In recent years, barndominiums have skyrocketed in popularity, offering homeowners the perfect blend of functionality, affordability and charm. These metal-structured homes, often featuring expansive open floor plans and integrated workshop spaces, have become the dream dwelling for those seeking a rural retreat with modern comforts. One couple who has fully embraced this trend are Mike Brozek and his fiancée, Jill Frakes. Their journey to creating the perfect country getaway highlights not only the growing appeal of barndominiums, but also the thoughtful planning and personal touches that make these homes special.
A Home Designed for Gathering
For Mike and Jill, the decision to build a barndominium was driven by their love for family and the outdoors. Jill and Mike live and work in Kansas City, but wanted a retreat to host family and friends, with space to store their RV and boat. With family spread out geographically, the couple envisioned a retreat that would serve as a central gathering space for holidays, birthday parties, and weekend getaways. First, they had to determine where it would be built.
“Any of these types of projects start with the land,” Mike said. “There were three non-negotiables we were looking for: a paved road, electricity and water.”
They were patient in their search and eventually found a 23-acre property that checked all the boxes located just south of Topeka.
From Blueprint to Reality
Once they secured the land, Mike and Jill began designing their home with flexibility and durability in mind. They envisioned a half-shop, half-home structure. Upon hearing their vision, a coworker introduced Jill to the idea of a "barndominium". With a name for the type of home they wanted, research began.
"We printed pictures out and went through different features we wanted," Jill said. "Social media was very helpful early on in the process."
Mike and Jill worked with QSI to finalize their build-out plans just before COVID-19 hit. Having purchased their land in 2019, they locked in construction costs in early 2020—a decision that saved them about 40% in costs as material prices surged. While supply chain delays extended their timeline, construction was complete at the beginning of 2022.
Custom Features for Comfort and Convenience
Mike and Jill designed their home with entertaining in mind, incorporating a spacious open floor plan and high-end, durable flooring to withstand heavy foot traffic. One of the family’s favorite features is a set of four custom-built bunk beds inspired by a friend’s house.
Another critical design element was a pull-through garage with large bays, allowing easy access for their camper and boat.
"I’m good at backing my camper up, but if you don’t have to, you shouldn’t," Mike joked.
Durability and low maintenance were also major considerations. Opting for a metal structure eliminated concerns about termites and dry rot, while countertops, windowsills and showers are constructed of high-quality Onyx materials.
For anyone else looking to build a barndominium, Mike and Jill offer this advice:
- Be intentional and thoughtful about product materials and their use in the home.
- Join Facebook barndominium groups and use photos for inspiration.
- Visit other barndominium builds, talking to homeowners and contractors for advice.
- Before construction, see the home layout on the land. "We spray-painted outlines of the walls and key areas to visualize how we’d live in the space," Mike shared.
- Check in throughout the build process to ensure things are happening the way you envision them.
For now, the barndominium serves as a weekend escape, but in less than a decade, it will become Mike and Jill’s full-time retirement home.
"It’s our little sanctuary," Jill said. “We’re there to be in the country and listen to nature and get treated with a beautiful sunset at the end of the day.”
Mike and Jill designed their home with entertaining in mind, incorporating a spacious open floor plan and high-end, durable flooring.