Project: Fentiman Residence
Architects: Shean Architects
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Project size: 1200 ft2
Completion date: 2017
Photo Credits: Doublespace Photography
Text and Photos: Courtesy of Shean Architects
The Fentiman Residence by Shean Architects is a contemporary custom home located on Fentiman Avenue in Ottawa. Straddling the old shoreline of the Rideau River, the design responds to both the natural surroundings and the neighborhood fabric. By retaining the footprint of the previous 600 sq ft house and expanding thoughtfully, the project achieves a balance of warmth, privacy, and openness to light and landscape.
Materials That Echo Nature
The exterior palette brings together reclaimed oak and eastern white cedar in a composition that feels both dynamic and grounded. The oak, angled across the façades, creates a sense of movement inspired by the flowing river nearby. Meanwhile, cedar anchors the home’s front corner, adding stability and texture. Natural wood siding in varying applications introduces warmth while maintaining a refined, contemporary identity.
Light, Views, and Privacy
Strategic window placement ensures the Fentiman Residence offers both privacy and expansive views. On the street-facing side, smaller ground-floor openings protect the interior. In contrast, corner windows on the second level open wide to capture views of the Rideau River. Clerestory windows frame the treetops, filling the home with ambient daylight, while full-height glazing at the rear connects the living spaces directly to the southern gardens and raised deck.
Indoor-Outdoor Connections
The design enhances its compact footprint by extending living areas outward. A second-floor deck, located atop the carport, offers elevated views of the river and Brighton Beach Park. Inside, a large white birch in the rear yard becomes a focal point, visible through floor-to-ceiling windows on both levels. Throughout the day and across the seasons, shifting natural light animates the interiors, echoing the river’s changing presence.
Fentiman Residence as a Subtle Landmark
Ultimately, the Fentiman Residence stands as both a unique architectural statement and a respectful addition to its neighborhood. With its thoughtful material palette, strategic openings, and deep relationship to the river landscape, Shean Architects created a home that feels timeless, contextual, and intimately tied to its setting.
