Nestled in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, this home originally built in 2016 boasts spectacular roof-level views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The original house already had a small roof deck but lacked interior space to enjoy the views from. When the owner’s contractor approached us to see if it was possible to design an addition within the height limit, we measured and studied the property, analyzed zoning codes, and confirmed the house’s existing two-level status with a basement. This enabled us to propose a dormer addition that complied with zoning code as well as Seattle’s fire sprinkler regulations required for a four-level home, but not for a three-level home with a basement. The new dormer integrates a large viewing window in an enclosed area that opens to an expanded roof deck. The exterior received a facelift with Shou Sugi Ban rainscreen siding, along with new windows and doors, transforming the home while preserving its original modern form.