Inside the Box: Shipping Containers Transformed Into Unique Homes
Will you join the trend of upcycling shipping containers into homes? You might be surprised at how great they can look
Briony Darcy
8 August 2014
Houzz Australia Contributor. Principal of DE atelier Architects. I live and breathe architecture with my lovely husband and fellow architect, Leon Eyck. We travelled the world together seeking gastronomic delights and beautiful architecture. Homeward bound, we set up our practice and started our little family. My passion is family and the unique architecture that makes a home and soul for a family.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Principal of DE atelier Architects. I live and breathe... More
On route to Anglesea, Victoria, taking the family on a cycling trek in the bush scrub, I glance across the rural landscape. To my surprise I discover three shipping containers arranged in a C-shaped configuration. My interest is immediately sparked, the plan is rudimentary but I can ascertain the design intent. The C arrangement allows for an inward looking courtyard with large openings providing the quintessential indoor-outdoor Aussie living style. I can imagine a family basking in the northern sun on the deck. High-level windows on the outer skin allow the penetration of the cool sea breeze. The dwelling turns its back on the busy road providing seclusion for its future inhabitants.
The shipping-container home is a relatively new phenomenon in the Australian landscape. It made me wonder why people would choose this option over a conventional build. What are the benefits? Is it the green option (to reuse and recycle old containers), an economical choice or because it is a rapid-building technique? Conversely, what are the constraints, limitation on size and methods of temperature control when living in a steel box? Whatever the pros and cons, this new style, coined ‘cargotecture’, has seen the humble shipping container transformed into homes across the world. Here are seven to spy on … plus a couple of homes that have gained inspiration from the box-like style of shipping containers.
The shipping-container home is a relatively new phenomenon in the Australian landscape. It made me wonder why people would choose this option over a conventional build. What are the benefits? Is it the green option (to reuse and recycle old containers), an economical choice or because it is a rapid-building technique? Conversely, what are the constraints, limitation on size and methods of temperature control when living in a steel box? Whatever the pros and cons, this new style, coined ‘cargotecture’, has seen the humble shipping container transformed into homes across the world. Here are seven to spy on … plus a couple of homes that have gained inspiration from the box-like style of shipping containers.
1. The inherent structural strength of the modest container makes this form possible and softly touches the earth. The dwelling, encompassing four shipping containers, hovers over the site, grounded by sparsely located concrete pylons. Three rectilinear boxes are offset side by side and the hero container, perpendicular to the main body of the home soars into the space, as the ground recedes below, down to the river. The floating end of the box is transformed into a semi-private, enclosed balcony. The clever design shows the configuration of the shipping containers is limitless. How would you create a box design for your next home?
2. The modular and interlocking nature of the container creates the simple building blocks of this home. Stacked side by side and one on the top of the other, this dwelling is solidly grounded to the plateau within the heavily treed and sloping terrain. A challenging access to the first floor is smartly overcome with an industrial-like bridge leading you to the front door. The original container doors have been partially retained and the home wears its cargotecture on the outside. The style is reinforced further with the boxes painted in a rusty brown hue which contrasts charmingly with the lush green foliage of the surrounding bush setting.
3. This picturesque dining alcove shows how small spaces inside a container can be utilised to create intimate and functioning rooms. The L-shaped booth maximises the seating, while the selection of the rustic timber wall lining softens the industrial edge of the original metal box cladding. The room is finished stunningly with an elongated rectangle window, providing a peek of the outside.
4. This boutique bed loft has embraced the tall narrow space of its container. The ceiling is held off the rear wall allowing a subtle flood of natural light (via a skylight) to flush down the timber feature wall and set the backdrop to the futon. The elevated bed, the use of a simple restrained colour pallet and the floating timber steps have created a unique space made possible, and enhanced by, designing within the box.
5. Using two containers side by side is a great way to open up the space internally and create larger living areas. The galley kitchen has been tucked into a single box and the use of light colours and skylights enlarges the sense of space here. A sizeable opening has been cut into the container to allow for an expansive window. It demonstrates that large openings can be created with the structural integrity of the container retained.
6. The running of power and lighting infrastructure is challenging in a container design. This living room concept celebrates the industrial nature of the shipping boxes by retaining the metal wall and ceiling lining. Exposing the cable ducts to the feature pendant enriches the space and the selection of industrial-style coffee tables completes the scene. The new lookalike concrete floor is a welcome addition. When contemplating a container conversion it is critical the floors are replaced. Container floors, used for transporting cargo, are treated with insecticides and are unfit for human habitation.
7. The beauty of the shipping container’s metal lining is revealed in this kitchen. The soft teal paint finish complements the warmth of the timber cabinetry. The exposed, stainless-steel, industrial exhaust fan cantilevers from the wall. It is reminiscent of the cargo ships oversize exhausts – a charming cue to the humble container’s origins.
Container inspiration…
Is this the quintessential Australian shack, or two aligned shipping containers? This box is not of the cargo variety but is based on the principals of modular construction. It can be easily transported on a truck, without special ‘wide load’ permits and simply craned onto site. The primary roof is flat and the pitched roof provides shade. It reflects the penetrating heat off the main roof keeping the owners cool inside. The great mix of timber cladding and battens coupled with the faux roof makes for a delightful getaway.
Is this the quintessential Australian shack, or two aligned shipping containers? This box is not of the cargo variety but is based on the principals of modular construction. It can be easily transported on a truck, without special ‘wide load’ permits and simply craned onto site. The primary roof is flat and the pitched roof provides shade. It reflects the penetrating heat off the main roof keeping the owners cool inside. The great mix of timber cladding and battens coupled with the faux roof makes for a delightful getaway.
Box-beautiful…
This little gem is reminiscent of cargotecture. A great use of colour, the rustic corrugated cladding is juxtaposed against the vibrant green perspex balustrade. The intimate balcony, cantilevered over the landscape would work perfectly in a shipping container. Almost any standard building material can be used to clad the box, though masonry would be a little more challenging. By cladding (inside or out) you can insulate between the wall linings improving the thermal performance of the box.
This little gem is reminiscent of cargotecture. A great use of colour, the rustic corrugated cladding is juxtaposed against the vibrant green perspex balustrade. The intimate balcony, cantilevered over the landscape would work perfectly in a shipping container. Almost any standard building material can be used to clad the box, though masonry would be a little more challenging. By cladding (inside or out) you can insulate between the wall linings improving the thermal performance of the box.
TELL US
Have you been inspired by the humble shipping container? Can you see using them for your next home or getaway? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Have you been inspired by the humble shipping container? Can you see using them for your next home or getaway? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Harleyo how are you getting on with your shipping container house? I've love to build a granny flat with them in my backyard in Brisbane so would love to see some examples.
Great article, thank you! Just curious to know how they compare in price to kit homes?
Loved the idea of a shipping container build, but started to get turned off because of insulation and condensation issues. I do think that the open shed over the top is a good idea, and I would still like to pursue this one day under the right circumstances.