I'm working towards building a ~2500sf 1/2 storey 'cape cod/colonial/shingle style' inspired home in a neighborhood of similarly sized homes with cedar shakes and a min. roof pitch of 9:12 (as per covenants). For what it's worth, the neighboring homes have varying style influences.

The footprint of the house is basically square (~36x34 sf), plus an enclosed breezeway to a garage. The front elevation has 2-4 steps up to the porch. The back has shed dormer to take advantage of the view from the Master Bed/Bath.

The dilemma is with the front dormer options.

Here is the "very preliminary" interior of the 2nd storey (closet size dependent on dormer sizes).

With most nantucket/shed/gabled dormer options I've seen (and like) there is an odd number of windows, with the middle window centered over the front door.

Is there a way to balance the windows between the 2 rooms, while maximizing interior space? I do like the walk-in closets on the side walls (although it does take away a south facing window on the left). Could a nantucket dormer (my favorite) work with 2 bedrooms?

Halpert at the Vineyard · More Info

My thoughts:

1) forgo the 36' porch for a smaller covered entry way with it's own gabled roof, flanked by the bdrm dormers on each side.

2) Move the closets to the middle. Make them small walk-ins, and put a single window in the front closet.

3) Say g'bye to the beautiful 1/2 stories I love, and go for a more simple 2-storey.

Opinions?