---
title: "Dormer Windows (231)"
created: 2026-07-01
updated: 2026-07-01
type: concept
status: compiled
namespace: pattern-language
pattern_number: 231
pattern_name: "Dormer Windows"
source_repository: https://github.com/zenodotus280/apl-md
source_url: https://github.com/zenodotus280/apl-md/blob/master/Patterns/Dormer%20Windows%20%28231%29.md
license_note: Non-commercial reuse with attribution; see namespace README and source LICENSE.md.
related_patterns:
  - "Sheltering Roof (117)"
  - "Window Place (180)"
  - "Roof Vaults (220)"
  - "Alcoves (179)"
  - "Gradual Stiffening (208)"
  - "Columns at the Corners (212)"
  - "Box Columns (216)"
  - "Perimeter Beams (217)"
  - "Wall Membranes (218)"
  - "Floor-Ceiling Vaults (219)"
  - "Frames as Thickened Edges (225)"
  - "Windows Which Open Wide (236)"
  - "Small Panes (239)"
---

# Dormer Windows (231)

> Source pattern from the abridged `apl-md` corpus. Use as a design reference and constraint seed; do not treat as commercial-clean training data.

### Problem
>We know from our discussion of Sheltering Roof (117) that the top story of the building should be right inside the roof, surrounded by it.

### Solution
>Wherever you have windows in the roof, make dormer windows which are high enough to stand in, and frame them like any other alcoves in the building.

### Related Patterns
... this pattern helps to complete [[Sheltering Roof (117)]]. If you have followed sheltering roof, your roof has living space within it: and it must therefore have windows in it, to bring light into the roof. This pattern is a special kind of [[Window Place (180)]], which completes the [[Roof Vaults (220)]], in these situations.

Frame them like [[Alcoves (179)]] and [[Window Place (180)]] with [[Gradual Stiffening (208)]], [[Columns at the Corners (212)]], [[Box Columns (216)]], [[Perimeter Beams (217)]], [[Wall Membranes (218)]], [[Floor-Ceiling Vaults (219)]], [[Roof Vaults (220)]] and [[Frames as Thickened Edges (225)]].
Put [[Windows Which Open Wide (236)]] in them, and make [[Small Panes (239)]] ...

---

> [!cite]- Alexander, Christopher. _A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction_. Oxford University Press, 1977, p. 1081.
> #APL/confidence/medium
>
> #APL/Construction-Patterns/Frame-Adjustments