Shipping containers are becoming a popular foundation of home construction, enabling architects and homeowners to design bold and brilliant properties with limited time, resources and budget. While many choose to create a home from just one container, others are stacking, balancing and connecting multiple containers to create dynamic and impressive properties.
From a metal holiday retreat in rural New York to a vibrant red abode in France, click or scroll on to step inside the biggest and most impressive container residences around the world...
Turning the notion of shipping container homes on its head, there's nothing compact or restrictive about this incredible property in Denver, Colorado.
Rich in both style and space, it was built by local firefighter, Regan Foster – and this isn't the only shipping container home he has crafted, but we'll discover more later. The standout property sprawls over 3,000 square feet and is bursting with character.
Nine shipping containers were used to create the custom home, with their distinctive corrugated walls proudly displayed inside and out.
At the back of the house, the original colours of the containers have been retained, too, resulting in a bright and unique finish. We love the bolt of turquoise that decorates the upper storey at the rear of the home.
Inside, the impressive open-plan living area is topped by a 25-foot-high ceiling, while swathes of industrial metalwork casually separate the lounge from the kitchen. Vast sliding glass doors open up the interior to the garden.
Two bedrooms are located on the ground floor and a mezzanine walkway upstairs leads to three further bedrooms.
The home is suitable for 10 guests, with a total of five bedrooms and three bathrooms. The master suite is perhaps the finest in the house and is kitted out with elegant dark wood floors and a generous private balcony.
If that wasn't enough, there's also a projector screen downstairs that's ideal for family movie nights. Love it? Book it via Airbnb!
Completed in 2013, this futuristic, 4,305-square-foot home could certainly be described as unique. Positioned in the city of San José in Costa Rica, Incubo House was crafted around a historic cedar tree on the site.
So much so that the layout was carefully chosen to ensure the tree could be viewed from anywhere in the house.
The modern metal home was designed by architect María José Trejos for a family and while the tree and their lifestyle played a role in the shape and layout of the home, so too did the local climate.
This amazing, double-height living space lies in the heart of the home and "acts as a lung", providing the interior with natural cross ventilation. To the west, an all-glass façade draws plenty of natural light inside.
The architect was keen to ensure the house had a limited impact on the environment, both in terms of design and the use of materials. Eight shipping containers were used since they are reusable, durable and low maintenance.
Using them also reduced the CO2 emissions associated with construction, since the need for cement and the transportation of materials was limited. In fact, María José believes using them reduced construction times and costs by 20%.
Amazingly, the home's exterior decks were formed from certified woods from renewable sources, mixed with recycled plastic, concrete and bamboo. There’s also a rainwater collection system, which provides water to the toilets and garden, with solar panels providing the home with hot water.
As well as a huge open-plan living area, there's also a stunning kitchen, a dining zone and numerous bedrooms, all of which frame views of the giant cedar tree outside.
This remarkable residence might look like a modern museum, but it is an incredible family home. Found in the heart of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York, the ultra-cool pad was designed by architectural practice LOT-EK, in collaboration with C-Home.
Located on a standard, 2,500-square-foot corner lot, that's just 25-foot wide, the home spans 5,000 square feet, thanks to the use of 15 shipping containers.
The containers were stacked on top of each other to create a large, multi-storey home. The stack was then cut diagonally along both the top and bottom, “creating a striking profile that invokes Williamsburg's industrial past, while providing a sculptural nod to the rapidly changing neighbourhood”, the architects explain.
As well as serving an architectural purpose, these cuts also allowed the architects to create enclosed and private spaces inside, protected from the surrounding streets. The diagonal cut at the bottom of the house also created room for the entrance to a cool, underground garage.
Inside, the house is just as dramatic, with plenty of quirky interior design and architectural elements throughout – such as ceiling windows, exposed plywood walls, a floating steel staircase and imposing fireplaces.
Room-wise, there's an open-plan living room with a kitchen and dining area, as well as five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a den and a home cinema with a suspended 90-inch television.
The home’s top floor is dedicated to an incredible master suite, complete with an in-room soaking tub, twin powder rooms and a 22-foot-wide walk-in closet. The pad also boasts 2,500 square feet of exterior terraces, one of which is connected to the main bedroom.
There's even a luxurious basement with a temperature-controlled cellar. Completed in 2016, this home remains one of Brooklyn's most iconic and unusual pieces of architecture.
