Think shipping containers are just for shipping? Wrong. After sailing the seas for many years, these tough metal boxes are being increasingly used to create high-end shipping container homes.
It’s a big trend in the world of architecture. Not only are they eco-friendly and quick to build, they offer endless customisation possibilities – and designers from all over the world are now thinking outside (or inside!) of the box and producing some truly remarkable modular structures.
As a specialist in shipping container conversions – here at Gap Containers – we’re incredibly intrigued by these revolutionary homes. There are several projects across the globe that have caught our eye recently, but here we have picked out just a few of our favourites.
1. Grillagh Water House – UK
Located on the banks of the Grillagh River, this is the first shipping container house to be built in Ireland. It was designed by the exceptionally-talented Patrick Bradley Architects – and uses four 45ft shipping containers to create a unique cantilever structure, with views across the rural landscape.
The final building includes two spacious bedrooms, open-plan living space and a large office. It’s both beautiful and practical. And as a testament to its success, it has been acclaimed by critics, won several awards – including a regional accolade from the Royal Institute of British Architects – and even featured on the popular TV show ‘Grand Designs’ in 2014.
2. Containers of Hope – Costa Rica
This is a container home with an impressively low price-tag. It was designed by Costa Rican Architect, Benjamin Garcia Saxe, for a couple who wanted a rural house that wouldn’t put them in debt. He was given just $40,000 to complete the project. Yet, despite this restrictive budget, he still managed to create an exciting structure that ticked all the right boxes for day-to-day life.
Saxe utilised two 40ft shipping containers to create a generous 1000 sq. ft space, including a lounge, kitchen-diner, two bedrooms and bathroom. Using a slanted roof and floor-to-ceiling windows to add light (and circulate air), it’s a modest yet impressive home – which proves that you don’t need deep pockets and lots of cash to fund a shipping container conversion.
3. Manifesto House – Chile
Designed by Spanish architect firm, James and Mau, this particular storage container home is prized for its green credentials. It’s made almost entirely from recycled materials – including three pre-used shipping containers, sustainable wooden shutters and pallets (which are bioclimatic and boost the property’s energy efficiency). What’s more, it runs primarily on renewable solar energy.
The structure itself has two levels – with a spacious living area and outdoor patio on the ground floor, and three spacious bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. It took just 90 days to build and demonstrates how shipping container homes are a sustainable option for the future.
4. Graceville Container House – Australia
Forget about a shipping container home – this is a shipping container mansion! In fact, it’s one of the biggest structures ever to be made. Constructed from 31 units in total, it’s a huge 6000 sq. ft property – featuring four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a gym, art studio and saltwater eco-pool.
The expansive design was commissioned by a couple in Brisbane, whose previous property had been lost to the Queensland floods of 2010-2011. They wanted to ensure the same thing could never happen again – and, as such, were drawn by the flood and fireproof nature of the metal boxes.
5. Joshua Tree Residence – USA
Last, but by no means least, is Joshua Tree Residence. This shipping container house is only in the design stage. However, the realistic 3D plans are truly breath-taking and showcase a property like nothing we’ve ever seen before – and we thought it was definitely worth a mention.
It’s the work of a London Designer, James Whitaker, but the property itself will be situated in the stark Californian desert – and its entire design is based on this location. Multiple shipping containers will be used to create a star-shaped structure, offering protection against the harsh climate and incredible views across the landscape. It shows just how creative and innovative container homes can be and, once finished, there’s no doubt it will receive the praise and recognition it deserves.
Start your own shipping container conversion today
Feeling inspired? Here at Gap Containers, we’re not leading architects and we doubt we could create awe-inspiring shipping container homes like those seen above. But we do sell new and used shipping containers. Therefore, if you’re looking to start your own project, we can supply the basic building blocks.
We’re also UK specialist in shipping container conversions, and can help to create both single and multi-storey offices, classrooms, pop-up shops, hotel rooms, laboratories, mess huts, canteens and more. These can be made with a diverse range of internal and external finishes and tailored to your individual needs. So, if you have an idea, why not get in touch and tell us more?
Our team are always on hand and happy to help – and we’re always excited by the prospect of a new challenging project! Simply give us a call on 0870 240 9405 to discuss what you have in mind or send an email to sales@gapcontainers.co.uk and we’ll respond as soon as possible.
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