Custom homes look a lot different today than they did a few decades ago.
Back then, even a custom build usually followed the same basic patterns as the rest of the houses on the market. Maybe the floor plan was adjusted or a few extra features were added, but side-by-side with neighboring homes, the differences were often subtle.
Today, homeowners are thinking more creatively about what a home can look like and how it can function.
Tiny homes are a good example. So are the vans and school buses some people have turned into full-time living spaces or mobile offices.
More permanent homes are changing as well. Structures that once served a completely different purpose are now being adapted into comfortable places to live.
A pole barn home fits right into that shift. Originally designed as utility buildings, these post frame structures are now being used to create unique living spaces that combine residential comfort with practical flexibility.
Quickly built, long-lasting, and cost-effective, pole barns have found their place in a wide variety of settings and applications -- from storage buildings and shops to housing livestock.
But the perception of pole barns and their purpose is evolving.
Despite appearances and assumptions, there's really no reason why a post frame structure can't also serve as a home.
This is no different than what you see happening to other buildings that are finding a new purpose. For example, defunct malls are being converted into apartment complexes and former churches are being remodeled into homes.
In fact, many of the same benefits that come with panel-built homes, like energy efficiency and durability, are also found in residential pole barn homes (more on these later).
In some respects, pole barn houses represent another method of custom home building. Combined with panelized construction, the inside of a post frame home can be made the exact same as any other home -- and be completely tailored to your needs without compromise.
Though a less common option for custom home building, post frame homes fall into two categories:
A barndominium is a metal building constructed on a slab foundation with residential living space inside. It combines the structural framework of a pole barn with panelized home construction.
From the outside, it often resembles a traditional post frame barn. Inside, the layout functions like any other custom home. The structure uses vertical posts that support the roof trusses, with horizontal girts that attach the siding on the exterior and drywall on the interior. Interior walls are built with standard wood wall panels.
The living space uses the same wall panels found in Barden homes, providing durability, energy efficiency, and cost savings compared with conventional wood construction.
Barndominium floor plans offer a range of design options. Many include large garages and open living areas that combine rustic character with modern features. Some homeowners prefer small barndominium house plans, while others choose the extra space offered in 2 story barndominium plans
A shouse is a hybrid structure that combines the features of a shop and a house. This type of pole barn home straddles the line between the structure being a residence and utility building.
It usually has the style and amenities of a normal house, but with an open-plan interior layout similar to that of a workshop. Shouses are gradually gaining popularity as more people recognize their unique combination of style and practicality. While providing traditional home comforts like bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces, shouses floor plans offer plenty of space for hobbies or professional pursuits.
In a way, a shouse is similar to what you see in cities -- a family living above their business.
Where Pole Barn Homes WorkTo an extent, this comes down to where you build and what statement you're trying to make with the home (if any). In a more rural setting or light industrial setting, a barndominium or shouse blends in seamlessly. The same can't be said for suburban or upscale areas. Shouses that are taking advantage of the shop element are likely not going to work -- and they'd probably run into code issues. With careful design and aesthetic choices, barndominiums can fit in without noticeably sticking out from the rest of the neighborhood. |
Outside of an all-metal exterior, pole barn homes deliver value across several fronts:
Custom home design continues to evolve as homeowners look for new ways to create spaces that reflect their lifestyle.
A pole barn home offers a different approach to building. With the flexibility of post frame construction and the comfort of modern residential design, it gives homeowners another path for creating a functional and distinctive custom home.
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Editorial note: This article was originally published in April 2023 and was recently updated to reflect current industry trends.