What Are Barn Houses Called? (15 Styles Explained)

Due to their rustic charm, barn houses have become quite popular recently. With so many barn house styles, it can be hard to tell them apart.

However, to assist you in selecting the best one for your needs, this article will discuss 15 different barn house styles, their names, and their characteristics.

Bank Barn House

Constructed into the side of a hill or bank, a bank barn house is a type of residential building with two levels that can be accessed from the ground level.

The lower level is usually reserved for agricultural purposes, such as storing hay or livestock. Meanwhile, the upper level is often utilized for residential living space. 

To take advantage of natural light and provide scenic views of the surrounding landscape, the upper level of a bank barn house may feature large windows.

Additionally, the unique design of bank barn houses allows for practical use of space and seamless integration with the surrounding environment.

Barndominium

Combining the features of a barn with those of a condominium, a barndominium is a type of barn-style residential home.

Typically, these structures have a rectangular or square shape, metal exterior, and spacious interior. The interior of a barndominium can be customized to include multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas, and a kitchen. 

Unlike traditional barn houses, barndominiums offer the durability and affordability of metal construction while still providing a comfortable living space.

They are an excellent choice for those seeking a low-maintenance home with a modern, industrial look.

Converted Barn

A converted barn house refers to an existing barn that has undergone renovations to transform it into a modern living space.

These renovations can be made using different materials like wood, stone, or metal and may include loft or stable conversions or a combination of both.

Inside, converted barn houses may feature open-concept living areas, mezzanine levels, and high ceilings. 

Dutch Barn House

Originally used as an agricultural structure in the Netherlands, Dutch barn houses feature a unique gambrel roof shape with two different slopes on each side.

Typically made of wood or brick, the exterior includes large doors on the side for easy interior access. Inside, these houses may feature open-concept living areas, exposed wooden beams, and high ceilings.

With their traditional and rustic look and a touch of European charm, Dutch barn houses are a great option for those seeking a unique and stylish home. 

Gambrel Barn House

Characterized by a distinctive roof shape, a gambrel barn house features two slopes on each side, with its lower slopes being steeper than the upper ones.

These houses typically have rectangular or L-shaped floor plans made from wood or other materials, with large open living areas, high ceilings, and exposed wooden beams inside.

Furthermore, gambrel barn houses offer a unique blend of traditional and modern styles, which are designed primarily for residential use.

They can include modern amenities such as multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and a kitchen, providing residents the best of both worlds.

Monitor Barn House

A monitor barn house is a residential building characterized by a raised center section with a gable roof and two shed roofs on either side.

The monitor barn house design allows plenty of natural light to enter the building, as the raised center section features large windows or skylights.

Monitor barn houses are similar to traditional barn houses in their design and use of materials. 

Morton Buildings

These houses typically feature a clear-span design, meaning they do not require interior columns or load-bearing walls, resulting in a more open interior space.

The exterior of Morton Buildings Barn Houses can be customized to include various materials such as wood, brick, or stone.

They are called Morton Buildings because they are designed and constructed by Morton Buildings, a leading provider of commercial and residential construction services in the United States. 

Pole Barn House

Instead of using a concrete slab for support, the walls and roof of a pole barn house are supported by poles or posts.

These residential buildings are typically constructed from wood and can be customized with metal, brick, or stone for the exterior. Inside, a large open living space with high ceilings and exposed wooden beams are common features. 

Unlike traditional barn houses, pole barn houses are primarily designed for residential use and can include modern amenities like multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and a kitchen.

They are an affordable and customizable option that is relatively easy to construct, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a unique and personalized home.

Quonset Hut House

A Quonset hut house is a residential building made from prefabricated, arched metal panels. These structures were originally designed for military use during World War II and were later repurposed for residential use.

The exterior of a Quonset hut house is usually made entirely of metal, and the interior can be customized to include multiple levels, with a central living area on the ground floor and additional bedrooms or living spaces on the upper levels.

In addition, the design of a Quonset hut house provides excellent durability and insulation, making them an ideal choice for those living in harsh climates. 

Round Barn House

With a domed roof that provides ample interior space without internal support, a round barn house is a unique residential building made of wood or brick.

Typically, multiple levels are present in the interior, with a central living area on the ground floor and additional bedrooms or living spaces on the upper levels. The design of a round barn house offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Additionally, it provides seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Shouse

The term “shouse” is derived from the combination of “shop” and “house,” as it refers to a metal building that combines living space with a workshop or storage area.

The exterior of a shouse is typically made of metal, and the interior can be customized to include a living space, bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen, and a workspace or storage area.

Shouses are similar to barndominiums in their metal construction and versatile floor plans but differ in that shouses usually have a separate workspace or storage area.

In contrast, a barndominium typically has an open living space. Shouses are often designed to be more utilitarian, whereas barndominiums tend to have a more modern and upscale feel.

Silo House

Constructed using a silo, a tall cylindrical structure traditionally used for storing grain or other agricultural products, a silo house is a unique type of residential building.

Commonly made of concrete or metal, the interior of a silo house can be customized to include multiple levels with a central living area on the ground floor and additional bedrooms or living spaces on the upper levels.

The exterior may include additional construction to provide additional living space or blend the silo into the surrounding landscape.

While silo houses offer a distinctive circular shape with a panoramic view of the surrounding area, they can present challenges such as limited space and potential conversion-related structural issues. 

Timber Frame Barn House

Incorporating the traditional aesthetic of a barn with the durability and functionality of a timber frame structure, the timber frame barn house is a type of residential building.

Typically, these houses feature large, exposed wooden beams and columns that create an open, airy feel to the interior space. They can be customized to include modern amenities such as multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and a kitchen.

The unique blend of rustic charm and modern convenience makes them an excellent choice for those who want to live in a natural and historical-style setting while still enjoying the comfort and functionality of a modern home.

Tiny Barn House

Combining the functionality of a traditional barn house with the compact design of a tiny home, a tiny barn house is a type of residential building.

Typically, they have a small footprint made from wood or other materials, with an interior featuring an open-concept living area, a loft bedroom, a kitchen, and a bathroom. With every inch of the home carefully thought out and utilized, the design of a tiny barn house provides an efficient use of space. 

Tiny barn houses are often affordable. They can be customized to fit various personal styles and preferences. Therefore, this makes them an excellent choice for those seeking a minimalist lifestyle or a vacation home that is easy to maintain.

Despite their small size, tiny barn houses offer a unique and charming way to live a simpler life without sacrificing the comforts of home.

Traditional Barn

A traditional barn house is a classic agricultural structure converted into a residential living space. These barns typically feature a rectangular or square shape, with high-pitched roofs, and are made from wood, stone, or brick.

The interior often includes a large open living space, exposed wooden beams, and high ceilings.

While traditional barn houses may not have all the modern amenities, they offer a unique and cozy atmosphere perfect for those looking for a rustic, country-style living experience.

Sources

Morton Buildings – Residential Metal & Steel Pole Barn Buildings

Future Buildings – The Uses for a Quonset Hut on Your Farm

Barndominiums 101 – Monitor Barn House Plans & Kits