It is no secret that stacked shipping containers on large ocean ships successfully withstand extremely strong winds on the high seas. Therefore, the strength properties of this shipping container house allow it to withstand the next hurricanes like Category 5 Hurricane Irma in 2017. Climate change makes us think that Florida will still have to deal with similar terrible hurricanes in the future.
3D Model
Construction Process
Location and Contact Info
Frequently Asked Questions
When Hurricane Irma hit Florida in September 2017, Rob DePiazza lost everything. An old tree crashed into the house of the artist from St. Augustine and made it uninhabitable. But instead of giving up, De Piazza drew fresh artistic inspiration from the disaster and turned a long-held dream into reality: to build a house out of containers.
Description by owner
I purchased the original house that resides on this property back in 1988. In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused a large oak tree to snap at the base and destroy the house (while we were in it!), which led to the construction of my current home, the Prince Road Container House. Within two days of the house being destroyed I made the decision to build a container house. Choosing to build a house out of shipping containers meant I had to serve as the general contractor hiring all the sub-contractors and more importantly do much of the work myself. This wasn’t a problem since I had rehabbed a 1908 commercial building occupied by my screen-printing business and other residential projects over the years. Planning unexpectedly took nine months, at which point I ran out of the housing money provided by my insurance policy; this put further strain on funding. Construction was finally completed February 2020.
The overall theme of the hurricane-proof shipping container house is to reveal and celebrate materials and construction techniques that are typically concealed. It starts with the exposed corrugated steel exterior walls of the container from which the paint was removed to reveal the raw core ten steel and the natural corrosion. On the inside I revealed key interior walls that did not require insulation. With the exception of the painted wall in the main living space, I retained the original interior paint of the container along with the patina acquired over the many years of its use; the scuffs, scrapes, and dents that tell the story of the many transatlantic crossings made and the cargo transported.
The list of details of the Prince Road Container House is endless, many of which are intended to give pause to the routine of daily living; from the custom hanging lights I made from ’50s era streetlights to the mild steel kitchen backsplash I installed to display the hundreds of refrigerator magnets we’ve collected from our travels around the world, and finally the “upside down” container whose floor is now the ceiling. In the end, I wanted to create a home that’s not just a house, but a vibrant, cheerful, creative, and inviting space that celebrates living and doesn’t take itself too seriously; a coda I have tried to live by for as long as I can remember.
Interview with owner
Rob, in the wake of Hurricane Irma, you decided to build a new house for yourself – but this time using decommissioned containers. What prompted this decision?
The hurricane had completely destroyed the house I had lived in for 32 years. No two stones were left upon each other. By chance, I was working at the time with Stephen Bender, an architect in Gainesville, on a design for a studio made out of containers. So I’d already gained some familiarity with the issue of container architecture. On top of that, I’m a big fan of the very linear new Mexican architecture and fascinated by the crisp forms of industrial design. Both of these elements are found in containers. And that’s when I thought to myself: “I’m going to build my new house out of containers!”
That had to be pretty bold and definitely a challenge, especially since containers aren’t exactly a common building material.
Cutting containers into pieces and then welding them back together again at other places, installing all the wiring, putting in a toilet ... it was a bit different than with building a normal house. You often have to be imaginative and resourceful. And if you can’t do it yourself, it can also get very expensive. In my experience, many contractors either haven’t wanted to take the risks of dealing with containers, which are probably unfamiliar to them, or have submitted bids that were just too pricey. I also haven't found any home insurance yet. When I talk to the insurance companies, most of them think I’m pulling their leg. They simply can’t imagine that someone would want to live in a container house! (laughs)
It sounds like you’ve had to do a lot by yourself.
Yeah, I did a lot of the smaller things by myself or with friends. But I worked with specialised companies on the somewhat more complicated tasks. Especially when it comes to electricity, statics and other safety-related issues, it’s better to call in the professionals.
When you think of a container, comfortable living isn’t the first thing that pops into your mind. What’s it like to live in a steel house?
Well, since the house isn’t completely finished, I can’t really say for sure yet. The living spaces, which consist of five containers, have all the insulation and furnishing you’d find in a typical house. And, as far as I can tell so far, living in containers won’t be all that different from living in a normal house.
