In the growing southeast Calgary community of Seton, a new show home is turning heads by maximizing every inch of space, particularly in its often-overlooked lower level. The Karma 24, a 2,345-square-foot front-drive single-family model built by Jayman Built, showcases innovative design that transforms the basement from a mere storage area into a hub of entertainment and wellness. Located at 19755 44th St. S.E., the home is open to visitors from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays, drawing prospective buyers eager to see how modern living can blend functionality with luxury.
According to a recent feature in the Calgary Herald, the lower level of the Karma 24 'boasts a gym, theatre and walk-up bar,' demonstrating 'how much value can be added to its developed lower level.' This setup challenges the traditional view of basements as secondary spaces, often relegated to TV rooms or extra bedrooms. Instead, Jayman Built has crafted an intentional layout that enhances daily life. The theatre space, enclosed by two glass doors, orients seating toward a screen in a dedicated viewing area. As the Herald notes, this 'creates a dedicated place for watching movies or sports without competing with the main floor, which can reduce transfer of noise and free up shared living areas.'
On the opposite end of the lower level, the gym offers ample room for fitness equipment, staged in the show home like a serene yoga retreat but versatile enough for a stationary bike, rowing machine, or treadmill. Direct access to a bathroom with a shower adds practicality for post-workout routines. Centrally positioned, an elegant wet bar with integrated millwork serves as a unifying feature. 'Whether it’s to grab a bottle of water from the beverage fridge after a workout in the gym, or pour a glass Cabernet to accompany movie night, the wet bar is an important contributor to the developed basement,' the Herald reports.
Upstairs, the design emphasizes flexibility and accessibility. A bedroom on the main floor, just off the foyer and next to a full bathroom with a shower, provides a convenient option for those who prefer to avoid stairs, such as elderly family members or long-term guests. The remaining three bedrooms are on the second floor, where a central bonus room with a vaulted ceiling separates the space into two halves. Two similarly sized secondary bedrooms are located up front, while the primary bedroom anchors the back.
The primary bedroom's ensuite bathroom stands out for its elegance and brightness, featuring a large soaker tub, a glass-encased shower, and a vanity with two sinks under a full-width mirror. It also includes a separate makeup desk and direct access to the walk-in closet. As described in the Herald, 'The direct walk-in closet access saves steps during morning and nighttime routines.' This thoughtful integration highlights Jayman Built's focus on everyday convenience.
The secondary bedrooms share a full bathroom equipped with a vanity featuring two sinks, allowing multiple family members to get ready simultaneously—a boon for busy mornings. On the main level, the L-shaped kitchen takes center stage with a large island that seats four. The space prioritizes functionality, with uncluttered surfaces, abundant storage, and smooth circulation around the island. Stainless steel appliances, including a French-door fridge and a range with a hood fan integrated into the cabinets, come standard.
The island itself boasts a white, solid-surface countertop with an undermount sink and a single-handle faucet positioned off-center, plus additional storage in its base. A walk-through pantry connects the kitchen to the mudroom, streamlining meal prep and entryway access. Bulkheads visually separate the kitchen from the rear-facing dining area and great room, where a stylish elongated fireplace surrounded by full-height tile serves as the focal point.
Seton, the mixed-use community developed by Brookfield Residential, is part of Calgary's expanding southeast quadrant, known for its blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The Karma 24's design aligns with broader trends in Alberta's housing market, where buyers increasingly seek homes that accommodate multigenerational living and home-based leisure amid rising remote work and fitness enthusiasm. Jayman Built, a prominent local developer, has emphasized such adaptable features in recent projects, according to information available on their website, jayman.com.
Visitors to the show home can explore these elements firsthand, with directions provided as follows: take Deerfoot Trail to Barlow Trail, then turn right on 114th Avenue, and right on 44th Street S.E. The Herald's coverage underscores the home's potential to inspire homeowners rethinking their own spaces. 'The lower level of a home is often treated as a secondary space, even though it sometimes takes up significant square footage,' the article states, noting that the Karma 24 elevates it to 'something more intentional.'
While the show home's staging presents an idealized vision, real estate experts point to the growing demand for developed basements in Calgary's competitive market. Properties with finished lower levels can command premiums of 10 to 15 percent, according to local realtors, though exact figures vary by neighborhood. In Seton, where community amenities like parks and shops are integrated, the Karma 24 positions itself as a forward-thinking option for families.
The home's four bedrooms above grade cater to diverse needs, from young professionals to expanding families. The main-floor bedroom, in particular, addresses aging-in-place concerns, a priority as Canada's population grays. Brookfield Residential's development of Seton includes schools, healthcare facilities, and transit links, enhancing the appeal of models like the Karma 24.
Looking ahead, Jayman Built plans to offer the Karma 24 in various configurations, with pricing starting in the mid-$600,000 range, subject to market conditions. Prospective buyers are encouraged to visit the show home for personalized tours. As Calgary's housing inventory tightens, innovative designs like this could influence future builds, promoting efficient use of space in an era of urban density.
The Karma 24 exemplifies how builders are adapting to post-pandemic lifestyles, where home gyms and home theaters have become essentials rather than luxuries. With its blend of wellness, entertainment, and practicality, the show home in Seton invites Calgarians to reimagine their living spaces. For more details, interested parties can reach out via jayman.com or stop by during open hours.
