John Haddon Design

10/14/2026

🏡🌿 WHO SAYS A GARDEN SHED HAS TO LOOK LIKE A GARDEN SHED?

A LITTLE ARCHITECTURAL GEM IN SAINT ANDREWS BY-THE-SEA, NEW BRUNSWICK!

Sometimes, it’s the smaller projects that offer the greatest opportunities to have a little fun with architectural design!

And this charming garden shed, which I designed for a fabulous property in beautiful Saint Andrews by-the-Sea, is certainly no exception.

What began as the need for a practical garden building gradually evolved into something considerably more interesting — a miniature architectural statement that complements the existing house and carriage house while adding a little charm and whimsy to the gardens.

My philosophy has always been that even the most utilitarian buildings deserve thoughtful architectural detailing.

The design incorporates beautiful natural cedar shingle siding, traditional white trim, decorative fluted corner boards, and a distinctive central gambrel-shaped roof inspired by the roofline of the property’s existing carriage house.

On the garden-facing elevation, I designed a welcoming little covered porch supported by pairs of classical columns, echoing the architectural character of the main house. Complete with double entrance doors, traditional lanterns, and carefully proportioned detailing, it creates the impression of a delightful little garden cottage rather than a storage shed.

But there was another interesting challenge!

What about the back of the building?

Too often, the rear of a garden shed becomes a rather unattractive blank wall — something the neighbours are simply expected to look at.

I didn’t want that!

Instead, I designed an attractive rear elevation with carefully positioned shuttered false windows, decorative trim, and architectural detailing that gives the appearance of a charming little building from either direction.

After all, why shouldn’t the neighbours enjoy a lovely view too?

And then there’s the practical side of the design.

At one end of the building, a small garage-style door and ramp provide access for the garden tractor and other equipment, making the shed every bit as functional as it is attractive.

That entrance has another rather special feature: it faces an old, long-hidden country lane running behind a mature cedar hedge.

Brush was cleared away and reopened this little passageway, which is now affectionately named Odell Carriage Lane, honouring the history of the property and its original owner, Thomas Odell.

It’s a wonderful little connection between the gardens, the shed, and the property’s past.

The finishing touches of landscaping, natural stone retaining walls, flower beds, window boxes, and warm evening lighting have helped bring the whole composition together.

And I particularly love the way the natural cedar shingles glow in the afternoon sunshine, while the softly illuminated lanterns give the building an entirely different personality after dark.

The result? A garden shed that doesn’t particularly want to admit it’s a garden shed! 😊

After more than four decades in residential design, I still find enormous pleasure in projects like this. They provide an opportunity to celebrate traditional craftsmanship, thoughtful proportions, and those little architectural details that can transform something ordinary into something memorable.

Because whether I’m designing a substantial custom residence or a modest little building tucked into a garden, my approach remains the same:

Good design should never be determined by the size of the building, but by the care and imagination that go into creating it.

And I must admit, this little garden shed has become one of my favourite additions to our Saint Andrews property.

Sometimes the smallest buildings can have the biggest personalities!

John Haddon Design
Creating architecture with charm, character, and a little bit of the unexpected.

10/14/2026

🏡❤️ A LITTLE ADDITION WITH A WHOLE LOT OF CHARM — SAINT ANDREWS BY-THE-SEA, NEW BRUNSWICK!

Sometimes, the most rewarding residential design projects aren’t about creating something grand or elaborate. Sometimes, they’re about making a relatively small change that makes a wonderful difference to the way a family enjoys their home.

And this charming little project in beautiful Saint Andrews by-the-Sea is a perfect example!

The homeowners approached me with a fairly straightforward request: they wanted to add a main-floor primary bedroom to their existing two-storey home, allowing them the convenience of main-level living.

But there was one very important consideration.

Whatever we added had to respect the charm and character of the original house!

Situated on a lovely corner lot, this home is visible from more than one direction, so the addition needed to look attractive and architecturally appropriate from the street, while appearing as though it had always been part of the original residence.

My approach was to keep the proportions modest, introduce a traditional gabled roofline, and incorporate beautiful natural cedar shingles, white trim, and window detailing that complement the existing home.

We even managed to reuse windows from the original house, helping to keep construction costs in check while maintaining consistency in the architectural details.

