House built from shipping containers: 23 Incredible Shipping Container Homes & Best Places To Buy

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Shipping container homes: Cost, design, and everything else to know

Shipping containers fill a crucial niche in the world’s economy. They are large and sturdy enough to uniformly transport goods but small enough to fit on trucks and light enough to be moved by cranes and forklifts. However, over the decades a challenge emerged: an excess of used containers.

Where some saw a problem, innovative architects saw an eco-friendly opportunity. Since the mid-2000s, designers began repurposing containers into a wide array of buildings. Some structures can be simple—a single compact shipping container outfitted for dwelling—while others are complex designs that use multiple containers merged with other structural components.

So what exactly goes into building a shipping container home? And are they as economical, sustainable, and livable as claimed? We break down what you need to know below.

This one-bedroom, one-bath shipping container house showcases sleek design in Livingston, Montana. Photo by Windy Haus/@windy_haus

What is a shipping container house?

A shipping container house is any dwelling made from a shipping container, but the resulting structures can be quite diverse. Shipping containers usually come in two sizes, either 20 feet by 8 feet or 40 feet by 8 feet. The smaller of the two equals about 160 square feet of living space, while the larger container gets you 320 square feet. There are also two height types, regular (8.5 feet high) or a high cube container that provides about a foot of extra vertical living space. Some shipping container homes stop here, using these compact spaces as standalone tiny homes or offices.

But many builders or owners combine containers to create larger homes, like this version in Missouri. In homes with multiple containers, walls are often removed to create more spacious interiors, and traditional construction methods add exterior materials and additional rooms.

Some containers are stacked in a row to create multi-level residences, while others can be twisted and turned Jenga-style to deliver striking architectural masterpieces.

Sculptor David Mach approached his first building with an artistic eye, assembling 36 bright red shipping containers into an artfully arranged jumble.Assembly Studios

Where do the shipping containers come from and how do you buy one?

If you buy an empty, brand-new shipping container, it will likely come from manufacturers in China; the Chinese company CIMC produces around 82 percent of the world’s steel shipping containers. Used shipping containers are a more eco- and budget-friendly option, but you need to carefully inspect their condition. Pay attention to the different certifications. Some are certified for being able to ship goods overseas, and more stringent certifications designate containers that are wind and water tight.

Some containers are identified as “one trip”—which is just like it sounds—which offer a good balance of value and decent condition. “As is” containers may have been used to transport dangerous chemicals or they may have rust, doors that don’t seal, or holes; these aren’t advised for home construction.

Used containers are available from either national dealers or local sellers. While national dealers have large inventories and can deliver to most any location, local sellers often have better prices but don’t offer delivery. Twenty-foot containers can be moved using a standard forklift and hauled on tow trucks, but 40-foot containers usually require a crane.

Finally, a new batch of companies are providing shipping container homes ready for purchase. These tiny homes range in style and price, but they offer a one-stop-shop for anyone who wants a shipping container home but doesn’t want to build it themselves.

The world of shipping container architecture
  • Five shipping container houses you can order right now.
  • This container home was inspired by midcentury design, while this one is a light and airy desert retreat.
  • A company is using shipping containers as a traveling hotel.
  • Ogle at a shipping container turned ski resort lodge.
What kind of permit do you need to build a shipping container house?

Shipping container architecture is still relatively new, so the most important thing before starting construction is to research your local laws and regulations. You need to ensure two things: First, that your container building will fit on the land, and second, that it will meet existing building codes and zoning restrictions. Building codes set standards for what structures must have in order to receive an occupancy permit. Zoning regulations, meanwhile, dictate where a home can be built.

Some codes and regulations explicitly say whether shipping container homes are allowed while others group “non-traditional” structures—like tiny houses or dome homes—together. Shipping container homes are more likely to be allowed in more remote or less trafficked areas, but you really need to check with your city or county planner for the specifics.

This $135K shipping container house lets its owners live mortgage free. Photo by Carmen Troesser

What are the drawbacks of building with shipping containers?

Despite their housing-friendly attributes, shipping containers can pose challenges when used for homes. First off, remember that almost all shipping containers are eight feet wide with an interior room width of just over seven feet. That’s quite narrow, even for people accustomed to living in cramped apartments. If you want wider rooms you’ll have to use multiple shipping containers with walls removed, or enclose the area between two parallel but separate containers.

Another potential drawback is that the metal of the containers can make it hard to install insulation. While typical wood walls with studs have a cavity for insulation, the corrugated metal sides of a shipping container doesn’t. Large-scale projects that use multiple containers might also require extensive steel reinforcement, adding to potential costs.

Architect and designer Ben Uyeda repurposed three shipping containers into an easy, breezy Joshua Tree compound. Photo by Brandon Aquino/Goal Zero

Are shipping container houses more sustainable than traditional homes?

Advocates for shipping container homes applaud them for giving unwanted containers a new life. According to most estimates, there are millions of unused shipping containers in the world. It’s often cheaper to receive new shipping containers than it is to send them back to suppliers, which means that some containers are discarded after only one trip.

Reusing a safe shipping container is an excellent example of building with recycled materials, and shipping container homes can also encourage a smaller footprint and less usage of other building materials like wood and masonry. Owners who are open to alternative living spaces like container homes often incorporate other eco-friendly elements, such as solar panels, wind power, water recycling systems, and rainwater harvesting systems.

Still, some used containers are hardly eco-friendly—they may have held toxic chemicals or have been treated to prevent corrosion during transit, leading to high levels of chemical residue. Picking the right container is key.

Others argue that the energy required to make the steel boxes habitable erases the benefits of recycling. According to an ArchDaily report, the average container eventually produces nearly a thousand pounds of hazardous waste before it can be used as a structure.

