Barn to Barndominium, The Secret’s in the Loft

Hey guys, Barn Geek here.

This knee wall is one of those difficult things to translate from plans to real-world scale. That knee wall on the plans looks short, and people might think they won’t have much room.

I am approximately 5 foot 10, or 5 foot 8. This is our standard 22-foot wide, 10/12 pitch Gable design, which is core to many of our designs. The knee wall is 40 inches, above the floor joists and flooring. I can walk and touch the wall without bumping my head comfortably.

If you’re considering building this as a house, I wouldn’t recommend making it 8 feet high. That would waste space and money. Instead, you can easily add a dormer for a window. Making it taller requires a bigger beam to support the structure efficiently.

Now, let’s talk about insulation. We use 2 inches of closed-cell spray foam between the girts, 1 inch of expanded polystyrene on the outside, and finish with board and batten siding. This creates a tight insulation system without the need for stud walls inside.

If you’re thinking of turning a barn into a living space, reach out to us before making modifications. It’s crucial to understand the process and avoid unnecessary expenses. This barn is part of our house, serving as bedrooms in our barndominium addition.

Read More about Post and Beam Barn Kits below.