George Speake and his wife Anita wanted a different look for their house on Clear Lake in Northern California. They also wanted to take advantage of the water and the woods, so they called in architect Obie Bowman to solve the puzzle. Instead of placing the home broadside to the shoreline, Bowman placed the home perpendicular to the water. This allows the Speakes to enter on the wooded side and journey to a great room with stunning views of the lake.
It also allowed for a creative exterior design. Bowman came up with a tall, narrow home with three gable roofs that resembles a ship going out to sea. Contractor Howell Hawkes took charge of the build. Because of the home’s long, slender shape, steel frames and welded connections were used in the framing to prevent seismic or wind damage. All the steel and glass had to be carried by hand into the construction site because Hawkes couldn’t use a crane. He says it was also daunting working 40 feet off the ground.
Inside, the home has two main levels. On the first level, a glass bridge connects the foyer to the master suite and Anita’s office. Steps lead down to the living room, dining area, kitchen and guest rooms. Decks extend the home to the outside.
Guests Obie Bowman
Architect
PO Box 1114
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Website:
www.obiebowman.comHowell Hawkes
Contractor, Hawkes Construction
708 Willow Ave.
Ukiah, CA 95482
Phone: (707) 463-1853
Website:
www.hawkesconstruction.com Also in this Episode
