In Calgary's established community of St. Andrews Heights, a new generation is breathing life into a family legacy through thoughtful infill development. Shelaine and Ben Charland, currently based in Whitehorse, Yukon, are transforming a cherished family property into what they hope will become a hundred-year home for their family.
From Family Roots to Future Legacy
The story begins with Ben Charland's childhood home - a 1950s two-bedroom bungalow that was among the first houses built after the St. Andrews golf course was converted into a residential neighborhood. Ben inherited the property in 2009 and had been renting it out until a pivotal visit in summer 2021 changed everything.
"When we visited Calgary to introduce our newborn son to family, we walked through the neighborhood and realized we wanted to create a generational home where we could put down roots," Ben explains. The couple envisioned a space that would potentially remain in the family for generations to come.
The Design Philosophy: Generosity and Welcome
The Charlands approached their project with remarkable intentionality, creating a 20-page manifesto outlining their personal philosophy and core beliefs for Alloy Homes, the builder they selected for the project.
"Generosity was such an important principle to us," Ben emphasizes. "We wanted people to feel comfortable coming into our home. We wanted it to have a warmth that reflects my mother, who made everyone feel welcome."
This philosophy directly influenced their approach to the home's design, which they describe as inviting rather than exclusionary. "We really wanted the design to invite people in, rather than push them away," the homeowner notes about Alloy Homes' design approach.
Choosing the Right Builder for Quality and Honesty
The journey to their new home wasn't straightforward. Initially, the couple hoped to renovate the original bungalow by excavating the basement and adding a second story. However, they discovered the original cinder-block foundation was too unstable to support their vision.
After determining renovation was untenable, they interviewed several builders before selecting award-winning Alloy Homes and its managing partners Mace Mortimer and Chris Lemke.
"We wanted to find a builder who really showed quality, not just about a nice fancy look or what was currently on-trend, but something that was going to last for a long time," Ben explains. "We also wanted someone to not tell us just what we wanted to hear. We're not homebuilders, so we needed someone who would be honest and straight with us."
The couple found that perfect match in Alloy Homes, with Ben noting that "once we met Chris and team at Alloy, it was obvious that they were going to deliver on quality."
The resulting project, known as the Hearth House, represents more than just new construction. It embodies the growing recognition that thoughtful architectural design can foster health, connection, and groundedness - principles that the Charlands hope will benefit their family for generations in their St. Andrews Heights home.
