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Shipping Container Homes: The 9 Most Beautiful Around the World

By Caitlin Gunther

It's not everyday that someone dreams of living in shipping container homes, or working in shipping container offices. When a client proposed to James Whitaker the idea of constructing a shipping container office, the London-based architect was initially skeptical. For Whitaker, they brought to mind his childhood in Liverpool, where he’d see piles of shipping containers awaiting long-haul journeys over the Atlantic—not so much the foundation for a home or business. Then he remembered an experiment from his school days. “You put a small grain of salt on the end of a thread of cotton and dangle it into a saline solution,” Whitaker recalled. “Over the next few days, that grain of salt acts as a catalyst and draws the salt from the solution, growing a wonderful crystal.”

Ultimately that office was never built, but the analogy stuck: Even the simplest structure can form the basis for an extraordinary project. Whitaker finally realized this concept with Starburst House in California’s Joshua Tree National Park —a testament to the possibilities of thoughtfully designed shipping-container homes.

Here, some of our favorite projects that show how a shipping container can serve as the small grains for a sustainable, eco-friendly dream home—from multi-resident container buildings to a DIY tiny house in the middle of the mountains.

Outside of the Pacific Bin

The Pacific Bin — Devon Loerop

Built from five shipping containers, the Pacific Bin is a shipping-container house situated in the forests of the Cascade Mountains, just an hour from Seattle. Devon Loerop, who designed the vacation home with his mom, Tammi Loerop, explained that their goal was to create an experiential-based rental home that allowed guests to unplug from their busy lives and connect with friends and family in a peaceful environment.

Using five shipping containers, they were able to accomplish their goal of incorporating nature into the design, with soaring picture windows in each room, while keeping the container home cost to a minimum.

Container Studio — Maziar Behrooz, MB Architecture

A studio in the woods on the East End of Long Island, the award-winning Container Studio features 900 square feet of sun-drenched space and a double-height ceiling. While the Hamptons enjoy a swelling population of seasonal residents, many of whom live in palatial mansions, the Container Studio was built for an artist looking for a compact creative space close to her Hamptons home.

Combining functionality and design, MB Architecture utilized two shipping containers (for $2,500 each), perched over a nine-foot foundation cellar. The result is an airy, dreamy studio at a fraction of the price of a traditional house.

An aerial view above the stunning Starburst House

Starburst House — Whitaker Studio

Situated on a 10-acre plot of land in Joshua Tree National Park, the Starburst House is a custom container home nestled into the rocky mountainside. Formed out of 21 shipping containers, the three-bedroom home features 2,000 square feet, including a spacious kitchen and a living room.

Whitaker oriented each container to enhance the views across the landscape, adjust the intensity of light entering the house, and provide the residents with some privacy. Boosting the eco-friendy vibe, a carport roofed in solar panels serves as the house power supply.

Casa Oruga (Caterpillar House) — Sebastián Irarrázaval

In the foothills of the Andes Mountains, outside Santiago, Chile, Casa Oruga is a modern home that demonstrates the possibilities of combining design-forward architecture and economical shipping containers.

Built by architect Sebastián Irarrázaval, the 3,700-square-foot home is beautifully integrated into the rugged natural landscape, where, importantly, local regulations prohibit buildings above 1,000 meters. Made from 12 shipping containers, including one open-top container for a small swimming pool, the interior is expansive, industrial, and light-filled, with sweeping views of the surrounding slopes.

Måns Tham Container Home — Måns Tham Arkitektkontor

On a lake outside Stockholm, Swedish architect Måns Tham constructed an off-the-grid, industrial-chic home using eight recycled shipping containers, removing the walls between containers to maximize the living spaces. With an upper level larger than the entrance level, the structure corresponds with the V-shaped natural canyon of the site.  The interior is likewise sustainable, featuring salvaged parts like timber planks, metal boards, and staircases.

C-Home Hudson — LOT-EK

Located in Claverack, just outside the bedroom community of Hudson, New York, C-Home Hudson is a pre-fabricated, high quality modular home made from six upcycled 40-foot shipping containers. With over 1,920 square feet of space, the single-family home features an open layout with a living room, dining room, and kitchen on the ground level, and two-bedroom suites on the level above, each accessible by its own staircase and with a full bathroom and walk-in closet.

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Large glass walls provide cross-light and ventilation, with large decks to expand the open living space into the natural surroundings.

Virginie Stolz, cofounder and CEO of c-Home USA, the New York architecture and design studio that built C-Home modules, explained that C-Home modules are made to provide strength, durability, and a modern industrial aesthetic. As they’re prefabricated and ready to move in, a new home can be ready in half the time compared to normal construction methods.

The Hilda L. Solis Care First Village — NAC Architecture.

In downtown Los Angeles, architecture firms NAC Architecture and Bernards constructed an environmentally friendly residential complex to provide housing for the city’s growing population of people experiencing homelessness. Using locally sourced, repurposed building materials, the entire project was completed in just six months.

It features 132 permanent container homes and and 100 temporary units with a full private bathroom for each resident. The Village includes a common building with a commercial kitchen, dining area, laundry facilities, and administrative spaces, as well as landscaped courtyards, a dog park, and parking spots for staff and residents. It’s an impressive example of how shipping containers can form the basis for multifamily homes and complexes.

The Scenic Orchard — Emily & Gabriel Broomfield

In the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, siblings Emily and Gabriel Broomfield transformed a used shipping container, formerly dedicated to storing lawn equipment, into a cozy, modern tiny home. With floor-to-ceiling windows, guests of the Scenic Orchard feel connected to the surrounding trees and rolling hills. The Broomfields extended the living space of the property with an outdoor patio replete with a hot tub and custom gas fire pit.

Squirrel Park — Allford Hall Monaghan Morris

Built by Smith Design Company, with a home design by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, Squirrel Park is comprised of four single-family homes—all made from modified shipping containers. Each home offers around 1,400 square feet of living space. The sunny, minimalist interiors, with light wood floors and paneled walls, create a playful contrast with the modern, industrial-exterior aesthetic. Said Wade Scaramucci, director of AHMM’s Oklahoma City office, “We found the most honest aesthetic was combining a mixture of things we could find off the shelf—such as millwork, linings, and flooring—while also celebrating the container’s industrial past.”

FAQs: How long do shipping-container homes last?

Melissa McFadgen, principal architect at NAC Architecture, estimates 25 to 50 years. “A life span of a shipping container used for cargo at sea can be 10 to 12 years. Consider that, at sea, the shipping containers are subjected to the harshest conditions of the elements and use. When maintained and implemented properly, the life span can be extended significantly.”

Overall the life span depends on the environment they’re in and how well they’re maintained. Explained Whitaker, “The Forth Bridge in Scotland is made out of steel and still working 134 years after completion.”

