Water Towers Rise Again — See Their New Shapes and Uses

At the end of the 19th century, home water towers were all about function. Back then they were used to collect and store water, and personal water towers dotted the backyards of small towns in arid climates and made miniature peaks in city skylines. As times and utility systems changed, most of the small structures fell into disuse and were torn down. But today homeowners are looking at them in a different way. Not only are old water towers being remodeled as living spaces, but architects are designing new buildings with water tower–like structures. They are drawn to the simple, utilitarian lines of the towers — and the fact that they often provide great views is a bonus.

This home was built with a water tower (just visible behind the gambrel roof) at the far end of its backyard.


Recently the owners remodeled the historic home, and the architect moved the tower closer to the main living quarters and connected it with a farmhouse-like addition.


The tower now contains a winding staircase.


Follow the stairs to the lower level, and you'll find a family room inspired by Tintin, the Belgian cartoon hero.


At first glance you might think this water tower is a remodeled relic, but you would be wrong. This is new construction.


The architect’s parents commissioned this house. Their single requirement was that it have a water tower. The father drove around the area and took photos of existing towers for inspiration.


The tower holds the sleeping quarters. The tall form makes for 14-foot-high ceilings in the bedroom.


The top of the tower also affords stunning views of the surrounding farm fields.

See more of this modern farmhouse


Simple farm buildings have long been an inspiration in modernist architecture. This new water tower structure shows why.


The clean-lined style of a traditional water tower done in metal makes a happy marriage with a sleek, modern house.


To keep water pipes from bursting, 19th-century New York City building codes required water towers to be on structures higher than 6 feet. When a modern NYC family remodeled this penthouse, they kept the water tower.


You can see it in the background. It’s hard to imagine the New York City skyline without the iconic towers — and maybe that’s why they are required on all buildings in the Tribeca neighborhood, functional or not.


Not all water towers are remodeled. This weathered red example is probably not used for more than storage. But the charm it adds to this farmhouse is incalculable.


When this house was built, a stand-alone water tower was designed along with it.


Located a short distance from the back door, it serves as the guest quarters.


Standing tall on the flat lands around it, it makes a strong architectural statement.


Not all newly constructed water towers have a modernist bent. This example shares the classic style of the main house.


This water tower–like structure is unabashedly modern, but you can see the shadow of a traditional water tower.

More: 6 modern tower houses

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