Introduction


A shipping container home is a dwelling constructed using repurposed steel shipping containers as the primary building block. Shipping containers were originally designed to transport goods on ships, trains, and trucks but have more recently found new life as the framework for innovative living spaces. 


Shipping container homes are part of a growing trend toward using recycled materials for housing. Due to their inherent strength and modularity, shipping containers can be stacked and arranged into creative floorplans ranging from single container tiny homes to spacious multi-level mansions. With some structural modifications and insulation, these corrugated steel boxes can be transformed into cozy, durable, and affordable houses.


The term "shipping container home" refers to any residence made mainly from shipping containers. While they began as barebones survival shelters, shipping container homes are now associated with stylish, eco-friendly living. Bringing these cast-off containers into the housing market reduces waste while providing builders with an abundant, low-cost construction material. For those seeking non-traditional living spaces, shipping container homes offer uniqueness and sustainability.


History


The trend of using shipping containers as living spaces first started in the early 2000s, though the exact origins are unclear. Some possible early examples include Adam Kalkin's Quik House in New Jersey in 2001, as well as the 2002 Container City complex in London. 


However, most credit the cleaning products companyowner Sean Godsell with building one of the first modern shipping container homes in Melbourne, Australia in 2001. Godsell was inspired by container architecture he had seen in the Netherlands. His two-story house built from six containers demonstrated the viability of containers as livable spaces.


Other key events that contributed to the growth of shipping container homes include:


  • In 2005, prefabricated container home company EcoBox started offering modular, customizable container homes. This helped make the unique homes more accessible to the average consumer.
  • The 2011 launch of the TV show Container Wars featured refurbished shipping containers being turned into unusual structures and captured public interest.
  • By the mid and late 2000s, containers were being used for more commercial spaces like cafes, stores, and offices. High-profile projects likeicontainer's London pop-up mall in 2009 brought more widespread exposure.
  • Major disasters like the 2010 Haiti earthquake and 2011 Japan tsunami led to an influx of container housing as an emergency shelter solution. This demonstrated their versatility and strength.
  • A growing tiny home movement in the late 2000s and early 2010s coincided with interest in shipping containers as a building material. Their small size and portability lent itself well to the tiny house lifestyle.


By the early 2010s, shipping container homes had entered the mainstream as a sustainable, economical housing alternative that allowed for unique and modern designs. Their popularity continues today as more people discover their benefits and creative potential.


Benefits of Shipping Container Homes


Shipping container homes offer several unique benefits compared to traditional construction:


Affordable


  • Shipping containers provide an affordable way to build a home. Since containers are abundant and inexpensive, the main building material costs much less than conventional stick-built construction.
  • Container homes can be built for roughly half the cost per square foot of a traditional home. This makes homeownership more accessible.
  • Tiny container homes under 500 sq ft can be built for less than $50,000 in some cases. Larger container homes still cost 20-30% less than the average new construction home.


Sustainable 


  • Upcycling used shipping containers is an eco-friendly form of construction that reduces waste. There are millions of unused containers around the globe that can be repurposed.
  • Steel is highly durable and recyclable. Container homes require fewer raw materials to build compared to wood-frame construction.
  • Containers are energy efficient. Their thick steel construction provides natural insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs.


Customizable


  • Containers can be configured into virtually any layout, shape or size. Homes can be a single container, or multiple boxes stacked or connected.
  • Owners can work directly with architects to custom design their ideal floorplan. There's great flexibility compared to traditional construction.
  • Containers allow you to create truly unique homes with non-standard shapes and sizes. You're not limited by conventional boxy layouts.


Mobile 


  • Container homes can be transported and relocated. They don't require permanent foundations.
  • Their mobility makes them ideal for pop-up shops, temporary offices, guest houses, or granny flats.
  • Owners can expand or reconfigure their container home by moving boxes around. The modular design adapts well to changing needs.


Challenges of Building Shipping Container Homes


Constructing a home out of shipping containers poses some unique challenges that need to be considered. 


Regulations


Shipping container homes often face regulatory hurdles since they don't fit standard building codes in many areas. Getting approval to build a container home can be difficult due to zoning restrictions, permits, and inspections. Special engineering and architectural plans are usually required. 


Structural Issues


Shipping containers are designed for stacking, not building. They need reinforcement to handle lateral stresses from winds and earthquakes. Connecting multiple containers together into a home also requires structural modifications. Weight distribution, roof design, and openings cut into containers must be engineered properly.


Limited Space


Shipping containers have narrow width with limited space inside. While containers can be joined side-by-side and stacked up, the home footprint remains long and rectangular. There are also height limitations since containers are only 8-9.5 feet tall. This restricted space requires careful interior layouts and design elements to prevent feeling boxed-in.


Design


When designing a shipping container home, there are a few key considerations:


Layout 


  • How many containers will you use - one, two, or more? The number of containers impacts the potential layout.
  • Will you stack containers or place them side by side? Stacking creates a multilevel home, while placing side-by-side makes a longer, one-story home.
  • Consider the flow between rooms and how spaces connect. You may need to cut custom openings between containers.
  • Plan where doors, windows, and other openings will go by marking locations on the containers. 


Structural Modifications


  • Containers are very strong, but modifications are needed for housing.
  • Walls and sections of the roof will need to be removed to create openings. This is usually done by plasma cutting.
  • Containers will need to be securely bolted together if stacking or joining. Steel reinforcement plates are often used.
  • Weight-bearing beams or posts may be added for structural support.
  • Insulation, drywall, flooring, electrical, and plumbing systems need to be installed.  


Aesthetics


  • Exteriors can be customized with paint, siding, or other finishes to suit your style.
  • Consider creating contrast with accent colors on doors, windows, or other design elements.
  • Landscaping can help the home blend into its surroundings with trees, plants, fencing, and hardscaping.
  • Decks, overhangs, and porches soften the industrial look and provide additional living space.


Best Places for Shipping Container Homes


When deciding on the best place to build a shipping container home, there are two main factors to consider - cost of land and local regulations.