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Style Manitoba - Winter 1998
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A built-in cook-top features a motorized pop-up fan hood
and power-vac crumb cleaner. The tile backsplash is part of
a three-tiered oversized island with tow drop counters for
convenient breakfasts or serving wine to guests, while hiding
the cooking area. The back of the island is an oak china cabinet
with antique glass, flanked by fluted columns. "I've
never seen an island look so much like a piece of furniture,"
says Milne, who credits Larry Koop of Kildonan Frontier Woodworks
for accomplishing this key feature of the house.
The island thus becomes part of both the kitchen and the
adjoining great room, integrating design elements present
in the lacquered winter white fluted columns with their oak
wainscotting. A striking recessed cubicle ceiling hides the
pot lights which illuminate the great room. "We didn't
always decorate with light fixtures," explains Antymniuk.
"We decorated with light. The whole approach is both
very subtle and very dramatic. The key is to know when to
stop. It would have been easy to over embellish."
She chose a large earth tone sofa and loveseat to maintain
the simple elegance. The cut velevet chenille pattern reflects
the curves of the antique plaster mantel in its crackle finish.
"We revived some traditional designs and techniques such
as faux painting," reflects Antymniuk. "The European
flavour suggests the stability of European architecture that
lasts through the centuries."
On the other hand, the entertainment unit was designed specifically
to accommodate a large home theatre system, providing this
room with modern amenities for casual relaxation. A more formal
atmosphere was reserved for the dining room.
Equipped with an adjoining butler's pantry, complete with
refreshment bar, the large dining room is ideal for entertaining.
The buffet is in a unique opulent finish with a natural marble
top, providing an eclectic mix of Italian and French design.
A 60-inch round glass-topped table features a scroll-work
etched base with a pattern reflected in the armchairs and
the wrought iron chandelier as well as in the ceiling medallion
and the sculptured carpet detail.
This same detail can be found in the carpet of the two teen
suites upstairs. Each of the bedrooms has its own walk-in
closet, feature sponge-painted walls and shared access to
the bathroom's jetted tub. A flared staircase with wrought
iron railing joins the tow floors.
Milne did not want to compromise in quality and features.
Every room in the house introduces a new novelty or a new
intrigue. "We wanted to use more than the usual materials,"
says the builder. "We are always looking for a new approach
to upgrade ourselves in home construction."
At 16 Commodore Rise, this included meeting the standards
for an R-2000 energy efficient home. Because wood is not as
good an insulator as fibreglass, the builder ensured that
the R-12 insulation ran completely behind the wood studs by
moving the framing four inches away from the wall. A second
layer of recycled glass insulation doubled the R-factor with
minimal increase in costs. Installation of the high efficiency
heat recovery ventilator keeps the air healthy while cutting
heating costs by almost half.
Says Randy Romas, manager of Manitoba's R-2000 Home Program,
"That house is guaranteed to perform as well as it looks."
Doug and Janet Milne are known for their dedication to detail
and fine finishing touches. Since starting Milne Homes in
1991, the custom builders have been eager to try new techniques
and materials. "There are a lot of really innovative
things you can do within a price budget that can really dress
up a home," says Janet, the behind-the-scenes office
manager. She adds that her husband likes to sketch and develop
plans and incorporates her input to ensure designs are practical.
"If there's a certain aspect of a home that's important,
you have to build the room around it and make it flow,"
explains Doug. "It's like a puzzle. Once you prepare
one piece, the other pieces fall into place."
Working to meet particular needs is crucial to a process
that sees the Milnes in constant contact with their clients.
Milne Homes has built many homes for the Paraplegic Society,
incorporating specification for the handicapped.
Doug readily makes adjustments where necessary. "If
things are out a little bit, he is not afraid to tear things
down to make sure they are done right," says Janet. A
close working relationship with a select group of skilled
craftspeople ensures work meets or exceeds expectations.
"That particular house is twice as air-tight as our
R-2000 minimum standard," notes Randy Romas of the Whidbey
Harbour show home. As manager of the provincial R-2000 Home
Program, he ensures that certified homes and builders meet
certain criteria. The licensing process involved Doug Milne
completing the Builder Training Session and building an R-2000
certified home.
"I like to think of people like Doug Milne as being
so confident in their building quality that they open themselves
up to R-2000 inspection," concludes Romas.
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