Projects

Elbow Valley West Renovation featuring an architectural addition and outdoor living space transformation: 

Nestled in the prestigious community of Elbow Valley West, this transformative renovation project exemplified the perfect synergy between architectural sophistication and practical family living. Situated on a scenic acreage, the home originally boasted an open rear deck that offered a picturesque view but lacked year-round usability. The homeowners envisioned a luxurious yet highly functional outdoor living space that could evolve into a true extension of the home – a space that was as inviting in the winter as it was in the summer.

PURE Residential was entrusted to bring this vision to life through a thoughtful addition that would enhance both the form and function of the existing structure.  This result is a fully enclosed outdoor retreat, now a multifunctional all-season space that seamlessly connects the home’s interior elegance with its beautiful natural surroundings. 

The clients were looking for more than just a deck upgrade. With an active family lifestyle and a passion for cooking and entertaining, they desired a space that felt like a natural extension of their luxury home – one that could host everything from cozy family dinners to large social gatherings throughout the year. Above all, the new addition needed to feel intentional, not appended. It had to preserve the integrity of the home’s original architectural design and high-end finishes, while subtly introducing modern comforts and versatility. 

The challenge with creating a four-season outdoor living space that would harmonize with the existing home was a challenge on multiple fronts. The home’s architecture is a defining element of its charm, and any addition risks disrupting the visual flow of the exterior. Moreover, Elbow Valley West, a residential neighborhood in Calgary, Alberta, is known for its varying climate conditions – harsh winters and warm summers – necessitating independent climate control. There was also a need to integrate the new structure into the existing mechanical and structural system without compromising performance or aesthetics. 

• Continuity ensured that the addition felt like it had always been a part of the home.
• Comfort focused on creating a cozy, usable space in every season.
• Craftsmanship meant meeting the high standard of design and build quality that defines homes in Elbow Valley West.

The first design consideration was the exterior enclosure. Instead of opting for a typical sunroom or conservatory feel, which can often appear as a separate appendage to the main structure, the goal was to craft an architectural addition that would be completely indistinguishable from the original home. This required a meticulous approach to design and material selection. Every architectural line was mirrored with care; roofing materials were custom ordered to match the existing shingles in both texture and color, and window styles were replicated down to the mullion patterns and casing profiles. Even the masonry was sourced and blended by hand to ensure continuity in tone, grout style, and stone dimensions.

The structure featured expansive windows, intentionally placed to maintain unobstructed sightlines across the surrounding acreage while also flooding the space with natural light. These large panes not only create a sense of openness but also serve to frame the breathtaking views that define living in Elbow Valley West. The ceiling was designed to mimic the home’s interior architectural detailing, featuring tongue-and-groove wood panels and coffered accents that echo the craftsmanship seen throughout the original residence. Exposed beams add both visual warmth and structural depth, while custom trim profiles were recreated to ensure seamless integration from old to new.

Together, these elements form an elegant, enclosed space that feels like it has always belonged. It amplifies the home’s original charm, adds a functional layer of year-round usability, and elevates the entire rear elevation of the property. More than just an enclosure, it’s a harmonious continuation of the home’s architectural story—thoughtfully designed to be both beautiful and deeply livable.

A central highlight of the outdoor living space is a gourmet cooking area equipped with professional-grade appliances, including a built-in grill, fridge, and warming drawers. The client, an avid cook, wanted this space to function with the efficiency of a high-end kitchen while retaining the relaxed ambiance of outdoor dining.

A custom-designed ventilation system was installed to manage cooking exhaust and keep the space fresh year-round. Custom cabinetry and stone countertops tie into the interior kitchen palette, while weather-resistant finishes ensure durability.

The cooking area transitions effortlessly into the dining and lounge zones, making it the true heart of the new addition.

One of the most impressive and technically sophisticated features of this renovation is the advanced climate control system integrated into the new addition. Living in Elbow Valley West means adapting to Calgary’s distinct seasons – long, cold winters followed by hot, dry summers, which required a solution that would provide year-round comfort without relying on the home’s primary HVAC system. To meet this challenge, the space was designed with a fully independent zone heating and cooling system that allows for tailored temperature control, no matter the time of year.

At the heart of this system is radiant heated hardwood flooring, delivering consistent warmth underfoot during the colder months and eliminating the need for bulky floor registers or baseboard heaters. This not only adds to the space’s luxurious feel but also preserves the clean aesthetic of the design. Strategically placed vents work in tandem with discreet ceiling-mounted fans, ensuring air circulation and efficient heating or cooling throughout the space. Each component was carefully chosen and installed to remain visually unobtrusive while delivering exceptional performance.

Perhaps most notably, the temperature and humidity levels within the addition can be controlled completely independently from the rest of the home. This means the family can fine-tune the environment to suit different occasions and seasons—whether they’re hosting a cozy Christmas brunch by the fireplace, enjoying a quiet cup of coffee on a frosty spring morning, or opening the space for breezy summer dinners. The space performs effortlessly across all scenarios, adapting to shifting weather without compromising comfort or energy efficiency.

This level of climate adaptability not only enhances the day-to-day functionality of the space but also extends its usability far beyond what a traditional outdoor living space might offer. It’s a thoughtful blend of technology and design that ensures the addition can be enjoyed twelve months a year, reinforcing the home’s status as a truly four-season retreat.