This tiny home was built from two refurbished shipping containers that have been stacked on top of each other to create a double-height home with a walk-out terrace.CargoHome

Are they more affordable than other types of housing?

Shipping container homes are not always cheaper to build than traditional stick-built homes, but they can be. There are a large number of variables that influence project cost, such as location, size, design, and interior finishes.

The cost of buying the container itself can range from $1,400 for smaller containers to up to $6,000 for a larger, brand new 40-foot container. Newer containers will cost more than older containers.

A shipping container comes with a flat metal roof, exterior walls, and a metal frame that can double as a foundation—these elements are often cited as cost savings. But you’ll still have to spend money on transporting the container to your site, insulation, and interior finishes.

You’ll also still need to pay for land. Container homes, however, can often be built on (properly zoned) land that might not be suitable for normal construction without a lot of site work. If a plot of land is rocky or steep, shipping container houses can be elevated on sturdy pilings instead of paying for pricey excavation.

If you want an already built shipping container home, these can be as affordable as $33,000 for the smallest, most basic units.

Alternative Living Spaces, makers of this container home, allows customers to pick everything from the paint color to the finishes.Courtesy of Alternative Living Spaces

Are shipping container houses faster to build?

Shipping container homes are often faster to build than traditional stick-built houses. The simplest and smallest of container homes can be built in a few days or weeks, depending on how much finishing work your design requires. More complex homes will usually still take at least a few months, and note that shipping container homes are still subject to normal construction delays.

For the fastest type of shipping container home, look for companies that fabricate most of the structure offsite before transporting them to your land. These prefab-style shipping container homes tend to be smaller, but they come prebuilt with most everything you need to move in right away.

A Complete Guide
– Container One

Today’s prospective homebuyers have a plethora of choices when it comes to architectural home styles – ranch, Cape Cod, bungalow, colonial and contemporary are just the tip of the iceberg. Many want a home that fits their functional needs, style, and budget.

While most buyers ultimately choose a more common or popular style, some dare to be different by embracing home designs that are unique or trendy. One option gaining momentum is converting a shipping container into a residence. According to a study by Allied Market Research, the global shipping container homes market is expected to reach $73,070.5 million by 2025, up from $44,768.6 million in 2017.

This blog will discuss some of the benefits and advantages of building shipping container homes and provide a step-by-step guide on making it happen.

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Benefits of shipping container homes

In addition to owning a home style that probably no one else you know does, building a shipping container home has some practical benefits and advantages.

These include:

  • They are cost-effective vs. traditional housing. Most shipping container homes are built using 40-foot containers. You can purchase one of these used shipping containers for about $2,500 or a brand new one for around $5,000. They are usually more cost-effective than conventional housing because they require fewer building materials and labor to construct.
  • They’re quick to construct. If you’re an expert contractor (or know one), you can build a shipping container home in a month or two.
  • They’re modular homes. Shipping container homes are easy to modify. A shipping container home can be built with a mix of 20-foot and 40-foot containers. It’s also easy to combine multiple shipping containers to create a larger home with extra bedrooms, a second floor, or even a shipping container guest house.
  • They’re durable, low-maintenance, and secure. Shipping containers are made of Corten steel, which protects cargo during transport overseas. Shipping container homes made from weathering steel can withstand inclement weather conditions better than traditional housing. They can be made more secure by adding patio doors, windows, and additional accessories.
  • They can be relocated. Suppose you need to relocate for any reason. In that case, it’s possible to make your shipping container home mobile by hiring a shipping transportation service to move your single-container house anywhere you choose.
  • They are environmentally beneficial. Steel is one of the most commonly recycled materials on Earth, with up to 90 percent of its content being recyclable. Even better, when a structure is made from shipping containers, the steel is being 100 percent upcycled without the energy used to scrap and meltdown the material.

 

Steps to build a shipping container home

Now that you’re convinced that a shipping container home is the way you want to go, how do you get started? Making this new dream house a reality will take some planning, preparation, and purchases. 

Step 1: Permits and planning

While you might be able to cut corners during the construction part of the project, you have to go by the book when it comes to getting the initial paperwork for your shipping container home. Before you even order a shipping container, make sure you have all the necessary building code permits and planning permission from the local entities. Ensure you’re allowed to build a home and that a shipping container home complies with local and state policies.

Work with an architect and structural engineer to ensure that the floor plan you have in mind for your shipping container house is structurally sound. It’s a good idea to find an architect who has worked with shipping containers in the past because building with them is entirely different than a typical wooden, steel, or brick building. Also keep in mind that anything you can put in a custom home, you can put in a container home. 

Step 2: Purchase a container

So, you’re allowed to build your shipping container home. Great. Next, you’ll need a shipping container. The scale of your plans will dictate the size, type, and condition of the shipping container you’ll buy. The most popular shipping container size used for homes is a 40-foot, high-cube container, which offers about 320 square feet of living space. That’s enough for one bedroom, one bathroom, and a decent-sized kitchen/living room combo space.

To make your shipping container house the best it can be, you’ll want to do your homework before you buy from just any company. Think about cost, delivery options, the vendor’s reputation, condition of the shipping container, warranties, and past customer feedback.

Learn more about buying a suitable shipping container for your home here.

Step 3: Prepare your land

You’ve ordered your shipping container, so the next step is to decide where you’ll build your home and then prepare the land. That means thinking about the ground itself and the type of foundation you’ll want to use for the home to keep it elevated from the ground. This will keep it safe from moisture, which could affect the contents and possibly lead to corrosion.

A foundation can range from concrete or wooden supports on the ground for a single shipping container up to a full basement for multiple shipping containers. Your decision will need to consider both what is structurally required and your personal preferences. If you decide on a poured concrete foundation, then plan on embedding steel plates into the concrete where the container corner blocks will rest. This will allow the shipping containers to be welded directly to the concrete foundation.  

