THE IDEAL SOLUTION FOR HERITAGE BARNS

Make the smart choice for your property. Choose a SmartShelters heritage barn.

Most sheds and shelters are built solely for their function; as long as they get the job done, it doesn’t really matter what they look like doing it. Often the thought is that by increasing form you decrease function.

But what if you could have both?

Aerial view of a green arched shelter on a grassy field overlooking a vast wetland with distant ocean views.

Heritage Barns

Heritage barns offer all the practicality of a traditional farm shelter, while also matching or adding to the character of your property with their unique style. The classic American barn works well and looks good doing it.

But while heritage barns are often defined by tradition, using timber, stone and other natural materials to create a shelter for animals and assets, SmartShelters heritage barns can be seen as the evolution of this structure; a modern steel frame and fabric construction, that offers all the functionality of a heritage barn, but in a strong and easy to construct package.

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For further information, visit our Brochure page.

What is a heritage barn?

A heritage barn, otherwise known as an American or historic barn, is a barn that is styled to match the quintessential look of the sheds and shelters found in rural America. They can feature multi-level, steeply angled roofs, multiple entry points, and are often painted distinctive colours, most famously red.

Over the centuries the heritage barn has transformed from the most functional use of available materials to an architectural statement piece. It has been exported across the world, and in recent years has proven a particularly popular choice in New Zealand.

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Three dogs resting on gravel under a large curved canopy with tall trees in the background.

GALLERY

Large green heritage barn sheltering tractors and farming equipment on a muddy terrain with a puddle and a metal structure to the right.
Spacious white heritage barn with an arched roof, set amidst an open area with equestrian hurdles and a fenced garden, under a cloudy sky.
Rider on a horse training under the expansive arch of a heritage barn, with a scenic backdrop of rolling hills and distant structures.

Heritage barn size

In comparison to modern sheds and shelters heritage barns can be quite small, often used for storage of tools and small equipment rather than feed, livestock and machinery.

That said, SmartShelters offer heritage barn-style shelters in every size, from small garage-style setups to expansive structures designed for large scale storage.

TESTIMONALS

Smartshelters played a critical role in the recent project to gather information about the Alpine Fault – New Zealand’s biggest earthquake threat.

Alpine Drilling Completed Project by SmartShelters NZ, Alpine Drilling Project

THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION EMPLOYED SMARTSHELTERS TO CREATE A HELICOPTER HANGAR AND ACCOMMODATION SHELTERS FOR USE IN THE MOUSE ERADICATION PROJECT IN THE WILD ANTIPODES ISLANDS. CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO ON LOCATION.

Antipodes Completed Project by SmartShelters NZ, Department of Conservation
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ASK US A QUESTION ABOUT OUR HERITAGE SHELTERS

    Materials used in a heritage barn construction

    The materials used in heritage barns have transformed over the years. Stone and thatch constructions eventually gave way to timber, before corrugated steel barns became more and more popular. Finally, we’ve come to fabric.

    At SmartShelters we are redefining the modern heritage barn. Our super-strength membrane structure fabric offers a look that is at once modern and classic, and entirely unique. If you’re looking for a heritage barn that stands out, a SmartShelters construction does exactly that.

    How to decide on a heritage barn frame

    The frame of your heritage barn is perhaps its most important feature, bringing strength, longevity and security to the structure. While timber has historically been used in heritage barns, these days there’s a better way.

    SmartShelters’ structural-grade supergal galvanised steel framing ensures your heritage barn will stand the test of time. It allows all SmartShelters structures to achieve high wind and snow ratings, all while making them fast and simple to construct.

    Heritage barn examples

    ‘Heritage barn’ is an overarching term that covers a number of distinct styles. Examples of heritage barns include:

    • Bank barns: A rectangular barn with two distinct levels. Animals are commonly housed at the bottom, while the upper areas are used for storage.
    • Tobacco barns: These are heavily ventilated barns designed to dry tobacco crops after harvest.
    • English barns: American barns were inspired by their European equivalent, which were small and rectangular with a simple A-frame roof.
    • Dutch barns: With large, gabled roofs, clapboarding, stock doors in the corners and wagon doors in the centre, Dutch barns are amongst the most spectacular heritage barns.
    • Prairie barns: Large and typically made of wood, with curved roofs that angle all the way to the ground, prairie barns are designed to maximise storage, particularly of feed.
    • Round barns: A rare type of barn, these were originally built by the Shakers, an American religious sect. The circular shape maximises the volume-to-surface ratio, making for efficient material use.

    Heritage barn cost

    The classic heritage barn, made with stone, timber and elbow grease, can be price-prohibitive today. New materials and construction methods have led to more efficient and effective heritage barn solutions, while also retaining their distinctive look and feel. 

    Combining a strong steel frame with ripstop cover, SmartShelters can construct a heritage barn of the future for your property.

    Contact a member of our experienced team today to discuss a truly smart shelter solution.