H ave you ever dreamed of living in a house made of shipping containers? If so, you are not alone. More and more people are discovering the benefits of modular container homes, which are affordable, eco-friendly, and customizable.
In this article, we will show you nine inspiring examples of modular container home designs, and explain why they are a great option for anyone looking for a unique and sustainable living space.
What are modular container homes?
Modular container homes are houses that are built using shipping containers as the main structural element. Shipping containers are large metal boxes that are used to transport goods across the world. They are designed to be durable, stackable, and weather-resistant. They can also be easily modified and adapted to different purposes and climates.
Modular container homes use shipping containers as the building blocks for creating various shapes and sizes of houses. They can be arranged in different ways, such as horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or even in a circular pattern. They can also be combined with other materials, such as wood, glass, or concrete, to create different styles and finishes.
Why choose modular container homes?
There are many reasons why modular container homes are a great choice for anyone looking for a new home. Here are some of the main advantages of modular container homes:
- Affordability: Modular container homes are much cheaper than traditional houses, as they use recycled materials and require less labor and time to build. They can also save you money on energy bills, as they are well-insulated and can be equipped with solar panels or other renewable energy sources.
- Eco-friendliness: Modular container homes are environmentally friendly, as they reuse shipping containers that would otherwise end up in landfills or scrapyards. They also reduce the environmental impact of construction, as they require less materials and produce less waste. They can also be designed to be energy-efficient and water-saving, minimizing their carbon footprint.
- Customizability: Modular container homes are highly customizable, as they can be modified and adapted to suit your personal preferences and needs. You can choose the size, shape, layout, color, and style of your modular container home, and add features such as windows, doors, skylights, balconies, or terraces. You can also change or expand your modular container home in the future, as they are easy to disassemble and reassemble.
- Mobility: Modular container homes are mobile, as they can be easily transported and relocated to different places. You can move your modular container home to a new location, or even travel with it, as long as you have access to a truck or a crane. You can also enjoy the flexibility of living in different environments, such as urban, rural, or coastal areas.
8 inspiring examples of modular container home designs
Now that you know what modular container homes are and why they are a great option, let's take a look at some of the most inspiring examples of modular container home designs from around the world. These examples showcase the diversity and creativity of modular container home designs, and how they can fit different lifestyles and tastes.
1. The Manifesto House
The Manifesto House is a stunning example of a modular container home that combines shipping containers with wooden pallets to create a modern and eco-friendly house. The house was designed by James & Mau Arquitectura and built by Infiniski in Curacaví, Chile, in 2009. The house consists of two 40-foot and two 20-foot shipping containers, arranged in a cross-shaped layout. The containers are covered with wooden pallets, which provide insulation, shade, and ventilation. The house also features a large sliding glass door that opens to a spacious terrace, and a green roof that collects rainwater and reduces heat loss. The house has a total area of 160 square meters, and includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a dining area.
2. The WFH House
The WFH House is a beautiful example of a modular container home that uses shipping containers as the base for a prefabricated Nordic-style house. The house was designed by Arcgency and built by World FLEX Home in Wuxi, China, in 2012. The house consists of three 40-foot shipping containers, stacked on top of each other and rotated to create a dynamic and asymmetrical shape. The containers are clad with wooden panels, which give the house a warm and natural look. The house also features large windows that let in natural light and offer panoramic views, and a solar panel system that provides renewable energy. The house has a total area of 180 square meters, and includes four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a dining area, and a study.
3. The Grillagh Water House
The Grillagh Water House is a stunning example of a modular container home that uses shipping containers as the main element for creating a contemporary and minimalist house. The house was designed by Patrick Bradley Architects and built by Bradley NI Ltd in Maghera, Northern Ireland, in 2014. The house consists of four 45-foot shipping containers, arranged in an L-shaped layout. The containers are painted black, which contrasts with the green surroundings and creates a striking visual effect. The house also features a cantilevered upper floor that extends over a river, and a glass wall that connects the interior with the exterior. The house has a total area of 139 square meters, and includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a dining area, and a studio.
4. The Container Guest House
The Container Guest House is a charming example of a modular container home that uses a shipping container as the core for creating a cozy and rustic guest house. The house was designed by Poteet Architects and built by Poteet Construction in San Antonio, Texas, in 2010. The house consists of a single 40-foot shipping container, which is placed on a concrete foundation and surrounded by a wooden deck. The container is painted blue, which matches the sky and the pool, and is fitted with a large window that opens to the deck. The house also features a green roof that helps with insulation and drainage, and a composting toilet that reduces water consumption. The house has a total area of 30 square meters, and includes a bedroom, a bathroom, a living area, and a kitchenette.
5. The Beach Box
The Beach Box is a gorgeous example of a modular container home that uses shipping containers as the base for creating a beachfront house. The house was designed by Andrew Anderson and built by SG Blocks in Amagansett, New York, in 2011. The house consists of six 40-foot shipping containers, arranged in a rectangular layout. The containers are clad with cedar siding, which gives the house a natural and beachy look. The house also features large sliding glass doors that open to a wooden deck, and a rooftop terrace that offers stunning views of the ocean. The house has a total area of 185 square meters, and includes four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a dining area.
6. The Container of Hope
The Container of Hope is a beautiful example of a modular container home that uses shipping containers as the base for creating a low-cost and sustainable house. The house was designed by Benjamin Garcia Saxe and built by Saxe Architecture in San Jose, Costa Rica, in 2011. The house consists of two 40-foot shipping containers, placed parallel to each other and separated by a gap. The containers are painted white, which reflects the sunlight and keeps the house cool. The house also features a corrugated metal roof that covers the gap and creates a spacious living area, and a glass wall that connects the interior with the exterior. The house has a total area of 100 square meters, and includes two bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room, a kitchen, and a dining area.
7. The Flying Box House
The Flying Box House is a stunning example of a modular container home that uses shipping containers as the base for creating a futuristic and geometric house. The house was designed by 2A Design and built by 2A Construction in Orgères, France, in 2015. The house consists of three 40-foot shipping containers, stacked on top of each other and rotated to create a dynamic and asymmetrical shape. The containers are covered with metal panels, which give the house a sleek and modern look. The house also features large windows that let in natural light and offer panoramic views, and a wooden deck that extends the living space. The house has a total area of 130 square meters, and includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a dining area.
8. The Casa Incubo
The Casa Incubo is a gorgeous example of a modular container home that uses shipping containers as the base for creating a luxurious and eco-friendly house. The house was designed by Maria José Trejos and built by Trejos Arquitectos in San Jose, Costa Rica, in 2013. The house consists of eight 40-foot shipping containers, arranged in a square layout. The containers are clad with bamboo, which gives the house a warm and natural look. The house also features a central and materials. However, you should always consult with local authorities and experts before building or buying a modular container home, as there may be regulations and permits that you need to comply with.