The Modern Barn: how we built a bespoke home without breaking the bank
What if we told you that it is actually possible to build a home that has a bespoke high-end feel - without blowing the budget?
Well you’re in luck, because we can tell you that it is in fact possible, and that’s exactly what we did. Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at how our little Modern Barn was brought to life as we went on a mission to prove that beautiful, bespoke homes shouldn’t only be reserved for million-dollar builds.
The Vision: Acreage Aesthetic on a Suburban Block
The idea came at a time when I (Susie) had fallen in love with pavilion style homes - a number of interconnected rectangular spaces which sparked visual interest but also created an effortless flow between inside and out. But these designs that I loved? Only seemed to be found on acreage and usually came hand-in-hand with a price tag to match!
While we were in no financial position to purchase acreage (let alone fund a large-scale build), but we did have the means to purchase some land - a small corner block (600sqm) in our home town on a quiet cul-de-sac.
With the land hurdle overcome - the next question we asked ourselves: Could we take the feel of a pavilion-style acreage home and translate it to a smaller suburban setting? If we could pull it off, it might not only work for us—but also become a go-to solution for our future clients.
Challenge accepted.
Sketches, Strategy and Plenty of Coffee
We started, as most great builds do, with a sketch.
Modern Barn - how it started…
Ok - so don’t laugh at this sketch - but this is literally how we began.
We knew the layout had to be strategic: light-filled rectangular volumes linked by walkways. A three-pavilion structure with a clear hierarchy. Functional flow. And a warm, textural ‘modern barn’ aesthetic that blended Scyon cladding, recycled brick and timber.
It wasn’t without its challenges.
Proportions were key—each volume needed to hold its own while still feeling cohesive. The layout had to be practical, but also feel like there was effortless flow between one space to the next. And we had to keep our budget on a tight leash. As a new build we intended to sell, every design choice had to make both emotional and financial sense.
Spoiler: it took a lot of red pen, rework, and "can we actually make this happen" chats.
We definitely had moments along the way of - is this still the right thing to be doing on this block??
Modern Barn by Maplewood Lane under construction 2018
But the rest as they say is history, because we did in fact get there!
The Design Details That Delivered Big Impact
The final layout? A U-shaped home that links three bedrooms, a garage, laundry, walk-in pantry and an open-plan kitchen/living/dining zone that spills into a private alfresco courtyard.
Inside, we focused on where to splurge and where to save. The heart of the home features 5.5m-high raked ceilings with V-groove panelling and a recycled-brick fireplace that makes a statement (without making our wallets weep).
The goal was always to create something that felt high-end, yet human. And importantly—doable.
How it ended: Modern Barn x Maplewood Lane complete
Lessons From the Trenches
Over the years, we’ve spoken to so many clients who felt stuck at the starting line of their build journey. Paralysed by decision fatigue. Intimidated by designer fees. Burnt out from bad builder experiences.
Here’s what we want you to know:
You don’t need an unlimited budget to build a beautiful home. You need a strong vision and a strategy to match.
Smart design = savings. A home that maximises how space is used, and focuses on inside/outside cohesion will always function better than an overly large and poorly designed home. Plus - your bank balance will thank you.
The right plan can change everything. It becomes your north star—for budget, for communication, and for confidence.
We built The Modern Barn to prove that a bespoke-feel build is possible without the seven-figure designer price tag.
The Toolkit: Because You Shouldn’t Have to Start From Scratch
If you’re loving the look of our little Modern Barn and would love to make it your own - then read on, because my friend, we gotchu!
Our Modern Barn House Plan Toolkit distills everything we learned through this process. It includes:
Our exact floor plan + elevations
Builder-ready working drawings
Detailed specifications for materials + finishes
A bonus guide with cost-saving strategies and how to make the home yours
It’s your shortcut to a home that’s as functional as it is beautiful—with all the groundwork (and guesswork) already done.
Because building your dream home shouldn’t feel impossible. And it definitely shouldn’t start with a blank page.
If the Modern Barn sparked a little “heck yes” in your soul, our Toolkit was made for you.
It’s practical, it’s packed with insight, and it’ll help you approach your next build with clarity, confidence and creativity.
Explore the Modern Barn House Plan Toolkit here.
Need more of this valuable insight in your life?
Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help!
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Feeling slightly overwhelmed about tackling a custom new build? Then check out our House Plan Toolkits - the ultimate shortcut to making your dream home a reality.
Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time,
Susie x