What are Barndominiums & Shouses? Homes that Redefine the Way We Live

As the quest for unique and sustainable living spaces continues, the modern housing market introduces us to innovative concepts that redefine how we live. Enter the world of barndominiums and shouses – unconventional home options that blend functionality, affordability, and aesthetic appeal perfectly.

What is a Barndominium?

The term “barndominium” is a portmanteau of “barn” and “condominium.” Initially, it described a barn-like structure converted into a living space. However, in recent years, the definition has broadened to include new constructions designed to look like barns but are complete homes in their functionality.

Barndominiums typically consist of a shell, encompassing both a workspace (the “barn” aspect) and a comfortable living area (the “condominium” part). They’re characterized by their simple and rectangular form, tall roofs, and broad, open-plan interiors, reminiscent of a classic barn’s structure.

What type of home is a Barndominium?

A barndominium is a unique type of home that combines living quarters with a place for work or storage. This combination makes it ideal for individuals seeking to integrate their home and workspace or those desiring ample storage or hobby space.

While barndominiums often retain an austere exterior evoking their barn-like heritage, their interiors can be as luxurious and intricate as any conventional home. The open floor plan inherent in barndominiums offers unlimited potential for customization and the ability to adapt to the owner’s changing needs over time.

What’s the point of a Barndominium?

As stated above, the concept of a barndominium encapsulates a unique blend of simplicity, practicality, and versatility that serves several essential purposes:

Dual Purpose: One of the main points of a barndominium is the combination of living space and workspace or storage under one roof. This provides an excellent solution for individuals who work from home, require large areas for hobbies, or have ample equipment to store. It effectively blurs the line between professional and personal life in a comfortable, convenient way.

Cost-Effective Living: Barndominiums can be cheaper to build than traditional homes due to their simple design and use of cost-effective materials. Over time, the energy efficiency of barndominiums can also result in reduced heating and cooling costs. Therefore, the affordability factor plays a crucial role in their increasing popularity.

Customization and Adaptability: The open floor plan inherent to barndominiums offers extensive potential for customization, with the ability to tailor your space to your needs and preferences. This flexibility also allows the structure to adapt to changing lifestyles or family needs over time.

Unique Look and Feel: Barndominiums offer a distinct, rustic aesthetic appeal. The blend of the barn-like exterior with a cozy, modern interior presents a unique living experience that stands out from traditional residential structures.

In essence, the purpose of a barndominium is to offer a unique, versatile, and cost-effective solution to modern living.

What is a Shouse?

A shouse, another innovative term in housing, combines a “shop” and a “house.” Like a barndominium, a shouse offers dual functionality, incorporating a workshop or business area into a residential structure. Typically, the shop portion of the building is more significant in area than the living quarters of the building.

A shouse differs from a traditional home as it typically features a workshop or commercial area on the ground floor, with the living quarters either at the back, above, or attached to the side of the workshop. This design offers a seamless transition between work and home life, making it ideal for small business owners, artists, or Craftsmen.

What are the differences between Barndominiums and Shouses?

Barndominiums and shouses, both gaining popularity in the realm of non-traditional housing, serve unique purposes and boast distinctive designs. However, they also share a common thread – the fusion of living and workspace. Here, we explore the differences between these two innovative home types.

Design Aesthetic: Barndominiums are characterized by their barn-like appearance, a nod to their agricultural roots. They typically feature a simple, rectangular form with tall roofs and broad, open-plan interiors. Shouses, on the other hand, often bear a more industrial or commercial aesthetic. The architectural design of a shouses can be more varied, with the commercial or workshop area more explicitly defined.

Layout: The key distinction between the two lies in the layout. In a barndominium, the living and workspace are often intermingled, sharing the same open floor plan. This allows for seamless integration of work and living. Shouses usually delineate the living quarters from the workshop or business area. The residential portion can be positioned at the back, above, or attached to the side of the workshop, creating a clear boundary between work and home.

Usage: The term ‘shouse’ specifically implies the inclusion of a ‘shop’ or commercial space within the home structure. This makes them particularly suited to small business owners, craftspeople, or artists who require significant workspace. While barndominiums can certainly offer similar workspace, they do not explicitly define this in their conception, providing a more flexible use of space.

Community Perception: As barndominiums have gained more mainstream popularity, they’re more widely recognized and accepted in various communities. Shouses, while increasing in popularity, is still gaining ground in the housing industry and is not as widely used of a term. While both barndominiums and shouses offer the compelling benefit of combining work and living spaces, they differ in design, layout, and intended usage. Your choice between the two would depend on your specific needs, your aesthetic preference, and the nature of the work you intend to incorporate into your living space.

The pros of building a Barndominium

Barndominium’s innovative home style offers several unique advantages that can significantly benefit homeowners. Here are some key pros of building a barndominium:

Cost-effectiveness: Generally, barndominiums can be more affordable to build than traditional homes. This is mainly due to their simple design and use of cost-effective materials. The building process can also be quicker, resulting in lower labor costs.

Customization: The inherent open-plan design of barndominiums gives homeowners the freedom to tailor their living space to their exact needs and preferences. This adaptable layout can accommodate the family’s needs, providing a custom home experience.

Energy Efficiency: Barndominiums often boast superior insulation properties. This can lead to significant energy savings over time, reducing your utility bills and environmental footprint.

Versatility: Barndominiums are residences and can also function as workshops, storage for large vehicles or equipment, studios, or even commercial spaces. This flexibility makes them a suitable choice for people who work from home or have extensive hobbies.

Unique Aesthetic Appeal: With a barndominium, you’ll have a home that stands out from the crowd. They offer a distinct aesthetic, combining rustic charm with modern luxury, which can be a compelling draw for homeowners looking for something different.

In conclusion, barndominiums and shouses are innovative options in the housing market, combining practicality, affordability, and a distinctive style. Like any home, they have pros and cons, but for those seeking a unique living space that caters to a live-work lifestyle, they offer a compelling choice.