While it’s best to consult with an expert, particularly if you plan on using multiple storage containers, you’ll probably consider options like a concrete slab, steel plates, concrete piers, or concrete strips. You should also ensure there’s a clear path for your shipping container to be delivered.

Step 5: Place the containers

The easiest methods to place shipping containers on the foundation is with a crane and by delivery truck. Nothing beats the ease, speed, and safety of a crane. If you don’t have one, you’ll probably need to hire a local builder or rent a rough terrain forklift for a few hours.

Once your shipping container has been placed on the foundation, it’s relatively easy to make any final adjustments with a large crowbar.

Step 6: Cut your openings

Removing metal from shipping containers is necessary to add window and door openings to the container walls. There are many ways to cut through shipping container steel, including a plasma cutter, cutting torch, grinder, and even a jigsaw (for small openings). For removing an entire wall, a plasma cutter or cutting torch works best.

Note: Before starting to cut openings, make sure you’ve discussed it with your structural expert. Removing structural components of a shipping container can quickly create a dangerous situation if not done right.

Assuming you’re good to go, start cutting holes for windows, doors, skylights and accessories to start making your shipping container look like a home. Depending on your skills, you might want to hire someone to do this for you.

If by cutting in your openings, you create any gaps, they will need to be sealed to protect the inside of the house from the outside elements.

Step 7:  Add doors, windows, and framing

It’s time to add doors, windows, and flooring. You can go as basic or fancy as you want – regular, sliding or French doors, and standard or cranking windows. Whatever style you prefer should work.

To save as much interior space as possible, consider using 1 1/2″ steel studs to frame the shipping container’s inside. They secure pretty well to drywall and are stiff enough if you end up using spray foam insulation. In areas that foam did not connect the wall and studs, steel studs might be needed. An extra layer of drywall, or narrower spacing of the studs, might help.

Whichever method you choose, try to include a thermal break between the studs and the shipping container’s metal walls. This is especially important when using steel studs as they efficiently conduct heat from the interior spaces. 

Step 8: Install electric and plumbing 

Even if you don’t know how much electric wiring you’ll want yet, it’s easier and cheaper to wire most of it at this point. One potential difficulty in wiring is getting the wire past some remnants of the removed container walls. One option is to run the wire around the steel and make a custom nail protector – it’s an easy and cheap fix.

When considering electric wiring and plumbing, think about if you’ll be adding HVAC systems or an outside AC unit. Also, consider solar panels for electricity. If you place panels on your roof, as well as add in a glass door, you’ll be able to capture more of the natural sunlight and its energy. 

Step 9: Insulation and temperature control

You’ll need insulation to help control the interior temperature of your shipping container house. Keep in mind that you’ll lose a little bit of living space if you insulate the inside.

You can insulate on the exterior if that is a concern. Cedar, vinyl, and even log siding can be applied over a shipping container’s insulated exterior. Having the outside insulation also allows you to utilize the entire space of the shipping containers, as long as you like the look of corrugated steel walls in your interior.

The type of insulation you use – spray foam, panels, etc. – will also depend on where you live or what you prefer. Spray foam insulation is commonly used, but it’s the most expensive type. Learn more about insulation options here.

Step 10: Landscaping and decorating

Now that your new shipping container home looks good, think about the space around the shipping container. Consider adding a nice deck to extend the living space or landscape area to ensure that your home fits in with its natural surroundings. You can also start painting the interior, lay floor coverings, and make your new container house a home.

Step 11: Inspection and sign-off

Here’s the test. All your planning and hard work is about to pay off. Your new shipping container house is ready for inspection to see if it’s up to building code. Before calling the inspector, have your engineer and other structural experts take one final look so you can address any needed changes to the shipping container building. Keep your fingers crossed.

Building a shipping container home takes much planning and preparation, but it’s totally worth it. It’s cost-efficient, mobile, and customizable. Begin the process of building your new shipping container home by browsing containers near you. 

 

 Infographic courtesy of REthority.com, “Shipping Container Homes”

 

Sources

A Checklist and Step by Step Guide to Building a Shipping Container Home

https://www.themodernhomeproject.com/process

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/shipping-container-homes-understanding-the-pros-and-cons#what-are-the-advantages-of-shipping-container-homes

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/container-homes-market#:~:text=Container%20Homes%20Market%20Overview%3A,trains%2C%20trucks%2C%20and%20ships.

7 homes built with shipping containers

MoneyWatch

By Ilyce Glink


/ MoneyWatch

Leger Wanaselja Architecture

Homes are springing up around the world featuring the latest trend in green building: Transforming a shipping container into a home.

As a home building material, these containers actually have a lot to offer. Because they are abundant, recycling them as a living space is both environmentally friendly and inexpensive (they typically run between $1,000 and $2,000 per container).

The steel bones are structurally stronger than a wood frame. They are mold proof, fire proof and termite proof. On top of that, the containers can be converted into residential uses off site, transported and then assembled on site, saving time and money on construction.

However, that doesn’t mean they’re perfect: The containers are usually lined with pesticides and other chemicals that were used to make them safe for transportation. They also use a lot of energy and produce a lot of waste when they’re converted into something that’s actually habitable.

And they’re boxy. The containers typically come in two lengths, 40 feet and 20 feet, and are less than 8 feet wide and about 8 feet high when insulation and interior walls are added, making for an awkward living space.

But architects and designers have managed to do a lot with them, as seen in these seven shipping container homes.

Manifesto house

James & Mau Arquitectura

This two-story, 1,700-square-foot home is built from 85 percent recycled materials, including three shipping containers, wood pallets and cellulose from unread newspapers that act as insulation. It cost less than $120,000 and was built in fewer than 90 days in Curacavi, Chile.

