Durable 3 Bedrooms 174 sqm Shipping Container Home in a Semi-Rural Area, Whanganui, New Zealand

Location

Containers	5 containers (4x 40 ft + 1x 20 ft)
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1
Estimated property price	$880,000 (2025)
Area	174 sqm (1,870 sq ft)
Location	Whanganui, New Zealand
Year	2017

Shipping containers, when designed and finished properly with quality insulation and reinforcement, can become striking homes. The property featured here – on the market for the first time – is a prime example.

Situated on 1.78 hectares in Durie Hill, Whanganui, this two-level residence is built from five containers: one 20-foot unit and four 40-foot units, arranged slightly askew to create architectural interest and form an upper-level deck. A smaller, separately positioned but connected container serves as a fourth (unconsented) bedroom.

Mountain Modern - Beautiful 2,400 sq ft Shipping Container Home, Lake Tahoe, California

The second floor of this beautiful shipping container home in Lake Tahoe, California, is built from pre-made modules, five 40 ft shipping containers.

About architect - Mountain Concepts
About builder - In-House Builders

Project	Mountain Modern
Architect	Mountain Concepts
Builder	In-House Builders
Manufacturer	Honomobo
Containers	Five 40 ft
Area	2,400 sq ft
Location	Lake Tahoe, California, United States
Photography	Tahoe Mountain Realty

Nestled among tall pines in the Mountainside at Northstar community, this striking steel-clad mountain retreat reimagines modern alpine living. Built from a series of repurposed shipping containers, the sleek corrugated-metal shell houses a custom residence set just steps from some of Tahoe’s most popular ski slopes.

Inside, warm cedar accents and bright white walls soften the industrial edge. The home features a polished chef’s kitchen, a private office, three bedrooms, and three bathrooms. A dramatic steel I-beam stretches across the spacious media room, adding architectural character, while expansive windows frame the breathtaking mountain views.

Shipping Container Home with Woven Bamboo Roof Includes Personal Gym, India

Floor Plans
About Rakhee Shobhit Design Associates

Architect	Rakhee Shobhit Design Associates
Containers	First unit 5x 20ft; Second unit 2x 40ft + Gym 20ft
Location	Aravali Hills, India

Indian practice Rakhee Shobhit Design Associates (RSDA) responded by repurposing old shipping containers to quickly create a series of bright living spaces that would provide an "escape from reality" with minimal impact on the landscape.

"The Container House does not conform to conventional residential design ideas," said the practice.

"Instead, it employs industrial materials as the exoskeleton to create a homely, cosy setting with a spatial dialogue between the interiors and the surroundings."

Brock Development Group Shipping Container Head Office, Ontario, Canada

Location
About Brock Development Group
About Sofia Kadar and CG-Wurx

Architect	Sofia Kadar, CG-Wurx
Area	1,800 sq.ft.
Containers	Five 40 ft
Location	Ontario, Canada

Presenting a uniquely designed office building with a distinctive shipping container aesthetic. This property remained vacant for over 25 years with little options for development due to its limited size and commercial zoning. With the combination of a cost effective servicing solution, an unconventional building and parking layout and simple planning approvals, the site transformed into a viable commercial development opportunity. This modern shipping container structure spans 1,800 sq.ft, over three floors and features an open-concept design that seamlessly blends contemporary style with industrial flair. With sleek lines and innovative architecture, this shipping container building not only provides a unique visual appeal but also offers a versatile and functional workspace, ideal for fostering a collaborative and dynamic office environment.

Yarrabee - Beautiful 150 m² Shipping Container Home, Tasmania, Australia

Plans
Construction
Video
Location
About Tassie Containers

Project	Yarrabee
Manufacturer	Tassie Containers
Containers	5
Area	150 m² (1,600 ft²)
Bedrooms	3
Year	2023
Budget	$230,000
Price	$1,350,000
Location	Tasmania, Australia

A pair of newlyweds are embracing an unconventional approach to home ownership by building their dream house out of shipping containers amid sky-high building costs and a challenging real estate market.

