The Crib – A Versatile Tiny Space

The Crib, an environmentally responsible shelter by Broadhurst Architects, is a small structure with a variety of uses – weekend cabin, backyard office, exercise studio, guest house – it’s up to you. The Crib was built on the grounds of Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland and has a footprint of just 250 square-feet. It’s currently being used as a visual arts studio, a lab, and a gallery but it’s also open to the public on specified dates and occasions.

 

The Crib by Broadhurst Architects

The Crib by Broadhurst Architects

 

Constructed mainly from SIPs, the buildings walls and floor have an R-value of 32, making it warm and cosy even on the coldest of nights. Other parts of the structure consist of the recyclable metals steel and aluminium.

The prototype shown in the pictures features multi-layered polycarbonate panels, insulated glass, heat-treated poplar siding, LED and CFL lighting, and energy-effiicient ceiling fan, and a rainwater harvesting roof for showers and gardening work.

 

The Crib by Broadhurst Architects

The Crib by Broadhurst Architects

The Crib by Broadhurst Architects

The steel structure allows the Crib to be dismantled and reassembled as required. According to the Washington Post, the prototype version of the Crib will set you back about $85,000, without sewer hookup. With the kitchen included you can expect to pay $120,000, whereas the basic model will cost just under $60,000.

Via JetSon Green

Niall Burke

Structural engineer by day, tiny house designer by night. Niall has a keen interest in small spaces, green design, and sustainability. He started developing Humble Homes while studying for his masters degree in engineering. He is the founder and managing editor of Humble Homes.

3 Comments
  1. i like the large “garage ” type doors, with an enclosed porch it would be awesome for eating and sleeping outside in warm weather.. I think the price is a bit steep for most of us however. over all really nice.

  2. Hunter – The price with these projects always seems to be a bit steep, but I think you could use more standard steel frames and off-the-shelf components to create something similar for less. The enclosed porch would make a great sheltered living area!