08/03/10 – Toronto – Large Single Family >2500 sqft

Dominique

Comment: I have never seen a plan with so many doors – there is a door at the entrance of every room and hallway!
The office nook feels more like an accident than a nice place to get get focused on paperwork.
The main floor really feels like a maze, working it’s way to the family room.
The up stairs bathroom could trade places with the laundry, to allow for access to the bathroom from all the bedrooms.

Project Name: Keewatin

Size: 2683

Project Address: 308 Keewatin, Toronto, ON

Project URL: http://www.wandalalonde.com/ActiveListings.php/Details/128/extras

Slow Home Test Score: 6

Dominique

Comment: Nice home. I gave the point for the bathroom, but I recognize that the bathroom on the second floor over sized.

Project Name: 108 Winners Circle

Size: 3570 sq/ft

Project Address: 108 Winners Circle, Toronto

Project URL: http://www.wandalalonde.com/ActiveListings.php/Details/128/extras

Slow Home Test Score: 14

Dominique

Comment: The plan has the potential for the point on orientation – but unfortunately there are no windows on the south facing wall.
There is no designated space for dining.

~Dominique

Project Name: Kimberly court

Size: 3346 sq/ft

Project Address: Kimberly Ave Toronto

Project URL: http://www.kimberleycourt.com/floorplans_home_2nd.html

Slow Home Test Score: 14

Anonymous

Comment: Lots of comments about LEED certification. No site plan, but if they are seeking LEED certification, they must address orientation properly.

Only real problems are the living room and dining room as they are in the middle of the house with side yard windows only.

Walkability was 49 which isn’t too bad. Not too long a bus ride to the subway.

Bathrooms: master too big, second too many doors, third is fine.

Project Name: Evergreen – Glacier model

Size: 2676

Project Address: 1 Jeanette Street Scarborough, ON M1M 3G2

Project URL: http://www.monarchgroup.net/397,20-new-homes-CA-M1M-3G2-ON-Scarborough-Evergreen-Community.aspx

Slow Home Test Score: 16

Mid America Mom

Comment: We saw this community last week. This week the lots are better. Lets see how they are on larger floor plans.

First Leed platinum community. From a small builder in a non walkable bedroom community of Toronto.

Long walkway on the first floor. At the back of the garage feels they could have done a better entry or at least closets. Here is a supersized master and a half bath bathroom on the landing :( The bedrooms are large, closets stick out into the room. Kitchen is not bad at all. Reasonable size. The dining room sure faces the side but I forgive it. The eating area in the kitchen is a good size. Entries suffer. Where are the closets and defined space for them? There is a computer loft with no window and open to the stair on the side so I said No to that question.

Not a fast home but could do better.

I will do at least another plan from here later today.
Mid America Mom

Project Name: Ecologic Homes

Size: 2763

Project Address: 800 Mulock Drive, Newmarket ON

Project URL: http://www.rodeofinehomes.com/main/pdfs/floorplan_pdf/the_savanna.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 11

MollyK

Must make some comments before venturing into the countryside for homes to score.
I so enjoyed watching John and Matthew score today’s example house…it’s really fun to laugh at the brutal scoring of the Enterprise deck.
To all Slowhomers…speaking of laughing, if you didn’t tune in on Friday go back and take a look at the house I posted late in the day. It gives new meaning to “outdoor living” and “green.”
Murray…I don’t believe the foliage is kudzo…the leaf looks too small. If it is, heaven help the neighborhood!!!
Murray…you posed a question to me on Friday (prompted by Jenny’s description of focus groups and their choice of homes). You asked about psychological studies looking at the relationship between people and why they choose their homes. I can tell you in general this is a question probably bested answered by social psychology. In a nutshell, it is about social conformity. In the most general sense of the word, people are motivated to conform either because (1) they want to fit in with a group OR (2) they want to avoid ridicule regardless of whether or not they like the group. I couldn’t find any social psychology studies on this specific subject. However, I found some studies done in business marketing which concluded that when purchasing a home people report that their number 1 influence is…PEERS. More than any other marketing technique people are influenced by their peers when searching for a house. Fancy that…social conformity!!! So, in the focus groups described by Jenny we understand better why they report wanting a more “traditional” exterior yet they might secretly desire a more “modern” interior. What most people in the neighborhood will see is the exterior only and that will not raise any eyebrows. Thus the homeowner with a modern interior can fly under the radar of social conformity by maintaining a traditional exterior on his house. On a related topic, the next time Matthew encourages us to tell everyone we know about the SlowHome site he is asking us, in essence, to influence our peers and, hopefully, get them eventually to conform to the positive ideas of SlowHome.
To all SlowHomers…If you are interested in learning more about how Canada’s suburban communities came to be you can read about it in the book entitled “Creeping Conformity: How Canada Became Suburban” by Richard Harris. He takes a critical look at how suburban life developed in Canada during most of the 20th Century. Apparently, Toronto was one of his main areas of investigation.
Also…as we discuss suburban sprawl and its impact (mostly negative?) on SlowHome designs take a look at the following website on a movement called “New Urbanism”. http://www.newurbanism.org/
Recently, I remembered a book given to my husband several years ago entitled “The New Urbanism: Toward an Architecture of Community” by Peter Katz. Having not read the book I looked online for the subject matter and found the above website. I was impressed (and encouraged) by the holistic view it takes on creating suburban communities using urban renewal ideas and more! My belief is the more information we can gather while discussing these various topics the better we can communicate the ideology of SlowHome to others (or as they say in social psychology…influence others).
Finally, GOOD LUCK to us all as we once again venture into the world of single-family homes. Somebody PLEASE find a good one!!!

Alejandro

Comment: Walkscore: 31/100; No site plan to tell us anything about siting; Kitchen has no room between sink and fridge, and the island is not deep enough; master bathroom is ridiculous, it has the strangest double sink; I gave the study point because there isn’t one to criticize; the garage does not have enough room to move around your car.

Project Name: Roxborough – Brunswick A

Size: 2893 sq ft

Project Address: 22 Valley Vista Dr, Vaughan, ON

Project URL: http://www.minto.com/buy-a-home-in-toronto/Roxborough/Brunswick~275ht.html

Slow Home Test Score: 4

Alejandro

Comment: This one is slightly faster; bad living room when you try to put furniture in and move around it to get to the kitchen; breakfast nook is too small to fit a table to sit at, blocks access to door so that you have trouble using your back yard; study is considered and it’s a left over space; bedrooms are bad shapes, one is facing neighbors

Project Name: Roxborough – Empire A

Size: 3245 sq ft

Project Address: 22 Valley Vista Dr, Vaughan, ON

Project URL: http://www.minto.com/buy-a-home-in-toronto/Roxborough/Empire~278ht.html

Slow Home Test Score: 3

Mid America Mom

Alejandro I am curious what you did like about that last plan. Did you say YES to the entries on the Empire Elev A?

