75 Beautiful Shipping Container Houses Home Design Ideas & Designs (2024)

New Old Stock - Off Grid Shipping Container Dwellings

Storstac Inc.

A look at the two 20' Off Grid Micro Dwellings we built for New Old Stock Inc here at our Toronto, Canada container modification facility. Included here are two 20' High Cube shipping containers, 12'x20' deck and solar/sun canopy. Notable features include Spanish Ceder throughout, custom mill work, Calcutta tiled shower and toilet area, complete off grid solar power and water for both units.

Type-Variant

Yerigan Construction Company

Type-Variant is an award winning home from multi-award winning Minneapolis architect Vincent James, built by Yerigan Construction around 1996. The popular assumption is that it is a shipping container home, but it is actually wood-framed, copper clad volumes, all varying in size, proportion, and natural light. This house includes interior and exterior stairs, ramps, and bridges for travel throughout.Check out its book on Amazon: Type/Variant House: Vincent James

shoup residence + office compound

building Lab, inc.

headquarters of building Lab created with shipping containers.
Inspiration for a contemporary one-storey exterior in San Francisco.

Modern Shipping Container Cabin

Tomecek Studio Architecture

Photography by John GibbonsThis project is designed as a family retreat for a client that has been visiting the southern Colorado area for decades. The cabin consists of two bedrooms and two bathrooms – with guest quarters accessed from exterior deck.Project by Studio H:T principal in charge Brad Tomecek (now with Tomecek Studio Architecture). The project is assembled with the structural and weather tight use of shipping containers. The cabin uses one 40’ container and six 20′ containers. The ends will be structurally reinforced and enclosed with additional site built walls and custom fitted high-performance glazing assemblies.

Japanese Container House

Drummonds Bathrooms

Constructed from specially designed steel containers, this unique container house looks out over the open expanse of the East China Sea.The Drummonds' Spey bath has a rough, raw cast iron finish on its body with polished cast iron legs, perfectly combining a classic look with an industrial edge befitting of the container house.The Eden WC suite, Kinloch basin and Dalby shower can be tucked away behind a canvas and wood screen if required, offering a flexible bathroom space for the family that share it. After all, once you were in that bath you wouldn’t want to get out of it in a hurry, would you?This bathroom was featured in the October 2015 issue of World in Interiors. Photo Credit: Simon Upton

New Old Stock - Off Grid Shipping Container Dwellings

Storstac Inc.

A look at the two 20' Off Grid Micro Dwellings we built for New Old Stock Inc here at our Toronto, Canada container modification facility. Included here are two 20' High Cube shipping containers, 12'x20' deck and solar/sun canopy. Notable features include Spanish Ceder throughout, custom mill work, Calcutta tiled shower and toilet area, complete off grid solar power and water for both units.

Off Grid Mountain Container Home

Tomecek Studio Architecture

Photograhpy by Braden GunemProject by Studio H:T principal in charge Brad Tomecek (now with Tomecek Studio Architecture). This project questions the need for excessive space and challenges occupants to be efficient. Two shipping containers saddlebag a taller common space that connects local rock outcroppings to the expansive mountain ridge views. The containers house sleeping and work functions while the center space provides entry, dining, living and a loft above. The loft deck invites easy camping as the platform bed rolls between interior and exterior. The project is planned to be off-the-grid using solar orientation, passive cooling, green roofs, pellet stove heating and photovoltaics to create electricity.

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Port Ludlow House

FINNE Architects

The Port Ludlow Residence is a compact, 2400 SF modern house located on a wooded waterfront property at the north end of the Hood Canal, a long, fjord-like arm of western Puget Sound. The house creates a simple glazed living space that opens up to become a front porch to the beautiful Hood Canal.The east-facing house is sited along a high bank, with a wonderful view of the water. The main living volume is completely glazed, with 12-ft. high glass walls facing the view and large, 8-ft.x8-ft. sliding glass doors that open to a slightly raised wood deck, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor space. During the warm summer months, the living area feels like a large, open porch. Anchoring the north end of the living space is a two-story building volume containing several bedrooms and separate his/her office spaces.The interior finishes are simple and elegant, with IPE wood flooring, zebrawood cabinet doors with mahogany end panels, quartz and limestone countertops, and Douglas Fir trim and doors. Exterior materials are completely maintenance-free: metal siding and aluminum windows and doors. The metal siding has an alternating pattern using two different siding profiles.The house has a number of sustainable or “green” building features, including 2x8 construction (40% greater insulation value); generous glass areas to provide natural lighting and ventilation; large overhangs for sun and rain protection; metal siding (recycled steel) for maximum durability, and a heat pump mechanical system for maximum energy efficiency. Sustainable interior finish materials include wood cabinets, linoleum floors, low-VOC paints, and natural wool carpet.

