Unusual home styles like barndominiums, shomes, shouses, cabiminiums, and hangar homes combine residential living with nontraditional structures. These designs appeal to homeowners looking for flexibility, efficiency, or a lifestyle tied to work, land, or hobbies like aviation. Below, we explain what each style is, who it’s best for, and key features to consider when building.
A barndominium is a residential home inspired by barn-style architecture, often featuring open floor plans, high ceilings, and exposed structural elements.
The barndominium first appeared in the late ‘80s when intrepid homeowners began converting barns into homes. And before you could say, “Hay, barns are for horses!” it suddenly became popular to retrofit these humble animal abodes with upgrades fit for humans. The exposed timber walls and ceiling beams became hallmarks of this style. And not even the limited availability of real barns has deterred some enthusiasts, who build their own “barndos” from scratch.
Key features: Barn doors, high ceilings, exposed wood beams
Best for: Families who want a rural-forward lifestyle—or just like the look!
A cabiminium is a cabin-style home designed with a condominium-style ownership structure, where homeowners own their unit but share land or amenities. And with barndominiums gaining popularity, it didn’t take long for these hybrid living spaces to follow.
These modest cabins offer the charm of a rustic retreat without the responsibility of maintaining the surrounding property. Owners often share common areas and amenities with neighboring cabiminium residents.
Key features: Log construction, stone fireplaces, earthy materials
Best for: Couples and families who want a woodsy lifestyle without property maintenance
A shome is a small residential structure that combines a shed-style building with a fully livable home interior. Shed + Home = Shome. Get it?
So what makes a shome different from, well, a shed? While a shed might be fit only to house your lawn mower and ‘80s memorabilia you can’t bear to part with, a shome is kitted out with creature comforts. And due to their tiny footprint, shomes are definitely part of the tiny home trend.
Key features: Cozy layouts, small-scale amenities, indoor-outdoor living
Best for: Singles and couples who don’t mind a mini and modest living space
A shouse is a combined shop and home, designed to support both living and working in one structure.
Using similar naming logic as the shome combo, a shouse blends residential space with a dedicated workshop or production area. This setup has become popular with entrepreneurs who want to live where they work. While it may seem like a novel concept, this concept goes back centuries to blacksmiths and other tradesmen who had their shop attached to their houses.
Key features: Dedicated work space, industrial or metal finishes
Best for: Entrepreneurs who want the convenience of a live-work residence
Courtesy of Builder Magazine
A hangar home is a residence designed within or alongside an aircraft hangar, allowing homeowners to live and store airplanes in the same structure.
As part of the broader trend of converting unconventional buildings into homes, hangar houses offer a unique solution for aviation enthusiasts. Some are full hangar-to-home conversions, while others add living quarters to the aircraft storage to support a fly-in lifestyle.
Key features: The ability to park one’s airplane in their home, expansive open space
Best for: Those who adore aviation and/or want to live with their airplane
With over five decades of experience building homes in Northern California, Trilogy has seen housing styles evolve and trends come and go. Our team helps homeowners explore creative design ideas while staying grounded in craftsmanship, local knowledge, and long-term livability.
At the end of the day, home is what you want it to be, and we’ll always build you the home you love. It’s why generations of homeowners have trusted Trilogy. We’re here to help you build a place where you can truly make yourself at home. If you’re ready to explore your options for a new home build, contact us today!
What is the difference between a barndominium and a shome?
A barndominium is typically larger and inspired by barn construction, while a shome combines a shed-style structure with residential living and is often smaller in scale.
Are unusual home styles allowed in residential areas?
Zoning, building codes, and local regulations vary. It’s important to work with a licensed contractor (like Trilogy!) who understands local requirements before choosing a nontraditional home style.
Can unusual home styles be customized like traditional homes?
Yes. Many nontraditional home styles can be customized with modern layouts, finishes, and amenities while maintaining their unique structure.
