Do you ever imagine living in a non-conventional home? Maybe you dream about going 'tiny' or repurposing a unique material into a home that is truly one of a kind. Here, we're taking a look at different ways people have repurposed metal structures into super-cozy living spaces. Do you think you could live here?
With thousands of farms across the United States, it's common to see these round metal grain bins, called “grain silos”. So many are standing empty or being torn down because they're no longer in use.
But, not everyone is satisfied with tearing down these unique structures that pay homage to our American farming history, more and more we are seeing crafty people constructing grain bin homes, storage buildings, offices, and barns. The best part? After the bin is in place, it requires virtually no maintenance.
Now, driving past a grain bin may put visions in your head and give you ideas of living in an off (or on-grid) unique tiny home. The best part is, these grain bins can cost as little as free.
One of the most well-known silo renovations is the Chip & Joanna Gaines Market Silos in Waco, Texas.
A little bit about galvanized steel as a building material:
Pros of Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel is most often used in pipes, roofs, support beams, wall braces, and residential framing. It is commonly seen in commercial uses but is becoming more popular as a framing material for residential use as well as decoratively for the following reasons.
Non-Corrosive Surface
Galvanized steel resists corrosion, making it popular in marine and seawater areas, where any other material tends to rust and rot.
It is also used for farm applications, and it is in fact considered better than aluminum for many purposes in a farm setting, such as for livestock confinement or for buildings with mixed materials. Generally, if a building comes in contact with wet concrete, copper, or lead, then the galvanized steel is recommended.
Sustainability and Recycling
Many people recommend using galvanized steel as a framing material for residential as well as commercial buildings because it can be reused and recycled.