New Old Stock - Off Grid Shipping Container Dwellings

Storstac Inc.

A look at the most luxurious shower ever to be installed inside of a Shipping Container. Notable features include: Calcutta Tile "walk out shower" open shower and bathroom area, wall to wall stainless steel floor drain, off grid water and solar power. All work was done in-house at our Toronto, Canada container modification facility.

Our Shipping Container House

Our Shipping Container House

This is the front of our shipping container house exterior at night with lights on under the huge verandah.Our container house was based on the style of a 'Queenslander style' home which we have always admired. We plan to add a huge deck around the house in the future.

New Old Stock - Off Grid Shipping Container Dwellings

Storstac Inc.

A look at the most luxurious shower ever to be installed inside of a Shipping Container. Notable features include: Calcutta Tile "walk out shower" and washroom area, wall to wall stainless steel floor drain, off grid water and solar power. All work was done in-house at our Toronto, Canada container modification facility.

Kitchen

Fredman Design Group

Designers gave the house a wood-and-steel façade that blends traditional and industrial elements.Photography by Eric HausmanDesigners gave the house a wood-and-steel façade that blends traditional and industrial elements. This home’s noteworthy steel shipping container construction material, offers a streamlined aesthetic and industrial vibe, with sustainable attributes and strength. Recycled shipping containers are fireproof, impervious to water and stronger than traditional building materials. Inside, muscular concrete walls, burnished cedar beams and custom oak cabinetry give the living spaces definition, decorative might, and storage and seating options.For more than 40 years, Fredman Design Group has been in the business of Interior Design. Throughout the years, we’ve built long-lasting relationships with our clients through our client-centric approach. When creating designs, our decisions depend on the personality of our clients—their dreams and their aspirations. We manifest their lifestyle by incorporating elements of design with those of our clients to create a unique environment, down to the details of the upholstery and accessories. We love it when a home feels finished and lived in, with various layers and textures.While each of our clients and their stories has varied over the years, they’ve come to trust us with their projects—whether it’s a single room to the larger complete renovation, addition, or new construction. They value the collaborative team that is behind each project, embracing the diversity that each designer is able to bring to their project through their love of art, travel, fashion, nature, history, architecture or film—ultimately falling in love with the nurturing environments we create for them. We are grateful for the opportunity to tell each of clients’ stories through design. What story can we help you tell?Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation - 312-587-9184

Pool House

Janine Lamontagne Photography LLC

Pool House in a box. This custom made pool house is a converted shipping container turned into a pool house. Look up www.elbarpoolhouses.com for more information.

Off Grid Mountain Container Home

Tomecek Studio Architecture

Photography by Braden GunemProject by Studio H:T principal in charge Brad Tomecek (now with Tomecek Studio Architecture). This project questions the need for excessive space and challenges occupants to be efficient. Two shipping containers saddlebag a taller common space that connects local rock outcroppings to the expansive mountain ridge views. The containers house sleeping and work functions while the center space provides entry, dining, living and a loft above. The loft deck invites easy camping as the platform bed rolls between interior and exterior. The project is planned to be off-the-grid using solar orientation, passive cooling, green roofs, pellet stove heating and photovoltaics to create electricity.

Off Grid Mountain Container Home

Tomecek Studio Architecture

Photography by Braden GunemProject by Studio H:T principal in charge Brad Tomecek (now with Tomecek Studio Architecture). This project questions the need for excessive space and challenges occupants to be efficient. Two shipping containers saddlebag a taller common space that connects local rock outcroppings to the expansive mountain ridge views. The containers house sleeping and work functions while the center space provides entry, dining, living and a loft above. The loft deck invites easy camping as the platform bed rolls between interior and exterior. The project is planned to be off-the-grid using solar orientation, passive cooling, green roofs, pellet stove heating and photovoltaics to create electricity.

