Harkleroad wind turbine

The Harkleroad wind turbine is an experimental rooftop installation on a workshop building in Novato that generates electricity for the structure below. The rotating blades sit atop the building at 19 Harkle Road and form part of the property's energy system.

Sam Harkleroad built this wind installation in the 1960s as part of his innovative building projects in Marin County. The turbine emerged during a period when wind power was extremely uncommon for private property owners.

The installation represents early sustainable energy practices in Northern California and catches the attention of travelers passing along U.S. Route 101.

The building sits close to the highway and is visible from passing traffic on Route 101. Visitors can view the installation from the road without needing access to the property itself.

The turbine shares the property with a rotating round house and a building featuring a hyperbolic paraboloid roof, showcasing the owner's experimental design approach. Together these structures form an unusual architectural collection from the mid-20th century.

GPS coordinates: 38.10086,-122.56246

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:40