The Flowerpot couple tied the knot in November 2022 and wanted to see how far they could get building a home with a small budget and a bit of DIY.

They hope to inspire other young Tasmanians trying to break into the housing market.

“This was a good opportunity for us to have a beautiful home, in the location we want without the massive expenses that come with a traditional build,” owner Kiara Rolf said, “It’s been a pretty awesome journey and adventure to go on with your partner.”

The Pacific Bin - 3 Bedrooms Shipping Container Home in the Foothills of the Cascade Mountains (45 minutes from Seattle), Washington

The goal of The Pacific Bin is to give Seattle residents an outlet from the craziness of life.

Renderings

Construction Process

Video

Contact Info

About Aleksandra Forystek

Project	The Pacific Bin
Owner and General Contractor	Devon Loerop
Architect	Aleksandra Forystek
Containers	5
Area	1600 sqft
Bedrooms	3
Year	2022
Location	Sultan, WA

Built from 5 intermodal containers in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, The Bin is truly one of a kind vacation home located in Sultan, WA.

The Bin offers 1600 square feet of interior space and 900 square feet of exterior deck space, sleeps 7 adults, one king bed, one full bed and 3 twin beds. The Bin boasts a large full service kitchen, hot tub, steam shower, private hiking trails, multilevel large wrap-around deck, indoor fireplace, outdoor firepit, helicopter landing zone, car charger, TV, high speed internet, and so much more!

OOST Kampville - Shipping Containers under Separate A-Frame Roof Structure, Thailand

Because of the tropical climate and the problem of heat transfer of the container to the indoor, the A-Frame roof structure was create to be the shading device for the containers.

Diagram
Floor Plans and Drawings
Location

Project	OOST Kampville
Architect	Tung Jai Ork Baab
Lead Architect	Teera Dhanamun
Structural Engineer	Sirichai Sae-chuen
Sanitary Engineer	Jarungsak Nimitr
Main Contractor	Chang Na Nongpaiban
Containers	5
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	3
Area	195 sqm (2100 sqft)
Year	2022
Location	Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
Photography	Art Chitsanupong

Description by the architects

Located in low and flooding land area of Nakhon Nayok within 2 hours from Bangkok, OOST Kampville was the project that develop from empty rice paddle to be the orchards and weekend house for multi generations family to get away from the city life. Small reservoir was dig out and the create the land area contain the orchards and the house.

During the early development the owner decide to give more flexible programing to the project that can develop to be private vacation rentals for the target group of family with kids. The initial idea of the project is to use the pre-fabrication construction method because of the limitation resource of local contractor and skillful construction workers, so the shipping container was then introduced to be the main indoor space of the house.

Municipal Public Library Made of Used Shipping Containers, Colombia

Floor Plan

About EContainers

Architecture	EContainers
Architects in Charge	Ivan Patarroyo, Jeronimo Arias
Area	116 sq m (1250 sq ft)
Containers	Five: Three 20 ft + Two 40 ft
Photography	Andres Osorio
Location	Santa Helena, Mesetas, Meta, Colombia
Year	2018

Description by architects

EContainers develops innovative spaces in design and comfort based on sustainable and renewable architecture that adapt to all types of industry, thus minimizing global environmental impacts since it gives maritime containers a second architectural life when they reach borders of their transport life. This company develops an architecture with containers that is a green and respectful architecture with the environment since it meets the bases of sustainability "3R: Recycle, Reuse and Reduce".

For this project, they developed a municipal public library requested by the Colombian Ministry of Culture to deliver to the Santa Helena village in the municipality of Mesetas, Meta. This project consists of 5 containers, 3 of 20 feet and 2 of 40 feet, which were restored and adapted for the needs of the municipality in cultural matters.

