THIS UNIQUE condominium penthouse suite is one of only seven homes on this year’s Alberta Ballet Home and Garden Tour. Located in the downtown Eau Claire community, this 5,000-square-foot, two-storey suite includes three spacious balconies and a stunning view of the city.

“It is a real ‘one-of-a-kind’ place,” says Chuck Smith, the designer of the suite. “It is beautifully appointed—no detail was left unturned, and it really shows.”

The suite evokes an ambience of old-time character and quality, through a combination of rich colours, lush fabric, and a variety of patterns and textures used throughout. Mixed together with modern stainless steel appliances and sleek fireplaces, it creates a rarely-found, eclectic neo-classical atmosphere.

Smith, also the founder of design firm Smith & Co., says simply of his design philosophy, “People’s homes are about them. Our designs are meant to be reflective of the client’s interests, rather than the other way around.”

“The owner has a traditional, classical style which we wanted to keep for the suite,” he adds. “As a longtime client, we were able to draw from previous work, although in this case he wanted to tone down the amount of detail, if you can believe it.”

Despite the declared reduction in detail, the smaller, more intimate aspects of the design remain among the most important to the condo’s sumptuous character. Wall, ceiling, and window treatments are present throughout. Dark wood paneling is also featured in each room, used with inlayed veneers made from a series of four different woods to give the impression of detail  without embellishment. Custom-designed mouldings were created to enhance this impression, while the ongoing use of a nautical star pattern provides both design interest and room continuity.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the home is the entertainment-style second storey—and former mechanical floor. Today, it includes a 16-foot-high vaulted ceiling, pool table, bar, as well as a spacious outdoor patio and hot tub.

“The second storey was definitely the biggest challenge, but it became a great part of the place,” says Smith. “It’s a bit darker up there; there are smaller windows and less glazing, which gives it an atmosphere similar to a men’s club.”

The addition forced the insertion of many changes, including one of the most prominent features in the condominium, the spiral staircase.
“It is more difficult working with a strictly confined space, in that the outside parameters are static,” Smith remarks of working in a high-rise building. “However, I think we really succeeded with the design, and that having it on the tour will create a lot of interest in the benefits of condo life.”

Although design plans for the condo first began in 2003, work has been an ongoing process, with many additions. Most recently, a specially-painted canvas was installed just in time for this year’s tour. It has been painted to appear volumetric, so it seems as if there is a domed ceiling from the ground.
These individual touches are the reason why the space was sought out by Alberta Ballet, which promises patrons of its annual tour look at inventive home designs, as well as unique décor and innovative architecture.

See this condo and get inspired June 23 and 24 while supporting Alberta Ballet’s artistic operations. Entering its 19th season, the Home and Garden Tour is Alberta Ballet’s most successful and important fundraiser. Tickets are available May 1 at Ticketmaster. CL

For more information, visit http://www.albertaballet.com