An "enviresponsible" structure inspired by traditional American corn cribs

In the days of yore, elevated corn cribs were used on farms to store dry corn and protect it from rodents. Today, Maryland's Broadhurst Architects have adopted the classic American structure as design inspiration for The Crib, a contemporary prefab that can be used as a weekend retreat, a backyard office, or a guest house.

The Crib makes intelligent use of sustainable and recyclable materials that are fabricated offsite and easily transported for assembly onsite. The prefab shelter can be set upon four simple pier foundations or cap a larger foundation to add space on the first floor. The basic Crib version has 175 square feet of enclosed space, while the full version has 250.

The building's basic structure is supported by steel beams, with a structural insulated panel (SIP) roof and floor and prefab wall panels made from fast-growing poplar and multi-layer polycarbonate sheets. Radiant floor heating can be powered by either propane or solar thermal, and photovoltaics can easily be integrated into the structure. The airy, open-concept interior features a ceiling fan for simple air conditioning. And if you want to move the structure somewhere else, The Crib can be easily dismantled and rebuilt wherever you like.

Photos courtesy of Broadhurst Architects, Inc.