When looking at barndominium designs and ideas, you may come across the word “shouse.” A shouse is a shophouse (shop + house = shouse). It is essentially a workshop or storage space connected to a living space.

Many of the first barndominiums were shouses. They were workshops and barns with residences added to the structure. People now call these designs shouses or shomes. Keep reading to explore the main features and benefits of a shouse.