The shipping container public library has solar panels for its operation and was equipped with approximately 1,400 books, supplied by the National Libraries, with the aim of facilitating the circulation and access to information towards greater knowledge and strengthening the reading and writing processes.

The construction of municipal public libraries, apart from promoting the use of new construction systems that are easy to transport, easy to assemble, economic in their sustainability and rapid in their execution, also contributes to encouraging reading in the population and to more people, especially children and young people, become more interested in cultural and historical issues.

According to Andres Valencia, CEO of EContainers, “Cargotecture or construction with containers responds to the concept of sustainable and renewable architecture that adapts to all types of industry. Replacing traditional construction with modular construction allows us to reduce global environmental impacts and contribute to building a better future”.

The focus of this company is to reach areas of difficult access given the complexity of their geographical conditions, it becomes a challenge and a driving force to continue reaching these, where others do not dare to try. In this way, EContainres is committed to sustainable and innovative solutions, adapting to new dynamics, seeking to protect the planet, setting an example of sustainability with the highest quality and construction standards and adapting them to every need. In addition, it invites other companies to become aware of the environment and contribute to the planet, having environmental sustainability and circular economy as a pillar.

Ahurewa Eco Retreat - 700 sq ft Off-Grid Shipping Container Home, New Zealand

Best of all, this beautiful 700 sq ft shipping container home is completely off the grid, with solar power, rainwater collection and even a vermicomposting toilet, meaning the owner will never need to see another power or water bill again.

Video

Location

Project	Ahurewa Eco Retreat
Owner	Rosie Gee
Area	700 sq ft (65 sq m)
Containers	Five 20 ft
Bedroom	1
Year	2020
Location	Coromandel, New Zealand

You will surely love this incredible home constructed out of five 20ft shipping containers. Its owner Rosie opted for a shipping container home after realizing its durability and industrial style look. The shipping containers are painted black from the outside to blend with the natural surroundings. On the contrary, the interior space is more colorful than the exterior. There are plywood paneled walls and orange accents all around the house.

The living spaces are creatively designed with large glass walls to allow in natural light and offer an outdoor view. As the owner is a reading enthusiast, there is a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf inside and even some storage for books under the bed. There is also a cozy deck to enjoy the outdoors. This house is no short of features and facilities to make the owners feel at home.

Rosie's home is situated in the middle of a spectacular conservation block and her beautiful modern shipping container home has been wonderfully designed to take full advantage of the beautiful surrounding landscape.

Best of all, this shipping container home is completely off the grid, with solar power, rainwater collection and even a vermicomposting toilet, meaning she will never need to see another power or water bill again.

1300 sqft 3 Bedroom Shipping Container Home, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Video

Floor Plans

Location

About Paragon Designs

Architect and Builder	Paragon Designs
Containers	1x25ft, 4x40ft
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2
Area	1300 sq ft
Year	2021
Cost	$280,000
Location	Minneapolis, Minnesota

Description by Zillow

Own a jaw dropping, one of a kind piece of art in the Jordan neighborhood. This is the first shipping container house in Minneapolis and Paragon Designs was the mastermind behind the artful design and its construction. The shipping container house sitting high on a corner lot will stop anyone in their tracks and have them begging to see inside. Within those metal walls, you'll see a shipping container home filled with light and unique features that highlight earthly elements: rock - tile and counters, wood - custom staircase and kitchen counters and metal - exposed walls of the shipping container. The builder had thoughtfully designed the doors of the shipping containers to be support of the entrances and upper level decks for an outdoor enjoyment. Beyond the true beauty of this home, it's owner will appreciate the fact that it is zero energy ready. This show stopper is available to the right buyer that qualifies for the Minneapolis Homes Program.

