Kenneth A. MacKinnon Architect

02/05/2025

My latest project is a new community centre, with a daycare in Elie.

12/23/2022

09/09/2022

With so many options out there, how does one build a 'green' or sustainable project these days? Message me for a pdf of this document, as the images may be hard to read in this format.

07/02/2021

Exterior plaster on Hempcrete walls is finished on Fibonacci House. Photo and construction by Elm Natural Builders.

01/04/2021

Each year I like to keep my model-making skills sharp with a self-imposed gingerbread challenge. This year I bring you Notre-Dame de Paris. I start by studying the building and generating some basic elevations in CAD, then I build a small study model to use as a guide to bake the final gingerbread creation. This cathedral is 100% edible (except for the threads holding the chocolate bells in the belltower), has no supporting elements except gingerbread, has candied stained glass windows along the clerestory (cinnamon flavour), and has interior lighting to illuminate the church at night.

10/19/2020

Here is an Instagram update from Elm Natural Builders on the interior of Fibonacci House. This was a fantastic project to be involved with on the design. The plastered h**pcrete walls add a beautiful sculptural element to the home.

05/27/2020

This is Fibonacci house. It is currently going up in Grand Marais, MB. Elm Natural Builders is doing a fantastic job at sculpting the plaster on the inside to cover the Hempcrete walls that they developed and constructed. This project utilizes a breathing wall, which has no vapour barrier; plasters of a differing structure are utilized on the interior and exterior walls to allow vapour diffusion and drying within the resilient lime-treated h**p insulation. Clay floors with infloor-heating, a central wood stove and an abundance of glazing provide the heating to these beautiful spaces. The spiral design is inspired by the Fibonacci sequence.

04/14/2020

Currently working on the preliminary design for a new lobby for this Hotel. I offer 3D visualization as part of my basic services on all projects.

02/29/2020

I attended a great forum yesterday about the future of Architecture in Canada and how to foster meaningful dialogue with Indigenous peoples so that their perspectives can meaningfully shape Canada's architectural future. Architecture is a land-based practice, and we must understand and build a relationship with the land and the peoples of the land to learn how to tread lightly toward a future on these lands.

02/24/2020

Construction is nearing completion on this 2 storey addition to a bungalow in the Earl Grey neighbourhood. Exterior finish is James-Hardie cement-fibre board which is much better low-maintenance siding choice than vinyl because of its durability, fire-resistance, longevity and environmental impact.

02/17/2020

Photos of an existing 117 year old building in the exchange district that I am currently working on. Top photo shows what is left of the basement wall finish of a grotto, which was built to resemble Corsica’s old caves, it stretched from Albert Street to Arthur Street and featured a waterfall that cascaded into a pond of goldfish. Other photos show the stone foundation walls and brick interior support walls. This basement was once a private dining hall for this 'European style' hotel and this renovation will restore some of the splendor of these experiences to this part of the building.