The Kildonan timber frame entry was designed to complement and enhance an already distinctive architectural façade. With a beautifully crafted entrance door, decorative glass sidelights, and a striking Tyndall stone arch, the challenge of this project was to create a timber structure that would carry the character of these elements forward while adding both protection and visual balance to the front of the home.
Tyndall stone is a well known Manitoba building material, valued for its durability and distinctive fossil patterned texture. Because of its strong visual presence, the timber frame entry had to be designed carefully so that it would support the existing architecture without overpowering it. The exposed timber structure introduces warmth and depth to the entrance while maintaining harmony with the stonework and glass details already present.
Beyond its architectural role, the entry structure also improves the functionality of the entrance. One of the primary design goals was to provide increased weather protection for the entry steps and doorway. In regions where rain, snow, and seasonal weather changes are common, a properly designed roof extension can significantly improve comfort for arriving guests while also protecting the doorway and surrounding finishes from long term exposure.
To achieve this extended protection, the roof of the entry pavilion cantilevers five feet beyond the main support posts. This generous projection creates a sheltered arrival zone that allows guests to pause comfortably while entering the home. The cantilevered design also adds a sense of architectural drama, giving the roofline a light and dynamic appearance.
Structurally, the cantilever is made possible through the use of substantial 10 × 12 inch timber eave beams that carry the roof load outward from the main frame. These large timber members provide the strength required to support the extended roof section while maintaining the clean, exposed aesthetic that defines timber frame construction.
Additional support is provided by two prominent 6 × 10 inch timber braces that rise from lower points on the main posts and connect to the extended eave beams. These braces create a strong triangular support geometry that efficiently transfers loads back into the vertical posts of the frame. The result is a structurally stable cantilever system that also becomes one of the most visually striking elements of the design.
The angled braces introduce a sense of movement and craftsmanship to the entry structure. Their scale and placement highlight the structural logic of the timber frame while reinforcing the architectural presence of the entrance. When combined with the large eave beams and exposed joinery, these elements create a composition that feels both robust and carefully crafted.
Projects like the Kildonan entry demonstrate how timber frame entrance structures can enhance both architecture and everyday functionality. By extending the roofline, strengthening the structural framework, and complementing the surrounding stone and glass features, the design creates an entry space that is welcoming, durable, and visually distinctive.
The finished structure successfully integrates traditional timber craftsmanship with the existing architectural elements of the home, providing a protected and visually striking entry pavilion that enhances the overall character of the property.