Manifesto house

James & Mau Arquitectura

Outside the shipping containers, James & Mau Arquitectura added two “skins.” Wooden panels line one side and recycled wood pallets, painted white, line the other. The pallets are closed during the summer to protect the house from sun-produced heat, but can be opened in the winter to allow the sun to heat the metal surface of the container walls, thus helping to heat the house. The walls and roof also have external solar covers that produce natural solar heat.

Redondo beach house

DeMaria Design

Built from eight recycled steel shipping containers, this two-story, 3,000-square-foot home may be made of humble materials, but its location is anything but. The home overlooks the Pacific Ocean from a $1 million beachfront perch in Redondo, California. It features four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a backyard lap pool — also made from a recycled shipping container.

Redondo beach house

DeMaria Design

According to the home’s architects, DeMaria Design, 70 percent of the building was created and assembled in an off-site lab, before being transported and finished on site.

Boucher Grygier house

Leger Wanaselja Architecture

This three bedroom, 1,350-square-foot home in Berkeley, California, is made of three 40-foot refrigerated shipping containers. Two are stacked on top of each other to create the kitchen and the master bedroom while the other container is cut in half and stacked to create the other two bedrooms.

Boucher Grygier house

Leger Wanaselja Architecture

The center of the structure, which is not a shipping container, houses the living room, stairs and a bridge between the bedrooms.

Maison Container house

Patrick Partouche

It took architect Patrick Partouche one year and eight 40-foot shipping containers to build his two-story, 2,200-square-foot Maison Container house in Lille, France, though it was assembled in just three days. The shipping containers were transported to the site by truck and assembled using a crane. The home includes three bedrooms, four bathrooms, an office, kitchen, utility room and garage.

Maison Container house

Patrick Partouche

Partouche decided to thread the industrial nature of the containers throughout the design, sticking with galvanized steel, corrugated metal sheets and exposed wood finishes. At the same time, he added large windows throughout the structure to let in natural light and a view of a field dotted with cows.

Caterpillar house

Sebastián Irarrázaval

Architect Sebastián Irarrázaval used five 40-foot containers and six 20-foot containers (and an extra open-top 40-footer for the pool) to build this nearly 4,000-square-foot home in Santiago, Chile. The so-called Caterpillar house, named for the container “legs” that stick out from the main building, is situated in the Andes Mountains, so some containers were rested on the slope and blended into the mountain. These containers act as an entryways to the rest of the home.

Caterpillar house

Sebastián Irarrázaval

Irarrázaval selected the materials, including the shipping containers, because they assembled quickly and inexpensively and age well, requiring very little maintenance over time.

Nederland house

Studio HT, Brad Tomecek, Tomecek Studio

This 1,500-square-foot home in Nederland, Colorado, is made with two shipping containers that saddlebag a taller, custom-built common space. It is anchored by a rock outcropping, jutting out from the mountains in a similar fashion.

Nederland house

Studio HT, Brad Tomecek, Tomecek Studio

The containers house the bedrooms, bathrooms, office, laundry and kitchen, while the common space includes an entry, dining room, living room and open loft with a platform bed that slides on tracks outside to simulate a camping experience. The scattered windows offer expansive mountain views.

The home relies on off-the-grid electricity that’s created using a combination of solar orientation, passive cooling, green roofs, pellet stove heating and photovoltaics.

Container guest house

Poteet Architects

This 40-foot guest house in San Antonio really reflects its surroundings: Like the shipping container itself, the property is a former industrial site converted to residential property. In keeping with the industrial-turns-residential theme, Poteet Architects and the owners elected to retain the shipping container’s original color and markings and the interior design includes painted sheet metal.

Container guest house

Poteet Architects

The home also includes an electric composting toilet and a roof garden that is watered from the gray water produced by the shower and sink. The entire container sits on recycled telephone poles that act as a foundation and the deck is made of recycled air conditioner equipment pads.

First published on June 14, 2014 / 7:00 AM

© 2014 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

11 Tips You Need To Know Before Building A Shipping Container Home

11 Tips You Need To Know Before Building A Shipping Container Home

Refugio en Huentelauquén / Pablo Errázuriz. Image © Pablo Errázuriz

  • Written by Rory Stott

One of the more niche trends in sustainable design of the past few years has been the re-use of shipping containers in order to create the structure of a building. Due to their convenient size, shipping containers are well-suited for use in houses and their appeal lies in their apparent simplicity: you get a room delivered in one piece, and you can stack them together to make multiple rooms or join them up to make larger rooms.

But of course, things are never so simple, and using shipping containers to make a house is still fraught with challenges – particularly as the idea is still relatively new, so there are few people with the expertise required to build one without a hitch. That’s why the folks over at Container Home Plans reached out to 23 experts from around the world – designers and owners who have overcome the challenges to build their own container houses – to ask them what they wish they’d known before taking on this challenge. Check out their 11 top tips after the break.

+ 9

Containers of Hope / Benjamin Garcia Saxe Architecture. Image © Andres Garcia Lachner

1. Make Sure You See The Containers You’re Buying

“The one thing that I wished I had not done was buy my containers without seeing them – I took the company’s word that they would be in good shape. They were beat all to heck.”

– Larry Wade, seacontainercabin

2. Or, Spend A Little Extra On A One-Trip Container

“I wish I had known that it doesn’t cost that much more for a One-Trip container and they are like brand new.”

– Larry Wade, seacontainercabin

Shipping Container House / Studio H:T. Image © Braden Gunem

3. Read Up On Your Local Rules

“Every country has its own sets of rules and standards. This means a container house in US does not look like a container house in Denmark. That is something most people do not think about. The container is a generic product, but climate, fire regulations etc are not…”

– Mads Møller from Aarcgency, designer of the WFH House

PV14 House / M Gooden Design. Image © Wade Griffith

4. Find A Contractor That Can Do It All

“The one thing we would have done differently would have been to find one contractor to help the whole process versus having one for getting and modifying the containers, and another to finish out the interior.”

