Pearl White Tapestry Dimensional Stone | Shouldice Stone
Architect: Shape Architecture
Builder: Conwest Developments
Mason: Cronus Masonry
This year has been packed with inspiring designs and innovative architecture that caught the attention of our community. Our top 10 highlights recognize the outstanding creativity, exceptional craftsmanship, and thoughtful design that set these projects apart. Let’s take a closer look at what made this year truly memorable.
1. Modern Design Grounded in Tradition
Obsidian Shadow | King Klinker
Developer: Dominium
Architect: S2 Architecture
Contractor: Bird Construction
Christie Crossing captures the distinctive spirit and heritage of the Alberta community, blending its modern design with the traditional elements of its local landscape. The dark brick veneer stands out as a defining feature, reflecting the historical use of brick in Alberta’s architecture, while embracing the clean, polished aesthetic of contemporary design.
Exposed wooden beams, which serve as both structural supports and visual highlights, frame the entrance and draw attention to the bold overhanging roofline. These beams blend the warmth of natural materials with the sharp, angular lines of the brick design, creating a balanced look.
These features make the building feel inviting and well-integrated with its surroundings, showcasing how modern architecture can celebrate local character while achieving functionality and style.
2. Elevated Living With Rustic Details
Chalk Dust TundraBrick | Eldorado Stone
Builder: Diamond Contracting
Interior Design: Revolving Rooms Interior Design
A harmonious blend of rustic charm and contemporary elegance defines this living space. The whitewashed appeal of white brick adds a clean, neutral aesthetic that brightens the room. The wooden mantel adds an organic touch, complementing the natural tones of the exposed ceiling beams. These dark-stained beams create a striking contrast between lights and darks, drawing the eye upward, and highlighting the height of the vaulted ceiling to make the room feel open and airy.
With these design elements, it creates a room that is as functional as it is visually appealing. Whether it’s for quiet relaxation or lively gatherings, this space perfectly balances style with comfort, making it a true centerpiece for everyday living.
3. Reimagining Linear Brick With Curves
Garnet | Hebron Brick
Mason: Tanner’s Masonry
The use of curved brick walls in architecture represents a remarkable combination of technical skill, material mastery, and design innovation. Unlike linear brickwork, which relies on straight lines and flat surfaces, curved brick walls demand a meticulous approach to both planning and execution.
Curved brick walls introduce a sense of fluidity and movement that transforms the perception of a space. In this design, the gentle curves of the brickwork contrast with the angular lines of the structure, creating a dynamic balance that captures the viewer’s attention.
This design demonstrates how traditional materials can be reimagined to achieve innovative architectural feats. It highlights the beauty of combining craftsmanship with modern techniques, resulting in a structure that is as captivating as it is structurally impressive.
4. Curb Appeal Framed in Stone
Grand Banks Limestone | Eldorado Stone
Builder: Kimberley Homes
Mason: Golden Boy Masonry
This home is a stunning example of how stone can transform a modern design into a work of art. The light stone facade creates a striking contrast against the dark trim and roof, giving the home a bold, sophisticated look.
From the grand arches at the entrance to the perfectly framed windows, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to balance strength and elegance. The texture of the stone adds depth and character, making the home stand out while blending seamlessly with its surroundings.
This project shows how combining modern architectural elements with timeless stone features can create a home that’s full of personality and charm.
5. Expressive Design in an Urban Landscape
Opus | Hebron Brick
Builders: Fabric Living and Hudson Projects
Architect: EKISTICS
Interior Designer: Ste. Marie
At first glance, the Assembly building draws you in with its bold silhouette, but it’s the textured brick façade that truly captivates the eyes. The protruding brickwork turns a simple surface into a dynamic, ever-changing element, where light and shadows shift throughout the day revealing beautiful depth.
The design is thoughtful and deliberate, creating harmony between the building and its surroundings. The protruding brickwork doesn’t just enhance the façade; it redefines how the building interacts with light, shadow, and texture, evidently showcasing how well-considered details can transform a structure into something truly remarkable.
