Shipping Container Homes & Buildings: Live/Work 2070 - 2,070 square feet Shipping Container Home in Pinellas Park, Florida

Floor Plans
Construction Process
Video
About Sundog Structures
About idesign Architects

Project	Live/Work 2070
General Contractor	Sundog Structures
Designer	idesign Architects
Builder	Hussung Construction
Area	2,070 square feet
Containers	7
Location	Pinellas Park, Florida, USA
Building Time	8 weeks
Budget	$250,000

Building a house was pretty much the same for centuries but now there's a material that's totally changing the game: shipping containers. They're cheap, abundant and almost indestructible and they're revolutionising the way homes are being designed and built. Shipping container building is a movement that's taking the construction world by storm with a little creativity and vision you can create some truly stunning homes.

Marketing manager Miranda has been renting near Tampa for ten years.

"I'm from Detroit Michigan I moved down here when I was for my first marketing job I just love it so much I would never never move back to the cold. I'm definitely a Florida girl now I'm in sales and marketing and I really need a place where I can work from home. It's gonna be a huge help in my productivity it's gonna save me so much time and I don't have to pay for renting my own office."

Miranda wanted a cost-effective contemporary space.

"I've been looking for modern industrial kind of home for a while. I really started feeling like I wanted this when I saw this container bar that was built in Tampa it was so cool and I wanted something similar. My budget for building my shipping container home in Florida is about two hundred and fifty thousand dollars."

Miranda has hired local contractors who specialized in container homes to help realize the vision. Shipping containers are really one of the best building units that you can have. Florida has wind storm conditions with hurricanes and these containers are super strong. It's a sustainable product. There's millions of these that come into Florida ports every year that aren't being utilized.

Miranda's shipping container home in Florida features seven containers, 2,000 square feet area and 30 foot vertical tower serves as the entrance to the ground floor opening to a square foot office workspace. The second floor features two bedrooms, kitchen, dining area and second bathroom.

All constructions built watertight because in Florida any time that you leave steel exposed it's going to rust very quickly. There's a lot of salt in the air and there's a lot of moisture in the air. All the rust areas were putting on acid base and then priming them as quick as possible for paint work very quickly.

The exterior has retained the industrial level with wood accents and large windows. The front entrance leads to a large office base for Miranda's home business. Clean minimalist design and contemporary prints mixed with exposed metal. This is a cool space for Miranda to meet clients. Next space is just kind of relaxing when you're having a stressful day then just take a little break. Chic wooden stairs lead to Miranda's main living space. Open floor plan living room features exposed metal ceilings and accent walls. Bright breakfast nook sits alongside a modern kitchen with custom concrete countertop. Miranda's bedroom is light and airy. Second bedroom has been turned into a den for Miranda's dog Buddy. At the back of the house is an outdoor balcony for Miranda to soak up the Florida sun.

Shipping Container Home Floor Plans (Gallery, Studio, Living Room, 2 Bedrooms), Florida

The Live/Work 2070 is constructed out of seven 40-foot-long shipping containers for Florida climate. The ground floor holds an open gallery/workspace, while the second floor has a two-bedroom, two-bathroom layout. One shipping container is actually installed vertically instead of horizontally to provide more ceiling height in some spaces.

2000 sqft Shipping Container Home Construction Process, Florida

Video

About Sundog Structures (Florida)

What We Do

Design, fabricate and install our shipping container homes and commercial buildings on your site. We work with homeowners, developers and businesses to create buildings designed to achieve your goals. Smart and sustainable, our buildings are designed to perform.

Shipping containers for commercial projects can minimize a large project’s budget thanks to its strong prefabricated structure. The response to cargo architecture has been strong in the US, following a generation of successful projects worldwide.

Why We Do It

As featured on HGTV’s Container Homes, Sundog Structures is the number 1 shipping container home builder in Florida. Beyond the practical benefits, the most common appeal for the use of containers for construction is the look of the finished product. Our residential container home models display the sleek and industrial aesthetic that cargo architecture provides, while our commercial shipping container projects provide unique construction methods to ensure that your structure is built with precision, craftsmanship, and care.

Benefits & Process

Become aware of the opportunity to own these premium buildings. Learn more about the benefits of building with shipping containers.

Strength
Standardization
Flexibility
Durability
Sustainability

Our unique development process ensures that your home or commercial project will be built with precision, craftsmanship, and care. We stand behind our construction and are there for you throughout the build and beyond.

Many other options are available from finish upgrades to solar panels for energy generation, potentially resulting in a zero net energy home. We offer the latest in home automation and conveniences to bolster your home’s capabilities and future functionality.

We offer the most advanced building systems in construction. We deliver precision, beauty and balance, infused with your unique style. Following is the simplified development process to make your dream home come to life.

