and basement, including a relocation of the stairwell. This project demanded a fresh canvas on which to convey the transformation process; in this case Pinnacle provided both 2D and 3D CAD-rendered drawings.

Partnering with a local architectural-design firm along with Pinnacle’s in-house interior designer, the process began of bringing our client’s tired bungalow to life. One of the primary requirements conveyed to Pinnacle early on was the desire to adequately entertain their extended family on an almost weekly basis. The seating capacity would have to include a dining room capable of seating 12 or more guests, with overflow bar-seating capability at their island. Rear-entry lockers were also high on the wish list, along with a relocated laundry from the basement to the main floor.

The extensive wish-list also included such items as a designated pool table area in the lower level, a lower level bar area, complete with a wine cellar capable of 1000 bottles of refrigerated storage. Being a software developer with a keen sense of technology…our client also requested flat screen TV’s in various rooms, sound piped throughout the home…and of course a designated theater area, however…in this case; integrated into the pool-table area in order to allow a change in activity without moving to a separate room.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pinnacle Group's Solution

Once again Pinnacle’s involvement began at the design stage, through to complete project management, color staging, product selections, and included items as all-encompassing as custom window coverings and design-specific furnishings.

Working closely with our client, Pinnacle’s floor-plan solution began to evolve; it included relocating the stairwell, opening up a large area in which the newly renovated kitchen would be placed; completely re-designing the bedroom, bath and closet locations, all the while bringing a definite sense of sophisticated style to the nearly 3600 square feet of available space.

The main floor pivotal point is without a doubt the sprawling kitchen with it’s walk-in pantry, nearly 35 lineal feet of perimeter cabinetry and counters, coupled with an island stretching to a fabulous 14 feet in length. The cinnamon colored solid maple cabinetry is complemented by a multi-stacked crown moulding to the ceiling, and all counters consist of stunning double-edged granite.

Carefully implementing the wish list for this family, comfortable island seating for 6 is available around the single-level eating bar; while the dining room will allow seating upwards of 12 in a room wrapped with windows, as well as a large sky-light overhead. As an added item, the Russell’s requested that Pinnacle design & build a custom side-board and hutch unit in the dining room niche; the overall result…a stunning dining room with quiet elegance all the while providing a hub for family dining, laughter and good times.

Rounding out this family’s gourmet headquarters are two undermount sinks, including a veggie prep sink on the island, a 36” Wolf gas cooktop, 600 CFM Wolf exhaust fan, Meile double ovens, two (2) Meile dishwashers, built-in Panasonic microwave, and finally an enormous 48” Subzero refrigerator.

Just down the hall from the kitchen to the rear entrance; privately separated from the kitchen and dining room areas, you notice the double lockers with bench and lift-up lid for mitten storage. Two doorways off the hall lead to the petite powder room, and of course the main floor laundry…front-loading Bosch laundry pair with counters over, and storage cabinets overhead.

Being greeted at the front entry with an impressive 42” wide, custom-stained aspen entry door, you are quickly captivated by the 180 degree view from the front foyer. An expansive display of oak hardwood stained a rich ebony colour draws you to a host of design elements that are nothing short of spectacular.

From the double-passage front closet doors with lever locksets and roller-ball latches, to arched openings; one leading to the bedrooms, the other a fabulous art niche, both amply lit with halogen puck lighting. Your eyes are then drawn to the new stairwell complete with wrought-iron & wood combo railings; then to the expansive dining room and kitchen; and finally to the warm and cozy newly renovated living room.

The full width, lacquered millwork mantel and cabinetry displays several key components requested by the Russell’s. The cabinetry flanking each side of the fireplace received speaker-cloth imbedded in the doors to allow the infrared remotes to operate all of the media and sound components; seamlessly housed below. The fireplace is surrounded by rich ‘absolute black’ granite tile, while above the fireplace you notice a recessed plasma TV surrounded by its own picture-framed millwork. Custom drapery, furniture, and area carpet designed to fit the room, lavish this cozy setting with a final touch of distinctive elegance; professionally orchestrated by Pinnacle’s interior designer.

Wrapping up the main floor details includes a completely relocated bath & guest room, complete with ‘cheater’ pocket door accessing the main bath. The master bedroom comes complete with Mr. Russell’s ‘must have’ recessed, millwork-framed plasma TV. Mrs. Russell received her request for a massive walk-in closet with custom millwork shelving, closet organizers and expansive closet rods; tucked just inside the closet is Mr. Russell’s media components for the bedroom sound & TV system.

The expansive ensuite includes a walk-in steam shower complete with clear 10mm frameless enclosure including a built-in bench to enjoy the relaxing steam feature. In-floor radiant heat imbedded in the floor tile, his & her sinks round off the intricate ensuite details considered a ‘must’ in an estate home of this caliber.

As you make your way down the newly-located central stairwell, the last details of the wish list come into view. An expansive area made available by removing a support post and installing an engineered beam opens up a full 22 feet of unimpeded area. This area now gives way to the theater area complete with rear-projection technology, and provides the space for custom built millwork for the new the bar area; incidentally directly adjacent to the refrigerated wine cellar.

Three new bedrooms, two new bath areas, complete with custom built millwork housing the computer area, along with the impressive pool-table area take the newly renovated lower level from drab…to fabulous.

Rounding out this expansive renovation project was a complete array of new mechanical components including high efficiency, ‘Energy-Star’ furnaces, central air conditioning, hot water heaters, and make-up air units; all of which now provide an incredible level of energy efficient comfort year-round.

Once again, through the perseverance of a dedicated remodeling team, along with the Russell’s keen understanding and desire to complete their project on time and on budget, Pinnacle was able to hand over the keys, and allow the Russell family to christen their newly renovated surroundings exactly to the day indicated on their project schedule fully 4 months earlier.