When one thinks of MCM design in Ottawa, certain areas may immediately come to mind, such as Alta Vista, Qualicum, Rothwell Heights, etc. But there are certain areas outside of the Greenbelt, where there are great examples of MCM design. Part 1 in a series: Kanata While Beaverbrook may be the most noted Kanata community for MCM design, Glen Cairn, has some notable examples as well. While there were many different builders when Glen Cairn was begun in 1963, most only built a few houses and then left the development. As such, there are some great examples of MCM houses that are one-of-a-kind, as only one of that particular design was built. Connelly Homes remained on as the main builder of the houses in the community. Here is an example of a MCM plan by Dan McSweeney. The house as built - which it seems is the only house of its kind in the community. The builder had a great portfolio of MCM plans which they built elsewhere in Ottawa, but only a handful in Glen Cairn. The most ...

As explored in an earlier posting on the Minto award homes, one of the trademarks of Minto designs in the 1960s and early 1970s was having a blank, windowless, wall on the facade. Often this was in conjunction with an asymmetrically placed window. Below are some examples of houses with this trademark. As the examples show, some homeowners found this feature too modern and have made changes.  One of my favourite designs in Parkwood Hills and Beacon Hill South is a semi-detached model with a striking blank facade on the main floor: Notice the decorative brickwork on the blank facade. The door is located on the side of this wall, next to the large window. (Parkwood Hills) This is one of the few pairs that has a flat roof over the blank wall section. Were they all originally built with a flat roof? (Parkwood HillS) In this case, one neighbour added a pitched roof, while the other didn't... (Parkwood HillS) An addition was added to the side, a...