Elements of Architecture: 8 Elaborations on the Traditional Dormer Window

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Typically linked back to lucarnes in gothic churches and Parisian dormers on mansard roofs, today the dormer window colloquially refers to one that extends both outwards and upwards from the plane of a pitched roof structure. Traditional European architectural elements, dormer windows remain useful additions to any attic or loft, and are often celebrated with a markedly contemporary twist. By opening up a cramped attic to increased light filtration, unwelcoming spaces are not only rendered meaningful, but also pivotal tenants of a renovation or architectural intervention.

Using dormer windows, the architects featured in this collection have increased the capacity of their project spaces from two opposing vantage points: the outside and inside. From the outside, dormer windows render geometries with increased elaboration. In addition, they mark a pragmatic expansion that simultaneously maintains the original character of the roof’s structure. From the inside, dormer windows not only allow natural light to stream in, but also elevate the resident’s gaze, allowing for new appreciation of dramatic sky views and surrounding tree lines.

Restelo House by João Tiago Aguiar, arquitectos, Lisbon, Portugal

Located in a 1950s residential area, this intervention involved redrawing the entire rear portion of the house. The architects envisioned a series of shutters that would resemble the patterning of traditional Portuguese tiles and stream the interior with filtered light. In order to create a more inhabitable attic, they idealized the mansard roof through three dormer openings, which allow for stunning views of the garden.

Cor-Ten House in Putney by Eldridge London, London, United Kingdom

For Eldridge London, the realization of this project was an exercise in “delivering a finely resolved, highly detailed home, on a typical suburban site.” Familiar traditional architectural elements like bay windows, dormer windows and pitched roofs are given a distinctive contemporary twist. The final detached home provides an extensively naturally lit accommodation, especially considering the narrow nature of the plot.

House with Dormer Window by Hiroki Tominaga Atelier, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

Built for an elderly couple in a small country town, Hiroki Tominaga Atelier chose to build a roof face along the street, and extend the eaves as long as possible toward the street. As it is difficult to get sunlight with a south-facing roof, the architects added an inflated dormer window, which increases ventilation and provides a space for grandchildren to play.

Schuurkensstraatby Abscis Architecten, Ghent, Belgium

For this project, two historic retail properties were revived into mixed shopping and residential space. Abscis Architecten seized the opportunity to redevelop the vacant upper floors into coveted apartments with stunning city views. The addition of three zinc dormer windows subtly reveals the new residential function of the attic area from the outside.

House Au Yeung by Tribe Studio, Sydney, Australia

For this project, Tribe Studio transformed a modest 1930s bungalow into a new home with a garden pavilion, a series of decorative flourishes and a reduced building footprint. Retaining the single-story expression, the architects created a gable extension with adapted dormer windows peering over the back of the site. Through quality and detailing, the heritage fabric of this house was thoughtfully preserved.

Primrose Hill House by Robert Dye Architects, London, United Kingdom

For this project, Robert Dye Architects pursued two essential goals: to create a contemporary home with a sense of openness and make a meaningful contribution to the local streetscape. The architects built two dormer windows with structural glass, in order to open up the interior property to the sky and offer bird’s-eye garden views from the loft level.

Boarding Accommodation at The Kings Schoolby Walters & Cohen Architects, Canterbury, United Kingdom

Imagining a new boarding accommodation at The Kings School offered an exciting opportunity to forge new relationships between contemporary design and the historic setting. Dormer windows allowed additional rooms to be located in the attic without altering the traditional roofline or raising the height of the building. The design, landscape and careful choice of materials came together in harmony, creating a comfortable and cozy environment.

Closse Residence by _naturehumaine, Montréal, Canada

In its original form, this 1960s home lacked natural light and was characterized by a series of closed rooms surrounding a central staircase. During renovation, _naturehumaine opened the south façade with glazed doors, removed partitions so that light could stream through the house and added a contemporary dormer window to the pitched roof. The large dormer contains two well-lit second floor bathrooms.

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