How many containers have you used to build your house?
All told, it has been nine big 40-foot containers. Two containers will be used to form a workshop room, two boxes will be used as a purely decorative element, and five containers will provide about 149 square metres of living space.
Using old things to create new ones – AKA upcycling – is very much in vogue right now, especially due to concerns about sustainability. Did that go into your thinking about this project?
To be honest, no. At first, I didn’t really give much thought to the sustainability of my project. That only came later, when there were media reports about my container house and I was more deeply engaged in building it. Now there are several projects involving containers all over the world, from student dormitories to hotels to luxury estates. And if you consider the fact that there are more than 40 million containers in circulation worldwide and that they will eventually be taken out of service, it means there’s a huge potential for creating practical and relatively inexpensive living spaces. There are definitely a lot of possibilities, especially for small communities.
Do you have any tips for people who might also be thinking about building a hurricane-proof container house?
The first question a lot of people ask me has been: How much does it cost? But, as I see it, that’s not really the key issue here. Materials make up the smallest part of the overall costs. The other expenses – such as for the wiring, connections, the kitchen and so forth – make up a much bigger share. When all’s said and done, unless you’re planning to live in a tiny house made out of one or two containers, a custom-designed container house can cost almost as much as a normal house. So, instead of being a question of price, it’s a much more fundamental decision: How do I want to live? Aesthetic and architectural factors come into play here. And, of course, the sustainability aspect also plays a big role. But if you’re adventurous and creative, you can create wonderful new types of housing.
3D Model
Construction Process
Location and Contact Info
Frequently Asked Questions
| Project | Prince Road Container House |
| Builder and owner | Rob DePiazza |
| Area | 150 sq m (1600 sq ft) |
| Containers | 9 x 40 ft |
| Bedrooms | 4 |
| Bathrooms | 2 |
| Location | St. Augustine, Florida, United States |
| Year | 2020 |
When Hurricane Irma hit Florida in September 2017, Rob DePiazza lost everything. An old tree crashed into the house of the artist from St. Augustine and made it uninhabitable. But instead of giving up, De Piazza drew fresh artistic inspiration from the disaster and turned a long-held dream into reality: to build a house out of containers.
Description by owner
I purchased the original house that resides on this property back in 1988. In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused a large oak tree to snap at the base and destroy the house (while we were in it!), which led to the construction of my current home, the Prince Road Container House. Within two days of the house being destroyed I made the decision to build a container house. Choosing to build a house out of shipping containers meant I had to serve as the general contractor hiring all the sub-contractors and more importantly do much of the work myself. This wasn’t a problem since I had rehabbed a 1908 commercial building occupied by my screen-printing business and other residential projects over the years. Planning unexpectedly took nine months, at which point I ran out of the housing money provided by my insurance policy; this put further strain on funding. Construction was finally completed February 2020.
The overall theme of the hurricane-proof shipping container house is to reveal and celebrate materials and construction techniques that are typically concealed. It starts with the exposed corrugated steel exterior walls of the container from which the paint was removed to reveal the raw core ten steel and the natural corrosion. On the inside I revealed key interior walls that did not require insulation. With the exception of the painted wall in the main living space, I retained the original interior paint of the container along with the patina acquired over the many years of its use; the scuffs, scrapes, and dents that tell the story of the many transatlantic crossings made and the cargo transported.
The list of details of the Prince Road Container House is endless, many of which are intended to give pause to the routine of daily living; from the custom hanging lights I made from ’50s era streetlights to the mild steel kitchen backsplash I installed to display the hundreds of refrigerator magnets we’ve collected from our travels around the world, and finally the “upside down” container whose floor is now the ceiling. In the end, I wanted to create a home that’s not just a house, but a vibrant, cheerful, creative, and inviting space that celebrates living and doesn’t take itself too seriously; a coda I have tried to live by for as long as I can remember.
Interview with owner
Rob, in the wake of Hurricane Irma, you decided to build a new house for yourself – but this time using decommissioned containers. What prompted this decision?