I have always believed that a successful addition should never look like an afterthought. Ideally, someone passing by should have to look twice to determine where the original house ends and the new construction begins.

And I’d like to think we’ve accomplished exactly that!

The natural cedar shingles will gradually weather and mellow, adding even more character to this sweet little addition as the years go by.

Best of all, the homeowners are absolutely delighted with the outcome, and that, to me, is the greatest reward of all.

I’d like to extend a very sincere thank-you to them for placing their trust in me and allowing me to play a small part in the continuing story of their lovely home.

After more than 40 years in residential design, projects like this remind me that good architecture isn’t necessarily measured by its size, but by how beautifully it improves the lives of those who live within it.

A little more room, a lot more convenience, and all the original charm preserved!

John Haddon Design
Thoughtful additions, timeless architecture, and homes designed to be loved for generations.

10/14/2026

🏡🌊 BUILDING BEAUTFULLY ALONG THE BANKS OF THE BOW RIVER!

A NEW CUSTOM HOME TAKES SHAPE IN BOWNESS, CALGARY!

There’s something rather magical about designing a home along the banks of a river. The beautiful natural surroundings, the changing seasons, and the opportunity to enjoy one of Calgary’s most treasured waterways make for an extraordinary setting.

But designing a home beside the Bow River also comes with a very important responsibility: respecting the river and planning for what Mother Nature might have in store!

I’m delighted to share the progress of another of my custom residential designs, currently under construction in the lovely community of Bowness.

And while these photographs might look like just another home in the framing stages, there’s a great deal more to this design than initially meets the eye!

One of the most important considerations was flood protection.

Knowing the history of flooding along the Bow River, I wanted to ensure that this home was designed with its elevation very much in mind.

Rather than simply building at the property’s original ground level, the site has been substantially raised with carefully placed fill, creating an elevated building platform intended to significantly reduce the home’s exposure to future river flooding.

This required considerable thought and planning long before the first walls began to rise.

It’s a wonderful reminder that good residential design isn’t simply about creating something beautiful. It’s also about understanding the land, anticipating potential challenges, and designing a home that will serve its owners well for generations.

Architecturally, this residence is taking on a striking contemporary character, with bold geometric forms, generous window openings, strong horizontal lines, and an interesting interplay of different building volumes.

I’m particularly excited about how the home will eventually relate to its remarkable riverside setting.

And yes, at this stage, it takes a little imagination to see beyond the exposed framing, plywood sheathing, and mountains of earth! But that is one of my favourite parts of the entire design and construction process — watching something that existed only on paper gradually become a three-dimensional reality.

After more than four decades of designing custom residences, I still get that same sense of excitement seeing the walls go up on one of my creations.

A beautiful home should do more than capture your imagination. It should be thoughtfully designed for the land upon which it stands.

And when you’re building beside a river as magnificent — and occasionally as unpredictable — as the Bow, that philosophy becomes especially important.

I’m looking forward to sharing more photographs as this exciting Bowness residence continues to take shape!

John Haddon Design
Creating distinctive homes through thoughtful design, architectural individuality, and an enduring respect for their surroundings.

10/14/2026

🏡 TIMELESS CHARM IN CALGARY’S HISTORIC MOUNT ROYAL! 🍂

Another one of my custom residential designs is taking shape, this time in the beautiful and prestigious community of Mount Royal, right here in Calgary!

There is something wonderfully appealing about a thoughtfully designed bungalow. It doesn’t have to be enormous in height to make an architectural statement. Sometimes it’s the proportions, the rooflines, the materials, and those carefully considered little details that make a home truly special.

This particular residence was designed with a sense of timeless elegance and understated sophistication, complementing the established character of one of Calgary’s most cherished neighbourhoods.

I particularly love the sweeping rooflines, the charming gabled projections, the subtle decorative shingles, the rich exterior colours, and the beautiful copper roof accent over the front window. The welcoming recessed entrance and generous windows bring a lovely sense of balance to the entire composition.

The design combines traditional architectural influences with the conveniences and comforts of contemporary living. A home intended to look as though it belongs in this wonderful neighbourhood, not just today, but for generations to come.

As you can see, construction is progressing beautifully, and although the finishing touches and landscaping are still to come, the character of the home is already shining through.

After more than 40 years in residential design, I continue to find tremendous satisfaction in watching something that began as an idea on my drawing board gradually become a reality.

