Container House Design: Open-Plan Living, Spacious Patio, and More (2024)

The world is constantly changing and evolving. This means that people’s needs are also changing all the time.

As a result, many of our traditional needs are being restructured to better fit the current times. Housing is one of the needs that has been affected by this trend.

Many people today are tired of living in large, unfeeling houses. The typical suburban home that once represented the American dream no longer resonates with many people.

As a solution to this, many new real estate trends have emerged that prioritize practicality, affordability, and sustainability over size and grandeur.

Two of the most popular real estate trends that cater to these changing needs are tiny houses and shipping container houses.

These homes are designed to be compact, efficient, and environmentally friendly. They are the perfect solution for those who want to live a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle.

Overall, it’s clear that the way people view housing has changed in recent years. More and more people are embracing the idea of less is more when it comes to the place they call home.

Real estate trends like tiny houses and shipping container houses have emerged as a response to these changing needs, providing practical and affordable alternatives to traditional homes.

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Shipping Container Homes

For starters, the unique corrugated appearance of shipping containers gives them a cool, industrial vibe that sets them apart from traditional homes.

See also 3 40' Shipping Container Home Plan for Innovative Living

Not to mention, they are incredibly durable and weather-resistant, making them a smart choice for those who prioritize longevity and sustainability.

Another great thing about shipping containers is how easy it is to design and construct a custom home.

Think of them like giant Lego bricks that can be stacked and arranged to create whatever you can imagine. It’s a fun, creative process that can result in a truly unique and personalized living space.

Get ready to be inspired!

Today, we’re sharing a container house design that you can easily create using recycled shipping containers.

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Are you ready to learn more about this awesome shipping container home design?

Let’s dive into the prominent details that make it such a unique and attractive living space.

  • First off, this house is made using two 40ft shipping containers that have been creatively repurposed into a comfortable and efficient living space.

The use of containers as a building material is both practical and sustainable, making it an increasingly popular choice among homeowners who value both creativity and environmental responsibility.

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  • Another great feature of this design is the lovely patio that runs along the front of the container house.

This outdoor space is perfect for relaxing and entertaining, and really helps to open up the living area to the outdoors. It’s a great example of how even small spaces can feel expansive and inviting with a little creativity.

  • Perhaps the most striking aspect of this container house design is the triangular roof.
See also Two Bedroom Shipping Container Homes: Maximizing Space and Style

This artistic and functional touch really adds a lot of character to the house’s overall appearance, while also providing great insulation benefits.

It’s amazing how a simple design choice like this can make such a big impact on the livability and enjoyment of a home.

  • One of the things that really sets this house apart is its use of wooden details throughout.

The natural color of the wood is left untouched in both the patio and the glass frames of the container house, creating a warm and inviting feeling that’s hard to resist.

Plus, the use of sustainable, natural materials like wood is better for the environment and ultimately helps make the world a better place.

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  • Finally, it’s worth noting that this container house design is an off-grid model, which means it’s completely self-sufficient and doesn’t rely on traditional utilities like electricity or water.

This is a fantastic option for those who want to minimize their environmental footprint while still enjoying all the comforts of modern living.

Overall, there are so many things to love about this innovative and creative container house design – it’s clear that the possibilities for container homes are virtually endless!

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Let’s take a closer look at the plan of this amazing container house.

  • One of the standout features of this design is its two bedrooms and two bathrooms, which make it a great option for small families or couples.

The comfort and convenience of having a private bathroom in one of the bedrooms is a major perk, making this house ideal for those who value privacy and personal space.

See also Building Your Dream Home with Three 40ft Shipping Containers
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  • In addition to the two bedrooms and bathrooms, the container house also features an open plan living area.
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This creates a sense of spaciousness and flow that’s perfect for modern living.

  • Even though the entire house is only 600 sqft, the clever use of space has resulted in a surprisingly roomy interior with plenty of natural light and airiness.
  • Another cool aspect of the design is the spacious front porch.

With a total area of 283 sqft, this front porch is a blank slate just waiting for your personal touches. Imagine relaxing on a swing under the stars, dining al fresco with friends and family, or enjoying a barbecue on a warm summer evening – the possibilities are truly endless!

Despite the relatively small living space of the container house, the interior of the home is incredibly spacious and feels much larger than it actually is.

Overall, this container house design is a fantastic example of how creativity, innovation, and sustainability can come together to create an amazing living space.

