While every structure has a job to do in terms of keeping out the elements, the houses designed by Rick Shean shine because they seem to slip into their surroundings, inevitably prioritizing the view outside over the details within.
"We see buildings as a filter for the light," says Shean. "We want to soften the relationship between the structure and the outdoors - the trees, water, and sunshine."
Since graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture from Carleton University in 1998, Shean has quietly been building beautiful modern homes and cottages in Ottawa and beyond. In 2017, he struck out on his own with Shean Architects, bringing a minimalist approach and an eye for quality materials to the city's modern scene. He's been known to trek through snowy hillsides to gauge the light and generally prefers trees to curtains of any kind.
This story is from the Spring - Summer 2023 edition of Ottawa Magazine.
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This story is from the Spring - Summer 2023 edition of Ottawa Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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