Residential Garage Project:
Two-Story Gambrel Garage
Nerstrand, Minnesota
Project Overview:
This two-story gambrel garage in Nerstrand, Minnesota, was designed for a homeowner who wanted more than a basic detached garage. The goal was to create a compact, functional building with the traditional appearance of a barn and enough flexibility to serve both immediate and future needs.
The 30′ x 40′ garage provides a spacious main level for vehicles, equipment and everyday storage. Above it, the gambrel roof creates a second-floor area for additional light storage without increasing the building’s footprint. The upper level was also designed so the owner could finish the space later if their needs changed.
The finished design balances practical storage with a traditional barn-inspired appearance that fits naturally into the wooded property. The gambrel roof and side porch give the garage architectural character while supporting the owner’s current and future needs.
Red steel siding is paired with a brown roof, trim and wainscot to create a warm, traditional color combination. Walters Buildings completed the building shell, floor system, stairs, insulation and interior liner, delivering a durable garage designed around the customer’s property and long-term plans.
The Building:
The 30′ x 40′ two-story gambrel garage was built with 12-foot sidewalls, providing 1,200 square feet of open space on the main level. An 18′ x 10′ overhead-door opening provides generous access for vehicles and equipment, while a walk door and multiple windows add convenient access and natural light.
Above the main floor, the gambrel truss system creates an upper storage area approximately 15 feet wide with a ceiling height of about 7 feet 5 inches. The roof transitions from a steep 21/12 pitch on the lower section to a 4/12 pitch near the peak. This traditional gambrel shape creates considerably more usable second-story space than a conventional gable roof without increasing the building’s footprint.
A side porch measuring approximately 24′ x 8′ provides a sheltered entrance and uses a complementary 4/12 roof pitch. On the uphill side, a reinforced concrete retaining wall allows the garage to be built into the slope while maintaining a level main floor.
Custom Features:
- Custom Door and Window Package: The garage includes an 18′ x 10′ overhead-door opening, a 3′ 6″ thermal-break walk door, three 4′ x 4′ horizontal sliding Plyco windows and one larger 5′ x 4′ Plyco window. Each opening was positioned around the building’s layout to provide practical access, ventilation and natural light.
- Second-Floor System and Stairs: Walters Buildings constructed the upper floor system and staircase, creating a 15-foot-wide second-story area for light storage. The space was left unfinished but designed so the owner could complete it later as their needs changed.
- 24′ x 8′ Side Porch: The porch extends along the sidewall with a 4/12 roof pitch, providing a sheltered entrance and useful outdoor space. Its roofline also adds depth and character to the exterior of the garage.
- Designed for a Sloped Site: Rather than forcing a standard building design onto the property, the garage was designed to integrate with reinforced concrete foundation and retaining walls along the uphill side. This site-specific approach allowed the building to sit naturally into the hillside while maintaining a level floor.
- Future Solar Planning: The roof pitch and structural design were planned to accommodate the possibility of solar panels being installed in the future. Although the panels were not added, the building was designed with that long-term option in mind.
- Insulated and Lined Interior: Walters Buildings installed the insulation and interior steel liner, creating a cleaner, more durable interior than an unfinished post-frame shell. This also gave the owner a more complete garage while preserving flexibility upstairs.
Make it Your Own
Like this 30′ x 40′ two-story gambrel garage? Use our 3D Builder to create a project inspired by it—or start with an entirely different idea. Select your building size, roof style, colors, doors, windows, porches and other features to see your vision begin to take shape.
Once you submit your design, a Walters Buildings representative can review it with you, help refine the details and provide pricing for a building designed around your property and intended use.
Ideal Applications:
- Vehicle and equipment storage
- Light storage on the second floor
- Hobby and workshop space
- Seasonal and household storage
- Future finished loft living quarters
Why Walters Buildings:
- Engineered Steel: Walters Buildings uses 28-gauge structural steel panels with a minimum steel strength of 80,000 PSI, G-90 galvanizing, a durable BeckryTech paint system and a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating. It is a stronger, longer-lasting exterior than the lighter steel commonly included with basic building kits.
- Walters Column System and Structural Lumber: Our engineered laminated columns use proprietary shear-transfer plates to connect and reinforce each ply. Walters also uses high-strength MSR framing lumber and project-specific trusses to create a stronger, more dependable structural system.
- Engineering for Challenging Sites: This garage had to work with a hillside and reinforced concrete retaining wall. Walters engineered the building, gambrel trusses, upper floor and foundation connections as one coordinated structure designed specifically for the property.
- Endless Customization Options: Size, roof style, floor systems, porches, doors, windows, insulation, interior finishes and colors can all be tailored to the customer. This project demonstrates how Walters can turn a basic garage concept into a two-story building designed around the owner’s exact needs.
- Local, Experienced Construction Crews: Walters Buildings does more than ship a package of materials. Our experienced crews construct the building according to the engineered plans, giving customers one accountable partner from initial design through completed construction.
Start Your Project
Looking to add flexible space to your property? Connect with our team to start designing a custom garage that fits how you live and work.