Wade Scaramucci, director of AHMM’s Oklahoma City office, said, “I’d expect them to last indefinitely, as long as usual building maintenance is performed. Given the containers have already been around the world a few times, they are already on their second life.”

What are the drawbacks to shipping-container homes?

The size of container structures is the most obvious drawback. “A shipping container is typically quite narrow, eight feet—not a great size for living in,” said Whitaker. “People sometimes get around this by putting containers next to each other, but then there is [the issue of] how to join them.”

McFadgen noted that there can be logistical challenges. “The base shipping container module is not conceived with the need of running electrical or plumbing infrastructure within and between units,” she said.

Scaramucci added, “There is also some rigor required to make the most of the container structural system, in order to keep them cost-effective.”

Do container homes get hot?

Not necessarily. Says Whitaker, “There’s no real reason why they should get hotter than any other building if properly insulated and ventilated. If attention isn’t paid to the local climate, and the design tailored accordingly, then a container is as susceptible to overheating or cooling, just as any other building.”

McFadgen echoed that sentiment and explained how they improved the heating/cooling performance in their shipping container village. “In the Hilda L. Solis Care First Village, we chose to use an exterior circulation system that shielded much of the units from direct solar heat gain and promoted interactions between the residents.”

Is it really cheaper to build a shipping-container home?

In terms of materials, a shipping-container house can be similar in price to a traditional home, considering all the customization needed to make it liveable. That said, there are some economic advantages.

Explained McFadgen, “The real cost advantage of modular systems is in the pace of construction where on-site mobilization time can be minimized. There are situations where on-site time can be very costly, on tight sites where logistics are challenging or where project sequencing is excessively complex. Modular construction has the benefit of the site development and the modular construction happening simultaneously versus one following the other like the typical construction sequence.”

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Method in Modular: 10 Floor Plans Using Shipping Container Architecture

• Written by Fabian Dejtiar | Translated by Guilherme Carvalho
• Published on September 03, 2017

Shipping container architecture has developed its own niche in both design and representation. Colorful or grungy? Economical or gentrified ? Either way, you look at it, designing with shipping containers is a serious exercise in modular planning. The physical constraints of the object make designing projects with containers a complex task, which demands specific studies in spatial organization.

The responses using this element in architecture are great and diverse, so we have selected a number of different project plans, both helpful and inspirational, that rise to the shipping container-challenge of design.

Check out selection of 10 architectural project plans using shipping containers below:

01. Container Guest House / Poteet Architects

02. El Tiemblo House / James & Mau

03. Manifesto House / James and Mau for Infiniski

04. Huentelauquén Refuge / Pablo Errázuriz

05. RDP House / Daniel Moreno Flores + Sebastian Calero

06. Liray House / ARQtainer

07. Platoon Kunsthalle Berlin / Platoon Cultural Development

08. Shanghai Organic Food Farm / Playze

09. Container House / José Schreiber Arquitecto

10. Alphaville Store - Contain [it] / SuperLimão Studio

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Attainable Sustainable Design

Technical advice, case studies and additional resources for low-energy design, shipping container houses: the full story.

Shipping container architecture is fast becoming the hot new green trend for both designers and DIY’ers who want their own sustainable, chic home. My brother and his wife have asked me to design them a shipping container home and despite my familiarity with the topic I was pretty sure they knew more about it than I did. Like any good designer I began researching everything involved with designing and building a shipping container house and decided it was important to share what I found because there are some downsides that everyone embarking on a container house should be aware of.

One of the main reasons that container architecture is becoming so popular is that sheer abundance of shipping containers available for purchase. It is estimated that around 100 million shipping container loads cross the ocean every year. The cost of building a new container is significantly cheaper than shipping them back to be re-filled and after a couple uses, they are no-longer desired by shipping companies and become unusable. They take up valuable space on the docks and can eventually become a source of pollution. Despite the extreme wastefulness of such a system, there is currently little or no imperative to figure out a more sustainable solution so it is up to the architects and designers to re-use the unwanted containers. Because of the ample supply of shipping containers, they can be purchased for a very reasonable price, some for as low as $900 .

In addition to the availability and low-cost of containers, they are modular and versatile and can be arranged to suit any family arrangement. They can be used for a single family home or combined to create large scale student housing. They can be minimally fitted-out to provide emergency shelter or completely transformed into luxury accommodation. Since they are modular, projects can be designed to be easily taken apart, transported and re-built making them extremely adaptable .  Furthermore, the shell is very resilient and can be used in any climate given proper insulation and ventilation are incorporated.

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Home » “Stacked Container Home” Case Study

“Stacked Container Home” Case Study

“Stacked Container Home ” Case Study

In San Diego, California, there’s an architect named David who had always dreamed of creating a unique home that would meet his family’s needs while exuding a modern feel and sustainability. He decided to embrace the concept of stacked container homes, transforming abandoned shipping containers into an impressive dwelling.

Design Features:

• Vertical Stacking : David opted for six standard shipping containers, vertically stacking them into two levels, forming a contemporary residential structure. This vertical stacking not only provided ample living space but also saved ground area, making it suitable for compact plots.
• Open-Concept Layout : The stacked container home embraced an open-concept layout, crafting a spacious living environment. Large glass windows and sliding doors flooded the interior with copious natural light, offering breathtaking views of the surroundings.
• Sustainability : The residence incorporated sustainable design principles, including solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and efficient insulation materials. David also created a green roof garden, improving air quality and mitigating the urban heat island effect.
• Modern Interiors : The interior design, in line with a modern aesthetic, featured an open kitchen. Additionally, custom furnishings and high-quality home decor were integrated into the space. Consequently, this interior design not only added comfort and luxury to the home but also provided a contemporary ambiance.

Residential Experience:

David and his family are highly content with their stacked container home. The home provides ample space to meet their needs and is sturdy and durable. Simultaneously, its modern design and sustainability features make them proud, as they have a unique urban dwelling that caters to their needs and contributes to environmental conservation.

This case study showcases how stacked container homes offer an innovative housing choice for families through creative design and sustainable attributes. This housing concept is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly, offering a modern, stylish, and comfortable living space. As more designers and architects embrace this idea, stacked container homes are poised to become a prominent trend in future housing design.

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Case Studies: Successful Container Home Modifications

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Hello, fellow container home enthusiasts! I’m Emily Owens, your trusty guide through the world of container home living. For the past four years, I’ve been sharing my insights, tips, and yes, even a bit of humor, about this fascinating niche in the world of architecture and sustainable living. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of container home modifications, exploring some exceptional case studies that showcase the endless possibilities of repurposing shipping containers into beautiful, functional spaces.

