How to Design Outbuildings

The Backroad Home > Barns & Backbuildings

Traditional American country buildings were efficient at serving their purpose and at and withstanding the weather. Vernacular buildings can provide some of the best ideas and inspiration for new designs in the same climate or for the same purpose.

This little building, designed in 1867 by architect George E. Woodward, was described by him as a "tool-house, etc." Besides being thankful that we no longer need an outdoor "etc.," we can learn something from the design.

The gingerbread, arched window and roof treatment that you see were a reflection of the same details on the main house. Last century’s homeowners knew that by repeating the colors, materials and details of their house on fences and outbuildings, they made the home seem more a part of the land that it was on and improved the look of both.

In order of importance, outbuildings should be built to complement a home by aligning their walls with the house’s, by using the same paint and roofing color, by using the same style roof and roof angle, and by using the same details, hardware and such.

1867 Privy and Tool-House Plan