The hurricane had completely destroyed the house I had lived in for 32 years. No two stones were left upon each other. By chance, I was working at the time with Stephen Bender, an architect in Gainesville, on a design for a studio made out of containers. So I’d already gained some familiarity with the issue of container architecture. On top of that, I’m a big fan of the very linear new Mexican architecture and fascinated by the crisp forms of industrial design. Both of these elements are found in containers. And that’s when I thought to myself: “I’m going to build my new house out of containers!”
That had to be pretty bold and definitely a challenge, especially since containers aren’t exactly a common building material.
Cutting containers into pieces and then welding them back together again at other places, installing all the wiring, putting in a toilet ... it was a bit different than with building a normal house. You often have to be imaginative and resourceful. And if you can’t do it yourself, it can also get very expensive. In my experience, many contractors either haven’t wanted to take the risks of dealing with containers, which are probably unfamiliar to them, or have submitted bids that were just too pricey. I also haven't found any home insurance yet. When I talk to the insurance companies, most of them think I’m pulling their leg. They simply can’t imagine that someone would want to live in a container house! (laughs)
It sounds like you’ve had to do a lot by yourself.
Yeah, I did a lot of the smaller things by myself or with friends. But I worked with specialised companies on the somewhat more complicated tasks. Especially when it comes to electricity, statics and other safety-related issues, it’s better to call in the professionals.
When you think of a container, comfortable living isn’t the first thing that pops into your mind. What’s it like to live in a steel house?
Well, since the house isn’t completely finished, I can’t really say for sure yet. The living spaces, which consist of five containers, have all the insulation and furnishing you’d find in a typical house. And, as far as I can tell so far, living in containers won’t be all that different from living in a normal house.
How many containers have you used to build your house?
All told, it has been nine big 40-foot containers. Two containers will be used to form a workshop room, two boxes will be used as a purely decorative element, and five containers will provide about 149 square metres of living space.
Using old things to create new ones – AKA upcycling – is very much in vogue right now, especially due to concerns about sustainability. Did that go into your thinking about this project?
To be honest, no. At first, I didn’t really give much thought to the sustainability of my project. That only came later, when there were media reports about my container house and I was more deeply engaged in building it. Now there are several projects involving containers all over the world, from student dormitories to hotels to luxury estates. And if you consider the fact that there are more than 40 million containers in circulation worldwide and that they will eventually be taken out of service, it means there’s a huge potential for creating practical and relatively inexpensive living spaces. There are definitely a lot of possibilities, especially for small communities.
Do you have any tips for people who might also be thinking about building a hurricane-proof container house?
The first question a lot of people ask me has been: How much does it cost? But, as I see it, that’s not really the key issue here. Materials make up the smallest part of the overall costs. The other expenses – such as for the wiring, connections, the kitchen and so forth – make up a much bigger share. When all’s said and done, unless you’re planning to live in a tiny house made out of one or two containers, a custom-designed container house can cost almost as much as a normal house. So, instead of being a question of price, it’s a much more fundamental decision: How do I want to live? Aesthetic and architectural factors come into play here. And, of course, the sustainability aspect also plays a big role. But if you’re adventurous and creative, you can create wonderful new types of housing.
3D Model
Construction Process
Location and Contact Info
| Address | 1369 Prince Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32086, USA |
| Airbnb | https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/49348510 |
| https://www.instagram.com/princeroadcontainerhouse/ |
Hurricane-Proof Shipping Container House, Florida – FAQ
1. Are shipping container homes hurricane-proof?
Not inherently, but they can be made hurricane-resistant or hurricane-proof with proper engineering, materials, and construction techniques. Shipping containers are made of corten steel, which is highly durable and designed to withstand the harshest oceanic conditions. However, modifications such as cutting for windows or stacking can compromise their integrity unless properly reinforced.
In Florida, where Category 4 or 5 hurricanes are possible, specific reinforcements and anchoring systems are crucial to achieving hurricane resistance.
