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Nordic design elements inspire 2023 Kinsmen lottery home in Saskatoon’s Varsity View
Clean lines, functional design and curves galore are all featured in the 2023 Kinsmen lottery home, designed and built by Mavrik Home Builders and AODBT Architecture + Interior Design
The latest grand prize show home in the Kinsmen Home Lottery is sure to impress. Located at 1020 Temperance Street in Varsity View, the $1.5 million infill home is thoughtfully designed and beautifully crafted.
Mavrik Home Builders and AODBT Architecture + Interior Design collaborated on the lottery home.
“We partnered with Leif Friggstad with AODBT in the design process and chose a Nordic design theme,” says Popplewell. “The decor was selected and staged by our own designer, Jennifer McLean, with many furnishings sourced from Garden Architecture and Design.”
Nordic influences can be seen in the home’s clean lines and functional design. Large windows and skylights are strategically placed so natural light flows through the home. The serene neutral colour palette is complemented by natural materials, including antique gold accents, white oak floors, built-ins and millwork — even dashes of leather.
Next stop is the living room, with its dramatic 25-foot vaulted ceiling and wall of windows. The fireplace is a real attention-getter. Mavrik installed the new Dimplex Opti-Myst fireplace which uses ultrasonic technology to create the illusion of a wood-burning fire from mist and lights. “It doesn’t generate heat and you don’t have to protect it with a glass guard,” says Popplewell.
The fireplace surround is finished in Venetian plaster, with a sliding panel that reveals a wall-mounted television. The curved walls of the surround are highlighted in antique gold, using a 3M graphic film.
“The home’s design is quite traditional but we softened it up a bit with the curves,” says Popplewell.
The easy flow from the living room to the dining room to the spacious kitchen is ideal for entertaining. At the heart of the kitchen is a 10-foot waterfall quartz-topped island, with drawers and cabinets on both sides. Oak doors pop open to reveal a floor-to-ceiling pantry.
The kitchen overlooks a pergola-covered deck, landscaped yard and detached double garage.
Next to the mud room is a home office with a built-in desk and floating shelves. A rolling barn door provides privacy for work or study.
A white oak staircase leads to the second floor where there are three bedrooms, including the inviting primary suite. The suite’s vaulted ceiling and full-length wall of windows creates the feeling of being in a tree house. Luxury touches in the ensuite include a unique floating quartz vanity, stand-alone soaker tub and supersized shower.
The home’s lower level is completely developed, with a large family room and wet bar, a fitness studio, full bathroom and a guest bedroom.
Popplewell says that the lottery home project was challenging and exciting.
“We only do custom work, so we’re always used to working with a client. For the lottery home, we needed to design the home to appeal to a broad demographic, not a specific client’s needs. We had to envision ourselves as the client and cater to a future homeowner’s desires.”
The lottery home is a rare opportunity to tour a Mavrik build.
“Most custom clients don’t want people touring their homes. The lottery home has provided us with an opportunity to showcase the work we do and support a worthy organization,” says Popplewell.
“Over the years, we’ve seen what the Saskatoon Kinsmen Club is doing and where the dollars are going. It’s all going back into our local community. The club really continues to serve the community’s greatest needs.”
The Kinsmen lottery home opened for viewing April 1, attracting close to 1,000 people in the first weekend. The home is open for viewing on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information visit KinsmenHomeLottery.com.
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CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
- Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
- Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
- Best Buy Canada
- Walmart Canada
- EB Games (GameStop)
- Amazon Canada
- The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
- Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
- Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
- Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
- Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
- Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
- Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
- Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
- Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
- Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
- Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
- AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
- Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
- VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
- Alan Wake 2
- Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
- Demon’s Souls
- Dragon’s Dogma 2
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Gran Turismo 7
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
- Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
- $699.99 USD
- $949.99 CAD
- £699.99 GBP
- €799.99 EUR
- ¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
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