6. Built-In Function and Beauty
Sienna Ledgestone | Dutch Quality Stone
Builder: Liske Developments
Mason: M.S. Masonry
As you step into this room, your attention is immediately drawn to the stone fireplace, a bold feature that combines natural textures with warmth. The stone’s layered tones and rugged surface create a strong focal point, while built-in shelves on either side provide balance and practical storage. Warm lighting highlights the shelves, adding a soft glow that complements the earthy tones of the stone.
This project is a brilliant example of integrating rustic materials with thoughtful functionality. The blend of textures add character, with the rugged surface of the stone providing a striking contrast to the smooth, warm tones of the wood. These elements come together harmoniously, creating a setting that is both welcoming and visually captivating.
7. The Art of the Brick Archway
Ironstone | Interstate Brick
Designer: Inertia Residential Design
Mason: Jackson Masonry
Photographer: Klassen Photography
The brick arch is a stunning example of how traditional craftsmanship can create something truly special. Its layered structure and design adds depth and rhythm, naturally drawing attention to the carefully placed brick that highlight the smooth, well-executed curve.
What makes this arch even more striking is the contrast between the rich red brick and the light stone accents. The stone frames the arch, emphasizing its shape and adding an extra touch of refined detail to the design. The result is a simple, yet thoughtful design that transforms a practical architectural element into a striking focal point.
8. Beauty in Material Contrasts
Mountain Red | Interstate Brick
Mason: Blankert Masonry
Builder: Huber Homes
A carefully considered blend of materials and textures brings this design to life. The red brick brings a classic warmth, while the gray manufactured stone veneer adds a clean, modern touch. Together, these materials create a strong visual contrast that is both eye-catching and complementing.
In this project, the placement of the materials enhances the design by defining distinct sections of the façade. The rough texture of the stone complements the smooth surface of the brick, creating a layered look that feels intentional and well-executed.
This combination ensures that the structure maintains a unified appearance while showcasing the unique qualities of each material. The result is a home that stands out for its thoughtful use of contrasting materials, blending traditional and contemporary elements.
9. Sustainability in Architectural Design
Opus | Hebron Brick
Architects: S2 Architecture and gh3* Architects
Contractor: PCL Construction
The brickwork on this zero-carbon fire station is a striking feature that sets it apart. Each brick is carefully arranged to form a wave-like texture, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow that adds a sense of energy and life to the design. This intentional approach to brickwork not only enhances the aesthetic but also establishes the building’s distinctive identity.
The curved rooftop adds depth and movement, transforming a traditionally flat material into a dynamic, visually engaging surface. Made from naturally sourced materials, the clay brick complements the station’s renewable solar energy systems to create a structure that is both stunning as it is environmentally conscious.
With its blend of innovation and thoughtful execution, the Windemere fire station demonstrates how bold brick design can embrace both visual and sustainable aspects of architecture.
10. Graceful Stonework for Modern Living
Pearl White Tapestry Dimensional Stone | Shouldice Stone
Architect: Shape Architecture
Builder: Conwest Developments
Mason: Cronus Masonry
Bright, modern, and full of charm, these townhomes bring a fresh feel to the neighbourhood. The stunning white stone exterior immediately captures attention, bringing a clean, contemporary aesthetic to its surrounding landscape.
With small yet purposeful details, the wood-toned doors and subtle metal accents, add warmth and personality to the sleek facade. It’s clear that every element has been considered to create homes that feel modern, welcoming, and livable.
Grace Townhomes isn’t just a row of homes—it’s a community that embraces thoughtful architecture and high-quality materials. This project demonstrates how design can redefine urban living, creating spaces that are both functional and visually stunning.
Looking Ahead
These top 10 projects remind us of the endless possibilities in design and architecture, where bold ideas meet meticulous execution to create spaces that inspire. Thank you to all the architects, builders, and designers who shared their vision with us this year—it’s your creativity that keeps our community thriving. We can’t wait to see what the next year brings!
