Highbank Residence

Highbank Residence, completed in 2024 by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, is located on the edge of a clear lake in northern Iowa. The brief called for a generous home that could accommodate extended family and host lakeside gatherings while preserving the mature oak trees and the site's natural character. The house is organized to reduce its apparent scale amid varied topography and prioritizes views of the water. The design references early Prairie Style houses through strong horizontal lines and pronounced roof overhangs. Broad concrete walls define the lower level and act as a base for the wood and glass pavilion above. A planted roof with native prairie grasses further integrates the structure into its setting. Arrival occurs along a winding stone path through a meadow, leading to an entry sequence defined by a wood screen and slender steel canopy. A cantilevered wood stair ascends through a skylit double-height space to the main living level, which opens to lake views and an expansive outdoor deck. Sliding glass panels connect the living spaces to the deck, which is sheltered by the roof’s deep cantilever. The lower level includes bedrooms, bunkrooms, and utility spaces, while the garage is set partially into the earth.

Typical architect fee for a 9,600 sq ft new home here: $145,000 – $399,000Full services, Iowa · BLS wage and Census construction data

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