Many people are seeking alternative ways to build homes, usually smaller, than the traditional wooden houses built around the world. We are in the same boat and checking out different options that fits our lifestyle and climate. For example, a yurt would not be the best option for us as it is too wet here. A tiny home would not be a good option for us because we like our space, plus there are the fur babies. A home built out of containers though, now that is doable and makes some sense.
While we wouldn’t live in a single 40 ft shipping container as these people did, the article gives some really great insight to what kinds of obstacles you would have to overcome, what kind of mental changes you would experience, and the redefining of comfort and personal space. We are already working on downsizing our material possessions to get rid of things that just won’t fit into the lifestyle and I have sketched out a rough draft of the floor plan for the container home. It will be quite the transition but once completed, will be a very solid (and attractive) home that will last us for decades! Finding articles that talks about living in them really help to get ideas and keep the fire lit to keep pushing forward.
I really like the idea of building a home out of shipping containers. However, as your link about what these people learned from living in one says, I wouldn’t be able to do it unless the containers were properly insulated. However, do you know what they used to make sure that they were insulated properly and so that their place was comfortable in both summer and winter?
It really depends on what kind of climate you live in. For example, where I live has a considerable amount of humidity and rain. We would have to have a different set up than someone in say, Arizona. A lot of people simply install normal studded walls inside. It takes up space but if you’re putting several containers together, it wouldn’t matter too much. Good luck!
You make a good point about how narrow the containers are. We have a lot of people ask us about building a container house or container cabin and our recommendation is that if you are planning on spending any significant amount of time in it (as you are), you either want to expand the width by putting multiple containers side by side and cutting out the walls, or you need to invest in some specialized furniture that adds function while keeping a small footprint.
Regarding the insulation, if you use spray foam, you may be able to frame the walls with narrower studs, giving you a little extra room, but it is minimal and there is of course extra cost associated with spray foam.
Either way, great article and photos. We always enjoy reading about people’s real experience with container housing. If anyone you know is looking for a container for storage or construction in the Seattle area, we’d love to visit with them.
Keep up the great work!
Funny, you are the company we have marked to go to for our containers when the time comes. Yay Seattle!