– Kam Kasravi and Connie Dewitt, owners of the Sea Container Home by Modulus

Manifesto House / James & Mau, for Infiniski. Image © Antonio Corcuera

5. Know Your Shipping Container Market

“I wish I knew that there were containers that are taller than 8 foot.”

– Mark Wellen, Rhotenberry Wellen Architects

6. Understand The Shipping Container’s Structure

“I think understanding how the structural integrity of them works is very important- i. e. the two long walls are both load bearing and bracing so if you were to cut a hole in one it needs to be compensated.”

– Dan Sparks, G-Pod

Incubo House / María José Trejos. Image © Sergio Pucci

7. Don’t Expect To Make A Huge Saving

“What I wish I had known is that building a house from shipping containers cost me a similar amount as a stick built house.”

– Robyn Volker, owner of the North Branch Container House by Tim Steele

8. Minimize The Required Welding

“Welding takes a long time and is expensive, so try to keep it to a minimum.”

– Brad Tomecek, Tomecek Studio (formerly Studio H:T), designers of the Nederland Colorado Shipping Container Home

WFH House / Arcgency. Image © Jens Markus Lindhe

9. Know How To Insulate

“I wish I knew how to insulate the shipping container, we ended up soldering elements on the walls and then sprayed them with a foam anti-fire insulation. “

– Arnold Aarssen, Studio ArTe

“We wish we’d known in cold countries above all, you need to ensure you have proper insulation to protect against condensation.”

– James & Mau, designers of the Manifesto House

Casa Container / José Schreiber Arquitecto. Image © Ramiro Sosa

10. Plan Ahead For Plumbing

“One thing that would have made a big difference would have been to have all of the plumbing chases cut out of the container floors and ceilings to easily run pipe once they were stacked.”

– Kelly Davies, Travis Price Architects

11. Have A Strategy To Cope With Wind

“We did not expect so much wind in the site and are now having to screen off the wind with vegetation as the container makes a bit of noise when there are large gusts of wind.”

– the Peralta family, owners of Containers of Hope designed by Benjamin Garcia Saxe

Casa-Container para invitados / Poteet Architects. Image © Chris Cooper

Make sure to check out the full post on Container Home Plans for more advice and ideas from 23 experienced designers and owners of shipping container homes.

Cite: Rory Stott. “11 Tips You Need To Know Before Building A Shipping Container Home” 29 Apr 2015. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/625449/11-tips-you-need-to-know-before-building-a-shipping-container-home&gt ISSN 0719-8884

CUSTOM CONTAINER LIVING – CUSTOM CONTAINER LIVING

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WHO WE ARE

Meet your makers.

Custom Container Living was established in 2015 by Robert Wagoner stemming from a love of alternative structures.  His experience with traditional fine home construction resulted in a feeling of inadequacies so he made it his mission to refine those challenges by utilizing shipping containers.  The benefits are amazing, not to mention nearly indestructible! 

Robert’s history of quality custom home building combined with high standards of construction will provide you with just the right full-time home, vacation cabin, rental or even business property.  Most of our floor plans are “Certified Manufactured Homes.”  This means strict codes are followed, that will ease your ability for financing and municipality approvals.

Custom Container Living is passionate about making your dreams come true by creating a totally unique container home that fits your lifestyle.   Simply choose from any of the container home floor plans and then select the custom options you’d like: siding type and color, flooring, cabinets, countertops, lofts, kitchens, bathrooms and more!

Contact us today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions.

​WHY BUILD A CONTAINER HOUSE

There are so many benefits of building a shipping container home- Here are some of the top reasons:

AFFORDABILITY

We offer homes that range from $29k to $100k+ (depending on custom options).

FAST TO BUILD

Our shipping container homes are built and assembled inside of our shop. Being able to build them indoors is a huge advantage that allows all of our materials (and craftsmen) to stay protected from the elements. It also allows us to always be working on a home regardless of the weather or temperature outside. Because of these advantages, our container homes are generally completed months faster than traditional homes. 

STRENGTH & SAFETY

Compared to traditional stick built homes, container homes are made of steel and were originally intended to withstand the harsh and rigorous conditions of inter-sea transport.

LOCATION & VERSATILITY

Because of the simple foundations used by container homes, these structures can go where some houses can not. Shipping container homes do not use a traditional foundation. This means they can accommodate many different types of terrain and soil conditions.

ECO FRIENDLY

Thousands upon thousands of shipping containers are abandoned or disposed of each year. Our containers are gently used or have been used for one trip. By upcycling these used containers, you’re making a better use of these great steel structures. In addition to upcycling, our homes have a very high R insulation value, in return uses less electric and natural resources to power the home.

IT ALL ADDS UP

It all adds up to a smarter investment for your money. The affordability, durability, time, and versatility make shipping container homes a wonderful alternative to traditional homes. See our “Learn More” tab for a plethora of resources and information about our homes.

CUSTOM CONTAINER LIVING QUALITY

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

We started out building high-end traditional homes and fell in love with shipping container homes in 2015. We carried over our legacy of high-end craftsmanship to the container business. Every single one of our builds is made with the same standard and quality as the last.

FRIENDLY & PROFESSIONAL

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22 Most Beautiful Houses Made From Shipping Containers

These days, life can mean a lot more than just having shelter, food, and clothing. People have evolved a great deal over the past 50 years, and the trend of exponential change is continuing. The differences between generations will be more significant than they are now. Random bursts of non-conformism mean that some people no longer feel represented by the masses and feel they can’t be associated with large institutions.