Braden

Comment: I took the liberty of finding out the dimensions of an average to smaller sized car – the Audi A3 – because I noticed that a lot of the house plans we’ve been looking at don’t have cars drawn in (without a simple outline even). So 2 Audi A3s are 6.5′ wide each (side-view mirror to side-view mirror, so together in a 2 car garage that takes up 13′ total. This garage is 18’2″ so that leaves 5’2″ that then gets divided into 3 parts (left sidewall, center, and right sidewall of garage) for room to get around the car and store stuff and so on. That leaves basically 20″ (1’8″) to open your car door and shuffle around the cars. And this is for a smaller(ish) car!!! So now imagine having a car bigger. I don’t really get this. If you live so far away from the city and use your car every day to get around, why isn’t the garage at least wide enough in a 3000 sq ft home to comfortably move around??? I don’t get it.
Anyways, this is not a very good house – above and beyond the garage

Project Name: castlemore, the barrington

Size: 3080 sq ft

Project Address: 9343-9869 The Gore Rd Brampton, ON

Project URL: http://www.regalcresthomes.com/communities/floorplans.php?home=189

Slow Home Test Score: 4

Catherine Taney

Comment: Zippy!

Project Name: Governor’s Bridge: Whitehall

Size: 3379 sq ft

Project Address: 2-98 Governor’s Rd Toronto, ON

Project URL: http://www.conservatorygroup.com/governors_whitehallflp.html

Slow Home Test Score: 3

MollyK

Comment: Walkscore 42/100–But GO transit into Toronto is minutes from neighborhood. Other local amenities nearby, as well as local parks surrounding development.
Context–site plan indicates approximately 21 homes with North-facing backyards (total lots=91). Nice winding roads (no straight, boring roads). Developer claims to use natural topography for lot layouts and actually mentions importance of home orientation as well.
Kitchen scored NO–poor location of patio door creates circulation issues. Odd angled kitchen island.
Laundry scored NO–poor location of door from garage…washer/dryer in circulation path.

Project Name: Lyon-The Georgian Collection

Size: 2615 sf

Project Address: The Meadows in the Glen, Prince St. & 20th Side Rd., near Georgetown,ON

Project URL: http://www.themeadowsintheglen.ca/floorplans/lyon_georgian_3.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 18

Alejandro

Mid America Mom, on the Roxborough – Empire A I thought that the entries were ok. I don’t really like how the closet at the front blocks light and your view into the rest of the house (but maybe this is ok if you don’t want visitors seeing all of your stuff), but it is a space and it has a closet. The back is shared with the laundry, but I think it can work only because of its layout – you don’t walk through the whole room like I’ve seen a lot in other plans. I thought that the kitchen was good – maybe the work triangle could be a bit smaller. I also gave the laundry point because although it’s shared, you can leave a basket there without disrupting things. I realize that I am a bit generous with the laundry / back entry, but they’re not that bad (and it seems unfair to give this house a 1 – as strange as that might sound).

Alejandro

Comment: Kitchen is too small, bedrooms 3 and 4 don’t get light and there are lots of bad angles in the bedrooms, master bathroom is super weird, back entry is too tight (though front entry is ok). Points for assumed ok back yard and the non-existent study.

Project Name: Spring Farm – Mosley

Size: 2829 sq ft

Project Address: 40 Spring Farm Road, Aurora, ON

Project URL: http://www.minto.com/buy-a-home-in-toronto/Spring-Farm/Mosley~214ht.html

Slow Home Test Score: 8

Alejandro

Comment: The biggest issue here is that some rooms are over-sized leading to wasted space and a sense of pretension – the kitchen, breakfast, and family room. I suppose that’s what you get in a house this big. Bad angles and a pretentious curved staircase lose the organization point.

Project Name: Spring Farm – Cherryhill

Size: 3932 sq ft

Project Address: 40 Spring Farm Road, Aurora, ON

Project URL: http://www.minto.com/buy-a-home-in-toronto/Spring-Farm/Cherryhill~221ht.html

Slow Home Test Score: 13

MollyK

Comment: Organization scored NO–poor circulation, especially stair design and 2nd floor hallway!
Kitchen scored NO–again poor placement of patio door results in circulation issues with breakfast table; overall poor kitchen layout, especially cooking triangle; surprising that with a detached garage they still skimped on windows in kitchen layout!
Bathrooms scored NO–supersized master bath.

Project Name: Logan-Tudor Collection

Size: 3090 sf

Project Address: The Meadow in the Glen, Prince St & 20th Side Rd, near Georgetown, ON

Project URL: http://www.themeadowsintheglen.ca/floorplans/logan_tudor_3.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 16

Murray

Dominique,

FYI – your second post of the day links to the same URL as the first – it would be great to see the second house.

Braden

Comment: In the middle of this plan is a hall that for no reason wastes about 100-150 sq ft. I guess that kind of excess is polemical, “I’m so rich I don’t even care if my hallway is dark and fit for a gathering of 60 people or so (because I always have parties)”. I was generous on the location point because at 48/100 with no data on transit, I am pretty confident that if that data was included this house would be into the ‘somewhat walkable’ range. But then I go upstairs and I see the bedrooms and I second guess my generosity…but I’m still a nice guy, so it gets a 5 instead of a 2.

Project Name: Central Park – Ellis

Size: 3030 sq ft

Project Address: 704 White Clover Way Mississauga, ON

Project URL: http://www.conservatorygroup.com/centralpark_ellisflp.html

Slow Home Test Score: 5

leo

This is to address the comments of Molly K. Social conformity certainly has a lot to do with how the exterior looks. I think one of the major issues of why there is a trend to more modern interiors while exteriors resist change has much to do with the nature of the spaces. Interior spaces are personal spaces, while exterior spaces are very much shared spaces. When one chooses a neighbourhood, there is obviously something that attracted us to it in the first place. As a newcomer to a neighbourhood, one should be sensitive to the makeup of the neighbourhood and not necessarily drop a house that is too out of keeping either stylistically or in terms of scale. This is certainly not a hard fast rule. In areas of renewal, I think it’s quite reasonable to display a marked departure from the past. Some neighbourhoods are not cohesive to begin with, in which case anything is fair game. Please note that this is not a strike against modern aesthetic; one can certainly be modernist (whatever that actually means) while still maintaining a consistency with existing architecture; Europe is full of such examples. So yes, what leads to traditional exteriors is indeed social pressure; however, it is not necessarily simply peer pressure, but also a desire to engage positively with ones neighbours.

With our current house, we are doing this, both out of respect for the existing neighbourhood, as well as being an acknowledgement to the history of the house we are renovating.

Murray

Molly,

Thank you so much for taking the time to consider my question. It was very generous of you. Yours in a fine example of the sense of community we enjoy and share on this site. Again, thank you.

Your book recommendations will be welcome by all, I am sure. This brought to mind that John was starting a library resource page last summer/autumn – I am not sure how to access it anymore. Hopefully a link can be restored on this new version of the SlowHome site.

To any and all – check out Acorn Homes and Madison Homes – I thought they were offering something marginally different than a lot of the others I have seen – at least they don’t seem to have the 45-degree hallway skirting the edge of the garage.

Murray

Leo,

How goes the reno?

Catherine Taney

Comment: Really dislike the stair location, amount of circulation, and wasted space from all of those bad angles.

Project Name: Gates of Countryside: The Baltic

Size: 3060 sq ft

Project Address: 58 Dewside Dr Brampton, ON

Project URL: http://www.regalcresthomes.com/communities/floorplans.php?home=136

Slow Home Test Score: 4

Eunice

Comment: This is a very very fast house. I gave the outdoor living point without seeing a site plan showing the back yard because I guess these houses all have one. Depending on which way it faces, it might be good, but again, with no site plan I can’t really tell so I have to say yes – innocent until proven guilty! So let’s call this 1.5-2.

