Julian Brenchley on how Barn homes deliver style and function on a budget
Julian Brenchley
Architect
Barn homes have long been sought after for their striking silhouettes and functional layouts – and in 2025 they continue to prove they are one of the most stylish ways to build. With modern Barn house design now incorporating contemporary Barn home elements, resilient features and modular homes, Barn style layouts have become an attractive proposition for homeowners who demand both character and practicality from their property.
Here’s everything you need to know about modern Barn homes and why they could be the smartest and most budget-friendly choice for your build.
Bold, flexible and functional
The Barn style house is defined by its steeply pitched gable roof, open-plan layouts and strong geometric form. According to The Block’s architect Julian Brenchley, what makes modern Barn style homes so appealing is their versatility in both function and form.
“The Barn style is a contemporary take on traditional rural architecture,” he says. “It blends rustic charm with modern design and energy-efficient principles, creating homes that are both functional and visually striking.”
Look beyond just their bold exteriors and you’ll find that Barn house style homes are also designed for total flexibility. From young families to downsizers, the contemporary Barn house features adaptable floorplans that make it easy to cater to multi-generational living or home offices.
"The Barn is a design solution that can work in multiple site configurations and adapt to client needs, so it’s a really efficient housing option," says Julian.
Why Barn homes work for any budget
Arguably the biggest design advantage of a Barn house is that it can be scaled up or down based on your budget constraints. Modular homes in the Barn style allow for incremental expansion, so homeowners can start with a smaller footprint and add more things on as needed.
“Modular and adaptable designs allow for scalability based on budget constraints,” Julian says. In other words, you can build smart by reducing the complexity in the layout while retaining high-impact design features.
Some of Julian’s cost-saving strategies when designing a modern Barn design include:
● Using uniform cladding (e.g. Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding) to get a more cohesive look while helping to limit your labour costs.
● Installing solar panels on gable roofs and double-skin lightweight walls.
● Incorporating passive design features to help reduce your long-term running costs.
● Using low-maintenance native plants, gravel paths and timber elements to uplift the exterior without unnecessary upkeep costs.
Creating the Barn look without breaking the bank
Achieving the modern Barn style house aesthetic doesn’t have to be expensive. Julian recommends a less-is-more approach.
As an example, you might want to go bold with a uniform cladding choice; a black Barn look with Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding can deliver high-end appeal without overwhelming your budget.
Alternatively, you could mix and match cladding for a contemporary Barn style house, combining the subtle render texture of Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding with the vertical grooves of Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding.
You might also like to use modular spaces – for example, a detached studio or additional dwelling for extra living space that can double as a home office or guest retreat. “You can get flexible zoning from sliding doors in corridors,” Julian says. “It is a Barn, after all! There are plenty of options.”
The best cladding for Barn homes
Picking the right cladding is just as important as the design itself; it’s what provides style and function. Julian says exterior solutions by James Hardie can help streamline the building process while infusing your home with durability for decades to come.
Here are four incredible choices from Hardie’s array of exterior and trim product lines:
Stria™ Cladding Smooth:Featuring deep, square-shaped grooves, this cladding can be installed either horizontally or vertically, creating a striking effect that complements robust Barn shapes. The sleek vertical lines emulate the intricate detail of vertical joint timber, offering a handcrafted look and feel.
Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding: The unique square and slanted edge grooves evoke the look of standing seam metal, adding drama and visual interest to Barn facades.
Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding:Perfect for a uniform facade that delivers a smooth, modern look while helping save time in installation.
Linea™ Weatherboard:The crisp horizontal lines and deep shadow of this weatherboard enhance the broad external walls typical of Barn homes.
“I like to go for a uniform look, so using just one cladding product en masse for impact,” Julian says, adding that board and batten is always popular.
Why Barn homes are the future of smart, stylish living
Modern Barn homes will continue to be a top trend throughout 2025 and beyond, thanks in large part to their blend of function and beauty. Whether you’re drawn to a fully custom Barn style modern house, a contemporary Barn home or a rustic Barn house interior, the Barn style home design has endless possibilities.
For design inspiration and practical tips about achieving the Barn look for your own home, download the Barn Design Handbook and read the Modern Homes Forecast 2025.
