In the course of our daily reporting, we often uncover unusual projects, places, or connections that don't make the final cut. Instead of keeping it to ourselves, we're pleased to share our weekly Architrivia.

Founded in 1753, Lunenburg, Nova Scoatia, is a historic seaside town located about an hour's drive from Halifax on the beautiful Fairhaven Peninsula, on the western shores of Mahone Bay. The town is home to a distinctive blend of Old and New World architecture, much of which dates to Pre-Confederation Canada. A popular summertime tourist town, Lunenburg has a rich Maritime history and complex architectural heritage, which is most known for the production of the so-called Lunenburg Dormer, or Lunenburg Bump, a feature wholly unique to the town from whence it got its name. 

Lunenburg Dormers, with distinctive double-pane storm windows, image by Flickr user Stephen Downes via Creative Commons

A North American take on the traditional, five-sided Scottish dormer, the Lunenburg Dormer is much more ornate, featuring a blend of High Gothic, Italianate, and Cape Cod influences. Distinctive for its usual shape with five sides instead of three, which allows for nearly twice as much detailing and decoration while allowing in plenty of light, the Lunenburg Dormer is unique to the town, and the architectural feature has been honoured with UNESCO World Heritage Status. 

Lunenburg Dormers, featuring triple peaks, image by Flickr user Stephen Downes via Creative Commons

Many of the best examples of Lunenburg Dormers feature a distinctive double or triple peak, a purely decorative touch that distinguishes the local trademark from other five-sided dormers found either in Scotland or across the North Atlantic Seaboard. While its distinctive heritage architecture is not the only reason to make a visit, no trip to the historic town is complete without taking a walking tour of the city on a nice summer's day. 
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