Project Name: Churchill – The Yorkshire

Size: 2975 sq ft

Project Address: 3626-3648 Eglinton Ave W, Mississauga

Project URL: http://www.regalcresthomes.com/communities/floorplans.php?home=110

Slow Home Test Score: 2

MollyK

Leo,
I agree with your observations. Keeping a facade that closely resembles the majority of the neighborhood houses is smart on several levels. It does show sensitivity to the overall feel of the neighborhood AND a cohesive-looking neighborhood is good for home values/appraisals. Everybody wins when we protect the value of our homes. Plus, positive interaction with neighbors is important and keeping the exterior of your home in line with others shows a degree of sensitivity to what has existed before you arrived. This is especially true with historical neighborhoods and period homes.(Incidently, it follows the first rule of social conformity…wanting to fit in and be part of the whole. Nobody wants to become isolated.) Thanks for your observations.
Murray…thanks for the library information. Hope John will see this and let us know more about it since I was unaware of it.

Eunice

Comment: And just to give a sense of the quality of the rest of the large houses in this community, here’s another – equally fast – one to compare. This time you get the three car garage. The only 2 points come from the outdoor living (which I gave in the other one as well) and the laundry! So for 3565 sq ft the only livable rooms are either a) outside or b) where you wash your soilables????

Project Name: Churchill – The Sheffield

Size: 3565 sq ft

Project Address: 3626-3648 Eglinton Ave W, Mississauga

Project URL: http://www.regalcresthomes.com/communities/floorplans.php?home=178

Slow Home Test Score: 2

MollyK

Comment: This design received the award for “Best New Home Design” by BILD in 2008. If you’re looking for grandeur it fits the bill. However, it does have problems, ranging from poor circulation to supersized areas. It could have been a slower home with more thoughtful planning.
I will only mention a few issues:
Living room–has an identity crisis. The inclusion of several elements in the design make it hard to determine the room’s true function.
Kitchen is supersized and patio door still causes circulation problems. It’s a shame because the chef’s desk and walk-in pantry are nice extras.
One nice aspect is the incorporation of porches/balcony/verandah for outdoor living.

Project Name: Barraclough–Victoria Gothic

Size: 4305 sf–4 bedroom

Project Address: The Meadows in the Glen, Prince St. & 20th Side Rd, near Georgetown,ON

Project URL: http://www.themeadowsintheglen.ca/floorplans/barraclough_victorian_1.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 12

Sarah W

Comment: 5 walk score; context depends on lot (they have a site plan, but the lots aren’t assigned yet); the entry has a walk-in closet with a window… I don’t even have that in my master bedroom; I’m assuming the “formal room” would be a dining room…. it’s pretty useless anyhow; two of the bedrooms have unfortunate side-yard views.

Project Name: Morning Crest

Size: 2556

Project Address: Watson rd and Eastview rd, Guelph

Project URL: http://ashtonridge.com/uploads/Tenerife.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 9

Eunice

Comment: There is something rather sophisticated going on in this living room / family room. While the two uses are next to eachother, making one or the other redundant, and the living room faces into the side yard, I like how the fireplace and ‘media niche’ are used as a spatial divider between the two rooms. Beyond this, nothing really to mention here that is going right; gave points to outdoor living, kitchen, bedrooms and the study (there isn’t one).

Project Name: Vaughan Valley Estates – Ornellia

Size: 2900 sq ft

Project Address:

Project URL: http://www.aristahomes.com/new-homes-vaughan/vaughan-valley-estates/floorplans/ornellia

Slow Home Test Score: 4

Eunice

That address is supposed to be 10462-10598 Weston Rd Vaughan, ON.

Eunice

Comment: WOW That’s one palatial ensuite. Also, what’s up with everyone needing an ensuite? I juggled the kitchen question and it came up ‘yes’. I really like the ‘garden room’ since it’s rare and nice to have a place to store pots and tools or set up grow lights if you want to cultivate those bonsais!

Project Name: Vaughan Valley Estates – Chardonnay

Size: 3825 sq ft

Project Address: 10462-10598 Weston Rd Vaughan, ON

Project URL: http://www.aristahomes.com/new-homes-vaughan/vaughan-valley-estates/floorplans/chardonnay

Slow Home Test Score: 6

Matt KB

Comment: Project 1

Project Name: 94 Amelia Street

Size: Not availible but over 2500

Project Address: 94 Amelia street

Project URL: http://juliekinnear.com/toronto-houses/94-amelia-street/floor_plan.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 15

Matt KB

Comment: Project 2

Project Name: 140 bowood ave

Size: 3127

Project Address: 140 bowood ave

Project URL: http://juliekinnear.com/toronto-houses/140-bowood-avenue/floor_plan.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 12

Mid America Mom

Thanks MollyK. The plan you posted, the lyon from meadows in the glen, I wanted to note for everyone a few other touches to this home.

In the master closet they have a built in cabinet with seat listed. This bedroom also has a fireplace (which we do not see much of) which I think is SO romantic. I am also under the impression we have a central vacuum system. I am not familiar with their efficiency (I LOVE my Dyson thank you very much) but that is another thoughtful touch.

Molly do you plan on posting more from there? Looks like they have some one stories as well.

Mid America Mom

Matt KB

Comment: project 3
right across the street from high park

Project Name: 192 Grenadier road

Size: 3396

Project Address: 192 Grenadier road

Project URL: http://juliekinnear.com/toronto-houses/192-grenadier-road/floor_plan.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 11

Matt KB

Comment: Project 4

single family home has been converted into three units, non of which are very good as units

Project Name: 218 Howard Park Avenue

Size: 3257

Project Address: 218 Howard Park Avenue

Project URL: http://juliekinnear.com/toronto-houses/218-howard-park-avenue/floor_plan.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 11

MollyK

Comment: This design must have a South-facing backyard or natural light will become a major issue.
A few quick comments:
Kitchen scored NO–disappointing layout…seemed like an afterthought with such a large breakfast area (which I think is large enough NOT to impede circulation to patio door).
Bedrooms scored NO–Master bedroom is oddly shaped which I find unappealing. There are closet and bed placement issues in a couple of other bedrooms.
Garage scored NO–it takes up an entire side of the house, restricting light on the 1st floor.

Project Name: McClure–French Normandy

Size: 3625 sf–5 bedroom

Project Address: The Meadow in the Glen, Prince St. & 20th Side Rd, near Georgetown, ON

Project URL: http://www.themeadowsintheglen.ca/floorplans/mclure_french_3.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 15

Matt KB

Comment: Project 5

Project Name: 332 Waverly Road

Size: Unknown but over 2500

Project Address: 332 Waverly Road

Project URL: http://juliekinnear.com/toronto-houses/332-waverley-road/floor_plan.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 9

Matt KB

Comment: Project 6

Project Name: 444 Shaw Street

Size: 3376

Project Address: 444 Shaw Street

Project URL: http://juliekinnear.com/toronto-houses/444-shaw-street/floor_plan.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 14

MollyK

M.A.M.,
I’m posting one plan from each design category in the 2-story section. I posted from the bungalow section last week. Can’t remember if there are any bungalows over 2500 square feet.
I have 3 more design categories left…feel free to post others in these categories yourself. If you want more detail about my scoring of Location, Context, and Environmental Performance just give me a holler! (It’s a Southern thing.)

