This article was originally published as “Basement Boîte” in CityHome 2014. For more photos of this project, visit our Facebook page.
By SARAH BROWN
While most of the projects that Just Basements undertakes are quite elaborate, this luxe project is in a league of its own. The homeowners, Kal and Victoria*, wanted a well-appointed lounge and bar area, a home theatre, and a spa bathroom. They also requested that a functioning brewery be integrated into the space. “Who knows if we’ll ever get to do another brewery in a basement,” says Just Basements president Norm Lecuyer. “Knowing this could be a one-off made us even more excited to make sure the room was visible. It was a real opportunity.”
The brewing operation is both a hobby and a business for Kal, founder of The Electric Brewery, which sells electric brewing kits and accessories. With that in mind, Lecuyer gave the microbrewery a clean, contemporary look, then installed large windows, making it visible from the lounge and bar area. The room, though separated from the main basement space, becomes part of the experience of being at the bar.
The couple, who are huge movie fans, also knew they wanted a serious home cinema with a real movie theatre layout. The tiered seating allows for that vibe but obliged Lecuyer and his team to move ductwork to allow for the height needed in that section of the basement.
“A basement is a very restrictive space,” explains Lecuyer. “It can be like a puzzle — fitting in the necessary elements like ductwork around a client’s wish list.” Happily for them, everything came together perfectly.
* first names only at owners’ request
THE DETAILS
Design: Just Basements
Contractor: Just Basements
Home Theatre Projector/Screen: Supplied by homeowner
Chairs: Supplied by homeowner
Carpet: Victory carpet tile in Gunmetal, Westboro Flooring
Lounge Area
Chairs: Mikaza Home
Coffee Table: Mikaza Home
Fireplace: The Bio Flame (Calgary)
Fireplace Surround: Ridalco Industries
Area Rug: HomeSense
Potlights: Lightolier, from Nedco Electrical Supply
Light Fixture: Eurofase Dervish 5 large pendant in chrome, Multi Luminaire
Bar Area
Counter (main): Cambria Minera #5360, Urban Quarry
Counter (waterfall): Cambria Whitehall #0120, square edge, Urban Quarry
Bar Stools: Mikaza Home
Bar Sink: Boholmen, Ikea
Bar Faucet: Delta Trinsic pull-down, Boone Plumbing and Heating Supply
Bar/Brewery Floor Tile: ITC Metallic Black, Euro Tile & Stone
Bathroom
Tiles (bath/sauna):
Costanto — Gallarata Series, natural finish, Euro Tile & Stone
Cinza — Gallarata Series, natural finish, Euro Tile & Stone
Tiles (shower niche): Opus Stick, Blend #1, Ceragres
Brewery
All equipment from The Electric Brewery