1 Initial Consultation

Welcome to the SUNDog Structures Family. At our initial consultation, we will:

Assess real estate implications;
Discuss building requirements;
Evaluate the stage of engagement;
Assess zoning and regulatory requirements;
Evaluate site considerations.

2 Feasibility

In the second phase of your development process, we will:

Assess deed restrictions at the proposed building site;
Determine location ordinances;
Determine height restrictions for the building.

3 Design

The third phase of the process is the most exciting as we discuss:

Model choice;
Floor levels;
Finish choices;
Amenities.

4 Contract

It’s time to sign on the dotted line:

Design Contract;
Real Estate Contract;
Construction Contract.

5 Permitting

While your dream home is built, the permitting process begins:

General Contractor or SUNDog Structures will obtain permits;
Identify municipality permits required;
Assess permit fees;
Determine impact fees;
Prepare flood documents.

6 Completion

The keys to your new home are within reach:

Prepare and review construction timeline;
Deliver structure and complete Certificate of Occupancy.

Address	4909 W Knollwood St, Tampa, FL 33634, USA
Phone	+1 888-200-7863
Phone	+1 813-607-4001
Facebook	https://www.facebook.com/archmodulus/
Instagram	https://www.instagram.com/sundogstructures/
Website	https://www.sundogstructures.com

About idesign Architects

Our Philosophy

idesign is a full service architectural and interior design firm dedicated to the concept that design is a socially responsible and environmentally respectful pursuit. We are committed to making environments with design integrity, expressed through the play of light upon the natural beauty of materials. We believe that built environments are best when they express their purpose and interact sympathetically with their surroundings.

Design solutions are crafted for each project based on the uniqueness of the client, site and context. Our designs seek a balance between the natural and built environment and the functional, aesthetic and budgetary goals of the client. We strongly believe in the emotional and inspirational impact contained within a well crafted facility. We are also committed to sustainable building practices including detailed site analysis and project design, the selection of sustainable materials, systems and finishes, and utilizing efficient construction assemblies.

idesign operates on the team approach, bringing together owners, users and professionals in a collaboration of knowledge, needs and efforts, realizing greater results and enhanced solutions. We believe our success is attributable to our attention to detail, technical experience, creativity, and professionalism that we bring to every project.

J. Wesley Osborne III / Principal

Wesley Osborne graduated from the University of Florida with his BA in Design and his MA in Architecture. He has practiced architecture and construction for over 15 years and is a licensed General Contractor in the state of Florida. His extensive experience and knowledge includes retail and hospitality, grocery, commercial office, single/multi-family residential, food service, bars/nightclubs, and condo towers. Wesley has worked for numerous notable clients including Wal-Mart, Sembler Development, Albertson’s, Sweetbay, Kash & Karry, Publix, and more. His attention and drive for cutting edge technology helps him to remain on the forefront of what can be offered to better fulfill the needs of our clients. Wesley also has a passion for historic preservation and adaptive reuse. He studied at the PI:N Preservation Institute of Nantucket.

Robert Cox / Principal

As a collaborative design partner, Robert Cox offers imaginative solutions to strategic design initiatives. His planning and design processes typically incorporate a think tank approach involving project and user stakeholders. Careful evaluation of product offerings, target demographics, price points, and user experience all play key roles in the development of any great design solution. Robert offers clients expertise in brand strategy and implementation, concept development including business planning and financial modeling, store planning, fixture design, merchandise planning, interior design, signage and graphics. He has worked with the nation’s most recognized brands as well as innovative start-ups, designing to the experience.

Services:

Existing Facility Survey
Feasibility Studies
Master Planning
Conceptual Design
Schematic Design
Design Development
Construction Documents
Construction Administration
Renderings

Firm Expertise:

Retail
Restaurant
Entertainment
Hospitality
Commercial Office
Ecclesiastic
Residential
Multifamily Residential
Urban Infill
Urban Renewal
Adaptive Re-use
Sustainable Design

Address	300A S. Belcher Rd., Clearwater, Florida 33765 United States
Phone	+1 (352) 213-4960
Facebook	https://www.facebook.com/idesignaie
Linkedin	https://www.linkedin.com/company/idesign-architects
Houzz	https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/idesign-architects-pfvwus-pf~152032175
Website	http://www.idesignarchitects.com/

Pinellas Park, Florida – Shipping Container Home FAQ

1. Are shipping container homes legal in Pinellas Park, Florida?

Yes, container homes are legal in Pinellas Park, but they must comply with local zoning regulations, building codes, and permit requirements enforced by both the City of Pinellas Park and Pinellas County. Like any nontraditional structure, container homes are subject to scrutiny and must meet the Florida Building Code (FBC) standards, especially regarding structural integrity, insulation, wind resistance, and hurricane safety.

Before starting a project, always check with the Pinellas Park Building Development Division for up-to-date regulations.

