There are as many building designs as there are stars in the night sky. But we
think this simple 40- x 60-foot shed illustrates design techniques that apply to
any small- to medium-size outbuilding.
SITE. The site is large enough for the building with space left over for traffic
lanes. This allows for easy maneuvering of equipment.
DESIGN. The building has a 20-foot-wide center alley and a pair of 10-foot wings
on either side.
SPACE. The owner sketched out blocks of space equal in scale to his equipment to
ensure it would all fit. He added extra space for walkways and any future
expansion of his equipment line.
MATERIAL. The structure is built with treated, Southern yellow pine. It is low
maintenance, resists rot and holds up to the elements. The floor is crushed
limestone. The roof is made from long-lasting galvanized steel.
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1. Not every machine shed includes gutters because
they are an added cost. However,
the concern here was that storm water would flow off the roof, onto gradually
sloping ground and cause erosion. One inch of rain on this roof creates about
1,600 gallons of water. Gutters then gather this storm water to four downspouts
that direct water away from the building in a more controlled manner. |
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2. The steel roof will probably outlast the machine shed. Metal is more expensive
than a traditional roof made of wood sheeting and shingles. But the lack of
maintenance and the longevity of metal mean this roof will pay for itself over
the long term. Also, the silver color of the galvanized roof reflects the sun's
heat better than that of a shingled roof. Another benefit is that metal gives
the barn a traditional look. |
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3. The shed's joists are wooden. Instead of a steel truss system, the builder
simply nailed together two 2- x 12-inch pieces of yellow pine lumber. Those
joists support the roof and are hefty enough to span the 20 feet of the center.
The joists are supported by a post and beams running down either side of the
alley. There is 10 feet of clearance between the ground and joists. |
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4. To store equipment and supplies that are more prone to "walk away," the owner
built two secure storage areas, each 10 by 12 feet. These areas are large enough
to hold equipment such as chain saws and mowers. With room for shelves, there
also is ample space to store mechanical and field maintenance supplies off the
floor. The double doors were built with materials available at the construction
site. |
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5. The barn features a spacious 20-foot center alley. Running lengthwise 60 feet
through the shed, the alley creates a convenient route for moving equipment
within the building. For example, larger pieces of equipment, such as trailers,
can be pulled directly into—and through—the barn. Establishing a sensible
traffic pattern for equipment is essential in planning any building. The alley
is wide enough for parking pickup trucks and equipment side by side. |
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6. Except for the pair of locked storage areas in front, this building was designed
with open sides, making it more flexible. Equipment can be easily moved through
the sides, instead of maneuvering everything through the middle of the building.
The outside support posts are 12 feet apart. The next row of supports is 10 feet
in from them, creating 10- x 12-foot spaces that can later be converted to horse
stalls. |
E X T R A: See next page for video describing the construction of this building.
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