2021

Shipping Container Sale Rooms, Showroom and Offices, Santiago, Chile

Drawings / Floor plans

About Dx arquitectos

Project: MG store and offices
Architects: DX Arquitectos, Claudio Aguila, Juan Luzoro, Justyna Skrobanska
Builder: Pablo Bórquez, Furniture Operations Manager Gacitúa
Location: San Miguel, Santiago, Chile
Area: 154 m²
Materials: 40 HC (High Cube) shipping container, rubber floor, 5 mm polyurethane exposed ceiling, similar wood melamine, MG line furniture, recycled aluminum windows
Year: 2010
Photographs: Pablo Blanco Barros

The shipping container as a means of transporting a product, now as a user's container. Elementary and iconic prefab structure. Pure volumes intersect in an esplanade towards Santa Rosa, the speed of the highway defines the tensions and pauses of these.

On the first floor, the shipping containers intersect, forming the furniture exhibition and sale rooms (showroom). While the volume, which is on the second floor, contains offices.

3 Story 4 Bedroom Shipping Container Home, Costa Rica

Renderings

Construction Process

About 506 Tennis Court

Project	Casa Olindez Nosara
Architect	Victor Rojas
Containers	5
Price	$699,000
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3
Location	Nosara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Year	2019

This 3 story 4 bedroom shipping container home is in the 506 Tennis Center compound which is the only gated community with full time security in Esperanza. Less than a 5 minute drive to the beach in Playa Guiones or more secluded South Playa Guiones! It has 2 swimming pools, 3 hard true surface and 2 clay tennis courts, as well as 3 guard houses to allow only homeowners and renters into the community. For added security, the guards make regular rounds at night. They have never had a security issue since they began over 15 years ago!!

We wanted the main feature of the shipping container home to be based on simple eco-living elegance. It was built to have as little of a footprint on the environment as possible using 5 recycled containers, natural stone (much of which was found on the premises) and wood and as little cement (which contributes up to 17% of the earths greenhouse gases!!) as possible.

When we designed the shipping container home, we wanted all bedrooms separate from each other. This also allows for privacy come bedtime or waking up in the morning (no one else has to be woken up accidentally by your 5 am dawn patrol sesh!). The two bedrooms on the 2nd and 3rd floor have their own bathroom, while 2 bedrooms and an office/bedroom share an adjacent bathroom. All of the rooms have A/C and high end ceiling fans.

The shipping container home sits on 3.25 acres of very private land with hundred of fruit trees such as lime, orange, star fruit, mango, banana and avocado as well as hundreds of gorgeous flowering precious wood trees such as Cortez Amarillo, Cortez Negro, Sandal, Llamaron del Bosque, Orgullo de La India and Malinche. There is a 1.5 Km mountain bike single track with jumps, berms and flowering hibiscus tunnels, also enjoyable for walking!! Part of the trail follows a lovely stream. There are ocean views from the 3rd and 4th floor and in the dry season from the 2nd floor. The back of the home has a breathtaking view of the San Juan and Garza mountains in the distance while still only being 15 minute walk to the beach! Also during the dry season, there are usually water shortages which cause the local water authority to cut off service for hours at a time. We have a 2500 gallon backup cistern so Casa Olindez will never be out of water!

We didn’t take any shortcuts on the amenities but we have kept them simple. All 4 of the massive outdoor decks and all the ceilings are almond wood and furniture is Almond, Cocobolo, Brazilian Cherry, Cortez Amarillo, Sandal, Cedar and Teak. Many of the same trees are full grown on the premises to be enjoyed by our guests.




Monkeys pass within feet of the 3rd floor shower window and 4th story view deck in the mornings and afternoon! Families can enjoy the nature trails, tennis, ping pong, foosball and just relaxing in a hammock on the decks!

We believe the pictures of the home speak better than our words!

HO:ME 296 - Beautiful Two-Story 4x 40ft and 1x 20ft Shipping Container Home, Santa Barbara, California

Construction

Floor plans

3D Renderings

About AB Design

About Barber Builders

About McFadden Design Group

About Ashely & Vance

Frequently Asked Questions

Project	HO:ME 296
Architecture	AB Design
Builder	Barber Builders, Steelblox
Interior Design	McFadden Design Group
Landscape Architect	Greens Landscape
Structural and Civil Engineer	Ashely & Vance
Electrical Engineer	JMPE
Area	2,435 SF
Bedrooms	3
Containers	4x40ft, 1x20ft
Location	Santa Barbara, California
Year	2017

Description from architects:

How did the architects create a luxury, single-family container-based residence in Santa Barbara County that infused the owners’ distinct personalities?

