Architect Alison Strickland turns her
basement into a bright, functional
space for her family to enjoy.
Photography Leslie Goodwin
CANADIAN HOME TRENDS
BASEMENTS CAN BE DAMP AND
MUSTY, WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE
TO AVOID THIS?
ALISON STRICKLAND We started by
installing a DRIcore subfloor over the
concrete slab floor. DRIcore’s subfloor
panels are very easy to install and offer
special air gap technology that will help
control moisture, keeping the basement
warm and dry all year round. We topped
the subfloor with a 3/4” solid hardwood.
Normally, I would not recommend solid
hardwood in a basement because excess
moisture can cause it to curl, shrink or
expand. The basement had no preexisting moisture or humidity issues and
the DRIcore subfloor protects the floor
from the cold concrete while keeping
moisture at bay. We have had no issues or
evidence of moisture damage to date!
CHT CAN YOU TELL US HOW
YOU OVERCAME THE DESIGN
CHALLENGES YOU FACED IN THIS
SPACE?
AS I wanted a space that didn’t feel
like a basement but with only two small
windows, low ceilings and ductwork
running through the space, this was a
challenge. The walls and ceiling were
painted the same color throughout to
keep the space feeling bright and open.
When it came time to furnish the space, I
had lots of design ideas and I was going
around in circles. I enlisted the help of
Diane and Rachel of One Three Design
and they brought fantastic ideas into the
space including a feather mural for the
gym, a gorgeous hexagonal oak and navy
coffee table and a built-in wall unit with a
back-lit mirror feature. They were totally
in sync with the fresh, casual, architectural
look I wanted and nailed it at the very first
meeting with a great choice of area rug,
lighting fixtures, and later, the accessories.
We didn’t change a thing.
82
“I WANTED A SPACE
THAT DIDN’T FEEL LIKE A
BASEMENT!”
Architect, Strickland
Mateljan Design +
Architecture, www.smda.
ca; Designer, One
Three Design, www.
onethreedesign.ca;
Photography by, Leslie
Goodwin Photography, www.
lesliegoodwinphotography.
com; Subfloor System,
DRIcore, www.dricore.
com; Paint, Snowfall White
2144-70, Benjamin Moore,
www.benjaminmoore.com;
Flooring, Home Depot,
www.homedepot.ca