2. What zoning districts allow for container homes in Pinellas Park?

Container homes are typically permitted in residential and mixed-use zones, but zoning laws vary by parcel. It’s crucial to verify whether the zoning classification of a specific lot allows for unconventional housing. In some cases, container homes may be allowed only as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or require special conditional use permits.

A consultation with the Planning and Zoning Division can help determine allowable uses based on location.

3. Do I need a building permit to construct a shipping container home?

Absolutely. Building permits are required for all container home projects in Pinellas Park, including new constructions, additions, and conversions. Permit applications must include:

Architectural drawings
Structural engineering reports
Site plans
Energy efficiency calculations
Hurricane/wind load compliance documentation

The plans must demonstrate full compliance with Florida Building Code, which includes strict rules for hurricane-prone regions like Pinellas County.

4. Can shipping container homes withstand Florida hurricanes?

Yes, when properly engineered and modified, container homes can be made hurricane-resistant. However, this is not automatic. The original container structure must be reinforced, anchored securely to a proper foundation, and designed to meet or exceed wind load requirements (often up to 160+ mph) as defined in the Florida Building Code for coastal zones.

It is highly recommended to work with a licensed structural engineer and contractor experienced in hurricane retrofitting.

5. How much does a shipping container home cost in Pinellas Park?

The cost varies widely depending on the design, size, finishes, and site conditions. On average:

Basic single-container unit: $50,000–$100,000 (fully finished)

Mid-range multi-container home: $100,000–$250,000

High-end custom builds: $250,000–$500,000+

Keep in mind that site preparation, permits, utilities, foundation, and interior finishes can significantly add to the cost. However, many find container homes to be more affordable than traditional construction, especially in tight urban lots or as ADUs (granny flats, guest houses, etc.).

6. Are there container home builders in the Pinellas County area?

Yes, several companies in the Tampa Bay region and throughout Florida specialize in container-based construction. When selecting a builder, ensure they:

Are licensed and insured in Florida
Have experience with container home projects
Understand local permitting requirements
Can provide references and portfolio examples

You might also consider modular container home companies that offer prefabricated units shipped to your lot, though local permitting still applies.

7. Can I place a shipping container on my property as a temporary or accessory structure?

Using a shipping container as a temporary structure, storage unit, or accessory dwelling (like a backyard guesthouse) is possible in some areas of Pinellas Park but requires zoning approval and permits. In most cases, containers must be:

Properly anchored
Modified to meet safety codes
Connected to utilities (if used as dwellings)

Unpermitted or unmodified containers can lead to code violations, fines, or removal orders.

8. What kind of foundation is required for a container home?

Shipping container homes in Florida, including Pinellas Park, typically require:

Concrete slab foundation
Pier or pile foundations
Tie-downs and anchoring systems to resist uplift and lateral forces (especially in hurricane zones)

The foundation must be engineered to meet flood zone and soil condition requirements, which vary depending on your site. A geotechnical report may be needed.

9. How are insulation and temperature control handled?

Florida’s hot, humid climate requires thoughtful insulation and climate control solutions for container homes. Common methods include:

Spray foam insulation (for high R-values and moisture resistance)
Rigid foam panels with vapor barriers
HVAC systems sized for small structures
Ventilation systems to prevent condensation

Container homes must meet Florida’s energy efficiency requirements, just like any other residence.

10. Are shipping container homes good investments in Pinellas Park?

Container homes can be a smart investment for:

Affordable housing solutions
Short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO)
Backyard ADUs for rental income or extended family
Eco-conscious buyers seeking unique architecture

However, appreciation may differ from traditional homes due to market perception, resale limitations, or financing challenges. Do thorough market research and consult a local real estate agent familiar with alternative homes.

11. Can I get a mortgage or insurance for a container home in Florida?

Yes, but it may be more complex. Some lenders and insurance companies are hesitant to work with nontraditional builds. To improve your chances:

Choose a permanent foundation and ensure the home is classified as real property
Use licensed professionals for construction
Obtain certificates of occupancy and proper documentation

Consider lenders that specialize in modular or alternative construction, and work with an insurance broker familiar with container homes in Florida.

12. What are the benefits of container homes in Pinellas Park?

Affordability: Can be cheaper than traditional homes
Sustainability: Upcycles old shipping containers
Durability: Steel structure, can be hurricane-resistant
Speed of construction: Especially with prefab models
Compact living: Ideal for small urban lots and ADUs
Design flexibility: Modular, expandable, and creative layouts

13. What challenges should I be aware of?

Navigating local zoning and permitting
Ensuring code compliance
Dealing with moisture and rust
Higher costs for customization
Finding experienced professionals
Limited financing options

Proper planning and working with the right experts can help overcome these obstacles.

More Shipping Container Homes in Florida

Live/Work 2070 - 2,070 square feet Shipping Container Home in Pinellas Park, Florida

Shipping Container Homes & Buildings