barndominium

Australians have now become sufficiently familiar with this style of architecture to be able to refer to it as the barndo.  It is a blend of barn and condominium, combining the open space and relatively low costs of the barn design with the style and comfort of the condominium.  It originated in the US but is being taken up with enthusiasm in rural and semi-rural Australia.  It is an extended shed that allows for lots of open space which can be adapted to suit the needs of the owners.  It ticks all the environmental boxes with energy-efficient insulation, solar panels, rainwater harvesting.  It is a new design of house that functions well in this environment rather than an old style adapted to the environment.  At the same time it manages to be stylish and, using steel rather than wood, it will last forever. The barndo comes in many shapes and sizes.  Perhaps Australia will develop a barndo style of its own.