Vickie

Comment: Site Plan – http://www.rodeofinehomes.com/main/green.php?p=siteplan

walk score n/a – I could not find anywhere how the site plan is situated on a larger scale.

I would consider the front living room as a Study room.
Garage? So large… necessary?

Project Name: Rodeo Fine Homes

Size: 3,561 sq. ft.

Project Address: Kingsmere ave and Quaker Trail, Newmarket

Project URL: http://www.newinhomes.com/ontario/newmarket-development-3119/floorplans-17763.html

Slow Home Test Score: 8

Dominique

Comment: Bigger isn’t always better…

Project Name: Carruther’s Creek Village

Size: 2859 Sq/ft

Project Address: downtown Ajax

Project URL: http://www.conservatorygroup.com/carruthers_goldenflp.html

Slow Home Test Score: 8

Vickie

Comment: Walk score 8%

site plan – http://www.brookfieldhomes.ca/communities/hhmanor/map/index.jsp
The site plan is too small and low resolution – impossible to read!

Project Name: Brookfield Homes

Size: 3021 sq. ft

Project Address: 1626 Glenbourne dr

Project URL: http://www.brookfieldhomes.ca/communities/hhmanor/house/show/warwickb

Slow Home Test Score: 9

Mid America Mom

Comment: Back to our LEED platinum community.

The Entries, feels like this is a first (for a home at 3500 feet!). Both need to be Bigger. Front there is a single door with a sidelight, feels tight and narrow. It has no closet and one side of it is a 4 foot opening to the living space. The back one I do not understand at all. You enter onto the top landing of the second staircase with a small closet behind the door.

Three car garage dominates the front and causes issues with the front of the plan. I like the kitchen, eating space ( NEEDS to be that big. Notice this is a 5 bedroom home), and the family room (though I could do without the closet in back). The living really should have a door and call it a study. The Dining is played up in the plan and to the side yard but again I say Oh well let them have that. You will hardly ever eat in it anyway.

Upstairs there is hardly any hallway and we have a nice laundry and it falls apart from there. 5 bedrooms, of which two face the side yard, 2 supersized baths AND 2 more- need I say more?

For some reason this place has two staircases and this one only goes to the basement- what is the point of that?

Mid America Mom

Project Name: Ecologic Homes

Size: 3561

Project Address: 800 Mulock Drive, Newmarket ON

Project URL: http://www.rodeofinehomes.com/main/pdfs/floorplan_pdf/the_rainforest.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 11

Mid America Mom

HI Vickie we did the same one. Orientation was fine.

Dominique

Comment: Once again lot’s of wasted space.

Project Name: Bronte Creek

Size: 2828 sq/ft

Project Address: 2318 Valleyridge Drive, Toronto

Project URL: http://www.monarchgroup.net/435,20-new-homes-CA-L6M-5C7-ON-Oakville-Bronte-Creek-Community.aspx

Slow Home Test Score: 6

Vickie

Comment:

Project Name: Branthaven Homes / Bronte Plan

Size: 3015 sq. ft.

Project Address: highway 5 and Col. WIlliams Parkwayk

Project URL: http://www.branthaven.com/pdf/bronte_casson.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 10

Dominique

Comment: Impressive for it’s size.

Project Name: Doanar Hill

Size: 3,257 square feet

Project Address: 40 Spring Farm Road Aurora

Project URL: http://www.minto.com/buy-a-home-in-toronto/Spring-Farm/Doanar-Hill~217ht.html

Slow Home Test Score: 15

Richard J

Comment: There was a site plan, so I guess there’s no reason why you couldn’t get one that was properly oriented so long as you were early (best selection). Stove location in the kitchen is ponderous, the kitchen is just confused in general too. ‘decorative columns’ huh? Hope they’re corinthian. I’m calling the living room a study instead because it’d make a good one.

Project Name: Boxgrove – Brighton (Elevation B)

Size: 2902 square feet

Project Address: 44-52 Lady Fern Dr, Markham

Project URL: http://www.aristahomes.com/new-homes-markham/boxgrove/floorplans/brighton

Slow Home Test Score: 8

Braden

Comment: Other than the rather decent kitchen, this one’s bad to the bone.

Project Name: Dreamfields – The Oriole

Size: 2810 sq ft

Project Address: 2748-2894 8th Line Bradford West Gwillimbury, ON

Project URL: http://www.regalcresthomes.com/communities/floorplans.php?home=158

Slow Home Test Score: 4

Richard J

Comment: giant sized dinette. Long hallway on the main floor, bad angles throughout. I appreciate the fact that bedrooms either face the front or the back (none facing the neighbors). Master bathroom is gross. Kitchen itself is fine, but should be better connected to the family room (chalked that one up in organization).

Project Name: Boxgrove – Manchester

Size: 3325 square feet

Project Address: 44-52 Lady Fern Dr, Markham

Project URL: http://www.aristahomes.com/new-homes-markham/boxgrove/floorplans/manor

Slow Home Test Score: 7

MollyK

Comment: A floorplan with Master suite on 1st floor. What a pleasant surprise!
Living scored YES (with reservations)–possible wasted space depending on the amount of furniture used, but I think incorporating build-ins or a desk toward the hallway end of the room would be o.k. Christmas tree space too!
Kitchen scored NO–cooking triangle awful and island feels out of place with breakfast bar wrapped so far into the work/sink area.
Dining–liked connection to kitchen
Bedrooms scored YES (with reservations)–Bedroom 3 would turn some people off–would be a challenge for bed placement but not impossible.
Bathrooms scored NO–Unfortunately Master bath flunked the whole category with wasted space and no door for privacy. Others were fine.
Garage scored NO–dominates the house front.

Project Name: Ainley–Victoria Collection

Size: 3700 sf–4 bedroom

Project Address: The Meadow in the Glen, Prince St & 20th Side Rd, near Georgetown, ON

Project URL: http://www.themeadowsintheglen.ca/floorplans/ainley_victorian_1.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 17

Corey

Comment: walk score 20

Project Name: Gates of Countryside – The Baltic

Size: 3060 sqft

Project Address: Bramalea Rd. & Dewside Dr., Brampton, ON

Project URL: http://www.regalcresthomes.com/communities/floorplans.php?home=136

Slow Home Test Score: 6

Corey

Comment: walk score 20

Project Name: Lakeside Meadows – The Lakeside

Size: 2970 sqft

Project Address: 4950 Baseline Road, Sutton, ON

Project URL: http://www.ballymorehomes.com/lakeside/lakeside.html

Slow Home Test Score: 10

Corey

Comment: walk score 9

Project Name: Castlemore – The Keswick

Size: 2710 sqft

Project Address: Castlemore Road, Brampton, ON

Project URL: http://www.regalcresthomes.com/communities/floorplans.php?home=186

Slow Home Test Score: 3

Manolo

Comment: It’s a big square in plan with lots of leftover space and circulation. Every main space is cut off from the others. It’s funny to see the disparity between the master bedroom – which gets all of the attention usually – and bedroom 4 (clearly for a kid who for whatever reason isn’t going to grow in the future). I really dislike this house.

