Welcome to Seal Beach, California, home of the extraordinary Water Tower House! As we begin our tour, lets delve into the history of this fascinating building. Built in 1971 by architect David Hibbert, the house was initially a water tower that supplied the city with water from the nearby Santa Ana River. However, in the late 1960s, the city deemed it redundant and listed it for demolition. Thats when the Water Tower House, as we know it today, began its journey to becoming an iconic residence.
The structure was purchased by a young artist named Bob Dad Miller, who envisioned transforming the water tower into a functional living space. With sheer determination and creativity, he turned the 67-foot tall, 10-foot diameter cylinder into a one-of-a-kind home that defies traditional architectural norms.
As we approach the Water Tower House, youll notice its striking appearance – a mix of modern industrial aesthetics and organic materials. The exterior is clad in wood planks, giving it a warm and inviting look that contrasts sharply with its steel skeleton and concrete interior walls. You might wonder how anyone could make a home within such a confined space, but Dad Miller ingeniously maximized every inch of the towers interior to create two floors of living space.
On the first floor, youll find the main entrance leading into an open-concept kitchen and dining area. The steel staircase spirals upwards, guiding us towards the second level where we encounter the bedroom and a cozy office space, both boasting panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It is truly inspiring to see how Dad Miller made use of this unusual structure to create an intimate and comfortable living environment.
Now that we have explored the interior, lets take a moment to appreciate the Water Tower Houses unique attributes. One of its most striking features is its elevated position – standing at 67 feet tall, it offers unparalleled views of Seal Beach, the Santa Ana River, and the expansive Pacific Ocean beyond. The house also acts as a natural sound barrier, providing residents with an oasis of peace amidst the bustling urban landscape below.
As we conclude our tour of the Water Tower House, you may be wondering how this extraordinary residence has withstood the test of time. Over the years, it has been featured in numerous architectural journals and television programs, capturing the imagination of people worldwide. Today, the house remains a beloved local landmark and an enduring symbol of human ingenuity and creativity.
And so, our journey through the Water Tower House comes to an end. We hope youve enjoyed learning about this unique and inspiring home, nestled amidst the vibrant cityscape of Seal Beach, California.