In the heart of Mont St. Marie, a hidden treasure awaits, cradled in the embrace of nature's untamed beauty. Rick Shean, the visionary architect behind Shean Architects, has woven a piece that not only harmonizes with the natural landscape but also evokes a sense of childhood wonder.
As you ascend the winding, rocky road towards Mont St. Marie, a sense of anticipation builds with each turn. Suddenly, the modest cabin reveals itself, discreetly nestled among the trees. This strategic placement is a conscious decision to minimize impact while maximizing the connection with the rocky terrain.
Approaching the entrance, a threshold emerges through the careful conservancy of the natural surroundings. The metal-clad exterior of the cabin engages in a dance with the boulder-filled forest, forming a symbiotic relationship where architecture and nature coalesce. Instead of imposing upon the land, Mont St. Marie becomes an extension of its rocky foundation.
The cedar porch colonnade enters into a dialogue with the adjacent rock face, as the asymmetrical hip roof reflects the curved lines of the nearby rocky surface. A majestic maple tree stands framed by a window, a living piece of art captured within the cabin's view. The structure delicately hovers above the rock, revealing a whisper of the landscape that cascades away to the North.
Step inside, and the atmosphere transforms. White oak floors and a wood-burning stove infuse the space with a comforting warmth. The restrained, light palette becomes a canvas for the panoramic views that unfold from every vantage point. A short corridor, like a secret passage, separates the private bedrooms, offering an internal threshold of reorientation.
The turn from entrance to living space is a gradual revelation. The cabin opens up to unveil expansive views stretching from East to West across the Northern horizon. As the ground disappears, the building seems to rest above an overstory of Spruce and Maple, revealing lakes, rivers, and rolling hills beyond.
Mont St. Marie is an architectural marvel that brings the childhood memories of walks in the woodlands and a sense of freedom resulting from being surrounded by great outdoors. In the hands of Shean Architects, a cabin has become a living, breathing entity, seamlessly integrated into the enchanting embrace of nature.
About the architects
(from the architect's website):
Shean Architects is a multidisciplinary architecture studio based in Ottawa's Hintonburg neighbourhood.
Principal Rick Shean strives to bring the natural aesthetic into every project. His goal is to design unique homes that fit the needs and lifestyles of his clients. Rick creates beautiful, modern spaces that rely on use of the natural environment and manipulation of light.
We're proud to have a wide range of award-winning large and small-scale projects in our portfolio. Our designs have also been featured in numerous publications and websites.
Chloe Hughes
Chloe is a highly-regarded expert in all things vintage and antique. She’s excited to share her vast knowledge with readers and clients wishing to infuse their homes with a mixture of old-time warmth and modern comfort. In addition to her design work, Chloe regularly volunteers at her local community center, teaching DIY projects to adults and kids.
