Designed for a family with two young children, this basement development in Ardrossan integrates work, play, and relaxation. Highlights include a remote work-friendly office, an adventurous Kid Zone with a rock climbing wall, and a spa-like bathroom. The project emphasizes connectivity, repurposing materials for an eco-friendly approach, and overcoming connectivity challenges in a growing community.
Overall Appeal, Special Features, and Unique Design Elements
As the new homes in the Ardrossan area settle, basement development has emerged as a key market commodity. With shifting priorities and the post-Covid reevaluation of remote work and schooling, lower-level spaces are being developed to integrate work, play, and family life into one cohesive dwelling.
Creative Use of Space, Functionality, and Integration within the Unit
The goal for this project was to create a space that exudes fun while being highly functional. The client, a family with two young children, needed an adventurous area for the kids and a coordinated, connected workspace for the mother, who holds a senior-level remote position in capital healthcare HR. She desired a workspace that could double as guest quarters and a new lower-level full bath, a spa-like retreat for serene soaking after a busy day while the kids enjoyed their play time across the hall. Connectivity was crucial, as the client logs in through a secure government VPN daily, requiring fast and ultra-stable internet. The Kid Zone needed to accommodate the current ages of the children, with room for growth and challenges, including an indoor rock climbing wall and jungle gym. The client was forward-thinking and environmentally conscious, requesting that items be repurposed where possible rather than purchasing new. A notable result of this mindset was the custom-built vanity made from a repurposed dresser and a new basin. Capturing the essence of these clients made this project exciting and enjoyable! It was a joy to visit the site daily and support them in achieving their perfect new space.
Addressing Challenges
This project faced minimal challenges, mainly related to connectivity issues in a rapidly growing community with a fiber optics system that hasn’t kept pace. We mitigated these issues by having a specialized team of IT electricians design a customized internet hub with dedicated service to alleviate network competition within the community.