2. What makes a shipping container home hurricane-resistant in Florida?
A hurricane-resistant shipping container home in Florida should include:
- Deep anchoring to a reinforced concrete foundation or pier system
- Wind-rated windows and doors (impact-resistant and rated for Miami-Dade standards)
- Reinforced roof system to prevent uplift and water intrusion
- Structural engineering certifications to comply with local and state hurricane codes
- Minimal roof overhangs and aerodynamic design to reduce wind resistance
- Secure welds and reinforcements at container joints and cutouts
Proper planning and professional engineering are essential to make a container home safe in hurricane zones.
3. Do Florida building codes allow hurricane-resistant shipping container homes?
Yes, Florida allows container homes, including hurricane-resistant designs, provided they comply with the Florida Building Code (FBC), which is among the strictest in the U.S. for wind resistance.
Counties in High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ), like Miami-Dade and Broward, have additional requirements such as:
- Third-party product approvals
- Enhanced impact testing for windows and doors
- Detailed wind-load calculations
You'll need to work with a licensed Florida architect or engineer to ensure compliance.
4. What wind speeds can a hurricane-resistant shipping container home withstand?
With the proper design and anchoring system, a reinforced shipping container home can withstand wind speeds up to 175–200 mph, equivalent to Category 5 hurricane force. However, this depends on:
- Building orientation
- Foundation type
- Number of stories
- Proximity to coastlines (exposure risk)
- Engineering and materials used
Always consult a structural engineer familiar with hurricane design standards.
5. How much does it cost to build a hurricane-proof container home in Florida?
Prices vary, but typical estimates include:
| Type of Build | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Total Cost (1,000–1,500 Sq. Ft.) |
| Basic container home (non-hurricane rated) | $150 – $200 | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Hurricane-resistant build | $200 – $350+ | $200,000 – $500,000+ |
| High-end luxury container home | $350 – $500+ | $350,000 – $750,000+ |
Hurricane-proofing elements such as impact windows, engineering costs, and reinforced roofing significantly raise the cost but are critical for safety and code compliance.
6. Can I insure a hurricane-proof shipping container home in Florida?
Yes, but it's more complex than standard homes. To get homeowners or windstorm insurance in Florida:
- The container home must meet all Florida Building Codes
- It must pass inspection by licensed professionals
- It must be permanently affixed to a foundation
- You’ll likely need wind mitigation reports and documentation of hurricane-resistant features
Insurers may still charge higher premiums depending on proximity to the coast, flooding risk, and structure type.
7. Do container homes hold up well during real hurricanes?
Real-world performance has been promising. Properly built container homes have:
- Withstood direct hits from Category 4 hurricanes (like Hurricane Michael in the Panhandle)
- Experienced minimal structural damage when well-anchored and sealed
- Demonstrated better survivability than stick-built homes in some high-wind scenarios
However, improperly built or unanchored container homes have failed catastrophically, so professional construction and code adherence are non-negotiable.
8. What are the best locations in Florida to build a hurricane-proof container home?
Anywhere in Florida is possible, but the process will differ based on local code strictness and coastal exposure. Key areas include:
- Central Florida (e.g., Orlando, Ocala) – lower wind zones, easier permitting
- Panhandle (e.g., Tallahassee, Pensacola) – strict wind codes, flood zones
- South Florida (e.g., Miami, Naples, Florida Keys) – highest wind resistance requirements
- Inland areas and elevated lots are generally easier and cheaper for container home builds
Always check with local county planning and zoning offices.
9. Can a shipping container home survive storm surge and flooding?
While containers are made of steel and can resist water, storm surge can destroy unprotected or poorly elevated homes. To protect against storm surge:
- Build on piers or an elevated foundation
- Use flood vents or design for breakaway panels
- Place living areas on the second level, with flood-resistant storage or garages below
- Choose higher elevation parcels away from flood-prone zones
Consider FEMA flood maps and require Elevation Certificates when building in flood zones.
