A problem I often face, along with
many builders, is how to design a
house that works for modern living
while maintaining a link with the
past. My usual approach is to work
within traditional styles — such as the
Bungalow, Shingle, Bay Area, or
Prairie School — which naturally
yield plans we can live with.
However, what if you want to work
within the much-loved Cape Cod
Colonial style, which does not readily
lend itself to a good modern floor
plan? Another approach is needed.
Defining Cape Style
First we need to identify what
makes a building look like a Cape Cod
Colonial. The key elements are:
• small-scale elements
• a prominent front door under low
eaves
• a