Round grain bin becomes affordable prairie-style home

Bob Quinn works farm radio, was raised by farmers and owns a small farm so it wasn’t such a leap to convert a grain bin into his retirement home. “Basically we wanted some living quarters. We looked at a log cabin, but I wanted to have it so it looked like it was part of the farm.”
After reporting on the converted grain bin homes (dubbed “Safe T Homes”) that Iowa-based Sukup Manufacturing had sent to Haiti for earthquake victims, Quinn was sold on the idea. “They figured out how to put doors and windows in that grain bin and I decided, you know what, I’m going to do it on a bigger scale.”
Quinn ordered a 36-feet-wide (20,000-bushel) grain bin to be delivered to his farm in Madison County. He and his wife, Ann, chose where to cut the doors and windows and where to lay the concrete foundation. After the grain bin workers had installed the concentric series of rings that make up the structure, the couple finished the job (with the help of plumbers, electricians, and their son-in-law www.coryandthec....
With the exception of the doors and windows, from the outside, it looks like any other grain bin omnipresent on midwestern farms. On the inside, the couple chose not to erect walls and to leave it looking as if you’d stepped inside an empty bin.
To provide space for insulation, they added a second roof and a second skin (made from corrugated roofing material). The interior is decorated true to the genre: the kitchen is a recycled farm kitchen; the bathroom is hidden behind a sliding barn door and the balcony railings are hog panels.
Original story: faircompanies....

[@DarkLinkAD]

I love it, keep it simple. When your old, the less to fix, the better. This is as basic and maintenance free as it gets.

[@MattSiegel]

i love bob's enthusiasm for grain bins. i feel like i've learned quite a bit about corn storage :D

[@willywhite492]

We had a homeless family living in a grain bin. As we were giving them donated food and clothing we got to know them. Eventually their circumstances made the local paper and they were moved to a house. But I was always enamored by the idea of converting a grain bin into a livable house.

[@chrisk8187]

BRILLIANT! I designed a two "story" home that was under a "farm" ribbed steel paneled arch that was created to cover farm implements, hay bales, livestock etc. often placed next to silos. The lot was purchased, surveyed, perk tested, well located, gas/electric lines determined and the house was staked out. We were ready to go. Then my wife had a seizure and diagnosed with a brain tumor. That changed our options and plans for the future. I really like what this guy did, I would head in his direction if I were able to do it now. Thanks for your out of the box thinking!

[@veganschmegan]

This is almost exactly what I want to build (except we want much larger windows). So beautiful left wide open on the inside. Love the insulation. Love the open space. Great job. Excellent video -- thank you for the inspiration.

[@Gudsur]

I would've done the interior and exterior completely different, but the thought of what you can do with all that room is inspiring. I don't need a place that big, but to get a silo for 7-8k... I'd jump at it in a heartbeat if I could.

[@jasonmccall3950]

I love the seatbelt moment at the beginning. True farmer there. Dad and Grandpa do the same thing every time when going to check the sheep at what we call the other place (an old farm that's now just a couple barns)

[@ayitsyaboi]

Every farmer I know (I know a lot - I live in Indiana) does the same thing. You're right it's probably not just a farmer thing, but it holds true in my experience at least. My dad was the same way. Owned a truck that pre-dated seatbelt laws so it was grandfathered in and we never had to wear them, so transitioning that into something more modern yields the same result. The stubborn grunt as the seatbelt chime dings over and over again.

[@michaeldianem9259]

This is the best yet as far as unusual livable habitats. Absolutely genuine and creatively beautiful. Everything about it is a delight to see. This man's an innovator. Thanks for sharing.

[@acmulhern]

This is so nice to see. This man is very knowledgeable and passionate about farming, so much so that he's used all of these technologies and reinvented them into a place for him and his family to live in. Incredibly interesting technologies and systems. Thanks for sharing, this was very interesting.

[@timnewman1172]

Bob was a long time farm broadcaster on WHO radio in Des Moines...

[@addressedtokill]

I was glad to see it was two concentric bins with insulation binding them- not sure an empty monocoque structure would be very safe to live in- hit the wall too hard and it could crumple, corrugation or not. Very cool to see a house being built from the top down, and kudos to their design aesthetic: Yurt Deco anyone? ;)

[@kellykeith7129]

What great place and no fire can burn it down.

[@Frisenette]

That is one thermodynamically sound building. They would be able to improve acoustics and light reflection by hanging huge pieces of cloth along all the walls and ceiling. Also make an oculus in the point of the dome. That would improve indoor lighting a great deal.

[@illyias]

Cloth on the walls might look super dope, yeah! Much better than the fucking metal he's got now lol

[@jonziemann6548]

Good info brutha

[@77Tadams]

I love it. It could use a designer on the inside to furnish it...but other than that...awesome! I love it!