Schulte Lane captures the essence of AB design studio’s ethos of “inspiration through collaboration.” From concept to completion, the studio strategically maintained a collaborative relationship with key stakeholders at every level to realize this high-end, container-based dwelling in Santa Barbara County—the first of its kind to be permitted in the area.

Entrusting AB design studio with their vision, the owners—an environmental attorney and a fashion stylist—wanted a sustainable and elegant contemporary home that complemented their personalities and occupational passions. The result is a two-story residence, seamlessly integrating five reclaimed shipping containers, nestled into the lush Santa Barbara hillside. The upper level consists of four 40-foot containers that form the master suite and bedroom spaces, separated by a dramatic central stairwell and corridor with skylight. On an open first floor plan, the architects combined living spaces and kitchen to create a center of activity and area for entertaining. The space’s main focal point is an exposed 20-foot shipping container that was transformed into a pantry and scullery.

Meadow on Deventer City Beach Shipping Container Restaurant, Netherlands

Each year, owners plan to place this shipping container restaurant in March and replace it in November due to high water in the IJssel river in winter.

Building process
Location
About Architecten Lab

Architect: Architecten Lab
Construction: Esteq Twello
Idea and owner: Koos Janssen
Containers: 4 x 40 ft High Cube and one 20 ft High Cube
Year: 2019
Location: Deventer, Netherlands

Description from owners

We are Koos Janssen and Evelien Janssen-Musch and over the past three years we have been intensively involved in obtaining the necessary permits to realize a city beach with restaurants on the west side of the IJssel near Deventer. Now that the most important permits have been issued, the crowdfunding and construction have been successfully completed, we are ready for the next step: operating our first private catering company at an absolute a-location with an amazing view of the Deventer skyline

From 2019, Meadow is installed annually between April and October and operated on the future city beach of Deventer. At Meadow, residents, visitors and businesses of Deventer can enjoy coffee, drinks and our summer dishes. In the spring and autumn (April, May, September and October) Meadow is open at least 5 days a week from at least 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. In the peak months (June, July and August) we are open six or seven days a week with opening times varying between 9 a.m. and about 10 p.m. depending on weather conditions. Depending on the time and size of the group, it is possible to rent Meadow in some situations.





We stand for quality, responsibility and sustainability with respect for people, animals and nature. The temporary catering pavilion is made up of modified sea containers and used building materials and is, where possible, self-sufficient. Collaborations and connections are sought with local entrepreneurs and initiatives and urban products are sold.

Inside there is seating for 48 guests and at least 60 seats on the two deck terraces. Indoors include a catering kitchen, toilets, bar, cool and storage space. In addition, there will be a kiosk where passers-by and holiday-makers can visit the 4,000 m2 recreational area for, for example, tasty coffee, a surprising sandwich or an organic ice cream.

Together with Stichting Deventer Stadsstrand, we take care of the management and maintenance of the plot of the city beach and surrounding area, for example by keeping litter clean.

The interior of Meadow is an eclectic mix between botanical and vintage atmospheres. Used elements alternate with new and designer furniture and the staff consists mainly of skilled workers with sufficient experience. At the same time, new employees within the company are trained and prepared to work fully within the company.

During the season we focus mainly on residents who live within a radius of 2 kilometers and passers-by such as the many hikers and cyclists in the area. Recreational visitors of the public urban meadow are our largest target group on warm days. Several low-threshold activities are possible during the year and there is room for small-scale private parties, such as "getting married with your feet in the grass" or a business networking event. You can come and celebrate your birthday with us or give a product presentation. The possibilities are endless, provided the theme fits within the concept.