Project Name: Heritage Estates – Reesor

Size: 2909 sq ft

Project Address: Main St & Tenth Line Whitechurch-Stouffville, ON

Project URL: http://www.conservatorygroup.com/heritage_reesorflp.html

Slow Home Test Score: 3

Corey

Comment: walk score 32

Project Name: The Bayview Club – Keeneland

Size: 2800 sqft

Project Address: 10 Kane Cres., Aurora, ON

Project URL: http://www.kylemorecommunities.com/comm_current/bayview/fp_template_2.html?cid=1&model=1&plan=1

Slow Home Test Score: 10

MollyK

Comment: Organization scored NO-circulation on 1st floor is long and winding and the layout feels disjointed, rooms in different nooks.
Entry scored NO-3 entries are unnecessary. Foyer too big and then it leads into a so-called gallery. Looks like wasted space to me. Family entry size good but is it necessary? Garage entry too tight.
Living scored NO-too large with wet bar impeding circulation to and from kitchen.
Kitchen scored NO-terrible layout, poor circulation, and wasted space.
Bedrooms scored NO-Master flunked the category by being supersized…other bedrooms more than adequately sized.
Bathrooms scored NO-Oversized Masterbath flunked category.
Laundry scored NO-hated to score it NO because I liked the large area for washing/drying and folding/hanging clothes…BUT you have to walk through the “gallery” with dirty clothes to get to the space. That is insane!
Garage scored NO–Do you need the extra 1-car garage? How do you get your car in and out of it? Do you back in or drive straight in? Is it really a glorified storage building?

Project Name: Holdroyd–Georgian Collection

Size: 3915 sf–4 bedroom

Project Address: The Meadow in the Glen, Prince St & 20th Side Rd, near Georgetown, ON

Project URL: http://www.themeadowsintheglen.ca/floorplans/holdroyd_georgian_2.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 11

Corey

Comment: walk score 33

Project Name: New Yorkton – Schellden

Size: 2625 sqft

Project Address: 4476 16th Avenue, Unionville, ON

Project URL: http://www.kylemorecommunities.com/comm_coming/yorkton/fp_template_2.html?cid=1&model=3&plan=1

Slow Home Test Score: 9

Corey

Comment: walk score 20

Project Name: Lakeside Meadows – The Tanglewood

Size: 3152 sqft

Project Address: 4950 Baseline Road, Sutton, ON

Project URL: http://www.ballymorehomes.com/lakeside/tanglewood.html

Slow Home Test Score: 10

Jodi J

Comment: – building adheres to LEED-H system (many energy conservation amenities)
- walkscore of 49 – car dependant
- no siet plan info
- clean main floor
- nice, definied entry
- no info on lot but good acess to exterior from kitchen
- island a little small
- good size dining space
- one one bedroom faces sideyard, 45 degree angle in master bedroom very unecessary –> plan would be much stronger without it
- master ensuite has a lot of wasted floor space (that 45 degree angle again!)
- no study
- nice size laundry room

- all in all, nice project.
- would be nice to have a site plan (for context information)
- with a few small changes, mainly pertaining to the master bedroom/ensuite, it could be really great!

Project Name: “40-3 Glacier” at Evergreen

Size: 2693 sq ft

Project Address: 1 Jeanette Street, Scarbourough

Project URL: http://www.monarchgroup.net/397,20-new-homes-CA-M1M-3G2-ON-Scarborough-Evergreen-Community.aspx

Slow Home Test Score: 12

Jodi J

Comment: – Walkscore of 9
- no site plan information provided
- clean/clear organization
- energy-star rated community (I gave them the points)
- easy furniture layout in living space
- no information on backyard, good connection from breakfast area, nice sized front porch, covered balcony for master bedroom on 2nd floor
- good connection between kitchen and all other rooms
- all bedrooms but one face either front or rear yards
- Jack and Jill wsahroom between bedroom 4 and 5 a little tight for space by the toilet, pocket doors may be a better solution
- a little tight between the garage passage door and laundry units

- again, all in all a decent overall layout, an minor adjustments could easily resolve many of the aforementioned issues

Project Name: “50-3 Ivy Trail” at Strawberry Fields – 5 Bedroom Unit

Size: 3344 sq ft

Project Address: 12515 Kennedy Road, Caledon

Project URL: http://www.strawberryfieldsforever.ca/media/pdf/ivy-trail.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 14

Catherine Taney

Comment: An island AND a peninsula in this kitchen, making it really difficult to get to the fridge. Dining room is buried in the middle of the plan! Only points go to living, study (there isn’t one), laundry and parking (of all things).

Project Name: Vellore Village Signature: The Pisa

Size: 3180 sq ft

Project Address: Rutherford Rd & Via Campanile Vaughan, ON

Project URL: http://www.regalcresthomes.com/communities/floorplans.php?home=145

Slow Home Test Score: 4

Richard J

Comment: I only gave points to the study and living room. The study got my nod because I think the ‘living room’ could act as a nice study space being interconnected with the ‘library loft’. I thought that the front living room helped bring me peace with the family room’s nasty central fireplace blocking both light and view from the garden. The space itself in the family room is ok. So this plan gets a (gulp) 2.

Project Name: Oakdale Village – Weston

Size: 2699 sq ft

Project Address: Sergio Marchi St Toronto, ON

Project URL: http://www.conservatorygroup.com/oakdale_westonflp.html

Slow Home Test Score: 2

Jodi J

Comment: – Walkscore of 9
- no site plan provided
- main circulation axis through the house
- Energy-Star rated community
- 45 degree wall a little strange –> cuts off the access
- good access from the breakfast nook, large front porch
- large kitchen, including a built in desk area
- bathroom 2 water closet is really tight for space

- I think the other plan from Strawberry Fields (analyzed earlier) is a stronger overall layout –> this one has a few more awkward elements than its predecessor

Project Name: “Cedar Path” @ Strawberry Fields

Size: 2869 sq ft

Project Address: 12515 Kennedy Road, Caledon

Project URL: http://www.strawberryfieldsforever.ca/media/pdf/cedar-path.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 13

MollyK

Comment: I’m not going into specifics but I find it amazing that the presence of a single fast element in a category can flunk the entire score. For example, supersizing one bathroom (the Master in most cases) makes the overall category less than livable (not to mention adds wasted space which uses unnecessary building material, increases the building cost, forces the need for “conditioned” air, which therefore, consumes more energy and so on.) Think about each room having one single fast design element, and you have increased exponentially every undesirable factor in the building and maintaining your home. Wow…that’s what we’re up against with these designs.

Project Name: Beaumont–Tudor Collection

Size: 4185 sf–4 bedroom

Project Address: The Meadow in the Glen, Prince St & 20th Side Rd, near Georgetown, ON

Project URL: http://www.themeadowsintheglen.ca/floorplans/beaumont_tudor_3.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 10

Jodi J

Comment: – Walkscore of 72 – very walkable
- no site plan info
- if the upper landing is included as part of the “entry” I give it a “yes”, if not, the entry is a little small for the house size
- specific concerns regarding the front living space –> very small once you place a dining table in the space, actually not a living room/dining room at all rtaher just a dining room with a generous axis space to the balcony
- no yard info provided, but there is a small deck off the kitchen for a BBQ, and nice access to the backyard from the 1st floor den/recreation room
- good size bathrooms, good organization
- good connection to the outdoors from the study/den
- laundry is also a good size
- parking on lowest level allows for no interference of principal living spaces

- I really like this plan, in the sense that it makes the most of a lot by increasing the number of floors to 3, and incorporating the garage into the lowest level, allowing the living space to span the full width of the lot.