[@kelli3610]

Kirsten I love all your videos so many amazing homes Thank you

[@BowenOrg]

Bob, I don't want to preserved for 100 years in the grain bin (ha! ha!) but I do want to live in a grain bin! Great job on your conversion! PS: I know you're aware of this already but, you can still "cut" windows into the top of the grain bin, just contact an engineer and get some "numbers crunched" for safety reasons, then contact a local contractor with a tall "lift" aka crane and have them cut out the windows and then install them for the extra light! Cost? Now that's the true question because it's not going to be cheap to hire a contractor with a tall lift or crane and then install the windows! That being said, it would add a lot more light.... and more value to the home later on if you sell. Mr. & Mrs. Brad Bowen Retired, Veteran San Diego

[@kayrobbie5840]

This is so incredible. Especially transporting to people who really need housing in poor countries. Wonderful!!!

[@PrettyMuchJenny]

I love that they used grain bin materials on the inside. Made it totally unique and fun!

[@Coronakenify]

I would love to listen to music in this home.

[@jonziemann6548]

The ben base slaps

[@UrMumsies]

Especially Black Metal

[@gorillaguerillaDK]

I love it - although I probably would have preferred having a bit more walls! And it's so "country" in every aspect - it's so original... Personally I would probably go in a different direction with the interior but that's just a matter of taste, I still love the idea!

[@recoveringsoul755]

You could put in Interior walls to get that flat wall and divide the area more, like they do with Yurts. Not sure they ever said how much square footage it was. A larger window, or several small windows adjacent to each other would have been nice for a view. And I think most building codes require egress from sleeping areas in case of fire. Though it looks non-flammable from the outside

[@gorillaguerillaDK]

@@recoveringsoul755 Yes, and I love your idea with multiple windows, in an offset pattern, and perhaps a big one as well. A great way to play with how the light enters the building!

[@recoveringsoul755]

@@gorillaguerillaDK another comment said they could put a deck all the way around the second floor, that would be spectacular, and add external stairs up to the deck, could serve as fire escape too. Not sure how it would attach but sounds cool.

[@cam_DA_Hawkdriver]

Actually you push air through the bottom of the floor up which helps to dry the grain from the bottom up. Nice structure. I would make it look like a house inside though. It would be odd looking at metal all the time.

[@donaldblankenship7541]

Spectacular. There was a company that used to put one of those up every summer in Delaware, Ohio. The rest of the year, in 1960, I missed it. They let me come inside in the summer one day when I was 3. That's IT!

[@VintageTexas59]

Very creative, never thought someone could live in a grain bin until now.

[@RamblinAround]

It's really cool, just needs some bigger windows to take advantage of the views.

[@mr.morris2907]

He built a giant, metal Yurt...LOVE IT ...Also you have to take a shot every time he says "grain bin" lol

[@gentelbenn62]

Like it a lot! Practical no need for flat walls. Underground domes are close to same concept. Hope grounding is thought out.

[@davidcook6420]

I love the house. It has a great floor plan. The windows are placed just right. I think it's as nice as a dome home which I love. Unlike potential. Great job on the house. Thanks for sharing.

[@ALCRAN2010]

In skyscraper condos, bare cement is considered luxurious. I can totally appreciate the the steel in this home as sort of art-deco style. The ending should have included a short tune played on that piano. Totally curious how it sounds like, at night, with the disco ball effect. Lol

[@debbieboring3422]

This is one of the more unique home. I think it's kinda cool. Lots of room. Thanks

[@diedrapayne6202]

Of course the bedroom(s) upstairs can be "walled in" by beautiful large bookcases and rugs placed on the framed floors. Then, and ONLY THEN, I will move in! Lol. What a gorgeous and exciting place! I love it.

[@shaunna6673]

A grain bin would be cool to make a house of.

[@brellynmuldoon8642]

Just took a look at Sukups safe T home, the ones they sent to Haiti, quite impressive.

[@AndrewKumler]

I really like the way you shoot and edit your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@anastasiarenaud2568]

Very interesting guy. Thanks for this video and tour Kirsten.

[@debbieomi]

What a character he is!!

[@rachelgrinnell]

I've heard the words grain bin enough to last a lifetime.

[@rhart367]

Rachel Grinnell 🗣📢GRAIN BIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@gorillaguerillaDK]

Grinnell bin... 😉😜

[@6969smurfy]

I refer mine as a Silo. Had this discussion with many a farmers. If it's taller than it is wide than it can be called a silo.

[@Tinker1837]

Really interesting, been wanting to see a walk thru of this style improvised home. Great to hear the insight behind his decisions in the build process to keep it within the old functions of a bin!

