The Rome Family’s Barndominium in Maurice, Louisiana
For many homeowners in Louisiana, the increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes make building a home a daunting challenge. The Romes wanted more than just a place to live—they needed a sanctuary. A space uniquely theirs, where they could live, work, and play while ensuring their family’s safety during hurricane season.
Traditional homes often fall short in the face of severe storms, leaving families vulnerable to destruction and costly repairs. Determined to create a home that could withstand Louisiana’s unpredictable climate, the family turned to Gable Steel to design a barndominium that blended resilience, functionality, and a charm uniquely theirs.
Put to the Test: Hurricane Francine
When Hurricane Francine tore through Louisiana, it left a devastating trail of destruction—homes flattened, communities disrupted, and lives forever changed. Yet, this barndo stood strong, a testament to the power of thoughtful design and superior engineering. Hurricanes like Francine highlight the need for homes that can endure extreme weather conditions. In a state where resilience is more than a luxury, the Romes’ decision to build with steel proved to be the ultimate investment in safety and peace of mind.
Why Steel is the Future of Disaster-Ready Homes
Steel buildings are engineered for exceptional durability, making them the ideal choice for regions like Louisiana, where hurricanes and severe storms are an ever-present threat. Unlike traditional materials that can fail under extreme conditions, steel structures excel in protecting homes and families.
With pre-engineered building kits, for example, homeowners can achieve unparalleled safety without sacrificing style. This new barndo is a shining example of how strength and aesthetics can coexist.
Vinyl-Backed Insulation for Comfort and Protection
Engineering for Resilience; Bracing for Unmatched Stability
This home was built with a red-iron framing system reinforced by a strategically engineered bracing system. The critical design feature enhances the structural integrity by creating a stable framework that resists the lateral forces generated by hurricane force winds from compromising the building. Unlike traditional wood framing, which can warp or collapse under extreme pressure, The bracing system redirects and distributes these forces evenly throughout the structure. It ensures the building remains securely anchored to its foundation, even in the face of winds exceeding 200 mph.
For homeowners in hurricane-prone areas, bracing systems like Gable Steel’s are game-changers. It provides peace of mind knowing that their home is built to handle the harshest conditions while reducing long-term maintenance costs often associated with storm damage.
Louisiana’s hot and humid climate brings unique challenges for homeowners, such as managing moisture, preventing condensation, and controlling rising energy costs. To combat these issues, the engineering team selected a vinyl-backed insulation system as the ideal solution.
The insulation system was designed to control condensation by:
Thermal Efficiency: maintaining consistent indoor temperatures, reducing the strain on heating and cooling systems.
Moisture Barrier: preventing condensation and the buildup of mold or mildew, which can damage the structure and negatively impact air quality.
Soundproofing: adding an extra layer of noise reduction, ensuring a quieter, more peaceful living environment.
Galvalume Roof and Gutter System
The Galvalume roof is a standout feature of the Rome family’s barndo, offering a unique combination of strength and longevity. Made from steel coated with a zinc-aluminum alloy, Galvalume roofs provide exceptional resistance to corrosion, making them ideal for regions with high humidity and frequent storms.
Key benefits include:
Superior Durability: Galvalume roofs outlast traditional roofing materials and eliminate the need for frequent replacements.
Heat Reflection: The reflective surface helps reduce heat absorption, improving energy efficiency and keeping the home cooler during Louisiana’s hot summers.
Low Maintenance: Resistant to cracking, peeling, and rust, the Galvalume roof requires zero upkeep, even in extreme weather conditions.
Complementing the roof is their gutter system, which plays a critical role in protecting the home’s foundation. Unlike sectional gutters prone to leaks, the Rome’s barndo is outfitted with steel gutters that are custom-fit to the structure, ensuring efficient rainwater drainage. By channeling water away from the foundation, they prevent issues such as soil erosion, flooding, and water damage, ultimately extending the life of the home.
From Vision to Reality: A Collaborative Effort
Devin Murphy, their project coordinator at Gable Steel, worked closely with the Romes to bring their dream barndo to life. Devin shared his excitement about the project:
“When I first saw the Rome family’s plans, I knew this would be something special. The thoughtful details—from the welcoming front porch to the breezeway connecting the house to the shop—made this project a favorite of mine. We worked together to fine-tune every element, and the end result is truly a masterpiece. Watching this home come together, from concrete pouring to steel framing, has been an incredible journey.”
Behind the scenes, the engineers meticulously ensured every component of the structure met rigorous safety standards while maintaining the family’s aesthetic vision.
Barndo at a Glance
Location: Maurice, Louisiana
Type: Red-Iron Barndominium/Home
Colors: Charcoal Grey Walls, Black Trim, Galvalume Roof
Size:
40x40x14 Garage (2:12 roof pitch)
40x70x14 House (4:12 roof pitch)
Accessories:
8×8 Breezeway
Wood Framed Porches: 15×20 and 10×14 with hipping
Vinyl-Backed Insulation
Steel Gutters and Downspouts
(8) Black Framed Windows
A Home Built for Louisiana’s Future
This barndominium isn’t just a home; it’s a symbol of resilience, innovation, and thoughtful design. Built to endure Louisiana’s harshest storms, it offers a family peace of mind without compromising beauty or functionality. Whether they’re working in the shop, enjoying family time on the breezy front porch, or riding out the next hurricane, this home is more than ready for anything life throws their way.
