Do any of you have a barn with a raised center aisle? If so, how tall is yours and do you feel like that height gives enough room for heat to escape?

We're in the early planning stages of building a 40x60 barn and want to make sure it is a cool and comfortable barn in the summer, not an oven like so many metal barns can be. 

Bump

Lots of those in S La. th higher the ceiling, the more he heat can rise. That is why all the old homes had high ceilings. 

Windows are important for horses in stalls in barns.  We built some so the horses could hang their heads out and watch outdoors when they were confined.  They were made with shutters so you could close them.  That's a beautiful barn in your pic.

That's what I thought but wanted to make sure. Thank you for the advice! It makes sense. 

We've though about windows too. That's a good idea. Did you cut and frame them out yourselves or have the builder do it? 

14 feet.  But it's up to you.  A raised center with large doors, and whala!  You can pull your truck and trailer inside with impending hail storms.

We had the builder frame them and hang double shutters on them.  They haven't survived the passage of time very well but they're wood and the barn is 30 years old.  

Excellent point! 

Yep, we had a monster in 1993.  Luckily I was home and put the tractor and one extra car in the alleyway or they would have been pulverized.  The hailstorms sounded like rocks hitting our barn and it was terrifying. 

We’ve got a barn with a raised center aisle, and from my experience, having about 14 feet of height in the center has worked well for heat dissipation. It’s made a noticeable difference in keeping the barn cooler in the summer compared to the more typical metal structures.

We're in the early stages of planning a 40x60 barn and are considering a raised center aisle to help with ventilation. For those of you who have a similar setup, how tall is your center aisle? Do you find that the height helps keep the barn cooler in the summer and allows heat to escape effectively?

A raised center aisle barn can be a great choice, especially if you want more space and a layout that keeps things organized. I’ve seen American barn builders use this design for its functionality and aesthetic appeal. It’s nice because the raised center aisle gives you extra headroom and can help with ventilation. If you're in hot climates, this design can help with airflow, keeping the barn cooler in the summer. Plus, it can make cleaning and maintenance a bit easier. Of course, it's always a good idea to talk to a builder who knows your local climate and can tailor the design to suit your needs.