[@thecynthiadouglas]

I love Madison County! It's a little slice of heaven.

[@timnewman1172]

When we sold off my Dad's bins a few years ago, I seriously considered keeping one to make into a home...

[@sportlol]

needs muuuuuuch bigger windows

[@theL4Y3R]

i would put them evvvverywhere

[@Harley04]

I think the curve is the limiting factor!

[@Betazeno]

sportlol At least change the front door into a French door.

[@Betazeno]

Also if they can put that big door in there they could have put big windows. It will just be sticking out a lot on the sides.

[@condew6103]

I'd just supplement the grain bin house with a greenhouse sun room.

[@twothenthrough]

I love the idea. Zero exterior maintenance. Wind strong, fireproof, but I'd have put some nice pine tongue and groove planks on the walls with some Thermax behind it, and tile or hardwood floors. I'd also have a small wood burning fireplace and a lot more windows. Plus, the second floor would be bigger with 2 sets of stairs. A regular one like he has and one spiral in the middle. Plus, a walk out deck from the second floor with another set of stairs.

[@jcleff2000]

Have a drink every time he says 'grain bin.'

[@nycete]

>currently destroyed

[@jpdunamislodge]

So glad that you guys feed the big deer so well 👍🏻.

[@maurolimaok]

Beutiful concept. Even in a place like Brazil, so hot, the two roofs idea, I was just thinkin on that. It coul be, even, a top floor Gazebo, with a great view. That´s Dr. Who's house concept.

[@AwwwPishhh]

I love people doing things their own way. Wish he had mylar sheets and all the furniture covered in aluminium duct tape to complete the look. Or all soft furnishings knitted from thick bright yellow wool. I am gigantic-ly green with envy.

[@denisepresnell2800]

Grew up in Nebraska - I love it. I can see this working for a studio/home for me.

[@MJorgy5]

This building would make a 'green' home blush. I would have to add a concert-type light machine or projector to play off the walls and ceilings for times when the bar is hopping.

[@wordup1944]

Americans are such positive nice people

[@johnepperson8867]

Such a beautiful & peaceful place.

[@stephanprotzen6030]

I’m very interested in grain bin homes so I enjoyed learning here. Instead of a curtain I would remove the shed light and go with a dark sky concept.

[@jeffbingaman2754]

Could have built a deck/patio under the roof and them just insulated under the patio floor. That would have made an awesome upper deck. What a view it could have been With a great roof And pneumatics should have been installed to open doors and do other things. It looks like he has enough of a lip on the slab to lay some bricks around the bottom. Use bricks from a brick silo. And could have put floating rooms with sway bridges like crown center in Kansas city.

[@zoidberg8433]

A home is where you make it. Good job guys

[@3rty7]

it has a tonne of potential if he had of let an architect and interior designer loose on it.

[@Harley04]

Yes, could have divided the space into actual rooms

[@jefferylivingston1991]

Yes"" thats what i was thinking! They could have done more with the interior space!! May be i looked at to many HGTV home improvement shows< LOL

[@HaikuAutomation]

Its pretty boring stuff actually. 7K + 7K+ again, and concrete slab 7-8K, electicity, fixtures, square feet (is not 1500 on the main), zoned, grain bin some nut is living in it... So good for him, pro unincorporated.!!!!

[@michelleisonfire3636]

Love the educational aspect of this. Love it's a grain bin it should look like one. lol....

[@godthoughts4Ume]

Beautiful, Love It!🤩

[@2HRTS1LOVE]

A little grain bin goes a long way. You could really make a place like this very comfy and beautiful--this reminds me more of a garage than anything. But with some old barn wood accent walls, some wood floors, maybe some carpet or more/bigger rugs. This is a little TOO industrial for me. I like my home to be...homey. This could be awesome, but hey, if they like it, it's their house.

[@KungFuChess]

A circular deck would be nice.

[@juandenz2008]

Definitely an interesting build !

[@dillipphunbar7924]

love it...would have window and solar panels comprising most of ceiling with a 360 degree external balcony at bedroom level for wonderful vistas and practical servicing of roof panels and windows...but everything can be improved with hindsight.....lovely home..thank you for letting us in....btw the bar and piano are a nice touch,,,what are the acoustics like?

[@recoveringsoul755]

And stairs outside are still a good idea for egress in case of fire

[@michellemarie1197]

This place must be super efficient with heating and AC, would be cool to turn it into maybe an on property bar or something

[@somedude-lc5dy]

guy standing inside a grain bin: "you feel like you're in a grain bin"

[@twistedpixel2558]

He said it backwards. Air is drawn in through a vent in the side at the bottom and pumped up through the floor and vents out the top. Been farming for 35 years. That stood out like a sore thumb.

[@ellsworth5841]

The man does like the way his voice sounds.