The Cozy Cabin Retreat

Our first case study takes us to the serene woods of Oregon, where a family of four decided to create their dream weekend getaway. They started with three 40-foot shipping containers, each one designed to serve a specific purpose. One container became the living room and kitchen, complete with large glass doors that opened to a breathtaking view of the forest. Another container was converted into two cozy bedrooms, while the third container served as a bathroom and utility room.

What makes this modification stand out is the clever use of reclaimed wood and earthy tones, giving the cabin a warm and inviting atmosphere. The result? A cozy retreat that seamlessly blends modern comfort with the tranquility of nature. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Urban Oasis

Container homes aren’t just for the countryside; they can thrive in urban environments too. Take, for instance, the case of a young couple in New York City who transformed a 20-foot shipping container into their own urban oasis. Facing the challenge of limited space and skyrocketing rents, they decided to think outside the box—literally.

By vertically stacking two containers, they created a stylish and compact two-story home. The lower container houses the living area and kitchen, while the upper container serves as a bedroom and workspace. Large windows and a rooftop garden not only maximize natural light but also provide a touch of greenery in the concrete jungle.

What’s truly inspiring about this modification is how it demonstrates that container living can be a viable solution for those seeking affordable housing in expensive cities.

The Artistic Abode

Now, let’s shift gears and explore the artistic side of container home modifications . In the heart of Los Angeles, a renowned sculptor turned three 40-foot containers into a living masterpiece. His vision was to create a space that was not just a home but also a canvas for his artistic expressions.

The exterior of the containers was adorned with striking metalwork, reflecting his passion for sculpture. Inside, each container was dedicated to a different facet of his life: one for living, one for work, and one for contemplation. The integration of raw industrial elements and carefully curated art pieces turned this container home into a truly unique dwelling that reflects the owner’s creative soul.

The Sustainable Sanctuary

Sustainability is a key driver in the world of container homes, and our next case study exemplifies this ethos. In Austin, Texas, a couple decided to convert four 20-foot containers into an eco-friendly sanctuary. The project was guided by their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and living off the grid.

The containers were fitted with solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and efficient insulation. But what truly sets this modification apart is the innovative use of reclaimed materials. From salvaged wood flooring to repurposed metal accents, every element of the home screams eco-consciousness.

With a thriving organic garden surrounding the containers and a greywater recycling system, this sustainable sanctuary is a testament to how container homes can embody both style and environmental responsibility.

The Entrepreneurial Endeavor

Our final case study takes us to San Francisco, where an enterprising individual turned a 40-foot container into a unique and profitable venture. Recognizing the city’s need for affordable workspaces, he transformed the container into a chic co-working space known as the “Container Collective.”

The interior features flexible workstations, a small kitchenette, and even a small conference area. Large glass doors provide an abundance of natural light and open up to a communal outdoor space. What started as a personal project quickly became a thriving business, serving freelancers, startups, and creatives in need of an inspiring workspace.

Container home modifications continue to amaze us with their creativity, functionality, and sustainability. Whether you’re seeking a weekend getaway, an urban escape, an artistic abode, a sustainable sanctuary, or even a business venture, these case studies prove that shipping containers are a versatile canvas for turning your dreams into reality.

As container home enthusiasts, we’re constantly inspired by the innovation and ingenuity displayed in these projects. With each new modification, we’re reminded that the only limit to what you can achieve with a shipping container is your imagination. So, go ahead and dream big—your container home adventure awaits!

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The Lifestyle Benefits of Choosing a Container Home

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Onagawa Container by Shigeru Ban: Temporary Structures with Impactful Design

The earthquake and tsunami in East Japan in 2011, devastated many homes in the northern Tohoku region of Japan. One of the communities affected was a small fishing town on the northern side called Onagawa. The tsunami destroyed the ports and many fishing communities along the coastline as well as multiple residential localities in the town. Following the aftermath of the disaster, Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, under the local government, created the Onagawa Container Housing along with a community center and an atelier, in response to the citizen’s needs. 

Topographical Restrictions

One of the major setbacks in the construction of these container housing in the Onagawa region was the topography. The coastline has very little flat land which leads into a hilly region, therefore leaving very little space for construction. The only area that was available to construct this housing was a baseball field, which was limited in size for individual single-storey buildings. To resolve this, Ban designed nine buildings, each two–to–three stories, stacking marine transportation containers in a checkered pattern. In the limited flat land available, Shigeru Ban’s studio designed 189 multi-storeyed temporary housing for the displaced residents of the Onagawa region.

The design was to quickly and inexpensively construct temporary housing which would cater to all the needs of the people. Ban stacked shipping containers in a checkerboard pattern, creating an open layout for the houses and enabling more light and airflow. The arrangement also allowed for the privacy of the families and the availability of parking space. An added bonus of using shipping containers was the quick assembly of the prefabricated units, therefore cutting construction costs. While normal housing for relocation is created under government guidelines and aims only to solve the time, space, and budget restrictions, Shigeru Ban’s design for the people of Onagawa was created in response to the needs of the people as well. The homes and community spaces designed for them were created such that the people feel at ease with their surroundings and allowed them to return to their routines, even though it was only temporary. After its use as temporary housing, the container structures could also be reassembled later as permanent structures.

Shigeru Ban’s design team planned three types of plans, 6 tsubos, 9 tsubos, and 12 tsubos, depending on the combination of containers (A tsubo is a Japanese unit of area equal to approximately 3.31 sq. metres). The layout of the spaces in these three types was made to accommodate single or couples, families of four, and families with more than four respectively. The alternating checkerboard arrangement, allowed for free-flowing living spaces, with built-in shelves and storage. The children’s room, bath, and toilets were placed in relatively small containers and were arranged in between the containers used for the core living spaces.

Most government-issued homes rarely come with amenities like storage or interiors. But Shigeru Ban decided to incorporate as much homely feel as he could within the budget he was allotted by incorporating shelves in the inhabitable spaces between the containers. The Voluntary Architects Network (VAN) also created built-in furniture such as wall-mounted and floor-standing storage shelves in each unit using the donations they had collected to give the residents a more comfortable life.

The design also aimed to solve one of the main issues faced by such small communities after a disaster ruins their lives – the loss of the vibe and feel of a community. As a solution, the design team incorporated a community space in the design. With the community center, outdoor market cafe, and atelier, the shipping container housing creates an environment where people can see a semblance of normalcy in their life – engage with neighbours, host events, and communal gatherings. More importantly, it allows people to get the social interaction that they crave in the aftermath of a crisis. 

The design has a market and a community center in the centre of the site, offering a gathering space for community members. Stores are not located in this neighbourhood, and the people would have to travel far for daily necessities. The market also served as a platform for local vendors to open their shops for their fellow townsmen affected by the tsunami. The market is formed with a ring of containers to provide space for the shops and the central space is covered with a tensile roof for weather protection. The walls of the community center are formed with white shipping containers and are capped with a plywood gable roof. The use of triangular clerestory windows on either side provides ample natural light in the interior space. The atelier was designed as a work and play space for the children. It is made of paper tube columns and beams and has built-in cabinets for storage.