Off Grid Mountain Container Home

Tomecek Studio Architecture

Photography by Braden GunemProject by Studio H:T principal in charge Brad Tomecek (now with Tomecek Studio Architecture). This project questions the need for excessive space and challenges occupants to be efficient. Two shipping containers saddlebag a taller common space that connects local rock outcroppings to the expansive mountain ridge views. The containers house sleeping and work functions while the center space provides entry, dining, living and a loft above. The loft deck invites easy camping as the platform bed rolls between interior and exterior. The project is planned to be off-the-grid using solar orientation, passive cooling, green roofs, pellet stove heating and photovoltaics to create electricity.

Oxford Shipping Container

Shane Cook

Award winning project by Shane Cook Designs. The Oxford Shipping container won first place by Paper City Magazine in 2013 for Best Use of Green/Sustainable Design.The pair or reclaimed shipping containers were set in the beautiful Heights historic district bungalow home. with a total size of 496 sqft the Oxford Shipping Container Home is another win for Shane Cook designs in the fields of interior architecture, adaptive reuse, and sustainability. Image by: Aker Imaging

shoup residence + office compound

building Lab, inc.

Located adjacent to Linden Park at 999 43rd street in Oakland, the property can be described as transitional on many levels. In the urban sense, the neighborhood remains somewhat edgy but is slowly absorbing some of the calming effects of gentrification. Although momentum has stalled somewhat since the economic downturn, recent re-occupation of two nearby warehouses, one as housing and one as a charter school, has contributed significantly to establishing a more hospitable and engaging character to the neighborhood. Living here remains a dynamic balance between embracing the community and maintaining privacy. Since this was intended as a live/work compound, the building needed to accommodate an office, a residence, as well as retain its workshop. It was a tight fit even for a bachelor—the living and dining room doubled as a meeting space and lounge for bL’s crew. Growth in the business and a diminishing enchantment with the 24hr comingling of my personal and professional lives compelled phase one of expansion. This took the form of a retired freezer shipping container which we transformed into an office located in the back lot. My personal office remained in the main building while other work stations migrated out back. A year later, marriage and imminent parenthood prompted a second, contiguous shipping container conversion. Practically speaking, this allowed adequate and varied space to compactly accommodate both family and business. Architecturally, the second container allowed the formation of layered inner courtyard that provides privacy without hermetically sealing us off from our neighbors. The container conversions are a significant part of extensive green building credentials. These include myriad reclaimed, non-toxic and sustainably sourced materials and a solar thermal system servicing both domestic hot water and hydronic heating. In 2008, Build It Green featured the property on a green home tour. Aside from the container additions, we have stayed within the bounds of the existing building envelope. The process has been and continues to be one of discovery and dialogue; the proverbial Khanian brick in the form of a north Oakland warehouse.

Entry

Fredman Design Group

Designers gave the house a wood-and-steel façade that blends traditional and industrial elements.Photography by Eric HausmanDesigners gave the house a wood-and-steel façade that blends traditional and industrial elements. This home’s noteworthy steel shipping container construction material, offers a streamlined aesthetic and industrial vibe, with sustainable attributes and strength. Recycled shipping containers are fireproof, impervious to water and stronger than traditional building materials. Inside, muscular concrete walls, burnished cedar beams and custom oak cabinetry give the living spaces definition, decorative might, and storage and seating options.For more than 40 years, Fredman Design Group has been in the business of Interior Design. Throughout the years, we’ve built long-lasting relationships with our clients through our client-centric approach. When creating designs, our decisions depend on the personality of our clients—their dreams and their aspirations. We manifest their lifestyle by incorporating elements of design with those of our clients to create a unique environment, down to the details of the upholstery and accessories. We love it when a home feels finished and lived in, with various layers and textures.While each of our clients and their stories has varied over the years, they’ve come to trust us with their projects—whether it’s a single room to the larger complete renovation, addition, or new construction. They value the collaborative team that is behind each project, embracing the diversity that each designer is able to bring to their project through their love of art, travel, fashion, nature, history, architecture or film—ultimately falling in love with the nurturing environments we create for them. We are grateful for the opportunity to tell each of clients’ stories through design. What story can we help you tell?Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation - 312-587-9184

Shipping Container Residence

AB design studio, inc.

Design ideas for an industrial master bedroom in Santa Barbara with beige walls, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

75 Beautiful Shipping Container Houses Home Design Ideas & Designs (2024)

FAQs

How much does it cost to build a container ship home? ›

How much does a shipping container home cost? For most homeowners, this eco-friendly, small-space living solution costs anywhere from $25,000 to $250,000 or more, with luxury options reaching $10,000 . Overall, you can expect to spend $150 to $350 per square foot for a shipping container home.

