Overall Appeal, Special Features, and Unique Design Elements
A new resident of Fort Saskatchewan embraced the local vision of fostering a strong community by enhancing local amenities. Upon purchasing their new home, our client engaged us to help develop her fitness studio business. This venture represented a bold step as she transitioned from her successful leased premises in South Edmonton to establish a private, customized fitness space for Fort Saskatchewan residents.

Creative Use of Space, Functionality, and Integration within the Unit
Creating a dynamic gym environment within a residential setting required careful planning. The side entrance of the home, now the business entry to the lower level, was designed to be welcoming and functional, featuring ample space for outerwear and a commercial feel. The stairs leading to the business were made slip-resistant to ensure safety for clients walking in socked feet. The lower level was outfitted with rubberized gym flooring over concrete, a mirrored wall, and accommodations for the additional power needs of gym equipment. Consistent lighting and window shading were also essential to maintain a suitable environment regardless of time of day or season.

Addressing Challenges
This project faced minimal challenges, primarily related to the National Building Code (AB). As a transitional space bridging residential and commercial use, there were instances of ambiguity regarding which code requirements applied. Additionally, an electrical inspection revealed that some original wiring in the home did not meet code standards, necessitating remediation before our own electrical work could pass inspection.