ABOUT THIS PROJECT

After years of evaluating and reinforcing aging wooden rickhouses, we began to question the long-term durability of the standard model. For Rabbit Hole Distillery—known for blending tradition with innovation—a new approach made sense. Together, we explored how a steel structure could improve performance, reduce maintenance costs, and create a safer environment for workers.

The resulting rickhouse, constructed with cold-rolled steel, introduces meaningful refinements to conventional barrel aging. Steel provided a practical and cost-effective framework with improved longevity, while the design also incorporated a third point of support to reduce stress and prevent barrel distortion. A pneumatic lift system was added to support safer, more efficient barrel movement—reflecting both operational priorities and a commitment to employee well-being.

Rabbit Hole’s steel rickhouse pairs innovation with practicality. The structure offers predictable thermal performance similar to traditional open-air warehouses—supporting the natural temperature cycles critical to aging—while introducing modern efficiencies in maintenance, safety, and structural integrity. The project represents a thoughtful evolution in rickhouse design, reconsidering legacy infrastructure through a more resilient and forward-thinking lens.