Once described as one of the top 100 houses in the world by architecture experts, a unique home in Springbank is for sale for the first time.

The nearly 5,000-square-foot luxury home, designed and owned by architect Marian Liptak, is listed for $2,668,880 and being sold through realtor Robbie O'Leary of MaxWell Westview Realty.

"It's only a few minutes from town but this is a peaceful, Zen environment -- very private," said O'Leary.

"It's all about the natural environment. Living with nature. Bringing nature into the house."

The energy-efficient, eco-friendly home, nestled between towering aspens, includes five bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, a gym, a winemaking room, a huge entertaining atrium, a large rear patio with six-person hot tub, a home office with a separate entrance, a three-car garage, an elevator to all three floors, in-floor heating, steel tile roof, lots of natural light and high ceilings.

Nearly two years ago, World Architecture News highlighted the home, at Spring Willow Place S.W., for its unique style.

"The house is comprised of three architectural components: an A-frame glass structure in front, a "cube" in the middle, and an open, A-frame structure over the rear patio," said World Architecture News in 2008.

"The nature of Calgary's climate challenged the architect to design 'real living' space that can be enjoyed throughout the year. The front of the house was designed to create a pleasant, invitational living-entertainment area with views of existing natural beauty while creating a sense of connection with neighbours.

"The 'A' frame over the patio is partially covered by fabric to protect it from the elements, an abundance of surrounding aspen trees provides a feeling of privacy and a sense that one is truly in harmony with nature."

The listing highlights an appetite these days in the Calgary market for luxury homes.

According to the Calgary Real Estate Board, sales of million-dollar-plus properties have jumped by more than 56 per cent year-to-date until the end of May, compared with the same period a year ago.

In the first five months of this year, 149 single-family homes in Calgary metro sold for more than $1 million, compared with 94 in 2009. In the towns surrounding Calgary, CREB reports 17 luxury home sales so far this year, while a year ago there were 11. And in the country residential market, which includes acreages, million-dollar-plus sales have jumped from 39 last year to 75 so far this year, according to the local real estate board.

The only luxury market to see a decline in sales is condominiums in Calgary metro, with only three sales so far this year over $1 million until the end of May, compared with 12 sales in 2009.

Liptak said construction on the A-frame home began in 2005 and was completed in 2009. All three levels of the unique property have connections to the exterior.

Nature is on the doorstep, with deer and other wildlife visiting frequently.

"Daylight is penetrating this home everywhere," said Liptak, who has designed unique homes, schools, highrise condos and residential developments. "I wanted people to get the connection -- a marriage between the interior and the exterior."

With its three levels, Liptak said the house was designed for multigenerational family use. But it's also ideal for everything from young families to an executive's home which can be used for entertaining.

The grand A-frame entrance, which Liptak describes as a "glass retreat," features a bright atrium with a bar as you walk in the door, a red telephone booth to one side and some tables with patio umbrellas on the other side.