Structural Design

Arup, a design firm of engineers, architects, and technical specialists, assisted architect Shigeru Ban in the structural aspects of the design for the shipping container housing. Resistant frames were arranged in the checkerboard pattern to improve the stability and to help scatter the seismic and wind forces. Hardware used in marine transportation was used to connect each container. Compared to most temporary housing, these container houses were more resilient and also provided higher sound insulation. The structure was also built in such a way that it could be disassembled and transported with ease to reuse in other disaster-stricken areas if needed or even converted into permanent housing. The construction was successfully completed in 14 weeks.

The Onagawa Container Housing Project is an excellent example that shows us how temporary architecture can be responsive to needs and well-planned, while not compromising on cost and aesthetics. Although this project has its own drawbacks such as the lack of landscaping, its chain-linked boundary fence with just a gate at the entry, the lack of seamless transition between roads and pedestrian pavements etc. Irrespective of these imperfections, the project is still one of the most well-designed responses to disaster. This project shows us how a well-designed living space can encourage the growth and development of the town, solely by preserving the sense of community among the people. Through the Onagawa Container Housing Project, Shigeru Ban has shown us how the lack of permanency in a design, in no way makes it unnecessary to create a good design. 

Ballard, L., 2018. The Architect’s Role in Disaster Recovery . [ebook] Auburn, pp.36-47. Available at: <https://aydelott.org/aydelott_wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2018_Lauren_Ballard_AU_web.pdf> [Accessed 21 May 2021]

shigerubanarchitects.com. CONTAINER TEMPORARY HOUSING, ONAGAWA 2011. [online] Available at:<http://www.shigerubanarchitects.com/works/2011_onagawa-container-temporary-housing/index.html> [Accessed 21 May 2021].

Arup.com. [online] Available at: <https://www.arup.com/projects/multi-storey-container-temporary-housing> [Accessed 21 May 2021].

designboom | architecture & design magazine. shigeru ban: onagawa temporary container housing + community center . [online] Available at: https://www.designboom.com/architecture/shigeru-ban-onagawa-temporary-container-housing-community-center/> [Accessed 21 May 2021].

Artist, dancer and writer Sanjana Ramesh is a soon-to-be architect trying to find the time to add ’amateur guitarist’ to the beginning of this sentence. Loves puppies and all things chocolate. She’s also really good at bad jokes. She hopes to find her place in the world of design through her words and illustrations.

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Container Homes USA

• Written by: Neil Cote
• Produced by: Haj Carr
• Estimated reading time: 6 mins

Derrick C.W. Childs has his hands full—literally—on a late May day, handling an array of tools as well as a cellphone during a lively interview from a construction site in Cleveland. But that’s business as usual for this high-spirited man whose work ethic and Christian faith run deep.

And, as if heaven-sent, business is booming for Container Homes USA , the company founded by this journeyman carpenter and stone mason, and his wife Monique, just three years ago. Also a Registered Nurse, Monique is CEO and has MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) certification.

“This is the fastest growing segment of the home-building industry,” Childs says, his words taking on a rat-a-tat-tat quality as he alternates between barking out orders to his crew and describing company operations to Blueprint. “And we’ll be the first company in the U.S. that will be doing this mass production once our new manufacturing facility is built in Cleveland.”

“This” being fashioning homes and other structures out of shipping containers that otherwise might be sitting vacant at ports along the Great Lakes and eastern United States—a consequence of the country importing far more goods than it exports. The economists may pontificate the ramifications of the trade deficit, but Childs sees opportunity to prosper in a socially responsible business that’s going far beyond its initial intent of providing affordable housing to veterans and people with disabilities.

Container Homes USA has also fashioned commercial properties, charter schools, residential halls for colleges, day cares, shelters for battered spouses and the homeless, and popup kiosks for professional sports teams in Cleveland and Detroit.

Over 70 designs of residential, commercial, industrial and recreational structures are available, and there’s even a container with a solar-operated system that can purify and even desalinate 30,000 gallons of water. Childs sees his affordable structures as among the solutions that can contribute to the much-needed rebuilding of urban neighborhoods in Cleveland, Detroit and elsewhere.

Call it the kind of out-of-the-box thinking that initially inspired the man to apply his formidable trade skills toward such high-handed causes.

Containment policy solid

Given how those shipping containers have long been put to uses such as storage facilities on dry land, Childs may wonder why it took home builders so long to see the potential of the sturdy structures as practical, comfortable and even stylish domiciles. His company is modifying containers in a variety of ways, and just because the big steel boxes tend to be rectangular and 20, 40 or 53 feet in length, doesn’t mean they don’t lend themselves to creative and custom construction.

Outside and in, containers can be stylized to the most personal liking and in far less time than it would take to build a stand-alone home or commercial project.

“We can sell you one that’s 320 square feet and fully furnished for $59,000,” Childs says, explaining that even such a modest home still includes such high-quality accessories as Andersen doors and windows, Kohler bathroom fixtures and a Rinnai tankless hot-water system. “And we are already doing high-end three-bedroom, two-bathroom, single-family homes as well.”

For those who don’t need 320 square feet, there’s a 180-square foot-studio container, also fully furnished, for $25,000. At the other end, Container Homes USA is designing a 6,400-square-foot home for a player in the Canadian Football League.

The common denominators of container homes, whatever their size, are value and easy maintenance, Childs says. Already designed to withstand temperature extremes on their global trek on the seven seas or cross-country journey via the rails, containers can be further insulated with what Childs describes as his “secret liquid” that can significantly reduce heating or cooling costs.

Arguably the most cost-effective of starter homes, residential containers are also easy to expand. The PPG marine-grade exterior painting carries a 10-year guarantee, and the many headaches that vex a conventional homeowner—mold, termites and roof replacement among them—are nary a concern when someone dwells in steel.

Then there’s the environmental factor that goes far beyond the easy adaptability of energy efficiency.

Going off the deep end

The number may never be known, but those well-versed in maritime commerce conservatively estimate that a couple of thousand containers—many bound one-way for the U.S.—tumble off those huge, precariously balanced ships every year.

Loss of cargo notwithstanding, at least those are the containers that won’t clutter up U.S. ports when empty. By recycling a surplus of containers into homes and other buildings, the company wins points for environmental stewardship and that will increase as Childs nears completion for LEED Green Associate Certification.

“We’re finding new uses for these containers that otherwise would waste away at ports or in industrial graveyards,” says Childs, who maintains contacts at 18 U.S. working harbors where his company can buy the structures for anywhere from $2,000 to $6,500 depending on size. “This is green construction at its core.”

And for many people—including the Childs—just what they need.