The material palette was carefully curated to blur the boundaries between interior refinement and outdoor living space appeal, creating a harmonious environment that feels cohesive with the home’s original character. Flooring transitions seamlessly from the interior living areas into the addition, creating a visual and tactile flow that enhances the sense of continuity. One of the standout design features is the custom-painted hardwood floor, which was specially finished to withstand fluctuations in temperature and humidity while offering a rich, timeless aesthetic. This detail adds a unique layer of personality to the space – one that speaks to both craftsmanship and durability.

Complementing the flooring, materials such as natural stone, cedar, and glass were thoughtfully chosen for their ability to evoke a sense of elevated rustic charm—a design language that feels entirely appropriate within the acreage setting of Elbow Valley West. These materials not only ground the space in natural beauty but also offer the durability and weather-resistance needed for year-round functionality.

To support energy efficiency without compromising on style, high-performance glazing was used throughout the structure. These advanced windows reduce heat transfer while maximizing natural light and preserving uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape. They also serve to reinforce the open, airy feeling that defines the space.

Overhead, the ceiling was clad in tongue-and-groove wood paneling, adding visual warmth, acoustic softness, and architectural depth. The texture and tone of the wood offer a subtle contrast to the stone and glass, helping the space feel intimate yet expansive. Every finish, from the ceiling detail to the smallest trim profile, was intentionally selected to echo the design language found throughout the home.

Even the hardware – hinges, latches, and light fixtures – was chosen to complement existing finishes, reinforcing the idea that this renovation is not an addition but an evolution. By respecting the original architecture and elevating it through carefully layered materials, the finished space feels not only bespoke but also deeply rooted in the home’s identity.

Custom lighting plays a pivotal role in shaping both the functionality and ambiance of this outdoor living space, transforming it from a bright, energetic gathering area to a soft, relaxing retreat at the touch of a button. Carefully curated lighting elements were selected not only for their visual appeal but also for how they support the space’s multi-functional use. Recessed LED lighting provides consistent, high-performance illumination – ideal for food preparation, dining, or hosting evening events. These lights are strategically placed to eliminate shadows in key task areas, such as the cooking zone and seating areas, while maintaining a clean, modern ceiling line.

To complement the practical lighting, layered decorative fixtures add character and depth. Statement pendant lights anchor the dining area with soft, diffused light, while wall-mounted sconces introduce a warm, intimate glow that echoes the interior design of the home. The balance between architectural lighting and decorative accents brings a refined atmosphere to the space, creating moments of focus and relaxation depending on the mood.

An integrated smart lighting control system adds another level of convenience and luxury. With programmable scenes, the homeowners can effortlessly adjust lighting based on the time of day or occasion – whether it’s creating a fresh, energizing vibe for morning coffee, setting a soft, ambient tone for evening cocktails, or maximizing brightness for weekend barbecues. The system can also be synced with other smart home features, offering seamless control from a central hub or mobile device.

While the space is fully enclosed for four-season use, great care was taken to maintain a strong visual and physical connection to the outdoors – an essential element given the property’s beautiful Elbow Valley West location. Expansive, operable windows and oversized sliding glass panels allow for natural ventilation and direct access to the outdoors during warmer months. These openings bring in fresh air and the gentle sounds of nature, enhancing the overall sensory experience of the space.

High ceilings amplify this openness, creating a breezy, lofted feeling that contrasts beautifully with the cozy textures of wood, stone, and soft lighting. The floor-to-ceiling glass expanses are intentionally positioned to preserve panoramic views of the surrounding acreage, allowing the family to remain immersed in the landscape, even when indoors.

This conscious design approach – one that prioritizes both enclosure and openness – ensures the family enjoys uninterrupted access to nature’s beauty, without sacrificing the comfort and protection of a fully conditioned environment. The result is a true year-round retreat that feels grounded in its setting and elevated in its execution.

The clients were engaged throughout the process, from concept to completion. Our team maintained an open dialogue to ensure the final result reflected their vision. Their feedback upon completion speaks about the success of the project:

“We couldn’t be happier with the transformation. The space is beautiful, comfortable, and exactly what we dreamed of. PURE delivered beyond our expectations.”

• Location: Elbow Valley West
• Scope: Full enclosure and renovation of rear deck into all-season outdoor living space
• Design Objective: Seamless addition that matches the original architectural style
• Key Features:
  • Professional-grade outdoor cooking area
  • Independent HVAC and radiant floor heating
  • Custom finishes to match original home design
  • Floor-to-ceiling operable windows
  • High-end lighting and automation
• Unique Element: Year-round retreat designed with meticulous attention to detail and architectural integration.

This project demonstrates the profound value that a thoughtfully executed addition can bring to a home – not just in square footage, but in lifestyle enhancement and aesthetic appeal.

By transforming a basic deck into a high-functioning space that reflects the home’s luxury character, the renovation added not only visual interest but also substantial usability. The integration of cutting-edge mechanical systems with timeless design details ensures the space will serve the family for years to come.

Additionally, the outdoor living space has increased the home’s market value and appeal, a crucial factor in a sought-after neighborhood like Elbow Valley West, where discerning buyers seek both craftsmanship and lifestyle upgrades.

The Elbow Valley West Addition / Outdoor Living Space project is a shining example of how functional needs and architectural beauty can coexist through thoughtful design and expert execution.

PURE Residential’s collaborative approach and commitment to craftsmanship resulted in a space that doesn’t just meet expectations – it elevates them. The finished retreat offers the family a place to gather, entertain, relax, and enjoy the spectacular surroundings of their acreage year-round.

It stands as a model of what’s possible when vision, design, and execution align – and a perfect example of our dedication to creating spaces that feel as natural as they are exceptional.