Project Name: “Model 2980 – 32 Series” @ Westown

Size: 2980 sq ft

Project Address: 2277 Sheppard Ave West

Project URL: http://www.hr-newhomes.com/westown/images/32series/2980.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 14

Alejandro

Comment: Everything about this house is what makes me cringe. As much as I’ve given points because I have tried to look at this house as a large house, I just can’t get over the fact that this exists. WHY would you buy this instead of hiring an architect??????? It just shouts consumerism – and if you notice, all under the alibi of green features.

Project Name: Renaissance Estates – The Boticelli

Size: 3580 sq ft

Project Address: 600-698 Bloomington Rd Aurora, ON

Project URL: http://www.ballymorehomes.com/renaissance/boticelli.html

Slow Home Test Score: 7

Alejandro

Comment: Da Vinci would not approve.

Project Name: Renaissance Estates – The Da Vinci 2

Size: 4134 sq ft

Project Address: 600-698 Bloomington Rd Aurora, ON

Project URL: http://www.ballymorehomes.com/renaissance/davinci2.html

Slow Home Test Score: 7

Jodi J

Comment: – Walkscore of 72 – very walkable
- no site plan info
- good entry, although coat closet is a little far from the door
- no info on yard, but similar to the other unit from this developer, there is a deck off the kitchen and good access to the rear yard from the lower floor
- bedrooms only get a “yes” if looking at elevation #2
- en suite is pushing the amount of wasted floor space
- again, it’s nice to have the garage on the lowest level, below all of the primary living spaces

- I feel this is a better layout than its slightly larger counterpart analyzed earlier –> has a much less awkward living/dining layout
- important to note that I’m referring exclusively to Elevation #2 pla, because Elevation #1 has weird angled wall that divides bedroom 2 and 3
- also important to note that I’m looking at the 3-bedroom unit (not the 4-bedroom) because the 4-bedroom plan leaves wasted hall space in the master bedroom (although, for the record, 4-bed master ensuite is a better layout)
- in general, the 3-bed unit is more efficiently laid out than the 4-bedroom

Project Name: “Model 2808 – 32 Series” @ Westown – *3 bedroom unit, Elevation 2*

Size: 2808 sq ft

Project Address: 2277 Sheppard Ave West

Project URL: http://www.hr-newhomes.com/westown/images/32series/2808.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 15

Sarah W

Comment: 35 walk score; for “environmental information”, the site lists things like “insulated walls” and “basement insulation as per building code” – ha!; the main floor is not too bad, but the second floor wastes a lot of space on circulation (45 degree hallways) and the rooms are tiny.

Project Name: Rvenscliffe Court – Carriage House model

Size: 2703

Project Address: 9418 Chinguacousy rd. Brampton

Project URL: http://skylakehomes.ca/skylake_siteplan.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 10

Manolo

Comment: wasted space and angles everywhere. the study looks ok until you see the second floor superimposed and realize that the washer/dryer is directly above where you’re trying to work.

Project Name: Creekside Village – Vineland

Size: 2700 sq ft

Project Address: 560-608 Fleetwood Dr Oshawa, ON

Project URL: http://www.conservatorygroup.com/creekside_vinelandaflp.html

Slow Home Test Score: 5

Braden

Comment: Saved by location and context (walkscore 62). Other points to outdoor living and kitchen.

Project Name: South Mills – The Livingston

Size: 3028 sq ft

Project Address: 50 Scarbell Dr Toronto, ON

Project URL: http://www.southmills.ca/site.html

Slow Home Test Score: 8

Margo

Comment:

Project Name: Kimberley Court

Size:

Project Address: Main St and Kingston RD

Project URL: http://www.kimberleycourt.com/floorplans_home_1st.html

Slow Home Test Score: 12

Sarah W

Comment: 68 walk score; context depends on site (some are nice and face green space, some are horribly crammed together!); I don’t think a high-efficiency furnace is good enough for the envir. features point; second floor circulation is confusing; entry/closet area is inefficient; family room is okay, but the living/dining area is not good; does the “optional 2-sided fireplace” in the master mean that there would be a fireplace in the bathroom? that can’t be right…; wasted space in bathrooms; I must say that the world of “optional bidets” is foreign to me…

Project Name: Estates of Credit Ridge – Pinewood A model

Size: 4698

Project Address: Queen st west and Mississauga road, Mississauga

Project URL: http://www.medalliondevelopments.com/floorplan/Med-Mis-Ins-507Pinewood.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 10

Margo

Comment:

Project Name: The Boticelli

Size: 3580

Project Address: Bathurst St and Bloomington RD, Aurora

Project URL: http://www.ballymorehomes.com/renaissance/index.html

Slow Home Test Score: 10

Manolo

Comment: This one should instead be called “Speeds Mcgee”

Project Name: Forest Hill Village – Russell Hill

Size: 4000 sq ft

Project Address: Leameadow Rd Vaughan, ON

Project URL: http://www.conservatorygroup.com/foresthill_russellhillflp.html

Slow Home Test Score: 5

Sarah W

Comment: 7 walk score; context depends on individual lot; I’m torn on the entry – I don’t know if I like having to go up so many stairs to get into the living space (it certainly isn’t accessible to those with mobility issues); I think the family room will be used more than the formal living/dining, but at least both have good natural light and no weird angles; another weird kitchen island like the one in the demo video; bedrooms 2 & 3 seem oddly-shaped; main bath on second floor has too many doors; not too bad (not great, either!).

Project Name: Castlestone – Castlemere A model

Size: 3105

Project Address: Countryside drive and Bramalea rd, Brampton

Project URL: http://www.medalliondevelopments.com/floorplan/ston_34mere.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 8

Matilde

Comment: fast

Project Name: Walnut Grove in Spring Valley – Serr

Size: 2900 sq ft

Project Address: 2-10 Portstewart Crescent Brampton, ON

Project URL: http://www.conservatorygroup.com/walnutv_serrflp.html

Slow Home Test Score: 4

Margo

Comment: Walk score of 15.

Besides the overall massiveness of the project, it seems well organized. It looses points for enviornmental performance and for its large master bathroom.

Project Name: The Matisse

Size: 3700

Project Address: Bathurst St and Bloomington RD, Aurora ON

Project URL: http://www.newinhomes.com/ontario/aurora-development-2828/floorplans-15670.html

Slow Home Test Score: 10

Matilde

Comment: pretty much unlivable.

Project Name: Walnut Grove in Spring Valley – Vina

Size: 3100 sq ft

Project Address: 2-10 Portstewart Crescent Brampton, ON

Project URL: http://www.conservatorygroup.com/walnutv_vinaflp.html

Slow Home Test Score: 2

Margo

Comment: The entry area is beyond huge, resulting in a lot of wasted space. There are angled doorways and appliances throughout, and most bedrooms face the non-existent side yard. This place doesn’t get much love from me.

Project Name: The Cambridge

Size: 3412

Project Address: The Mills at Highland Creek Euclid Ave & Scarboro Ave

Project URL: http://www.newinhomes.com/ontario/toronto-development-2493/floorplans-13219.html

Slow Home Test Score: 5

Jodi J

Comment: – Walkscore – 25 – car dependant
- no site plan info provided
- powder room immediately off the front door seems a little congested
- no yard info provided, but good access provided off of kitchen as well as a good sized balcony off bedroom #2
- office space is nice –> specific study space along with computer space on second floor

Project Name: “Model 2751 – 40 Series” @ Gracefields *Elevation #1*

Size: 2751 sq ft

Project Address: Given Rd and Rudell Rd,

Project URL: http://www.hr-newhomes.com/gracefields/images/40Series/2751.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 12

Margo

Comment: Walk score of 69. Again, this home fails in similar ways to the last. In fact, it seems to be almost the same home.