Aptly named, Container House is a dreamy example of how impressive and unique shipping container residences can be.
Nestled on a scenic plot, close to a lake on the outskirts of Stockholm, the metal and glass property was a Finalist in Grand Designs' House of the Year competition in 2022 – and it isn't difficult to see why.
The house was designed by architect Måns Tham for a family of five. Formed from eight shipping containers, stacked on top of one another, the property has a minimal impact on the gorgeous surrounding environment, thanks to the use of metal pillars that elevate it off the ground.
These stilt-like legs also enable rainwater that runs down the sloping hillside behind the house to flow beneath the building, protecting the home from flooding or rain damage.
Spacious, modern and flooded with light, the interior has a free-flowing layout. This was achieved by removing some of the walls between the containers. The three-storey home features a ground floor entrance with a den and a guest bedroom, as well as a laundry room.
Upstairs, you'll find the main living area and numerous bedrooms, as well as an outdoor terrace with lovely views.
The ground floor bathroom is seriously cool, with a huge picture window that frames views of the surrounding hillside.
What's more, the owner works in demolition, so many of the interior materials and fittings were salvaged from demolition sites around Stockholm, including metal panels, staircases, timber and even sections of old kitchens. Plus, at the back of the house, a suspended bridge connects the interior to the neighbouring forest. How's that for cool?
This striking family home was crafted from eight individual, prefabricated steel containers, which were recycled and fitted out, before being transported on the back of a truck and assembled on-site.
Designed by Patrick Partouche Archtecte, the property was put together in just three days.
Spanning 2,583 square feet, the property lies in the French city of Lille and cost the owners a mere €180,000 to construct – that's just £153,300 ($196k). The home’s bold exterior has a contemporary, industrial aesthetic, which continues inside.
You’ll find painted, galvanized, lacquered and varnished steel, as well as aluminium, wood, polycarbonate and, of course, plenty of glass.
The home’s interior celebrates its origins, with exposed metal on display throughout, while frosted glass panels allow light to filter inside while retaining a high level of privacy.
As for rooms, there’s an open-plan living area with a kitchen, dining zone and sitting room. A spiral staircase leads upstairs to the bedrooms.
Thanks to the home's construction materials, it has remarkable energy and sound performance. What's more, the original steel doors of the containers were left in place, allowing the owners to open them up and welcome in sunlight.
The roof also doubles as a shade screen, which lets air flow around it, preventing it from overheating.
Crafted from 31 shipping containers, this stunning 6,000-square-foot property lies in the Australian city of Brisbane, in the suburb of Graceville. Not only is it one of the world's largest shipping container homes, but one of the most impressive.
Plus, the story of its origins is fascinating. Todd and Diana Miller's original Graceville home was significantly damaged by the 2011 Queensland floods and after finding out their home insurance didn't cover the total cost of the necessary repairs, they realised they would need to start from scratch.
With a minimal budget and not a lot of time to waste, Todd decided to utilise shipping containers, thanks to the speed with which they can be installed. He was also drawn to their affordable price point, as well as their strength and durability.
The Millers were keen to create a spacious home with enough room for their children to play and grow, so Todd designed and constructed the property himself, using 31 shipping containers at a cost of around AUD$4,000 each. That's just £2,100 ($2.7k).
To protect from future flooding, 10 shipping containers were installed on the ground floor. On this level, you'll find the garage, a home office, art studio, workshop, gym, bathroom and playroom – spaces that can survive flood water, should the worst happen.
Upstairs, away from the risk of water, you'll find the main living areas, including an open-plan lounge and kitchen, three bedrooms, a bathroom, a laundry room and a study. There's also an outdoor pool, which can be accessed via sliding glass doors.
Distinctive details can be found throughout, such as indoor and outdoor graffiti art, bold pops of colour and exposed corrugated walls. Eco-friendly, the property boasts a rainwater collection system and plenty of recycled building materials, including glass and wood.
In total, the couple spent just AUD$400,000 on the house, which is £208,500 ($267k), and their journey was documented on Grand Designs Australia. After finishing the house, Todd founded Ziegler Build, a holistic design company that helps others create their dream home.
This recently built shipping container house lies in Denver, Colorado, and boasts some serious kerb appeal.
Split into a main residence and an Airbnb guest house, the pad is sprawling and dramatic, with sharp lines and angles taking centre stage.
This house was also crafted by local firefighter, Regan Foster, who worked with an architect to design the home.