Their own dream house

It was just three years ago when Monique’s mobility was becoming more and more compromised by multiple sclerosis. Childs recalls it taking her 20 minutes to walk up the stairs at their former home, and his own physical well-being being set back in an accident.

“But the good Lord showed us our blueprint,” says Childs, quick to add that the couple’s faith complements their personal and professional lives. “We’re Christians, and we’re proud to be Christians.”

A single-level ranch-style house seemed to be the answer to their prayers, and the couple will soon be living in a 3,200-square-foot container home with ADA features. Proficient in the building trades, Childs is committed to plying his skills in this niche business, the potential for which has long gone unrecognized.

Even Childs might have underestimated the demand.

What started out as a work force of just a few men and some trusted subcontractors in Cleveland, will grow to 33 in-house people there, with more in Atlanta as the company expands in the Peach State. Southern projects there include five commercial buildings.

The company has also been contacted to build homeless shelters in New Jersey and Hawaii, in addition to what it’s done in Cleveland. Applying their own needs to those of disabled veterans, Derrick and Monique have won plaudits for their line of accessible buildings so vital for the physical and mental recoveries of wounded warriors.

“This is the perfect home concept for our veterans in need,” former Ohio state Sen. Patrick A. Sweeney said last year while touring a work site. “There are many female veterans with children who cannot find adequate housing after they come home from service. Container Homes USA is offering a solution. The company truly has a great vision.”

With the operation’s efficiency increasing, Childs says the company will soon be able to produce a home per shift daily per facility after the manufacturing facilities are completed in Cleveland and Atlanta.

“We’re getting a lot of calls from all over,” says Childs. “And the crazy part is, we haven’t even marketed ourselves. We’re already feeling an explosion and we have to deal with it. But we’re following Christ; he shows us the way.” Both Derrick and Monique credit their leaders Bishop Tony Williams and Elder Monique Williams for “Keeping us grounded in our faith and encouraging us in our walk with God at the River of Life Ministries in Euclid, Ohio.”

Credit may be due the Savior, but as Derrick and Monique Childs know: God helps those who help themselves.

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SDG 9 Case Study: Affordable and Innovative Container Homes for the Vulnerable in Southampton, United Kingdom

SDG 9, “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure” aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation. It acknowledges these elements’ critical role in promoting sustainable development and ensuring a more just and resilient future for all. SDG 9 emphasises the necessity of balancing economic development, environmental sustainability, and social equity.

SDG 9 recognises the importance of infrastructure development, sustainable industrialisation, and innovation in driving sustainable development. Investing in sustainable infrastructure can reduce inequality, promote efficient resource utilisation, and foster economic growth. SDG 9 encourages prioritising innovation and research and development to address global challenges. Emphasising inclusive and sustainable industrial practices helps minimise environmental impacts and contributes to poverty eradication and community wellbeing. Collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil society is crucial to achieving SDG 9 and creating an interconnected world of economic development, environmental protection, and social progress.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of SDG 9 and provide five sustainable business strategies for businesses to achieve this goal. We will also share a case study on how BBC and Company H’s collaboration in sustainable housing solutions contribute to SDG 9.

Sustainable Business Strategies for SDG 9

Businesses are key in driving progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) as they contribute to global sustainability and gain long-term benefits. SDG 9 offers a framework for businesses to adopt sustainable practices, foster innovation, and develop resilient infrastructure. It emphasises balancing economic growth with environmental conservation and social wellbeing. Businesses can attain the five sustainable business strategies listed below to contribute to SDG 9:

• Investing in Research and Development (R&D): Businesses should prioritise investing in R&D to promote innovation and advance SDG 9. Companies can research new technologies, processes, and products that improve industrial efficiency, encourage sustainable practises, and support infrastructure development by committing resources to R&D activities. Collaborations with academic institutions and research facilities can significantly increase the effect of R&D initiatives.
• Promoting Circular Economy Practices: Companies must adopt a circular economy strategy to support SDG 9. This strategy involves minimising environmental impact while fostering sustainable production and consumption patterns. Tactics such as eco-design, closed-loop supply chains, and product life extension can help advance a circular economy and bring positive change.
• Embracing Digital Transformation: To improve industrial processes, maximise resource utilisation, and promote innovation, businesses should take advantage of the power of digital transformation. IoT, AI, and data analytics can help with more competent infrastructure management, increased productivity, and sustainable decision-making.
• Collaborative Partnerships for Sustainable Development: Collaboration is crucial to achieving SDG 9. Businesses should seek relationships with stakeholders to advance collective action towards sustainable development. To promote a comprehensive and inclusive approach, collaborative initiatives can focus on knowledge sharing, capacity building, technology transfer, and joint investments in infrastructure projects.
• Prioritising Renewable Energy and Clean Technologies: Businesses should shift to clean technologies and renewable energy sources to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. Adopting energy-efficient practises and technologies can also improve sustainability by optimising resource use.

Case Study: A collaboration between BBC and Company H in building affordable and innovative container homes to help the vulnerable in Southampton

BBC collaborated with the UK-based Company H on a ground-breaking project to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9)—industry, innovation, and infrastructure. This case study demonstrates how the companies work together to help Southampton City Council address Southampton’s vulnerable population’s housing needs. They have contributed to the general wellbeing of the community and offered sustainable housing choices by utilising cutting-edge container home building.

The population of Southampton, a thriving city on England’s south coast, is diverse. The city has, nevertheless, been dealing with housing issues, particularly for disadvantaged people and families. The situation has worsened due to factors like rising real estate costs, a lack of options for inexpensive housing, and growing demand for social housing. BBC and Company H realised the need for a cutting-edge strategy that would offer cost-effective, long-lasting, and environmentally responsible housing choices to address this urgent challenge.

The challenge at hand was to develop housing options for Southampton’s disadvantaged population that were both affordable and sustainable. Traditional building techniques were expensive, time-consuming, and frequently needing more flexibility to fit the community’s unique needs. Furthermore, the environmental impact connected to conventional construction methods sparked worries regarding sustainability in the long run. In addition to addressing the immediate housing needs, BBC and Company H aimed to develop a solution that would improve the environment and the long-term wellbeing of the local populace.

BBC and Company H used the innovative alternative of recycling shipping containers as an alternate housing solution to tackle the housing crisis. Because of their durability, adaptability, and mobility, shipping containers offered a special chance to design comfortable living spaces with the least negative environmental impact. BBC and Company H set out on a strategy to turn these containers into functional and visually beautiful dwellings that satisfied the community’s particular needs, drawing on their expertise in sustainable building and design.

In order to complete the project, the shipping containers had to be retrofitted with insulation, plumbing, power, and other necessities. The modern and practical interiors ensured that the container homes offered a cosy and welcoming living environment. The containers were also made to be moveable, providing flexibility in placement better to meet the changing demands of the vulnerable population.