Project Name: The Altona

Size: 3402

Project Address: Morrish and ellesmere , Scarborough, on

Project URL: http://www.southmills.ca/site.html

Slow Home Test Score: 4

Sarah W

Comment: 32 walk score, but the development is right on the lake so I gave it the location point anyway; I couldn’t find any environmental information, although “each building will be placed with consideration for the natural environment”; I am very, very jealous of the master closet (or “dressing room”, I suppose!); my only real criticism is the wasted space in the master bath… the study nook area facing the front door is not good, but the library with lake views makes up for it!

Unfortunately, this isn’t technically a single-family home… the development is made up of terraced houses with three levels (each with a private lake-view terrace). I know it wont really count this week, but I found it and thought it was unique and quite lovely. Also, it’s almost 4000 square feet, so it doesn’t seem to fit into any other category..

Project Name: Edgemere

Size: 3825

Project Address: 1502 Lakeshore road east, Oakville

Project URL: http://www.edgemere.ca/Floorplans_Current/Edgemere_FP_4_10_22.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 17

Margo

Comment: Wow, this place loves the 45 degree angles. There’s so much wasted space in this house — the master bed/bath kitchen, entry, that this 4600 sq ft house is actually a lot smaller.

Project Name: The Royalton

Size: 4603

Project Address: Etobicoke ON

Project URL: http://www.caliberhomes.ca/homes/meadowbank/theroyalton.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 5

Vickie

Comment: walk score – 9%
I really like the entry from the garage – giving you the option to go into the kitchen or the stairs/ living space.
Site plan not available

Project Name: Strawberry Fields at Southfiel

Size: 3587 sq. ft.

Project Address: 12515 Kennedy Road

Project URL: http://www.monarchgroup.net/398,20-new-homes-CA-L7C-2G8-ON-Caledon-Strawberry-Fields-at-South-Fields-Community.aspx

Slow Home Test Score: 10

Lacey

Comment:

Project Name: Christie Circle

Size: 3855 sq ft

Project Address: 1241 Christie Circle in Milton, Ontario

Project URL: http://www.1241christie.com/

Slow Home Test Score: 14

Wayne

Comment: Not sure why the study has a walk in closet. The kitchen is alright, but the kitchen “triangle” seems a bit large.

Project Name: Grandview

Size: 3455 sqft

Project Address: Oshawa: 1359 Clearbrook Dr

Project URL: http://www.greatgulfhomes.com/neighbourhood-model_floorplan.php?id=15&hm_model=OS505

Slow Home Test Score: 16

Vickie

Comment: Walk Score – N/A
Bedroom 4 seems a bit awkward to furnish, although you can furnish the ‘cubbyhole’ with a desk.

Project Name: The ValleyRun/ Rawlings Homes

Size: 3144 sq. Ft.

Project Address: Eagletrace dr., London

Project URL: http://www.rawlingshomes.com/our_homes.php

Slow Home Test Score: 15

Lacey

Comment:

Project Name: westown – 32 Series

Size: 2595

Project Address: Toronto

Project URL: http://www.hr-newhomes.com/(rsekxb45znmnbh45be1nwi45)/westown/ModelDetails.aspx?Community=19&Series=89&Model=301&ModelNo=2595

Slow Home Test Score: 14

Sarah W

Comment: 23 walk score; all of the Rockwood models seem to back onto green spaces, which is nice; no mention of environmental features; the curved stair seems so unnecessary!; the breakfast nook is tiny and the living/dining area has a bad side-yard view; I don’t think there needs to be three ensuite bathrooms; the computer loft seems pretty useless; the laundry area is circulation space for the back entry, so it doesn’t seem very functional.

All of these floor plans look exactly the same to me!

Project Name: Summerhill Woods – Rockwood model

Size: 2624

Project Address: 602 Plantation gate Newmarket

Project URL: http://acorn.homebuyers.com/summerhill/SW_Rockwood.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 10

Wayne

Comment: The dining room is not actually a space. The one bath room between the two bedrooms on the right side of the plan just seems like an awkward use of space.

Project Name: Wyndam Manor

Size: 3070 sqft

Project Address: 84 Middlecote drive, Ajax

Project URL: http://www.greatgulfhomes.com/neighbourhood-model.php?hm_model=B5002&id=17

Slow Home Test Score: 13

Lacey

Comment:

Project Name: Gracefields – 40 Series

Size: 2751 sq. ft.

Project Address: Clarington, Ontario

Project URL: http://www.hr-newhomes.com/gracefields/ModelDetails.aspx?Community=26&Series=103&Model=446&ModelNo=2751

Slow Home Test Score: 10

Vickie

Comment: A walk in closet at the entrance? first I’ve seen.

-Energy Star Participant.

Project Name: Tenerife by Ashton RIdge Homes

Size: 2556 sq. ft.

Project Address: East Guelph

Project URL: http://www.ashtonridge.com/uploads/Tenerife.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 14

Wayne

Comment: What can I say about this house? That I simply dislike it should be enough. What is with the entry?

Project Name: Tosca Trail

Size: 3235 sqft

Project Address: 101 Taunton Rd East Ajax

Project URL: http://www.greatgulfhomes.com/neighbourhood-model_floorplan.php?id=46&hm_model=AW408

Slow Home Test Score: 7

Wayne

Comment: Finally, a floorplan that creates a dining space without installing a post in the middle of the room.

Project Name: Woodland of Fletcher’s Creek

Size: 2797

Project Address:

Project URL: http://builder.homebuyers.com/our_communities/woodlands_fletchers_creek/stillwaterlot1/fp_main.htm

Slow Home Test Score: 10

Wayne

Comment: I’m sure I would need a guide to find the sunken powder room on the main floor. The kitchen is just to large, the sunken this, sunken that pretty much sunk this plan for me. Just goes to show you that more is not always better.

Project Name: Kleinburg Country Estates

Size: 4958 sqft

Project Address:

Project URL: http://www.wycliffehomes.com/

Slow Home Test Score: 13

Wayne

Comment: The kitchen is to big and the dining room makes no sense.

Project Name: Foxwood

Size: 2838 sqft

Project Address:

Project URL: http://www.orchardridgehomes.com/foxwood/floors/apendale.html

Slow Home Test Score: 10

Murray

Comment:

Project Name:

Size:

Project Address:

Project URL:

Slow Home Test Score: 0

Murray

Comment: walkscore – 63

Project Name: Roxborough – Bercy

Size: 2758

Project Address: Valley Vista Drive, Thronhill

Project URL: http://acorn.homebuyers.com/roxborough/roxborough_floor_plans/Bercy_40.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 12

Mid America Mom

*Milestone*
We have posted over 1,000 units in the slow home project! And we are not even done with our second project, Toronto. I never thought we would have so many postings.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
@Any newcomers out there?@ Welcome!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

After you have a chance to learn more about our founder, who we are and what we are doing, join us in finding the slowest single family (over 2500 sq ft) home in the Toronto, Canada area!

Want to try your hand at evaluating an actual floorplan offering from a developer in the area? If you need help finding a single family new home community yet let us know. The Toronto market is HOT. Plenty 2500 plus sq feet homes are out there. We can find them in developments we have not yet revisited from last week or new ones not yet explored.