The main residence features nine 40-foot shipping containers, while the guest house (pictured) is constructed from two, stacked on top of the garage.
The house has two sets of four shipping containers, arranged in two levels. In between the two sets, you'll find a large open space that forms the main living room. It has a soaring 25-foot ceiling and tons of light. There are five bedrooms and three bathrooms.
The guest house comes equipped with an open-plan living area, with a kitchen, dining zone and lounge. There are also two spacious bedrooms and a bathroom.
Design-wise, the shipping containers used in the build can be seen throughout in exposed steel ceilings. These structural elements are complemented by light colours, natural timber and modern, handmade furnishings.
There’s also an outdoor deck with beautiful city views. Downstairs, in the garage, you’ll find a home gym. The high-end house also comes with an EV charging station.
Nestled among a grove of towering Satinwood trees, this property is made up of five shipping containers, resulting in a dramatic and luxurious villa with plenty of wow factor.
Located on the coast of Sri Lanka, in the Southern Province of Tangalle, the home was designed to comfortably accommodate 10 guests.
The pad was architecturally designed and the original form of the containers has been left exposed outside and in certain parts of the interior, giving the home a cool, industrial edge.
The villa is centred around an internal courtyard, for a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, while a 40-foot swimming pool is moments from the home's numerous sliding glass doors.
Inside, the drama continues. There's a huge open-plan living area, dining room and kitchen, as well as five bedrooms and five bathrooms.
Lucky guests can even make the most of a private chef, who will come to the property to whip up amazing meals.
Every single room is bright and spacious, with picture windows or glass doors that frame dreamy garden views.
Available to rent via Airbnb, this would be the perfect place to come to escape the hubbub of modern life.
Positioned opposite White Rock Park, this mesmerising residence occupies one of the highest elevations in Dallas, Texas.
The owners were seeking a new home with unique character, that also responded to its location and employed lesser-known construction technologies and techniques. For the job, they called in the architects at M Gooden Design.
The house was crafted from 14 shipping containers, as well as concrete, structural steel, masonry and glass – elements that have been left on display both inside and out.
Spanning 3,700 square feet, the home is arranged over two floors, with the main living spaces on the first floor. As well as ensuring privacy, placing the living rooms upstairs also provided the owners with lovely, far-reaching views. There are also three bedrooms, a den and three bathrooms.
The architects also incorporated plenty of porches and overhangs, to shield windows from direct sunlight and reduce energy costs, while also allowing natural light to seep inside, without blocking the beautiful views.
There's also a roof deck that serves as a solar screen to the insulated single-ply membrane roof below, further reducing energy costs and extending the life of the roof itself.
Highly green, the house is double insulated and features high-performance glazing systems, low-energy heating, air-conditioning units and low water consumption plumbing fixtures.
Outside there's a gorgeous in-ground pool that only adds to this home's plus points.
Positioned on a 1.5-acre elevated lot, this stunning container home is truly mind-blowing. Overlooking Lake Rotomanuka in Waipa, New Zealand, it is a dazzling example of what can be achieved with a whole lot of reclaimed materials and a bit of imagination.
The home's original owner, David Wade, built his own home in a bid to cut costs. He salvaged 12 shipping containers which, according to the Daily Mail, he bought for between NZD£3,000 and NZD$10,000 (£1.4k/$1.8k – £4.8k/$6.2k) each. In 2016, Wade got to work, documenting his progress on Facebook and revealing each stage of the design and construction progress along the way.
Wade was reportedly inspired by The Adriance House in Maine, which was designed by American architect Adam Kalkin and completed in 2010.
The 6,221-square-foot property is set over two floors and is defined by its dramatic steel and glass exterior, as well as its incredible open-plan interior.
The highlight of the home has to be its huge atrium living area, which boasts a soaring ceiling and a dual-sided, symmetrical steel staircase. A retractable glass door, akin to those found at fire stations, can be raised to open the entire space up to the garden.
An entertainer's dream, the main living room features a kitchen, a sitting area and a dining space. Upstairs, there are six bedrooms, while outside there's a standalone, two-bedroom cottage, a large deck and an in-ground swimming pool.
As for design, the shipping containers take centre stage and have been left exposed throughout, accompanied by polished concrete floors and bold artwork. For sale via Lugtons in May 2024 for just shy of NZD$2.2 million (£1.1m/$1.4m), this amazing home is as big as it is impressive.
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