To me, the beauty of custom home design lies in creating something truly individual — a home that reflects its owners, respects its surroundings, and possesses a character that will stand the test of time.

I’m looking forward to seeing this lovely Mount Royal residence completed and settled into its beautiful surroundings.

John Haddon Design
Designing beautiful homes with character, distinction, and timeless appeal.

10/14/2026

🏡 A LITTLE BIT OF THE MUNSTERS… A WHOLE LOT OF ARCHITECTURAL DRAMA! 🖤

Every once in a while, a house comes along that is just a little different from everything else on the street. And this one certainly fits that description!

One of my more adventurous residential designs is now coming to life, and I must say, watching it take shape has been incredibly rewarding.

With its dramatic sweeping rooflines, magnificent arched windows, unusual dormers, bold architectural detailing, and striking black exterior, this home has an unmistakable personality all its own.

I have to admit, there’s just a little touch of the Munsters’ house in its character! Perhaps a bit of Gothic mystery, a little Victorian eccentricity, and a generous helping of contemporary elegance. And that was all part of the fun of designing it!

But here’s the part that might surprise you…

Believe it or not, this is technically a BUNGALOW! 😲

Yes, you read that correctly!

The extraordinary topography of the property allowed me to design a home with its principal living accommodation on one level, while incorporating two walkout basement levels toward the front of the property.

The result is a house that presents itself with the grandeur and imposing presence of a substantial multistorey residence, yet functions as a bungalow. A wonderful example of how a challenging building site can become one of a design’s greatest assets.

I particularly love the enormous curved architectural features, the projecting bay windows, the little circular windows, and the way the various rooflines play against one another. There is something almost storybook-like about the whole composition.

And while the exterior is still under construction, its personality is already impossible to miss!

After more than four decades designing custom homes, I still believe that architecture should stir the imagination, challenge convention, and, above all, reflect the individuality of the people who will call it home.

Who says a bungalow has to look like a bungalow? And who says a house can’t have a little mystery and magic? 🖤

I’m looking forward to seeing the finishing touches bring this rather extraordinary residence to life.

John Haddon Design

Creating homes with character, individuality, and a little bit of the unexpected.

10/14/2026

🏡 Introducing My Latest Residential Design!

There is always something exciting about seeing a new home design come together, especially when the vision that began with a blank sheet of paper starts to take on a personality of its own.

I’m delighted to share my latest custom home design, which is now in my clients’ hands for their review!

This home brings together the timeless charm of traditional cottage architecture with the elegance and comfort of contemporary living. Featuring beautiful natural stone, warm stucco finishes, distinctive rooflines, generous windows, and a welcoming front terrace, the design is intended to feel both impressive and inviting.

I’ve always believed that a beautiful home should be more than simply a collection of rooms. It should have character, balance, warmth, and a sense of belonging to its surroundings.

After more than four decades of designing homes, I still find tremendous satisfaction in the creative process. Every new project brings a different set of possibilities, and every client brings their own dreams and ideas to the drawing board.

The preliminary design is now complete, and the next exciting step is hearing what my clients think! There may be refinements ahead, but that’s all part of creating a home that is truly their own.

Another vision taking shape, and another reminder of why I have always loved what I do.

John Haddon Design
Custom Residential Design

08/09/2026

The beautiful rear elevation of a new home I designed overlooking Fish Creek Park in Calgary.

08/07/2026

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✨ Welcome to 91 Cedar Lane ✨

Experience one of the Canadian Maritimes' most extraordinary homes. Located in prestigious St. Andrews by-the-Sea on the Bay of Fundy, this stunning 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom residence was masterfully reimagined in 2022 by Architectural Designer John Haddon.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the historic Algonquin Golf Course, exceptional craftsmanship, beautiful apple and pear trees, and a prime location just minutes from the charming seaside town of St. Andrews and only 25 minutes from the U.S. Maine border.

A rare opportunity to own an architectural masterpiece where luxury, privacy, and timeless design come together.

Contact your REALTOR® to schedule a private tour!

06/29/2026

Another fabulous creation on Sifton Boulevard here in Calgary. So much fun doing this one.

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03/17/2026

Design touches throughout the house and property surroundings reflect rare attention to spectacular architecture and detail for those who value quality, privacy and unforgettable design.