10. Are there container home builders in Florida who specialize in hurricane-resistant models?
Yes. Some container home builders and design firms specialize in hurricane-rated builds in Florida. Notable companies often offer:
- Turnkey packages
- Custom or modular layouts
- Permitting and engineering included
- Experience with HVHZ compliance
Look for builders with:
- Florida licensure (GC or CBC)
- Experience with Miami-Dade product approvals
- Portfolio of hurricane-rated builds
- Reviews or references from past Florida clients
11. What are the maintenance requirements for hurricane-resistant container homes?
Maintaining the hurricane integrity of your container home involves:
- Regular inspection of welds, joints, and anchors
- Checking and sealing against water intrusion
- Painting or coating the exterior to prevent corrosion (especially near saltwater)
- Cleaning gutters and roof drains before hurricane season
- Updating hurricane shutters or window protection as needed
Routine maintenance helps preserve both storm resistance and long-term durability.
12. Are solar panels safe on a hurricane-proof container home?
Yes—if designed and installed correctly. Solar panels can survive hurricanes if:
- Installed with Miami-Dade-approved mounting hardware
- Angled properly to reduce wind lift
- Attached to a reinforced roof structure
- Include battery storage placed in waterproof enclosures
Solar systems should be inspected annually, especially before hurricane season.
13. Do I need a permit to build a hurricane-resistant container home in Florida?
Absolutely. Permits are required for:
- Structural construction
- Plumbing and electrical systems
- HVAC installation
- Foundation work
You'll need to submit:
- Engineered blueprints
- Wind load calculations
- Site surveys
- Product approval documentation
Working with an experienced container home architect or builder can streamline the permitting process.
14. How long does it take to build a hurricane-resistant container home in Florida?
On average, the full process can take:
- 3–6 months for planning, permitting, and approvals
- 3–8 months for construction, depending on complexity and location
- Total time: 6–14 months, depending on design complexity, builder availability, and jurisdictional reviews.
15. What are the pros and cons of hurricane-proof container homes in Florida?
✅ Pros:
- Extremely strong and durable against wind and impact
- Lower material cost compared to conventional homes
- Modular and scalable design options
- Eco-friendly reuse of steel containers
- Can be elevated for flood protection
- Quicker to build once approved
❌ Cons:
- Strict code compliance and permitting challenges
- Need for heavy reinforcement and professional engineering
- Insulation and ventilation must be done right in Florida’s hot, humid climate
- Steel can corrode without proper treatment
- Insurance and financing can be tricky
16. Can I make a DIY hurricane-proof shipping container home in Florida?
You can, but it’s not recommended unless you have experience in:
- Structural engineering
- Florida code compliance
- Welding and construction
- Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
Florida has stringent permitting and inspection requirements. Most owner-builders partner with professionals to ensure code compliance, even if they do much of the labor themselves.
17. What are the best hurricane-resistant design features for Florida container homes?
Consider adding:
- Flat or gently sloped metal roofs with tight seals
- Bermed or low-profile designs to reduce wind resistance
- Precast concrete or reinforced steel foundations
- Concrete or steel storm shutters
- Protected entryways (vestibules or covered porches)
- Interior safe room with reinforced walls and ceiling
18. Where can I see examples of hurricane-proof container homes in Florida?
You can view examples through:
- Local builders’ websites and project portfolios
- YouTube tours of completed homes
- Architectural magazines (like Dwell or Architectural Digest)
- Social media pages for shipping container home communities in Florida
- Container home expos and design showcases
19. Are there grants or incentives in Florida for building hurricane-resistant homes?
Yes. Potential programs include:
- Florida’s My Safe Florida Home Program
- FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
- Property insurance discounts for wind mitigation
- Local sustainability or green building incentives in some counties
Check with your county building department or a professional grant consultant.
20. Is it worth building a hurricane-proof container home in Florida?
If done properly—yes. It offers:
- High storm resistance
- Lower lifetime maintenance
- Custom, eco-friendly design
- Savings on insurance (with mitigation reports)
- A resilient home for Florida’s unpredictable climate
However, success depends on proper planning, experienced builders, and full compliance with Florida building codes.
More Shipping Container Homes in Florida |
| 2,000 square feet Shipping Container Home in Pinellas Park, Florida |
| Headwaters Eco Retreat Shipping Container House, Florida |
Hurricane-Proof Shipping Container House Built after 2017 Category 5 Hurricane, Florida