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Why Choose An L-Shaped Barndominium?
The L is not a style choice, it is a site choice.
Three things it buys you:
**A sheltered outdoor room.** The inside corner of the L blocks prevailing wind and creates a courtyard that a rectangle cannot. On an exposed rural lot this is the single biggest liveability difference.
**Separated wings.** Bedrooms on one leg, living and shop on the other, with the corner as the hinge. That is why the L shows up so often in multi-generational and guest-suite plans.
**A better fit on an awkward lot.** Sloped ground, a setback line, a stand of trees — the L bends around what a rectangle has to bulldoze.
Featured L-Shaped Barndominium Plans
Plan 888-17 by Nick Lee (HousePlans.com)
3776 sq ft – 3 bed – 3.5 bath – 2 bay garage
| 3 Bedrooms | 3.5 bath |
| 97′ x 126′ | Living Area: 3,776 sq. ft |
| L-shaped design with Breezeway | Garage Area: 633 sq. ft. |
A signature design by architect Nick Lee exclusively for HousePlans.com
When architect Nick Lee wants to go bold he delivers! This stunning house design incorporates the modern version of farmhouse ranch with a classic L-shaped layout. You get inside-out living with the breezeway and 360 degree views of the courtyard area from the interior of the home.
It would be near impossible to keep me away from that courtyard 24/7.
Your guests could stay on the far end of the breezeway and have their own retreat away from the main living area. Or you could modify that for a multiple-family living setup with dual masters.
Nick’s signature design is inspired by the classic California ranch house. That gives the plan a barndominium aesthetic without the box layout.
What Comes With This Plan?
Please note: This designer includes the bonus square feet to the total heated living square feet.
All plans are drawn at ¼” scale or larger and include :
- COVER PAGE: Shows the full architectural rendering of this design
- FOUNDATION PLAN: Drawn to 1/4″ scale, this page shows all necessary notations and dimensions including support columns, walls and excavated and unexcavated areas.
- FLOOR PLAN: Detailed plans, drawn to 1/4″ scale for each level showing room dimensions, wall partitions, windows, etc.
- ROOF PLAN: An overhead “birds-eye” view of the roof, describing roof slope
- ELEVATIONS: A blueprint picture of all four sides showing exterior materials and measurements.
- SECTIONS: A vertical cutaway view of the house from roof to foundation showing details of framing, construction, flooring and roofing.
- ELECTRICAL PLAN: Shows the locations of lights, receptacles, switches, etc.
- TYPICAL WALL SECTION & DETAILS
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an L-shaped barndominium cost more to build?
Yes, modestly. The same square footage in an L has more exterior wall, more roof line and a valley at the inside corner, so it lands higher in the $80–$120 per square foot range than a simple rectangle would.
What is the L-shape good for?
A sheltered courtyard in the inside corner, and separating bedrooms from living and shop space onto different legs. It also fits awkward or sloped lots better.
Is a valley roof a problem on a metal building?
It is the most common leak point, so it needs proper flashing and an installer who has done them. It is not a reason to avoid the shape — just not a detail to save money on.