The project aligns with SDG 9 by promoting sustainable development through innovative solutions. By repurposing shipping containers, BBC and Company H have significantly reduced the environmental footprint associated with traditional construction methods. Using sustainable materials and energy-efficient design principles further contributes to the project’s overall sustainability. The success of this initiative serves as an inspiration for future sustainable housing initiatives, not only within Southampton but also in other communities facing similar challenges worldwide.

The initiative also supports sustainable development by using creative solutions, which aligns with SDG 9. BBC and Company H significantly decreased the environmental impact of conventional construction techniques by reusing shipping containers. The project is done more sustainably overall by using sustainable materials and energy-saving design approaches. Future sustainable housing efforts will be motivated by the success of this one, not just in Southampton but also in other towns worldwide that are dealing with similar problems.

In conclusion, Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure to promote sustainable development. We can create a just and resilient future by investing in resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrialisation. The case study exemplifies SDG 9 principles by repurposing shipping containers for affordable and sustainable housing in Southampton. The project benefits the community by offering cost-effective and environmentally responsible housing options while reducing the environmental impact. It serves as an inspiration for future sustainable housing initiatives globally.

SDG 9 emphasises the importance of industry, innovation, and infrastructure in sustainable development. Governments, businesses, civil society, and stakeholders can create a world where economic growth, environmental protection, and social progress are interconnected. Embracing sustainable practices and innovative solutions paves the way for a sustainable and resilient future for future generations.

References: 

Goal 9 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal9

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Pune Duo Turn Shipping Containers Into Offices, Homes That Can Move Around!

“My own house is made using two shipping containers and opens into a deck. Insulation and cross ventilation is perfect. There's no need for ACs even when it gets hot outside."

W e all dream of a house that we can call our own. A safe haven which gives us a sense of comfort and makes us forget all our problems. But, our wish of owning a forever home can cost the environment if we aren’t mindful of the means we use to fulfil our dreams.

The construction sector is one of the most polluting industries in the world. The International Energy Agency (IEA) published a report in 2019 titled ‘Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction’. The findings revealed that the construction sector accounted for 36 per cent of energy use and is responsible for 39 per cent of carbon emissions.

Additionally, other reports show that about 50 per cent of climate change and landfill waste comes from conventional construction techniques.

If these numbers highlight anything, it is the need for sustainable alternatives that can offset the environmental damage attributed to these sectors. Luckily for us, there exist such solutions.

Pune-based ‘Studio Alternatives’, run by duo Dhara Kabaria and Sonali Phadke, upcycles old shipping containers to provide living spaces that are sustainable, portable, and functional!

The construction is quick and Dhara informs that the smallest structures can be put together in about 3-4 months, which is much faster than conventional construction processes.

The journey began in 2009 when Interior designer Dhara decided to start a design studio that functioned like a consultancy firm. Upcycling had always been at the forefront of their activities.

“We started by creating furniture that was designed sustainably and made by upcycling waste materials. For example, old wooden doors were transformed into tables, newspapers were used to make wall cladding, and discarded elements would be given a new life. We also did installations using reclaimed materials for other interior designers,” informs Dhara.

However, the turning point for Studio Alternatives came in 2014, when a client approached them with the idea of turning shipping containers into living spaces.

“This client wanted to build a hotel using shipping containers. This was an interesting project and we undertook all the design work. Unfortunately, the client lost funding for his project and we couldn’t implement the designs. But, the idea stayed with us,” she informs.

Since then, the studio delved deeper into this idea.

Now, the design studio has worked on 17 projects and upcycled 43 containers into homes, offices, and even schools!

The love for Green Design

For Dhara, the interest in design and architecture developed during her formative years.

“When I was in the 11th standard, my father (a Civil Engineer) was constructing a house and a lot of architects and designers would come to our house. Meeting and speaking with them got me interested in architecture and design,” she recalls.

Dhara then decided to pursue Interior designing and enrolled at the Centre for Environment Planning and Technology (CEPT) in Ahmedabad. She was also interested in handicrafts and the course introduced her to weaving, woodwork, and traditional prints.

When she had to work on her thesis in 2000, she decided to go work under Dashrath Patel, a legendary interior designer. He became her thesis guide and deeply influenced her.

“I was moved by his work. All his ideas were rooted in life and he had an empathetic approach to design which involved conditioning every material and how it can be used. Not only did he guide me on my thesis but he also taught me to ask the right questions,” she says.

In 2002, Dhara went to the Kent Institute of Art and Design in the UK to pursue a Master’s degree in Three Dimensional Design. Here, she had the independence to choose her own subjects and read books that introduced her to upcycling.

“When it came to my final project, I had to find someone who had a lot of scrap material. So, I found a bicycle repair shop in Rochester.  The idea was to work with scrap material from the repair shop and create useful items by using the limited tools and skills of the shop itself. In the end, I designed a rocking chair using the discarded bicycle parts,” she smiles.

After Dhara returned from the UK in 2003, she worked with Dasrath Tael on several interior design projects, and museum designs using multi-disciplinary themes that helped her think out of the box. In the next few years, she also began freelancing for interior design projects and even joined the MIT Institute of Design. There, she taught basic design, analytical drawings, and working with wood and metal.

With all her cumulative experience, Dhara finally decided to found Studio Alternatives in 2009.

She met Sonali Phadke in 2014 when they were on their way to Mumbai for a ‘Green Idea Project’ meeting organised by the Environment Minister of Maharashtra. Sonali has a background in ecological studies and her environmental approach to design impressed Dhara. Sonali then officially joined the Studio Alternatives team in 2017 and has been working with them ever since.

Turning shipping containers into living spaces

Dhara says that their biggest learning while transforming shipping containers into livable spaces came when they completed their first project in 2014.

“After the 2013 project fell through, we met with a number of people who had an interest in container spaces.  We finally got a client in 2014 who was intrigued by the concept and decided to trust us with the project,” recalls Dhara.

Working out the whole project took them about six months, after which they delivered a 320 sq ft space that comprised a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living space. They used a 40ft X 8ft container and the completed home was installed in a day.

Three things were very clear to her after this project.

First, ensuring that the structure was strong enough to be moved from one place to the other. Second, they needed to experiment with more alternative materials when it came to designing the space inside. Third, the structure needed to be lighter and they had to look at the detailing.

So, what are the best features of these homes?

Dhara says that portability is definitely the biggest advantage. The impact on the environment too is minimal because there aren’t any conventional construction materials used to construct the walls. Also, for clients who want to construct homes in remote areas, accessing building materials, masons, and other skilled workers can be a task. So, opting for a home made using shipping containers is ideal as the Studio Alternatives team works out of their own workshop.

