Every design poses a unique challenge, and the designer's first task is to snoop it out. In a recent project that required adding on to an attractive dormered cape, I was posed a challenge regarding scale, specifically: How do you successfully add onto a handsome, well-proportioned house that is about 15% smaller than it appears to be? The Problem The 28-foot-square main house has a 7-on-12 roof springing from about a foot off the second floor, with the gable end prominently displayed on the east side as you approach the house (see sketch, below). A one-story back ell measures about 21 feet by 30 feet. Expanding and remodeling the ell in a way that harmonized with the main house
