All across the globe, we use shipping containers to move large quantities of goods from one country to the next. Now, what happens to these containers once they have served their purpose? Do they get tossed to the bottom of the ocean? Are the bits and pieces shot into outer space? Actually, they’re being converted into luxury homes, beach homes, camping cottages and more. That’s right, today, designers and architects everywhere are making good use of these shipping behemoths. Have you ever heard of a shipping container home? If you haven’t, you will – these babies are on the rise when it comes to eco-friendly living.
In European countries, the use of the shipping container home has been around for a few decades. They’ve certainly increased and ‘container cities’ have been popping up all across the continent. They’re even used as dorm rooms for universities – saving the students, and the schools, some nice pocket change. However, converting a shipping container into an actual livable space is not easy. Surely, there is a need for real hard work. Also, there are some factors that need to be considered. It needs creativity so it can actually be an awesome house.
But that’s not all these large steel containers can be used for. With the right modifications, they can be re-fabricated into a variety of uses. A single shipping container can be broken down and used for a variety of steel objects to fit into the eco-friendliest of homes. You can also convert them into swimming pools or a luxurious yacht, as long as you’re willing to use a little imagination.
Most importantly, however, the shipping container home is proving to be a great home in states of emergency. Many homes can be ordered for fairly cheap and built within a few days. So, when another catastrophic storm hits; there will be a lot more relief when it comes to house, much quicker, and for a lot cheaper.
It doesn’t stop there. Shipping containers have also easily been converted into beach homes, vacation homes, luxury homes, and simple cottages in the woods. They’re especially great if you’re planning an extended camping trip. Of course, they don’t have to be strictly vacation homes.
When it comes to reusing and recycling, the container home is making a splash. Those who are looking for an eco-friendly option for constructing a new home are sure to be pleased. Plus, each container home can be customized with solar panels, composting toilets, filtering systems, and more. They can be converted to be entirely self-sufficient.
Of course, the homes are occasionally lacking in size and some only have space for the essentials. However, if you’re willing to spend a little extra green, to save that extra green, you can purchase larger versions up to several thousand square feet. Luxury container homes are popping up in high end communities all across the globe.
Keep an eye out. The container home goes by many names: container cities, ‘eco-pods,’ ‘portabach’ (a design by a New Zealand man,) and so forth. You never know when one of these homes might pop up in your neighborhood.