I will be on until 11pm Canada Eastern Standard Time (Greenwich Mean Time ((GMT)) – 5:00 for those of you not in the US or Canada) posting some homes and watching for a request.

A fellow slow homer,
Mid America Mom

Anonymous

Comment: I posted on the wrong day…. again!
Anyways, here is one I posted on yesterday’s blog.

Project Name: Cochren Homes

Size: 3860

Project Address: 1526 Warren Drive, Oakville, Ontario

Project URL: http://www.cochrenhomes.com/portfolo/custom_warren.htm#

Slow Home Test Score: 14

Anonymous

Comment: I’m not sure if this house is too far out of Toronto (being in Barrie) but I’m having problems finding large single family houses in the city. I’m assuming this is the norm amongst everyone?

Project Name: Jamestown

Size: 3250 sq ft

Project Address: Bear Creek Prince William Way & Empire Dr, Barrie, Ontario

Project URL: http://www.newinhomes.com/ontario/barrie-development-2767/floorplans-19069.html

Slow Home Test Score: 9

Anonymous

Comment:

Project Name: The Walkeys

Size: 3600

Project Address: toronto, ontario

Project URL: http://www.newinhomes.com/ontario/toronto-development-2493/floorplans-13220.html

Slow Home Test Score: 12

Lacey Peter

The last 3 posts are showing up anonymous… but they are mine. (Lacey).
I’m not sure why I have so many issues with these posts each week, I think it’s because it’s Monday. :)

Mid America Mom

Comment: Anyone want a lot at least 85 feet wide and 200 feet deep?

Check out this Leed participating golf course coummnity development in Uxbridge, a town with rural charm north of Toronto.

This area is quite rural so you will need your car but look at these lots. Plenty of orientation and floorplan choices.

Quite organized. Note ALL rooms face back or front horray to wide width lots! The plan feels very traditional. I SOOOO wanted to say YES to entry. The front one seems too big for 2800 feet but it packs much into it with stairs, entry closet, acts as a hallway for front to back, and half bath. The living and dining spaces are adequate. Of course I would love to toss one of the formal rooms and turn the other into an office but these work. The kitchen has John’s angled peninsula and the dishwasher that Matthew feels is to die for ;) The path from the service entry runs through which is never great. Upstairs we have one extra bath that we do not need and the master is crammed near the supersized tub. Bedroom 2 closet is poor and so is number 4s. Oh one thing to like is that it is a 2 car with third optional.

Not fast but then not slow.
Mid America Mom

Project Name: Wyndance- Glen Abbey

Size: 2855

Project Address: 4 Wyndance Way Uxbridge, ON

Project URL: http://www.empirecommunities.com/low_rise/modeldetail.php?c=4&m=31&l=1674

Slow Home Test Score: 13

Mid America Mom

Comment: What not to like: Kitchen you have to pole vault to get from the sink to the refrigerator. The laundry room needs to be bigger to handle the laundry, circulation and all those doors. Front entry is HUGE with no closet and the back needs to be wider. The stair is way to large and dominating. The second floor overlooks to the first floor are horrible. One looks over the eating area in the kitchen- first of all what kind of light fixture will be for the table space- a chandelier? and who wants a birds view of half eaten food. The other one looks over the back half of the first floor entry space which there is nothing to look at.

I do like the dining spaces. Family room is a decent size and plenty of light. The bedrooms are generous with closets that make sense (though I have a suggestion for the master). The bath space organization is not bad.

Mid America Mom

Project Name: Wyndance- Diamondback

Size: 2623

Project Address: 4 Wyndance Way Uxbridge, ON

Project URL: http://www.empirecommunities.com/low_rise/modeldetail.php?c=4&m=31&l=1671

Slow Home Test Score: 12

BradW

MAM – I play a lot of golf at Wyndance – nice golf course too bad about the houses…

BradW

MollyK – I have been to the Meadows in the Glen site. It is a really nice location overlooking the small hamlet of Glen Williams. The Glen is home to an artist community, a pub and several general stores. The problem is that to get to the village you are faced with a very steep hill so walking would be a workout. I think your house assessments may have been a little generous but I mostly agree with your comments.

Mid America Mom

Comment: No site plan. They are playing up the traditional exteriors and the interior feels that way at times. I think this floorplan is almost there.

Three things I did not like. The master bath is too big and the half looks too small. They have a media “loft” which is not a loft at all, though still not private, and in one elevation has access to a balcony. I said NO to study question. The front entry has the closet floating in the middle of it which looks bad.

I do like the bedrooms, the family room as long as I have the fireplace, and this is front of the house combined living/dining space.

Will take a look at other plans…

Project Name: Liberty Crossing- Beaconsfield

Size: 2930

Project Address: 14 Bons Avenue Bowmanville, Ontario

Project URL: http://www.intracorp.ca/onproject/liberty/pdf/50_beaconsfield.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 9

Mid America Mom

Comment: Larger plan. Many bedrooms face the side yard and bedroom 2 is negatively effected by a master closet. The master bath has angles, big bath but small shower. The half bath is on the landing going downstairs :( The laundry room looks like an afterthought.

Interesting thing is a window seat on the landing going upstairs. There is a library on the side with optional 2 way fireplace. Kitchen is an L with an island with space to have diners and pass by.

Project Name: Liberty Crossing- ravenscraig

Size: 3200

Project Address: 14 Bons Avenue Bowmanville, Ontario

Project URL: http://www.intracorp.ca/onproject/liberty/pdf/50_ravenscraig.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 6

Mid America Mom

Comment: Back to the development at Kilgore Estate which is not that walkable. We have seen their fast townhomes and here they have one and half stories with finished basement homes. These lots have little yard space, but do have terraces and covered porches, and REAR garages.

I do like the first floor of this plan. But I scored all three levels as it looks to be finished by the builder.

All rooms connect to the front and rear of the home. The back terrace can be accessed by two rooms and looks great for entertaining. The hall is basically contained to the center of the plan on the main and lower level. I like the entries- not supersized which could easily happen in a place with 4600 feet. The 2 story formal entry is off a walk in front with a walk in closet, stair, and 1/2 bath. The rear has entry to the back of the home and there is another to the 2 (yes only 2) garage.

With this space we do have lots of replication and fancy extra rooms. An office or home gym (or looks like a bedroom too) AND Lofted Den. A great room but then a home theatre room AND a recreation room. I scored NO to the living as the recreation room in the basement I think should have been to side of the plan with windows.

Bedrooms are all over- literally- none of them are near one another. Master looks reasonable on the first floor. There is a second not well designed one on the second floor. Then the lower level has another (or can we say 2 more with that gym space). Some like all these separate bedrooms but I think they should have at least put two near one another. So I say NO to bedrooms. There are four and half baths. The master bath layout could be so much better with the space they have. I worry about the toilet and shower to the entry and each other. They could also do without at least one of those baths so NO.

The Dining room is nice but the eating area in the kitchen is too small to handle the circulation :(

It was interesting. With a little work that first and second floor would have been fantastic. The basement is just overdoing it.

Project Name: Kilgoure Estate-Hadsleigh

Size: 4652

Project Address: 11 Burkebrook Place Toronto, Ontario

Project URL: http://www.kilgourestate.com/bungalows/floorplan_hadsleigh.html

Slow Home Test Score: 11

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