This non-conformism has a residential component: People live in increasingly diverse houses that best suit their needs. Some people buy large houses made of concrete, steel, and glass to reinforce their social positions; others choose something different. Either way, it’s something that suits their needs. One crazy idea is to live in a storage container home. Yes, you heard me. Old cargo containers now serve as a part of a home or even the entire house for some people.

While shipping container homes are certainly an option, no one should rush into a decision. Let’s look at some beautiful structures that might help you decide if living in a shipping container home is right for you.

01. Shipping Container Guest House

One of the most exciting projects I’ve seen is this wonderful guest house made out of a recycled shipping container. People always take this as a challenge; in this case, the result turned out great. The container was painted blue and two sections were cut out and replaced with windows and big sliding doors. Because of the container’s shape and nature, there isn’t a wide range of possibilities for decorating.

The house has a small patio in front and a partial roof above it to shield the rain from splashing directly into the door. The interior features wood paneling on the walls, which provides a feeling of warmth and comfort.

Bold combinations of colors and materials make this structure a fine place to hang out and enjoy the surrounding landscape. This unique container house was designed by Poteet Architects, which has undertaken a number of projects involving shipping containers.

02. Kalkin’s Shipping Container Homes

This creation defies everything you thought you knew about houses. This beauty is made out of shipping containers. New Jersey architect Adam Kalkin designed and built his own house from recycled shipping containers. Among the many reasons to do that is durability, but also price: A used storage container costs under $1000.

This house is huge and has many different levels. You could say this is a “house in a house,” because inside the massive building is smaller individual components that look like rooms in a traditional house. In fact, the indoors are melded with the outdoors with massive sliding glass doors and by house-like structures built inside.

It’s easy to get confused about this home. It’s not a traditional house for sure, but what is it? It has bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and a kitchen so it fulfills our modern needs, but what about aesthetics? If I really have said, I could definitely answer, “It’s unique!”

03. Painted Shipping Containers

Another impressive project comes from Brazilian Architect Marcio Kogan. This maritime shipping container home was born from the idea of using industrial elements that can be easily assembled in a brief period. To deal with the special limitations imposed by the predetermined size of the containers, they stacked the containers on top of one another.

As soon as the height limitation was solved, the architects focused their attention on width. To solve this issue, they created a space that is as high as two containers but is also wider. In that space, they were able to arrange a great living area that can extend outdoors thanks to a clever retractable system of doors.

This house has all the facilities you would find in a regular home, just in a different style and unique shell. Along with the vivid colors and green environment comes the spirit of a youthful space complete with fun and joy.

04. Starbucks Made From Shipping Containers

So far, we’ve seen shipping containers used as living spaces, but here is a bold idea from a businessman who envisioned his new Starbucks building a little bit differently. His crazy idea came from Starbucks’ extensive use of these containers to ship their coffee and tea worldwide.

Perhaps this is an excellent strategy – maybe just wanting to associate their products with freshness. The design is unique even for a take-out fast food type of building, but perhaps this particular fact made it possible.

Because the new building can house only coffee machinery and a small working area for the employees, a used shipping container made this a perfect choice. It’s cool and exciting and can be emulated by other businesses that don’t necessarily need ample indoor space.

This alternative is fast, easy, and less expensive, and after you’re done using it, you can always recycle it for an extra few bucks.

05. Maison Container By Patrick Partouche

Now let’s take a look at a more complex project. In 2010, French architect Patrick Partouche designed a place that imitates a traditional house even though it is built from cargo containers. This contemporary container house has approximately 2,240 square feet and costs around 221,000 euros.

The house looks spacious and modern, thanks to modern appliances and furniture. As we can see, it is made from multiple containers cut into different sections either to achieve a larger interior space with excellent living and dining areas or to accommodate large windows and doors. On the upper floor, exceptional living solutions were implemented, united by metal stairways and bridges.

The design allows for plenty of natural light, which makes each metal corner or junction shine, highlighting the industrial theme. What I like most about this house is that they kept the container’s doors, leaving the owners possibly closing them for total privacy.

06. Containers Of Hope, A $40,000 Home By Benjamin Garcia Saxe

With just $40,00, Benjamin Garcia Saxe built an exciting place to live in Costa Rica. This project concentrates more on its communion with nature than the actual building. The house is very chic and modern, but it requires few materials and little space to be functional.

We all tend to build vast spaces that are often left unused, but this design focuses more on what we do and don’t need. Let me tell you what we need: a Sunrise and a sunset through those beautiful large windows. We need comfort, and we need style. We can achieve all these within precisely 1,000 square feet thanks to modern furniture and quality finishings.

I would have to say that this is a place for the soul and eyes. An intimate, cozy house with the best view over the landscape is probably what many of us would want. Well, as this house demonstrates, it is possible to have just that with just two shipping containers.

07. Shipping Container House In El Tiemblo

This residential project involves four 40-foot shipping containers, and although it may not look so great from the outside, the inside, I assure you, is superb. Designed by studio James & Mau Arquitectura and built by Infiniski, this container house is located in the province of Ávila, Spain, and is named “Casa El Tiamblo.”

With a cost of about 140,000 Euros, this modern example of style and comfort has all the amenities of a traditional house, with a big kitchen, a great open living room surrounded only by huge windows, comfortable bedrooms, and trendy furniture.

The most appreciated area is probably the lower level because it features sliding doors to the patio, which creates a space where you can relax and feel the fresh air that circulates, ventilating the home. Furniture makes this interior look no different than a traditional one, and perhaps that is why feels so cozy inside and modern and stylish compared to the raw industrial exterior.

08. First Shipping Container House In The Mojave Desert By Ecotech Design

If so far we’ve seen homes constructed in a less practiced manner, this model by Ecotech Design brings the shipping container house to another level. Located in the Mojave Desert, the one-bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom home has 2,300 square feet and is made from six containers.