As residents of Deventer, we know the area like the back of our hand and with almost 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry, we know the pros and cons of the industry all too well. With our well-considered business plan, broad expertise and additional qualities, we are convinced of the success of MEADOW. Koos will mainly be responsible for operational management, organization and commercial activities and Evelien is operationally responsible on the work floor as a hostess, for example taking care of managing employees. Evelien therefore becomes the face of Meadow.

2000 sq ft Shipping Container House, Kansas City, Missouri

Video

Location

About BNIM

About Home Contained

Project	Glassberg Container House
Design and build	BNIM and Home Contained (Debbie Glassberg)
Containers	5
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	3
Area	2000 sq ft
Year	2008
Location	Kansas City, Missouri

While homes made of containers is not a new idea, this ocean shipping container house design is unique in how it combine spaces and areas that nurture the inhabitants. Delightful to be in and easy to maintain, these spaces are inspiring and generous. The designer created three kinds of spaces: Container Space offers unique livable areas, Contained Space – the area created between two or more containers and Uncontained Space – which is the area beyond the building, integrally connected to an overall structure.

Description from builders

BNIM collaborated with Debbie Glassberg to design her new residence constructed from five shipping containers in the Brookside neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri. The containers, pieced together with a steel and concrete framework, create space for two bedrooms, an office, television room, kitchen, dining area, living room and three bathrooms. The pre-fabricated containers are taller than typical shipping containers, allowing for large windows that create an open and light-filled space. The roof of the two-story residence includes an edible garden and patio.

Earthquake-Resistant Modular Shipping Container Home

Floor plans

About ARQtainer

Project	Casa Liray
Design	ARQtainer
Containers	3x20 ft and 2x40 ft
Area	115 m² (1240 ft²)
Project cost	$75,000 USD
Building time	3 month
Location	Colina, Chile
Year	2010

This earthquake-resistant modular shipping container home was made with three 20-foot and two 40-foot shipping containers. The customers wanted an earthquake-proof home at an affordable price, and architects were able to deliver a home design to suit client's needs using the shipping container as the structure. The earthquake-resistant modular shipping container home was built for about $75,000 USD in three months.

Three 20-foot containers have the kitchen and living room, while two 40-foot containers have the bathrooms and bedrooms. Original shipping container flooring was replaced with quality hardwood flooring. The builder insulated the ceiling and walls with spray-applied cellulose to avoid acoustic and thermal bridges, installed energy-efficient windows and then finished the interior.

Description from architects.

The project is created by the need of the client to build a house quickly, earthquake resistant and low cost, programmatically all set in 115 m². Maritime containers are chosen because these inherently present all these characteristics, because they have a strong structure, already defined modular spaces and mainly constructive speed due to the fact that a large part of their execution was developed in a workshop, being transferred with a good percentage of advance to the site, reducing auditory pollution and the impact generated by a construction site.

The work was located on a plot of 6775 m² and at its eastern end to maintain distance from the road and to obtain views towards the Andes mountain range, rising 55 cm above the ground level to give it more height and separate it from the soil. The lower space is used for installations.

Volumetrically it is defined by 5 shipping containers: two 40-foot containers that spatially house the private areas (bedrooms), plus three of 20 feet that contain the public spaces (living, dining room, kitchen) and the service, the articulation of these areas is made up of two spaces defined by attached structures, an access hall and a service patio, giving space and volumetric continuity to the house.

In order to respect the required square meters, the façade is set back in the bedroom area, adjusting it towards the corridor.




Taking advantage of the strong structure offered by the containers, a terrace was installed on the living and dining area to take advantage of the distant views and at the ends of the first level the pre-existing doors were used to structure the balconies.

Regarding the subject of insulation, walls and ceiling were isolated with cellulose wool, which has good thermal and acoustic characteristics of high efficiency. Thermopanels and cross vents also added to control heat in summer.