The design studio has had its own sample space since 2015, a 160 sq ft office, made using shipping containers. In the same year, they also constructed an in-house project–The Blue House–using shipping containers, where Dhara and her husband currently live.

“This house is made using two 20ft X 8ft containers. One of the walls opens up into a deck which makes the space bigger. This house has moved around for about four times within Pune,” she says.

The design studio similarly extends these services to their former clients in case they want to move their homes. The charges for these depend on the distance and the terrain of the new location.

The shipping containers are sourced from Jawaharlal Nehru Port and come in 40ft X 8ft and 20ft X 8ft, costing between Rs 85,000 and one lakh. The cost also depends on the condition and extent of damage to the shipping container.

Having worked on at least 17 projects since then, Dhara’s team works like a well-oiled machine. They have two teams–one inhouse team of eight people and a team of service providers like electricians, plumbers, etc, who are contracted.

“Once we have the shipping containers and the design has been worked out, fabrication is done. Thereafter, we work on the flooring, insulation, bathrooms, and kitchens. We also need to work out the electrical fixtures along with the plumbing. Once all this is done, we design the interiors and furniture,” she informs.

Interesting projects and happy clients

When Studio Alternatives started using shipping containers to design spaces, they didn’t think they would find so many interested clients.

One of these people is Pune-based Harshal Surange. The owner of a cold storage design and consultancy firm first heard about these unique homes from friends. With a plot of land over half an acre located in the Kurunji Village about two hours away from Pune, he found his answer in Studio Alternatives for his home.

“We wanted a structure that could be moved around and hence, we got in touch with them around mid-2018. It took about 3-4 months in designing the home and by February 2019, we got our 480 sq ft home installed,” says the 44-year-old.

The house is built using three shipping containers, one at the bottom and two on top. There are two bathrooms and two rooms, along with a terrace, a feature that Harshal especially likes.

“Other than the fact that the home was designed with a clear understanding of what we wanted, we also like that it is sustainably built. The insulation is perfect and there is no need for air conditioners even when it gets hot outside. The house looks so different and the concept is very unique,” he says.

Studio Alternatives has worked on several projects so far, but designing a school using shipping containers was closest to Dhara’s heart. The project was for QUEST, an NGO that works on children’s education. The NGO moves its projects from one village to another for their educational programmes and hence, wanted a structure that was portable.

“In July 2016, we delivered a 640 sq ft school using two 40ft X 8ft shipping containers. The structure has washrooms and a functional pantry in addition to the classrooms. We also had artist Abha Bhagwat from Pune, who painted trees and birds on the exterior,” she says.

Overcoming hurdles and looking forward

All the container spaces that the studio has built are innovatively designed and beautiful to look at. However, executing such ideas in a country where this trend hasn’t really caught on like in the West, challenges are bound to come up.

“One of the key challenges is installing our structures rather than building them. The terrain of the location and weather conditions pose a major challenge, especially on the day of installation. In addition to that, finding transporters who are cooperative is a little difficult, which can otherwise make the installation much smoother,” she says.

Although the country is in a state of lockdown, the process of brainstorming hasn’t come to a halt.

Currently, the innovative design studio is looking to incorporate services that include greywater recycling, creating spaces for gardening, and other features to make the living spaces more sustainable.

Dhara says that they have been experimenting with all this at their studio. They are also looking at designs that are quicker to install and more cost-effective, without compromising on the quality.

“Our goal is to provide solutions based on the ‘3R’ theory–reduce, reuse, and recycle. The idea has always been to use our creativity in extending the life reclaimed materials we work with and to show how it can become a mainstream lifestyle choice. In the future, we hope to facilitate these values among communities who will be more open to environmentally-friendly practices,” she says, signing off.

(Edited by Shruti Singhal)

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( Realtor.com )

Midcentury Icon: L.A.’s Famed Smith House Hovers on the Market for $3.5M

Only a few years after it underwent a meticulous renovation, the legendary Smith House in Los Angeles is back on the market—this time for $3,495,000.

The midcentury modern home, perched on a hillside, was last traded in 2019 for $2.3 million.

Its clean lines and gravity-defying construction have landed the steel-and-glass pavilion in numerous design publications over the years.

The house sits on a 9,680-square-foot lot in Brentwood’s Crestwood Hills area and measures a modest 1,550 square feet. That makes the price per square foot a hefty $2,255.

This sleek abode features two bedrooms, two baths, and generous decks that overlook the local hills, the city beyond, and the Queen’s Necklace strip of the Santa Monica shoreline.

(Realtor.com)

The chic home was built in 1958 by prominent modernist architect Craig Ellwood , who was known for his striking, steel-and-glass designs. He’s responsible for drafting the Rand Corporation’s headquarters in Santa Monica , the arresting “bridge building” spanning an arroyo at Pasadena ’s ArtCenter College of Design, and several Case Study houses . Ellwood died in 1992 at the age of 70.

The home’s recent restoration was spearheaded by Ellwood associate James Tyler , according to the listing.

The main living area is contained in a wing that dramatically cantilevers more than 25 feet over the hillside. At night, it appears to be floating in the air—it’s what has made the Smith House famous.

Its interiors are highlighted by minimalist aesthetics and right angles, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and a double-sided fireplace set in a brick wall that divides the hovering living room from the dining area and kitchen.

That sophisticated cook space has been refinished with a breakfast bar and top-of-the-line, stainless steel appliances set in warm-wood counters and cabinets that match the paneling in the rest of the house.

Be forewarned, though: This is not the ideal house for those suffering with vertigo. But for those who want to feel like they’re hovering over the city while watching TV, this could be the ultimate abode.

Still not sure if you want to make the full commitment? You can try before you buy. The Smith House is also available for lease, at $11,495 per month.

• For more photos and details, check out the full listing.
• Homes for sale in Los Angeles, CA
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Lisa Johnson Mandell is an award-winning writer who covers lifestyle, entertainment, real estate, design, and travel. Find her on AtHomeInHollywood.com

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Daily marijuana use outpaces daily drinking in the US, new study says

(AP) - For the first time, the number of Americans who use marijuana just about every day has surpassed the number who drink that often, a shift some 40 years in the making as recreational pot use became more mainstream and legal in nearly half of U.S. states.

In 2022, an estimated 17.7 million people reported using marijuana daily or near-daily compared to 14.7 million daily or near-daily drinkers, according to an  analysis of national survey data . In 1992, when daily pot use hit a low point, less than 1 million people said they used marijuana nearly every day.

Alcohol is still more widely used, but 2022 was the first time this intensive level of marijuana use overtook daily and near-daily drinking, said the study’s author, Jonathan Caulkins, a cannabis policy researcher at Carnegie Mellon University.

“A good 40% of current cannabis users are using it daily or near daily, a pattern that is more associated with tobacco use than typical alcohol use,” Caulkins said.

