Thanks to their small size, transportability and sturdiness, shipping containers have become a favorite canvas for
architects and
artists alike. But while focus has been primarily on
bare-bones functionality and
short-term use, people have begun converting them into modern, comfortable and well-designed domiciles that work as both rentals and permanent residences.
The Container House: The Container House is a chic vacation home in Majorca, Spain, near the historic center of Palma, that is built entirely out of a collection of shipping containers. Despite its seemingly diminutive size, nothing about this abode is lacking. All within a 70 sf unit, the one-bed/one-bath modern module has an open floor plan, rooftop bedroom, outdoor deck, swimming pool, full kitchen, and BBQ area that comfortably fits three people. The posh rental can be reserved through
Airbnb, and includes resort-like features such as floor-to-ceiling windows, a space saving spiral staircase that leads up to the bedroom, and even a private Japanese garden.
HomeBox: The biggest benefit of container dwelling is portability, but finding sufficient land can be challenging. German architectural studio
Slawik solved this problem by turning the structure on its side. Aptly named
HomeBox, the transportable house is built to fit inside a standard international freight container when positioned vertically instead of horizontally. The base measures just 9.5 ft by 7.9 ft, allowing it to fit in unoccupied gap sites while still providing comfortable tri-level living. Eliminating the need for excess moving vans, the HomeBox comes with several built-in features, including a kitchen table, chairs, bed, staircase, and window shutters, making it an intriguing solution for globetrotters.
Eco-Pak: Renovating shipping container homes can be expensive, but
Eco-Pak offers a cheaper option. It positions the box as the centerpiece of a larger building with the structural components contained within, so that it can be delivered in one package. Aircraft structural engineer James Green (
Building Container LLC) and architect
Matthew Coates developed it after conceiving a transportable, eco-friendly and low-cost container home that bypasses the need for a conventional concrete foundation. Realizing their vision, Eco-Pak is shipped with the home’s extended framework inside and is assembled around the container to avoid the hassle of disposal. A fully functioning prototype is due for completion this coming year in Seattle.
