This is the new home I built called "Prairie Ark."  It was built over a 9 year period with the help of 28 workmen.  I called it "Prairie Ark" because I learned early that the earth is not always too stable and you had better build a house like a boat so it will be stable with earth changes.  The 3 porch posts are casings cut off from deep wells of others who were building homes in the country at that time.

When Bert moved to Ames in 1944 he lived in a rented second floor apartment at 803 Duff owned by Minnie Siverly, the widow of Union Story banker, Clyde Siverly.  Bert had been discussing the dream house he wanted to build ever since he met Mary during their university days in Iowa City.  He finally took action on July 6, 1948 through a contract with Dorothy Hunter to purchase a piece of land for the price of $3500, with $500 down.  Between 1949 and 1958, Bert was engaged in building Prairie Ark on farmland at the north edge of Ames.  A gravel road, later to become Adams Street, first had to be graded from old Highway 69 (now Dawes Drive) to his building site.  For a number of years the address was simply Rural Route 1.

The basement was dug on the site of a previous farmhouse, and the excavated soil was used to create a broad mound to showcase the house.  Prairie Ark was constructed entirely of concrete – a permanent material designed to last well into the next century.  Foundation and walls were blocks, joists were precast I-beams, and floors were poured.  Bricks and glass blocks were also used.  Dr. Adams not only designed his home, but personally oversaw and assisted with much of the construction done by 28 different workmen.  Considerable documentation of the nine-year project exists in the form of drawings, written records, and photographs.

The structure incorporated cutting edge materials and concepts for residential construction at the time.  Features include: vaulted ceiling and clerestory in living room, cantilevered corner windows, frequent use of rounded corners, built-in storage, solid birch doors, parquet and cork flooring, and glassed window wells for plants.  Examples of integrated design include a wall for a 12-foot sofa and an alcove created in the dining room area for a cherry buffet that Bert designed and had made by Krauss Furniture in South Amana.  The lower level was planned for his medical practice, and included a reception room, treatment and therapy rooms, pharmacy, lab room, and office study.  A unique item is the screened-in 6 x 6’ Faraday cage used for therapy.  Prairie Ark is a rare example of a self-designed, home doctor’s office in Ames.  While other doctors have built an addition (Dr. Fausch) or converted a porch (Dr. Walker) for use as an office, Bert designed his as an integral part of the home.  Typical of Ames residents, his fascination with technology and gadgets is reflected throughout the house.

I spent two weeks in the winter working out the details of my home even after I had a scale model.  I hardly slept at nights.  But when the construction was started I slept at nights like a log.  These are the electrical conduits that will later be covered with concrete for the floor above the basement.  I had to do some deep tense visualization to tell the electrician where each switch, each outlet and lamp socket was to go.  Even though I had drawings.  When there are no walls up it made me very cautious to make sure I made no mistakes.

When Mother came down and saw 8 of these huge piles of cement blocks, she raised her hands high.  "My goodness, son, are you building a factory?"  When the house looked like it was all enclosed, she said, "Well, now, You have jumped over the rump.  Now you must still jump over the head."

The longest and largest window frame is now supported in place
while cement blocks are placed around it.

Another top view of the entrance doorway and reception lobby
and doorway to the main living room 14 feet high.

Before I made the basement steps, I took a square and marked the rise of each step on the block wall.  Then I made the wood forms to conform to each step.  Before doing this I put 3 railroad irons beneath so there would never be any sagging or cracks if any super weight put on those steps.