The design speaks for itself; perfect for those interested in more than just shelter. This unique construction features a modern interior with an open concept floor plan, plenty of natural light, and an exterior that combines shady places with a wide-open yard. I must admit that I would never have guessed if no one had told me that this home is made from containers. It looks like a modern home built with a particular eco spirit.

This fantastic structure combines high-energy efficiency and mass-production modular designs, making it a low-cost, sustainable housing system. If we take a look at current trends, I would predict that soon we’ll be seeing more and more of these structures all over the world.

09. Five Shipping Containers Into A Cozy Modern Home

This incredible house shocks me through its brightness, layout, and amenities. In this project, we can see two elements you would never expect to work for hand in hand: Open space and shipping containers. This house boasts 2,600 square feet of comfortable living space made from only five shipping containers. It has cutting-edge features such as a green roof, geothermal heating, and high-tech foam insulation to preserve an optimal living environment.

This entire home has a playful air and must have been a fun project to design and build, but it is certainly not a joke. This is a natural, regular home for a happy, functional family. The cold metal industrial style has been dramatically softened with bright, vivid colors and modern furniture. I love how this project turned out, given the materials used to build it. Superb design and excellent living space!

10. Shipping Container Conversion By Building Lab Inc.

Designer Stephen Schouptook advantage of shipping containers when it came time to build a space for his expanding company. Environmental and sustainability concerns convinced him to opt for an unusual way to create the additional work area. After much deliberation, he decided on an L-shaped shipping container office by Lab inc.

The great thing about this structure is that it allowed Schoup to incorporate leftover materials and supplies he had laying around the courtyard. The result balances industrial style and a warehouse appearance with the great open space around the structure.

This office reflects the residential theme appropriate for the area even though it is constructed in a non-traditional way. The interior design maximizes the potential of the space and is perfect for an office area. The well-equipped space includes everything employees might need and a small meeting area.

11. Eco-Friendly CrossBox House By Cg Architects

Here’s proof that the container house phenomenon is spreading worldwide and that each project reflects the region’s and architect’s design preferences: In France, Clément Gillet Architects built an eco-friendly prefabricated single-family home. The main ingredient in this successful recipe was some old shipping containers.

The home has approximately 1,120 square feet, and it’s a prototype for a modular industrial house constructed from four containers. The main aim behind this project is to build low-cost architect’s houses while focusing on the environment. The home’s great success is due to its straightforward design, with a living area on the ground floor and three bedrooms on the upper floor.

The entrance, which is between the two sections, is also used as a carport. The interior is well finished with bright colors and furniture that creates the impression of vast space, and the wooden accents warm the entire house, making it a great place to live.

12. Week House From Shipping Containers

The traditional real estate market is known for constantly rising prices, which is exactly what pushes people to seek alternatives. Jure Kotonik has an answer to that issue: He designed a two-story, 300-square-foot container house that significantly benefits its owners. It has a very low-end cost compared to traditional housing, is assembled in a matter of days, and, most of all, is easy to move.

This is better described as a mini-housing solution offering only the basic necessities for living. Itcould be a tremendously stylish temporary solution if you’re planning to invest a more considerable amount of money in your dream house.

The pink-dotted façade illustrates its versatility and the opportunity for expressing yourself so others can see your true spirit. The interior can be furnished stylishly but in a very minimalist manner and the upper floor is accessible through an adjustable staircase.

13. Alterra Beach Resort Uses Shipping Containers For Private Glamping Cabins

Most of the people who are really into the whole container housing thing tend to build and design structures for their personal use. Architect ClorindoTesta thought about using shipping containers for others to use. AlterraGlamping is a natural resort near Pinamar Beach in Argentina that wonderfully combines the art of outdoor relaxation and sustainability by using old shipping containers as private cabins.

The minimalist look of the containers focuses attention on the paradise outside. The resort was originally an art gallery, so transforming it into a hotel involved changing some of the spaces and adding more cabins. It is important to know that no trees were harmed during construction and the main house still functions as a gallery.

So, you can look at this location as a place for the body as well as the soul, with prices starting around $US1,100 per week. Think of it as a very cool camping site with the best amenities for a truly relaxing experience.

14. Jean Nouvel’s Shipping Container Restaurant

Another interesting project was created by French architect Jean Nouvel. He imagined LES GRANDE TABLES as a large timber frame structure wrapped in glass, and as we can see, it turned out pretty good actually.

His 1,000-square-foot restaurant is made from recycled cargo containers with bare-bones scaffolding around it for a true minimalist industrial look. It accommodates more than 120 people and is also used for parties, weddings, and cultural meetings.

While part of a larger project, this structure is the main attraction because the restaurant serves French cuisine prepared by the renowned chef Arnaud Daguin, using locally grown herbs and vegetables. When night falls, the place livens up, attracting people who live a particular lifestyle.

The French are well known for their sophistication and revolutionary thinking, which makes them leaders in design trends and tastes. Looking at this structure, we can very quickly see why.

15. London’s First Pop-Up Shipping Container Mall Opens In Shoreditch

Commercial spaces come in different shapes and designs to attract as many clients as possible through an appealing design. Boxpark Shoreditch is London’s first pop-up shopping mall made from shipping containers. This crazy mini shopping center is convenient, pedestrian-friendly, and packed with some of the most popular stores.

The design makes maximum use of the compact space in contrast totraditional shopping malls with huge parking lots and endless pathways. The mall is made from 61 containers, and 41 are situated in the ground section in a simple rectangular footprint.

The ingenious idea come straight out of a purely economic principle. Small brands find it almost impossible to rent a big space in a fancy shopping center, limiting their ability to reach the general public with their products. This Box Park alleviated that issue and almost any entrepreneur can afford to rent one of the commercial spaces.

