Shop house designs & design ideas

How to Design a Custom Shouse

A shop house, AKA an “Shouse,” (or sometimes referred to as a barndominium) combines residential living space with a fully functional workshop under one roof. This hybrid structure is popular with hobbyists, entrepreneurs, farmers, and anyone needing workspace close to home.

Designing your new live-work space requires balancing comfort, functionality, and zoning requirements while planning for long-term flexibility.

1. Define the Split: Living vs. Work Space

Start by determining the square footage you want for each function. A common layout might be a 40'x60 'building with 1,200 - 1,500 sq. ft. dedicated to the living quarters and the rest to a workshop or garage.

Some designs split the building down the middle, with the shop on one end and the living space on the other for better sound isolation and temperature control. Another alternative is a loft-style apartment home with the living space above the work space.

2. How many Levels?

Do you need a one or two story building? Single-level buildings with an attached apartment can have high open spaces to match the 14' to 16' work area. Alternatively, a two story home can be connected to a full-height workshop.

3. Choose a Shell Kit

Most Shouses use pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) for the shell due to their:

• Wide, clear-span interiors (no interior load-bearing walls),
• High ceilings (ideal for vehicle lifts or mezzanine),
• Trussless roof design - allowing for increased interior clearances and loft spaces,
• Speed of construction and cost efficiency.
• Customizable openings for garage doors, walk doors, and windows

PEMBs make it easy to frame and insulate the residential portion while keeping the workshop area open and durable.

4. Frame the Interior

Once the building has been erected, you can choose to frame the interior with traditional 2x4 lumber or steel studs. Once the interior walls are in place, you can apply drywall as you would with a traditional build.

5. Plan the Layout Carefully

Living quarters: Include bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and a shared entry/mudroom between the work area and living space.

Use standard wood framing or metal stud systems inside.

Workspace: Design for high-traffic movement, equipment access, and safety. Consider placing mechanical systems or utility rooms between the shop and house to act as a sound and fire buffer.

The work space should have tall overhead doors (10’ - 14’), walk doors, and windows. For the living quarters, plan window placement for natural light and privacy.

6. Focus on Comfort, Code, and Convenience

• Insulation: Use spray foam or rigid board insulation for both energy efficiency and sound control.
• HVAC: Separate heating/cooling zones for both areas.
• Code Compliance: Living spaces must meet residential codes (plumbing, egress, energy efficiency), while the work area must comply with IBC and fire separation rules.

Pro Tip: Use 3D floor planners or our 3d building designer tools to visualize your layout and test flow between work and living zones.

Add-Ons & Customization Options

• Mezzanines
• Lean-tos or porches
• Solar-ready roofing
• Interior framing for drywall or partitioned areas

Pro Tips:

• Work with an experienced metal building supplier who provides stamped engineering drawings and one who will guide you through the entire design process.
• Always verify local permitting requirements before you finalize the building specifications.

When it comes to erecting your building, you have three options.

Do-it-yourself (DIY). We only advise going this route on smaller buildings (under 2,000 square feet) and if you have previous construction experience.

Self-manage. With a self-managed project, you are responsible for hiring and managing the various sub-trades, including the concrete company for the foundation, the steel erectors to construct the kit, plumbers, electricians, etc.

Hire a General Contractor (GC). For a completely hands-off option, you may want to consider hiring a GC who will manage the entire project on your behalf, from pulling permits and installation to the final inspection. Expect to pay 10-20% for the services of a GC.