Barndominiums and The ‘Barndo’ Effect
There’s lots of talk around ‘Barndominiums’, or ‘Barndos’ in the shed world. These may seem like a trend, but they have actually been around for a long time! They’re winning hearts across Australia with their clever fusing of barn shed elements with home comforts. Throw in work and storage space, and the barndo is a functional and sensible fit for many purposes!
If you’re looking for the flexibility to live, play and work in one steel structure, a barndominium could be the answer! Let’s take a closer look at what they are and why they’re enjoying a surge in popularity in Australia.
What is a Barndominium?
The barndominium has been a popular living option in rural American communities, and its suitability to wide open spaces and practicality has seen it take off in Australia too. To put it simply, they’re a steel barn shed that has been designed to incorporate living spaces.
For some, it can be a family home, for others, a country retreat. We’re noticing many people wanting to combine living spaces with a workshop, storage area, or even horse stables - bringing work and life together under one roof.
Benefits of a Barndominium
For some, it’s the rugged good looks of a barndo. For others, the convenience of a living area and workspace under one roof. Let’s take a look at why people choose this innovative style of barn:
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Space to Move - Barndominiums are all about big, open and adaptable space. The steel frame allows for wide spans without internal load-bearing walls, which gives you masses of flexibility with your floor plan. Hello, huge open-plan kitchen and lounge!
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Faster Build Times - Compared to traditional homes, barndominiums can go up quickly. Prefabricated steel components and simpler construction methods can help you move in sooner.
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Strength: Steel-framed barndominiums are built to last. The steel won’t warp, rot or attract termites. If Australian BlueScope Steel and COLORBOND® materials are used in the construction, your barndo will be tried and tested to withstand the harsh Australian climate.
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Cost-Efficiency - Prices will vary according to your design and requirements, but a barndominium can be more cost-effective to build than a traditional property. The ability to incorporate different functions under the one roof makes it even more appealing cost-wise!
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Customisation - There’s a lot of flexibility in how you want to customise your barndominium. From cladding and roof styles to floor plans and finishes, this is your barndo, built your way.
Scandinavian Barndos
Many Australian barndominiums follow the Scandi Barn design ethics. This Nordic-inspired approach is typified by a minimalist look. Think sloped, asymmetrical rooflines, heaps of windows, and clean, fuss-free elements.
Those asymmetrical roofs aren't just for looks - they push heat up and away from your living areas, which is a big plus in the hot Australian climate. Your barndo still gets plenty of room for a second storey, too, and a good shed builder will combine the right insulation to prevent your home from becoming a sauna.
Another common design feature is large windows, which contribute to the expansive, beautifully lit spaces that typify the inside of a barndo. Soaring high ceilings add to this, as does the inclusion of multiple entry points in the form of glass sliding doors, or even roller doors to work spaces.
The Stockman Sheds Barndomium Process
Building a barndominium with Stockman Sheds is a smooth, collaborative experience. We start with a conversation about your land, your lifestyle, and your vision. From there, we design a custom solution tailored to your needs and budget.
Once plans are locked in, we manufacture the steel components from BlueScope Steel and COLORBOND® materials. We then have an expert team of shed builders who will handle the construction of the steel structure. After that’s complete, the flexible interior can be turned into the barndo layout of your dreams!
Council Regulations and Compliance
It’s important to note that if you live in a shed or barn or barndo, it’s no longer a shed. It becomes a dwelling, and its subject to the rules and regulations of a dwelling, for example, smoke alarms and energy efficiency.
You can find out more about council approval for sheds in our Shed Planning Guide, which includes up-to-date information on council rules across South East Queensland. For a barndo, you’ll need to get building and council approvals for a dwelling, not a shed. It will also need to meet all building codes and standards that apply to Australian construction.
Got Barndominium Questions?
If you’ve been thinking about putting up a barndominium on your property, Stockman Sheds is here to help. The barndo can help you step into a lifestyle that's convenient, functional and stylish - a lifestyle that is uniquely yours!
With our focus on creating custom-made sheds, Stockman is all about taking a flexible approach to shed design. There’s not much we can’t build, and we like to build them big! So hit us with your ideas and vision - we’d love to talk about how we can bring it to life.
Let’s build something remarkable together. Get in touch today on 0493 791 972 or click the button below to get a quote!