16. 25 Hours Hafen City Hotel

Let’s switch up a little from French sophistication and move a little north to Germany. Stephen Williams Associates designed an exciting, eclectic hotel inspired by sailing and shipping here.

Using nautical décor in the shipping containers, such as ropes, rotors, and other elements, created the impression of a raw, industrial shipping warehouse. 25Hours HafenCity Hotel has each room decorated to look like a cabin from a ship.

The lobby is the most exciting area, featuring a variety of seating and lounging options, as well as the hotel’s restaurant, which serves local dishes made with local ingredients.

The rooftop is also made from a container, and it houses the “Hafen Sauna,” with panoramic views over the entire harbor. This unique project wouldn’t be possible without the containers donated by Hamburg’s own Hapag-Lloyd and other scrap materials from around the shipyard.

17. Another Mall Project Made From Shipping Containers

A shipping container-based mall project was also opened in New Zealand, but it is on a whole other scale and with a different philosophy. After being devastated by an earthquake, the Christchurch area was rebuilt. This brightly colored shopping facility houses 27 stores and is meant to bring certain normalcy to the site, but it is still not enough.

The benefit of using cargo containers is that it makes people feel safe. I can’t imagine how all those people, shaken by nature’s rage, can venture out again into a town center with tall buildings, some still standing and some having been destroyed. This meaningful project is more than a shopping facility — it is an element of safety for those residents.

The project’s structure is not one of the equally compartmented spaces, so some businesses benefit from larger spaces than others. The New Zealand mall’s design is also disputed by the developers of the Boxpark Mall we’ve shown above, which claim intellectual property theft and are pursuing legal action.

18. Spacious Prefab House From A Shipping Container

I firmly believe that this, by far, is the most significant project ever that involves shipping containers. It is called the WIngHouse, and guess what? It unfolds as a spacious house from a single cargo container.

The principle is relatively simple: Pack everything into a container so it will be easy to transport anywhere. Set it on the ground, and then the walls of the container unit rise like wings with a built-in crane to create a large butterfly roof. Inside, panels are inserted to make doors and windows.

TheWingHouse revolutionizes not just the concept of home but also that of moving your home. The result is impressive:  A quite ample interior space that can be finished in multiple ways because there are no internal supports in the way.

Thanks to this feature, this wonderful home can accommodate three bedrooms just like a traditional home, or it can be transformed into an eight-bedroom dorm, an office, or just about anything you would like.

19. New Zealand On Screen Uses Recycled Shipping Containers & Caravans To Show Off Kiwi Films

A project called New Zealand on Screen features TV and music videos right on cargo containers. The Kiwi Films organization wanted something original to engage visitors using hi-tech facilities and gadgets, so they equipped some containers and transformed them into interactive media rooms.

Inside, people can enjoy and experience a state-of-the-art interactive video wall and many other excellent applications. The owners opted for a vintage décor to go hand in hand with classic films and bring back a certain nostalgia.

The idea behind this project was t  combine the offline and online environments to give the media content more currency without building a museum or a movie theatre. Now it is easy to understand why they chose shipping containers. From the outside, the facility looks casual, like a stationary truck painted colorfully.

20. Shipping Container Architecture

This single-family house, designed by Jason Welty, is a perfect example of industrial elegance. Although the metal frame was not covered but only painted white, the overall feel is of refinement. This is also a grand design project created from shipping containers.

The interior is compartmentalized into two floors. On the lower level, we find a big open living area furnished with plenty of natural light from multiple large windows. Upstairs, there are the bedrooms, also furnished in the same style.

Focusing on sustainability, this house has solar panels on the roof and several wind turbines. The exterior color attempts to blend the building into the natural décor.

The lot is in a lovely area with a spacious grassy backyard and a pond. Suddenly, cargo container homes look stylish and environmentally friendly. I would love to see more and more of these buildings rising soon.

21. Container Summer Residence

In this project, we see how a standard shipping container transforms into a summer residence, perfect for nature lovers. Similar to those who go camping in the summertime, some people decide to build their summer residence.

All they need is a good cleaning to remove any rust and some paint, and the containers are ready to accommodate you quite rustically. It’s summertime, so you only need basic shelter to protect you from rain, wind, and wildlife.

A big issue with steel containers is insulation, and in this particular environment, with almost 300 days of sunshine per year, heat is a serious problem. A new product has been developed to reflect the sun’s heat and act as an insulator, called SUPER THERM, a very effective ceramic paint with remarkable effects.

These two containers have a small shaded area created with a simple cane roof, perfect for eating, working, or relaxing while you enjoy the fresh air without the sun burning your skin.

22. Yuka Yoneda Tommy Hilfiger’s Berlin Shipping Container

This project, built by Art department-Berlin, was presented at the Bread&Butterfashio  trade show. The Tommy Hilfiger brand was represented by a contemporary structure made entirely of recycled cargo containers stacked in various shapes and covered in eye-catching graphics.

This dynamic environment reflects the energy of the Hilfiger aesthetics while at the same time using eco-friendly materials both inside and out. To paint a mental picture of how fast these structures can be assembled and functional, I have to mention that the containers only required one day to be arranged, three days for rough construction (cutting, welding, mounting stairs, lights, etc.), and another three days to finish the interior.

Imagine that you can already live in a house constructed by the same principle in this amount of time. Imagine that you can have dinner in your place to call home in just one or two weeks.

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Container houses are a turnkey solution that is very popular today not only in Russia, but all over the world. If you want to buy a ready-made house from a container or if you have any questions, call us! Our experts will help you make the right choice!

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Thanks to this quality, they are used in seismically hazardous areas, in places where hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters are observed

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The construction of the house will not take much time, even complex structures can be completed within 2-3 months, including exterior and interior decoration

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