The research, based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, was published Wednesday in the journal Addiction. The survey is a highly regarded source of self-reported estimates of tobacco, alcohol and drug use in the United States.

From 1992 to 2022, the per capita rate of reporting daily or near-daily marijuana use increased 15-fold. Caulkins acknowledged in the study that people may be more willing to report marijuana use as public acceptance grows, which could boost the increase.

Most states now allow  medical or recreational marijuana, though it remains illegal at the federal level. In November, Florida voters will decide on a constitutional amendment allowing recreational cannabis, and the federal government is moving to  reclassify marijuana  as a less dangerous drug.

Research shows that high-frequency users are more likely to become addicted to marijuana, said Dr. David A. Gorelick, a psychiatry professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, who was not involved in the study.

The number of daily users suggests that more people are at risk for developing problematic cannabis use or addiction, Gorelick said.

“High-frequency use also increases the risk of developing cannabis-associated psychosis,” a severe condition where a person loses touch with reality, he said.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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Case Studies

Our Case Studies section is a place to seek inspiration as you think about a future container project. Let’s talk about a few different ways that can happen.

How Container Case Studies are Useful

If you’re new to the idea of shipping container construction, you’re likely not aware of all the incredible ways containers can be used. Yes, they can be used to create incredible  homes  and  offices , but they can also be used for so much more. For instance, would you believe that container can be used to create  indoor farms , swimming pools , medical clinics , and  emergency shelters ?

For those who are more familiar with the opportunities that shipping containers present, inspiration becomes a more tactical affair. As an example, even if you know you want a container home, what should it look like? As you start to brainstorm your own design ideas, a great place to start is looking at what others have already produced.

Imitation Is Flattery

While containers are incredibly  flexible , the truth is that there are only a finite number of ways they can be modified and combined into human-centered spaces. Odds are high that someone has already done something similar to what you would like to build.

Therefore, it’s not only allowable to look at the creations of others, it’s actually encouraged! By exposing yourself to as many ideas as possible, you’ll expand the universe of design possibilities you are able to tap into.

Expand your Mind

Furthermore, don’t lock yourself into thinking that you should only look at examples of the specific type of structure you wish to create. In other words, if you want to build a container house, be open to the idea that other types of container buildings that are not  houses still have much to offer you!

You may find an incredible idea in a completely unrelated shipping container project. The brainstorming phase of your container project is the time to cast a wide net and see as many unique creations as possible.

Types of Case Studies

As you explore our case studies below, we alternatively focus on both depth and breadth of various examples. Some case studies take a comprehensive look at shipping container buildings of a specific type and purpose.

Other case studies zoom in on specific container projects and share as much information as possible about that one building. In most of these cases, we’ve talked with the builder or owner to get their tips and recommendations.

We try to glean details about the design and construction processes to shine a light on the smoothest path to success while noting any potential roadblocks or avoidable mistakes to save you time and money.

Available Shipping Container Case Studies

Now that you understand the purpose and opportunity of our various case studies, it’s time to explore them yourself. Examine the options below and see what you can discover!

Awesome Alternative Living Spaces with Container Houses

The hard work and creativity that go into container homes are what make them unique. The possibilities are limitless when it comes to their designs. When you’re using an alternative

Airbnb Container Homes for Rent Starting at $50 a Night

Despite being the first place many people turn to when planning a new trip, Airbnb makes it difficult to find container homes to rent. It’s a pleasure to stay in

Shipping Container Medical Clinics – 29 Creative Examples

Those of us who live in or near major cities often take for granted the availability of things like diverse foods, timely transit options, and even expert medical care. But

Shipping Container Bunkers and Emergency Shelters

The world is full of risk and danger to our normal way of life, from extreme weather events to acts of terrorism. For many people, having a durable space to

Shipping Container She Sheds and Man Caves

With our busy, modern-day lives, it’s important to have a place of refuge where you can truly relax and unwind. Man caves, and more recently she sheds, are the perfect

7 Best Shipping Container Apartments

Apartments, flats, and walk-ups provide housing for a huge percentage of the world’s population in cities around the globe. But did you know that shipping containers can and have been

8 Inventive Shipping Container Garage Examples

Whether you use it as a place to park your cars or work on projects, a shipping container garage is an innovative application for storage containers. Yes, container homes are

Make a Modular Guest House with Shipping Containers

A modular guest house built from shipping containers makes a fantastic addition to your property. There are a number of good reasons why you might be thinking about adding a

Ultimate Guide To Shipping Container Pools

You’ve likely seen shipping container pools while scrolling through your social media feeds or on news stories about the latest trends in real estate. However, details about how they are

Creative Shipping Container Cabins

You’ve seen countless examples of shipping container homes and projects throughout our website. And even within the category of homes, there are quite a few different possibilities. With the base

Ultimate Guide to Shipping Container Farms

This is the best guide to shipping container farming and agriculture, without question. It isn’t a short article, but it’s extremely comprehensive and educational. Not only do we explain what

Best tips from container home rental hosts

The increasing popularity of Airbnb, HomeAway, and other sharing-economy businesses that facilitate short term rentals is a trend that many in the world of shipping container homes have taken interest

Inside Five MORE Shipping Container Homes

Some time ago, we published a collection of shipping container home tours. This page remains as one of the most popular for those of you wanting to explore shipping container

DIY Shipping Container Homes: Why and How to Build One

Have you been wondering what all the fuss is about concerning DIY container homes? How does using a shipping container help with building a house? And if you were to

Five Incredible Off-Grid Shipping Container Homes

One of the biggest advantages of building with shipping containers is that they are so flexible and portable. This means that shipping containers can be used to build homes in

Hybrid Shipping Container Log Cabin

Following the success of our interview series, it’s with great enthusiasm that today we share another interview. Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Brian Morris from Yellowstone Timber

Inside Five Shipping Container Homes

People often ask what it is like to live in a shipping container home. We are biased, but we think living in a shipping container home is amazing! We decided

Five Cheap Shipping Container Home Examples

With US house prices back on the climb and many people being unable to afford rent, it’s no wonder that countless people are now starting to look for a cheaper,

Best Shipping Container Tiny Houses

The tiny homes movement has really gathered steam over the last few years. It was only a matter of time before it crossed with the container homes movement. The result

35 Best Container Homes: From Tiny to Gigantic

With shipping container homes, seeing is often believing. By showcasing a wide variety of custom container home designs, we hope you will better understand what’s possible with container homes across

The 19 Boldest Shipping Container Offices

A shipping container office can truly come in all shapes and sizes. Some companies use individual shipping containers as mobile offices at construction sites, while others have stretched the limits

Seven Surprising Uses for Shipping Containers

Over the years, there have been some truly amazing uses of shipping containers outside of just the transport of goods. People are really beginning to see the potential for using

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