When Peter and Elise first purchased their sloping property outside of Edmonton, the plan was simple: build a quiet weekend retreat where their family could disconnect from the pace of city life.
What they didn’t expect was how quickly the vision would grow into something much more personal.
The couple was drawn to architecture that felt understated yet bold — clean rooflines, natural materials, dark contrasts, and spaces that felt deeply connected to the landscape around them. They wanted the home to feel modern, but not cold. Refined, but still comfortable enough for wet towels, late-night conversations, and grandchildren running barefoot through the house in summer.
Most importantly, they wanted the property itself to shape the design.
Rather than fighting the dramatic grade of the lot, our team embraced it completely. The home was carefully positioned to sit naturally within the hillside, allowing the rear of the house to open dramatically toward the outdoor living spaces below. Elevated decks create sweeping views over the property, while the walkout level connects directly to the pool terrace and surrounding landscape.
From the street, the home presents itself with quiet confidence — symmetrical gables, dark standing-seam roofing, warm natural wood tones, and carefully balanced proportions that feel timeless rather than trendy. But as visitors move through the home, the experience gradually unfolds into something much more expansive.
Inside, the design focused heavily on atmosphere. Oversized windows bring soft natural light deep into the interior, while vaulted ceilings create openness without sacrificing warmth. Every major gathering space was intentionally oriented toward the backyard and pool, allowing indoor and outdoor living to blend together effortlessly during Alberta’s summer months.
One of Peter’s earliest requests was simple: “I want this house to feel relaxing the second we pull into the driveway.”
That idea became a guiding principle throughout the entire project.
Today, the finished design feels less like a “cabin” or secondary property and more like a permanent escape from noise, schedules, and distractions. What began as a seasonal retreat slowly evolved into the place where the family wants to spend nearly all of their time together.
And in many ways, that is the best outcome a home can achieve — when the place you designed for weekends quietly becomes the place you never want to leave.
Let’s turn your ideas into a plan you can actually build from. Reach out to DRAW Design Studios to start your custom home design project in Alberta with a team that focuses on clarity, detail, and results.
Innovative home designs for the discerning homeowner. We create drawings for your home that are tailor-made to help you build your ideal lifestyle.
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