Repurposed grain bins are turned into livable spaces

Source: VA Farm Bureau

CULPEPER, VA — From chic commercial spaces to outdoor gazebos, ambitious designers and innovative farmers are breathing new life into old grain bins—reimagining their form and function in unexpected and cost-effective ways.

Ryan Kearney, the general manager of Old House Vineyards in Culpeper, converted a grain silo into a multi-level family home.

From a distance, the rustic exterior of his circular, cantilever home vanishes into the agricultural landscape—appearing as one of three silos nestled on the land where the family’s winery, brewery and distillery are located.

“We wanted to add something unique to the property,” Kearney explained.

While converting a new silo into a home came with inevitable challenges, Kearney succeeded in crafting a charming conversation starter.

A similar concept is gaining traction in the world of sustainable architecture.

Longtime Virginia Farm Bureau sales agent Mike Barnette fell down the Pinterest “rabbit hole” in 2021 and stumbled upon an idea. Hoping to build a wooden outdoor oasis, he realized that repurposing an old grain bin was a simpler, “far more” budget-friendly solution.

Image credit - VA Farm Bureau

With a slew of online inspiration, he bought a 1959 grain bin from a local producer, picked up jacks and tips from another producer, called up some friends, and began building his backyard “binzebo”—combination grain bin and gazebo.

“The four of us took it down on a Saturday and put it back up on Sunday, and we’ve just been building on it ever since,” he remarked proudly.

While the 1,000-bushel corn crib didn’t have much agricultural use anymore, the bin came in great condition for a low-maintenance outdoor structure—weathering the elements for decades by design, with the exception of some dust and rust.

“This grain bin will last as long as I want it to,” Mike noted.

Although the project presented some unique challenges, it was “easier than expected.” The crew numbered each part before disassembling the grain bin—a critical step, Mike emphasized.

With a team of enthusiastic experts by his side, the old grain bin gradually returned to life. Mike’s neighbor, an engineer, helped navigate the lightly warped, curved structure to incorporate a sliding barn door and custom cedar and red oak bar top.

“The bar took two or three practices until we got our jig right to cut the angles, because the building didn’t end up being exactly round,” he recalled.

The binzebo evolved to include a concrete slope, brick pavers, cable TV and a picturesque pergola for a shaded seating area—creating an enchanting atmosphere with trailing vines and draping wisteria blooms in the springtime.

Just like the recycled structure, everything finds a home in the binzebo. At every turn, delightful knickknacks, silly signs and quirky collectables harmoniously decorate the Barnettes’ “Tin Can,” with many items donated by visitors over the years.

Mike encourages those interested in tackling a similar grain bin project to take it slow, have patience, lean on the professionals, and savor the journey.

Retiring from a 30-year Farm Bureau career in January, Mike looks forward to more quality time around the Tin Can with his six children and six grandchildren, binzebo additions, and long-awaited cross-country adventures with his wife, Mary.