What size shipping container is best for a house? ›

The most popular shipping container size used for homes is a 40-foot, high-cube container, which offers about 320 square feet of living space with 9.5-foot ceilings. That's enough for one to two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a decent-sized kitchen/living room combo space.

What foundation for a container home? ›

Pier foundations are the most popular choice for shipping container homes for numerous reasons. They are relatively inexpensive, and quick to construct, a pier foundation is comprised of concrete blocks.

Is it cheaper to build a house or a container home? ›

According to HomeGuide, the average cost to build and install a container home is $25,000 to $250,000. While that's no small chunk of change, it's significantly less than you'd expect to pay for a traditional house in most parts of the country.

How long do container homes last? ›

The lifespan for shipping containers that are used to build houses are even longer because these containers are not only in a friendlier environment but have also been treated and clad as part of the building process. Container homes can easily last well over 50 years with no problem.

Are container homes cold in winter? ›

Steel is an excellent thermal conductor, which means that it is able to transfer heat quickly. This makes it a great material for insulation because it can help to keep the interior of the container cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Are container homes hot in summer? ›

In hot climates, particularly in the summer, shipping containers can easily reach more than 100 degrees. So, to keep the inside cool and keep your contents safe, you'll need to plan ahead. There are plenty of inexpensive and efficient ways to keep your shipping container cool.

Is it healthy to live in a container home? ›

Shipping containers are widely regarded as safe and practical choices for living spaces, primarily due to their superior build quality and structural integrity. Their robust construction not only ensures durability and security, but also makes them highly customisable.

Do you need to put a roof on a shipping container home? ›

While you don't technically have to put a roof on your shipping container home because it already has one, most architects recommend you do. There are four common roof styles to choose from.

How many containers do I need for a 4 bedroom house? ›

Here's a little more information to help you determine the size moving container you'll need:
Home SizeMoving Container Size Needed
3-Bedroom Home20' BigSteelBox
4-Bedroom Home20' BigSteelBox + 10' BigSteelBox (for larger 4-bed)
5-Bedroom Home20' BigSteelBox + 20' BigSteelBox
6-Bedroom Home20' BigSteelBox + 20' BigSteelBox
2 more rows
Oct 25, 2023

What is the best insulation for a shipping container home? ›

InSoFast EPS insulation panels are the best type of insulation for shipping container homes.

What are the cons of building a container home? ›

Shipping container homes can be more expensive to insure than traditional homes. This is because they are made out of steel, which is a more volatile material than wood or bricks. Limited supply. Shipping containers can be difficult to find, because there is only a limited supply of them available.

What is the best state to build a container home? ›

  • Texas. Texas is one of the best states for building alternative dwellings like tiny homes and shipping container houses. ...
  • California. California is another state that is accommodating to alternative dwellings. ...
  • Oregon. Shipping container homes are legal in the state of Oregon.
Dec 6, 2022

Do you need a slab for a container home? ›

As long as the surface is flat, level, and solid, the shipping container's temporary resting spot should be fine. However, if you're hoping to keep your shipping container in the same location for a matter of weeks, months, or even years, then placing your shipping container on a proper foundation is essential.

What does it cost to build a container ship? ›

There are several types of cargo ships available in the market, each catering to specific industries and cargo requirements. Small cargo ships can cost around $10 million, while larger ones can cost over $100 million. The size, capacity, and specifications of these vessels vary, and so does their price tag.

What is the price of a 40 feet container? ›

Estimating the Cost of Shipping Containers in India
Container TypeConditionPrice Range (INR)
20 Feet Refrigerated ContainerNewUp to ₹12,40,000
Used₹4,13,000
40 Feet Dry ContainerNew₹1,92,500 - ₹2,23,000
Used₹1,05,000 - ₹1,23,000
3 more rows
May 26, 2024

Do container homes get hot? ›

Hot Climates

Shipping containers are typically made from steel which conducts heat very well, but in a hot climate, keeping a container cool is easy with a few smart design choices. Choose a larger-than-necessary roof to extend over the home, shading windows from direct sunlight.

Are container homes allowed in California? ›

California is another state that is accommodating to alternative dwellings. It's legal to build a shipping container home there as a residential unit or Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

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