Living in a Container

If this particular container house model doesn’t quite fit your needs or preferences, don’t worry – there are countless other designs to choose from.

If you’re interested in exploring other container house options, be sure to check out Living in a Container, a great resource for discovering new and innovative container house designs from around the world.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy, rustic hideaway or a sleek, modern living space, you’re sure to find the perfect container house to match your vision and desires.

Container House Design: Open-Plan Living, Spacious Patio, and More (2024)

FAQs

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.

What are two disadvantages of using a shipping container to build a home? ›

The Cons of Living in a Shipping Container Home
  • Appliances Don't Always Fit. ...
  • Building Permits Can Be Difficult to Get. ...
  • Contractors Are Hard to Come By. ...
  • Issues With Insulation. ...
  • Need to Consider the Climate. ...
  • Safety Concerns for Used Containers. ...
  • Shape & Size Limitations. ...
  • Reinforcing Sometimes Needed.
Aug 22, 2022

How much space do you need for a container home? ›

How many containers you buy depends on how much space you want: A 20-foot standard container should give you about 320 square feet of living space. A 40-foot standard container provides 640 square feet.

Can you stack shipping container homes? ›

Can two shipping containers be stacked on top of each other to create a comfortable living space? Yes, but you have to secure it in place by a locking system and create a strong foundation as the base, so in case there is strong wind it won't topple over.

What are the disadvantages of container homes? ›

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 life expectancy of a container home? ›

Because they were built to safely transport goods over long distances and often-harsh conditions, shipping containers are extremely durable, making them an ideal choice for homes. With proper care and maintenance, these homes can last decades - an average lifespan of 25-30 years.

Why do shipping container homes only last 25 years? ›

When maintained properly, a shipping container can last upwards of 25 years or longer. The lifespan depends on the condition of the container and the environment in which it is kept. Although they are built to resist harsh climates, its' lifespan can be cut short by wetter, saltier climates.

Why not to build a shipping container home? ›

Shipping containers are not designed for housing, and so may require meaningful amounts of modification to be used for that purpose. It is not as simple as stacking up some boxes and calling it a day, which is how it may seem at first.

What is the problem with container housing? ›

Shipping container buildings are not as sustainable as they seem Shipping containers may seem like a sustainable construction material, but are they actually eco-friendly? Many people don't want a heavily-used container — and the energy bills are through the roof.

What is the best foundation for a container home? ›

A pier foundation is a very popular foundation for shipping container homes and other permanent structures. It is very similar to a pile foundation. Cylindrical concrete piers (often reinforced with steel) are placed into the ground until they rest on compact soil.

How many bedrooms can fit in a 40ft container? ›

A 40-foot shipping container will likely be able to hold the contents and belongings of a 3 to 4-bedroom family home. Irregularly shaped items or certain types of furniture may take up more space than equally sized boxes.

Do you need a slab for a container home? ›

Soil Types Make an Impact

Thus, containers placed directly on the ground tend to sink in the long term (think months to years). However, a container placed on a hard substrate like granite may never need a foundation or a gravel pad, while a container in a bayou may always require concrete pilings.

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.

Does a shipping container need a foundation? ›

Container homes can very well be dropped on level ground that's not raised, but a foundation of some sort is highly recommended. Building a foundation for your container home is the best way to keep unwanted pests and elements out. Container home foundation options we recommend: Concrete slab foundations.

What is the best siding for shipping containers? ›

For a modern appearance, you can use steel as a finish. By using steel siding, you are mimicking the look of many commercial buildings. You can also use vinyl and metal siding to get the same effect. For a rustic look, wood cladding can provide a cabin-like feel to your shipping container.

Is a container home cheaper than a tiny home? ›

The cost of tiny homes, container homes, and ADUs can vary widely, depending on factors such as location, materials, and amenities. Container homes are the lowest cost option because the basic structure is already built.

Are container homes hard to build? ›

While the process of constructing a shipping container house may seem daunting, it doesn't have to be. In fact, with the right tools and a little bit of guidance, it is possible to build a shipping container house in just seven steps. Before beginning your project, it is important to do your research.

Is it cheaper to build a shed or use a shipping container? ›

Storage containers offer a cost saving of $8.15 per square foot when shopping shed prices at a local big box store. The greatest advantage of using shipping containers as storage sheds is that they are better constructed. They are constructed of 14 gauge Corten steel.

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