Barndominiums

A barndominium — or “barndo” — is a type of building that combines the structural strength of a steel frame with the livability of a traditional home. What sets barndominiums apart is their structural system: typically a steel frame with free span construction, meaning most of the load is carried by the exterior frame, which significantly reduces the number of interior load-bearing walls. This allows for large, open floor plans and a high degree of interior flexibility.

A hybrid barndominium is a modern building approach that combines the structural strength of a steel frame with the versatility and flexibility of traditional wood-framed exterior walls. In a hybrid system the primary structure consists of steel columns, rafters, and roof framing. All exterior walls are framed with 2×6 wood studs between the steel columns and sheathed with the ZIP System for structural rigidity and weatherproofing.

A hybrid barndominium delivers the robustness of steel and the comfort of conventional home finishes, all in one structure. The steel frame minimizes long-term structural upkeep, and the layered wall system is easier to service over time.

• Structural durability — steel framing resists termites, rot, warping, and fire
• Free span interior layouts with few load-bearing walls
• Improved exterior wall assembly with ZIP System sheathing and taping
• Material flexibility — fiber cement, engineered wood, or metal siding