Solar-Powered Alabama Barndominium by Connie Rollins

Aside from offering beautiful country landscapes, Alabama also provides a cost-effective solution to homebuilding. The average cost to build a home in Alabama is $267,620, considerably less expensive than in many other states.

But for those looking to build a home that is both affordable and sustainable, the barndominium has become increasingly popular. A barndominium is a home built from an existing barn structure or constructed using metal siding and roofing materials.

Such homes offer unique style and a rugged charm with modern comforts and amenities. But because they’re so flexible, barndominiums can be designed to accommodate many different needs, including going solar.

Residential solar power installations in the US rose by 34% in 2021, as more homeowners look for ways to reduce their electricity bills and become energy-independent.

For those building a barndominium in Alabama, solar power makes perfect sense. We’ll find out why in this next featured home.

Solar-powered Barndominium: Exterior

Today’s feature is a solar-powered Alabama barndominium by Connie Rollins! Covering a total of 6,000 sq. ft, this sprawling barndo is a one-of-a-kind home that blends not only functionality and style but also eco-friendly practices. 

A gable roof is a style staple for barndominium roofs, but in this case, it’s the perfect style to mount solar panels. Each side carries 18 solar panels, allowing them to power both the house and the workshop. 

To facilitate smooth airflow and plenty of natural light, wide porches also surround the living space. The residents can easily switch between relaxing indoors and enjoying the Alabama sun and breeze outside.

Solar-powered Barndominium: Interior

The interior design is just as functional as the exterior. Open floor plans are a popular trend in barndominiums, and this one is no exception. The living room, kitchen, and dining area all flow together without walls to break up the space. 

Moreover, this solar-powered Alabama barndominium houses 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a massive garage/workshop, all accessible from the living area. 

Living Space

Plenty of windows are a barndo must-have as they improve visibility and enhance the overall aesthetic. Here, windows line either side of the room, providing ample natural light and allowing the residents to enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape. 

While there is no problem with air circulation, how do the owners stay warm during the cold months? Luckily, this barndo has a state-of-the-art central heating system that can manipulate floor temperature. Pair it with a cozy fireplace; the area will be warm and inviting all year. 

Here’s a preview of the heating system, a reminder that this classic barndo is still powered by modern technology. While Connie Rollins shared that the house is not entirely off-grid, their power bill reflects minimum usage.

Kitchen

The kitchen may be small, but it’s designed to be efficient and maximize its limited space. It has modern appliances, including a gas stove and refrigerator. The stainless steel appliances complement the granite countertops, while the wood cabinets are painted blue-gray to provide a pop of color. 

This kitchen design foregoes a kitchen island, allowing more floor space to travel around. It also has easy access to the back of the house, which is great for entertaining or outdoor dining.

To add more flair, a huge four-panel window is placed in front of the sink, letting the window frame a gorgeous view of the Alabama countryside.

Bathroom

As mentioned, this solar-powered Alabama barndominium by Connie Rollins has 2.5 bathrooms. Each has its own style but was built to be functional and comfortable. 

Bathroom no. 1 evokes a rustic-modern feel with wood cabinetry, marble countertop, and ceramic shower tiles. The large mirror and the steel bathroom fixtures further add to the modern look. 

This shower area combines two tile patterns for a unique and eye-catching effect. The gray ceramic tiles create a classic look, while the tiny brick accents add a hint of rustic charm. 

The second bathroom has a more no-frills look, but certain design elements stand out. The modern bathtub adds a nice touch of luxury, especially since it is situated by a wide window. 

The juxtaposition of marble tiles with modern fixtures in the shower area gives the bathroom a distinct character. The shower also comes with rainfall and hand-held showerheads so that the homeowners can switch between a luxurious rain shower and a convenient one. 

In the sink area, vintage light fixtures are paired with backlit mirrors, giving the bathroom a contemporary yet timeless feel. The cabinets framing these mirrors also provide plenty of storage space.

Workshop

No barndo is complete without a connected workshop! For this Alabama barndominium, the workshop is an impressive high-ceilinged space perfect for all sorts of activities and vehicles.

It’s big enough to fit a two-post lift and a four-post lift. The area also has plenty of room for the classic workbench with tools and supplies to spare.

Unlike the rest of the house, the workshop features steel walls in all directions. This ensures durability and fire resistance in this area where plenty of welding and cutting may occur.

Final Thoughts

This Alabama solar-powered barndominium by Connie Rollins is a great example of how flexible barndo designs can be. A no-frills design and muted colors keep it comfortable and homey, while the tech keeps it efficient and sustainable. 

It proves that you can pull off a classic barndo vibe while keeping functionality and energy efficiency in mind.

If you would like more guides like this one, check out the rest of BarndominiumLife.com. There, you will find more helpful tips and tricks from the pros. You will also find featured barndominiums, barndominium floor plans, and information on financing and insurance. Knowing as much as you can will help you get the best results for your dream home.