What is a Barndominium?
Think rustic charm of a barn meets the comfort of a modern home. A Barndominium or “Barndo” is a single structure combining a barn and a living space, evolving from barns often being repurposed or underutilized. Typically, Barndominiums are constructed using metal frames and siding, mimicking the appearance of a barn from the outside. However, inside, they boast all the amenities and comforts one would expect from a modern home.
Exploring Barndominium Trends & Designs
According to BuildMax, “The ‘Barndominium’ trend of converting traditional barns into stunning sleek residential spaces shows no signs of slowing in 2024 and beyond.” The Barndominium trend offers homeowners new ways to perceive and utilize spaces, flexible multi-purpose spaces, and a solution for multi-generational housing situations.
New Way to Utilize Space
Barndominiums are incredibly versatile, accommodating a wide range of layouts and designs, allowing homeowners to customize their living spaces to their specific needs and preferences. Creative interior design elements trending include: exposed beams, high ceilings, natural light, mix of textures, and refurbished furnishings. Some of the popular designs trending right now include:
- The Urban Loft: This design takes inspiration from industrial loft spaces, with high ceilings, exposed ductwork, and sleek modern finishes — perfect for city dwellers looking to bring a touch of urban sophistication to the countryside.
- The Rustic Retreat: With its log cabin-inspired aesthetic and panoramic views, it offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- The Contemporary Oasis: Sleek, stylish, and chic, the contemporary oasis is a study in modern luxury. Featuring clean lines, minimalist decor, and state-of-the-art amenities, it’s the ultimate expression of upscale living in a rural setting.
Flexible Multi-Purpose Spaces
In addition to emphasizing an open floor plan, other hybrid aspects, like workshops, a studio space, storage or office spaces, or a garage space can be incorporated. Leisure spaces, like game rooms, sports areas, or bars, are also trending. Floor plans serve both residential and storage utility. Latest trends include more partition walls, moveable room dividers, and screens to customize spaces to accommodate a variety of events, hobbies, or vehicles as family needs dictate.
Family Compound
Did you know 1 in 5 Americans today are living in multi-generational housing situations? Sometimes this may mean older generations living with their children and/or grown children continuing to stay with parents until they are more financially stable. With multi-family housing on the rise for over a decade now, the Barndominium community is bursting at the seams with interest in these types of homes. With the versatility of design options, Barndominiums lend themselves well to this trend, offering separate living quarters or guest suites that provide privacy and independence for multiple generations under one roof.
Benefits of Barndominium Living
Construction Efficiency and Lower Costs
Construction takes a fraction of the time as with a conventional home — most Barndominiums take approximately 3-6 months to construct, depending on customization. Post-frame homes are less expensive to build than a stick-built home with asphalt shingles and vinyl siding. Barndominiums can span large areas with ease and without load bearing support, since they are mostly constructed with steel trusses. Many builders have “building kits” offering hundreds of different floor plan options, ranging from 500 square feet upward to 6,000 square feet.
Low Maintenance Open Floor Plan
If constructed out of metal, Barndominiums have similar durability to steel structures with resistance to mold, mildew, rot, termites, extreme weather and fire. Given their metal frame and paneling, Barndominiums typically withstand the elements better than most home constructions. Additionally, using beams to secure the home will help ensure that the foundation doesn’t shift over time.
Design Flexibility
Buyers can mix metal siding with brick, stone, or wood and can build so as to add more later. Even during construction, Barndominiums have the design flexibility for walls to be moved around to change the layout and room sizes. It’s also easier to renovate, modify, and expand as a family’s needs and lifestyles shift and change. There are endless possibilities when it comes to the design and function of a Barndominium.
Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
Most Barndominiums use materials that are environmentally friendly, therefore reducing the home’s carbon footprint. The open design aspect enhances the aesthetics and promotes better airflow and natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and ventilation. Metal siding made from recycled materials can again be recycled. Also, metal building systems can earn LEED v4.1 credits in the LEED system, which can increase property value and qualify the owner for rebates and other incentives. Other top sustainable and eco-friendly trends seen in modern Barndominium design include: solar panels, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient windows, radiant floor heating, reclaimed materials, and more.
Register For METALCON’s Barndominium Educational Session
“YOU’LL NEVER LOOK AT A METAL BUILDING THE SAME WAY AGAIN!®” — Stacee Lynn, The Barndominium Lady®
This is a an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Learn first-hand from two of the leading experts in the field of this exciting new trend in metal construction. Stacee Lynn, founder and Chief Design Officer & Social Media Leader, and Oliver Bell, COO, both with The Barndominium Company, will delve into the evolution of barn design, now known as Barndominiums. In this free session, you will discover the current trends in Barndominium designs, find out the sustainability aspects, get tips and tricks, and learn how these designs can offer maximum interior space. Stacee Lynn and Oliver will share various products and strategies that can aid in residential projects, and demonstrate how incorporating Barndominium design aspects can address common industry challenges. This session takes place on October 31 at 10:30 am in The Architect’s Experience Pavilion on the show floor. REGISTER NOW.
