How a 66ft x 33ft Shelter Provides Year-Round Protection for Animals and Machinery

The Challenge

A mixed livestock and arable farm in rural England needed a versatile shelter that could serve multiple purposes throughout the year. The farm runs sheep during lambing season and requires covered storage for tractors, hay, and equipment during harvest. Traditional barn construction was cost-prohibitive, and separate structures for livestock and machinery would consume valuable farmyard space.

The farmer needed a solution offering weather protection for animals during harsh winter months while providing dry storage for hay, straw, and farming equipment. The structure also needed to accommodate tractor access for mucking out and feeding operations without complicated door systems.

The Solution: 66ft x 33ft x 13ft Agricultural Shelter

The farm selected Kit Buildings' Agricultural Shelter in the larger 66ft x 33ft configuration. This size provided 2,178 square feet of covered space suitable for both livestock housing and equipment storage, with the flexibility to adapt usage throughout the farming calendar.

Product Specifications

1. Dimensions: 66ft long x 33ft wide x 13ft apex height (20m x 10m x 4m)

2. Covered Area: 2,178 square feet (200 square meters)

3. Frame: Q215 galvanized steel tube construction

4. Covering: 610g/m² heavy-duty PVC fabric with UV protection

5. Access: 3.8 meter-wide opening for tractor entry

6. Design: Open-ended for natural ventilation and easy animal movement

Why the Design Works for Dual-Purpose Use

Open-Ended Configuration

The shelter's open-ended design provides critical advantages for both livestock and storage applications. Animals can move freely in and out, reducing stress and allowing natural grazing patterns. The 3.8 meter-wide access accommodates tractors for daily mucking out, hay delivery, and equipment movement without restrictive doorways or gates that complicate farm operations.

Natural ventilation through the open ends prevents condensation buildup that could damage stored equipment or create unhealthy conditions for animals. Fresh air circulation is essential for livestock welfare, reducing respiratory issues common in enclosed barns while keeping stored hay and feed dry.

Galvanized Steel Construction

The Q215 galvanized steel frame delivers durability in the demanding farm environment. Hot-dip galvanization provides comprehensive corrosion protection against moisture, animal waste, and agricultural chemicals. After two years of mixed use, the frame shows no signs of rust despite constant exposure to farm conditions.

The clear-span design eliminates interior columns, maximizing usable space for both animal housing and equipment storage. Livestock can move throughout the shelter without navigating around posts, while tractors and machinery fit easily without maneuvering restrictions.

Heavy-Duty PVC Covering

The 610g/m² PVC fabric provides complete weather protection while allowing natural light transmission. This creates a bright, pleasant environment for animals without the darkness of traditional barns. The UV-resistant fabric withstands constant sun exposure without degrading, while the fire-retardant properties add safety for storing hay and straw.

Water runoff is excellent even during heavy rainfall. The arched roof design prevents ponding and directs water away from the shelter perimeter, maintaining dry conditions inside regardless of weather. During winter storms, the structure has remained secure with no fabric damage or frame movement.

 

Optimal Height for Farm Operations

The 13ft apex height accommodates loaded hay trailers and tall farming equipment. Telehandlers can operate inside for stacking hay bales or moving equipment without clearance concerns. This height also improves ventilation for livestock by allowing warm, moist air to rise away from animals at ground level.

How the Farm Uses the Shelter

Winter Livestock Housing (November-March)

During winter months, the shelter houses up to 40 ewes with their lambs. The covered area provides protection from rain, wind, and snow while maintaining the natural ventilation essential for sheep health. The open design allows ewes to move freely between shelter and pasture, following their natural behavior patterns.

Straw bedding stays dry under the weatherproof covering, reducing waste and creating comfortable conditions for lambs. The farmer can drive straight in with the tractor for feeding and mucking out, completing daily chores efficiently regardless of weather. The natural light from the PVC covering helps monitor flock health and identify any animals requiring attention.

Summer Equipment and Hay Storage (April-October)

Once livestock move to summer pasture, the shelter transitions to equipment and hay storage. Tractors, ploughs, seeders, and harvesting equipment fit comfortably with room for maintenance work. The dry conditions protect machinery from rust and weather damage that would occur with outdoor storage.

Hay and straw bales stack efficiently throughout the shelter, with the 13ft height allowing multiple tiers. The PVC covering keeps fodder dry and mold-free, eliminating losses from weather damage. Bales remain accessible with forklift or telehandler, simplifying feeding operations throughout winter.

Year-Round Benefits

The shelter protects valuable farm assets while providing operational flexibility. Equipment maintenance can occur under cover during rainy weather. Lambing operations benefit from the sheltered environment during unpredictable spring weather. The structure's versatility means the farm maximizes use of the covered space throughout the entire year rather than having dedicated buildings sitting partially empty.

Installation and Performance

The shelter arrived as a complete kit with detailed instructions. A local contractor assisted with ground preparation and assembly, completing installation in three days. The frame assembled with basic tools, and the PVC covering secured smoothly without specialized equipment.

After two years of intensive use, the structure has performed excellently. The galvanized steel shows no corrosion despite constant exposure to animal waste and moisture. The PVC covering remains weathertight with no tears or degradation. Strong winds and heavy snow loads during winter have caused no damage or structural movement.

Maintenance has been minimal. Occasional cleaning of the PVC covering keeps it transparent for good natural light. The open design means no doors, gates, or mechanical systems requiring regular attention. The simplicity of the structure reduces ongoing costs while maintaining reliable performance.

Conclusion

The Kit Buildings Agricultural Shelter provides versatile, year-round functionality for mixed farming operations. The 66ft x 33ft size offers substantial covered area suitable for both livestock housing and equipment storage, while the open-ended design delivers natural ventilation and easy tractor access essential for daily farm operations.

The galvanized steel construction and heavy-duty PVC covering withstand demanding agricultural conditions while requiring minimal maintenance. The clear-span design maximizes usable space, and the 13ft height accommodates tall equipment and loaded trailers. Whether housing livestock during winter or protecting machinery and hay during summer, the shelter delivers reliable weather protection and operational flexibility that traditional buildings cannot match at comparable cost.