If you've been scrolling through floor plans and dreaming of a new home, a monitor style barndo might just be the thing that finally stops your scroll. There's something about that stepped-roof silhouette that feels incredibly nostalgic yet totally modern at the same time. It's not just a box with a roof; it's got personality, history, and a level of vertical space that most standard homes can't even touch.
I've always thought that the monitor style—sometimes called a "raised center aisle" barn—is the king of the barndominium world. It's got that iconic triple-peak look where the center section sits higher than the two sides. Back in the day, farmers used that setup for extra ventilation and hay storage, but today? We're using it to create some of the coolest living spaces I've ever seen.
What Exactly Is a Monitor Style Barndo?
So, if you're new to the terminology, let's break it down real quick. A monitor style barndo is defined by its tiered roofline. You have a central, taller section (the monitor) flanked by two lower lean-to style sections on either side. It looks a bit like a wedding cake, but made of metal and wood and way more rugged.
The genius of this design is in the clerestory windows. Because the center section is taller, you have this strip of wall space above the side roofs where you can tuck in a row of windows. This floods the middle of the house with natural light. If you've ever lived in a deep, wide house, you know how the middle can feel a bit like a cave. With a monitor style, that's never an issue.
The Magic of the High Ceilings
The first thing you notice when you walk into a monitor style barndo is the height. Since the center aisle is raised, you naturally end up with these soaring ceilings that make the main living area feel massive. Most people choose to keep the center section open as a "great room."
Imagine walking into a space where the ceiling is twenty or twenty-five feet high. It changes the whole vibe of the house. It feels airy, breathable, and—let's be honest—pretty impressive when guests walk through the front door. It gives you plenty of room for a massive Christmas tree, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, or even a hanging light fixture that would look ridiculous in a normal eight-foot-ceiling house.
Lofts Are Basically Mandatory
Okay, they aren't strictly mandatory, but why wouldn't you? Because the center section of a monitor style barndo is so tall, it's the perfect setup for a loft. You can have your master suite or a cozy home office perched up there, looking down over the main living area.
I've seen some incredible designs where the loft connects to a second-story balcony. It's the ultimate "work from home" setup. You get to be away from the noise of the kitchen and living room but still feel connected to the heart of the house. Plus, looking out those upper windows from a loft gives you a view of the property that you just can't get from the ground floor.
Airflow and Natural Cooling
One thing people often forget about the monitor style barndo is how practical it is for climate control. Heat rises—we all know that from middle school science. In a traditional house, that heat just gets trapped against the ceiling.
In a monitor style build, you can actually use those upper windows to your advantage. If you get windows that open, you can create a chimney effect. Open the windows on the ground floor and the clerestory windows up top, and the hot air will naturally pull up and out, drawing a cool breeze through the bottom. It's an old-school farming trick that still works perfectly for modern homes, especially if you're trying to save a bit on your electric bill during the shoulder seasons.
Design Flexibility Is Through the Roof
The "wings" of the monitor style barndo—those lower sections on the sides—are where you can get really creative with your floor plan. A popular move is to use one side for bedrooms and bathrooms while using the other side for a massive garage or shop space.
Because the structure is usually supported by heavy-duty posts or steel frames, you don't need a lot of interior load-bearing walls. This means you can have a completely open-concept layout. You could have a kitchen that flows right into the dining area and then into a workshop where you keep your classic cars or woodworking tools. It's that "all-under-one-roof" lifestyle that makes barndos so appealing in the first place.
Exterior Vibes and Curb Appeal
Let's talk about the look for a second. A standard gable-roof barndo can sometimes look a bit like a warehouse if you aren't careful with the siding and windows. But a monitor style barndo has architectural interest built right into the frame.
You can play with colors to really make it pop. I love seeing these with dark charcoal metal siding on the main body and warm wood accents under the eaves. Or, you can go for the classic white "farmhouse" look with black window frames. Because there are so many different roof planes, the light hits the building differently throughout the day, giving it a lot of depth and character.
Is It More Expensive to Build?
I'll be real with you—adding those extra roof lines does usually cost a bit more than a simple rectangle with a single peak. You've got more framing, more roofing material, and more flashing to make sure everything is watertight.
However, many people find that it's worth the extra investment because of the square footage you gain in the loft and the overall value it adds to the property. It's a "statement" home. If you're going to build a barndominium, you might as well go for the style that offers the most visual impact.
Tips for Planning Your Monitor Barndo
If you're starting to sketch out your ideas, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Window Placement: Don't skimp on the clerestory windows. They are the soul of the monitor style. Even if they don't open, they bring in the light that makes the interior feel so special.
- Insulation: With those high ceilings, you want to make sure you have top-tier insulation (like spray foam) in the roof. You don't want all your expensive heated air escaping or making the upstairs loft uncomfortably hot in the summer.
- Scale: Make sure your "wings" are wide enough. Sometimes people make the center aisle huge but the side sections too narrow, which can make the bedrooms feel cramped. Balance is key.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, a monitor style barndo is for the person who wants something a little different. It's for the family that needs a workshop but doesn't want it to look like a separate eyesore on the property. It's for the person who loves the feeling of big, open spaces and natural light.
Whether you're building on fifty acres in the middle of nowhere or a small lot on the edge of town, this style brings a bit of that rugged, timeless ranch energy to your life. It's a design that has stood the test of time for a reason—it just works. And honestly, it looks pretty cool while doing it.