[@caljarvis]

nice job

[@junocomm]

I like it a lot! I would have definitely had more windows storage and private spaces.

[@missfuzzymittens]

I wanna live in a grain bin

[@darianroscoe1017]

Brilliant!

[@Rainaman-]

Very interesting, never even heard of grain bin homes before

[@ranchochihuahua]

I LOVE this and I might just have to find myself a grain bin for my next house. :)

[@sandynorth5422]

I would love to have one of these house.

[@decnijfkris3706]

It is pictoresque, a grain bin in an area where it does not belong. For the rest adapting all to round shapes or loose a lot of space. See no real viability in it. But it is special.

[@zates2272]

cool idea!

[@kathleenwinser4033]

Wow this is neat.

[@nesekaba]

Wow, it's strange to think that a filmmaker that I've been following for years and years and years was 30min away from me! I'll be in St Charles next weekend to see Alt J. What a small world. If you're ever back in the area, I can take ya to some great restaurants! :]

[@sharondymond]

He's a great narrator.

[@vermontmike9800]

I've seen water towers and grain bin houses before but they had a fully finished interior.

[@monoshock57]

Looks like it would be zombie proof.

[@anja8211]

My thoughts exactly... lol

[@happykt]

I'd make bigger windows, install a door with windows, and at the top of the silo, install a sun window (I've seen these in yurts.)

[@Valencia.Foster2023]

I read the title and yelled out: hey i know Madison county 😂 and of course living in Woodbury county I knew it 😂

[@arizonamedia8341]

Wow!!! I would love to live in a place like that’s so cool

[@Mr.Cash66]

Love this

[@rickybotts7588]

I have always wanted to build a home inside a water tower. The large ones like citys use

[@s0uthp4w68]

That galvanized metal will be around for a long time. nice

[@TheAdamChampagne]

prairie style is a style of architecture championed by Frank Loyd Wright, this is more of a country industrial look.

[@southernboy7171]

Now I want to go back and count how many times he said Grain Bin 😂

[@JohnDoe-xl1qs]

I would love to have one of these built to Live in,.. But I need a Car Port to Protect against Iowa Trepid Weather... Need More Windows.. Thanks for Posting

[@6969smurfy]

After several heated debates with the local farmers, came to the conclusion, If your bin is taller than it is wide your alright in calling it a silo. I have the first basement poured Silo build i believe.

[@markb.1259]

Excellent video!!

[@DustyCowdog]

That was freaking amazing.

[@ZerudaDensetsu]

One thing I wouldn't like about living there is the echo. I feel like they wasted so much space by making it this open.

[@gbekkema]

Like this concept very much, but indeed that echo.. Imagine using the toilet at night and walking over that steel floor on to the steel stairs.. doingggggg doingggggg doinggggggg

[@Harley04]

Imagine the rain on the roof, say that American style roof like woof or hoof LOL

[@justinofboulder]

with four feet of insulation, it might not be so bad?

[@barkmanden2963]

Matbe leaving the spray foam finish would ad some “”soft contemporary” atmosphere

[@paulagarrett46]

Love the concept

[@jimlizfrost2140]

If that guy says grain bin one more time...Seriously, it's pretty cool.

[@pacificpermaculture]

Cool ,but I wouldn't go fo the shiny walls.Would have to be some flat color.

[@cvetoslavgergov305]

All metal construction for the southern African climate............ genius.

[@Jeff53536]

I wonder how loud that gets in a thunderstorm

[@FraseMarcus]

Looks like one of these grain bins. Can anyone clarify if that was the inspiration?

[@jimlizfrost2140]

Did you watch the video?

[@Manda11.11]

I think latatius was being cheeky lol

[@bomaite1]

Hey, smart-ass. Funny how hair gets in your hairbrush, eh?

[@E.lectricityNorth]

The image was a little grainy...

[@dasalekhya]

your comment is a little corny

[@E.lectricityNorth]

Wheat a second...are you trying to barley this into some sort of pun?

[@yellow2000SR]

Say 'Grain Bin' one more time.

[@Harley04]

Is that a grain bin, bin, bin, bin, bin,,,,,,,,,

[@jimfritz8983]

grain bin

[@ashleycimkowski6233]

yellow2000SR lmfao hahha I can't deal with this comment. I'm dead, thinking the same thing the whole way through

[@bisgurlll]

yellow2000SR I couldn't take it anymore 😂

[@donnashelton1269]

yellow2000SR 😂ikr

[@jeffbingaman2754]

Should have just put cameras around the outside and monitors on the inside. That way you could always enlarge or easily move your windows.

[@darangemaster1]

very cool

[@jeffbingaman2754]

He could paint the outside to blend into the scenery and completely disappear. Although seasons and crop growth would give you away.