15 Shipping Container Projects of 2010

By archives on Dec. 26, 2010 | Topics: Container Design, Lists | 10 Comments

I thought there would be a slowing of container projects, but I’ve been wrong. They’re popular and some are well done. That said, as mentioned last year, containers are difficult to work with — here’s a list of considerations — and some folks don’t like how they look like. Perhaps some of these will change the general perception of that, though.

Container Crossbox with a Green Roof

Crossbox in Brittany was built with four containers — two of which cantilever over the others — and is covered with a green roof. Read more.

One Cool Shipping Container Habitat

New Zealand-based One Cool Habitat makes tiny container habitats and ships them across the world. Base models start at about $29,500. Read more.

Reflective Container Studio Space in New York

An artist with a limited budget needed an “inviting and reflective” studio and eventually used containers to get it done. Read more.

MEKA Tiny Container House in NYC

Toronto-based MEKA unveiled a 320 square-foot show house in the West Village area of New York City. A home like this sells from about $39,000. Watch the video.

Lakeside Container Retreat in Sri Lanka

Built with used containers and timber from weapon boxes, this ultra-simple container structure was built by soldiers in Sri Lanka. Read more.

Industrial Green Frame House in Verona

This two-level container showcase with 1,500 square feet was built with six containers and several products from DuPont. Read more.

Low Impact Container Studio in Texas

This container space in San Antonio has a green roof, bamboo floors and walls, a mini-split, and an electric Sun-Mar composting toilet. Read more.

Green Home of the Future [Olympics]

The Home of the Future for BC Hydro Power Smart Village was made with two shipping containers and wrapped in cedar and pine beetle wood cladding. Read more.

Custom Container Studio Pod in Austin

A Texas motorcycle builder and mechanic put his skills to work on this Studio Pod made with soy-based foam insulation, green materials, and a mini-split for about $16,000. Read more.

Upcycled Container House in Malaysia

Ken Kwok designed this 2,551 square-foot project with rainwater harvesting, natural ventilation, water-efficient fixtures, dual-flush toilets, and abundant natural lighting. Read more.

Eco Cabin for Camp Emerald Bay Scouts

Camp Emerald Bay scouts received this container cabin with reclaimed lumber, rubber floors, LED lights, and solar photovoltaics. Read more.

Old Containers Get a New Scenic Life

OceanScope in Korea was built with three containers adjusted to three levels for scenic viewing of one of the largest harbors in the area. Read more.

Puma City Revised for World Cup 2010

Puma City NY was built with two containers for FIFA World Cup 2010, creating another high-profile display of ISBU architecture. Read more.

The Moderne Container Sales Center

This vibrant container structure was used as a temporary sales center for a mixed-use tower in Wisconsin. Read more.

Off-Grid Container Cabins from $15,000

New Hampshire-based LEED Cabins is making container retreats for as low as $15,000 using FSC woods, energy-efficient windows and doors, LED lights, and other green materials. Read more.

If you’re using shipping containers for a project — whether a house, retreat, tiny home, or otherwise — make sure to let us know. If it’s unique, green, and visually stunning, we’ll share it with readers.

About archives: This article was contributed by the founder of Jetson Green. With the arrival of new ownership in December 2012, Preston left Jetson Green to pursue other business opportunities. If you have questions or need assistance, contact tips@jetsongreen.com.

gerrr!

I get the sense that the psychological effect of a strong, metal container as shelter, is more important than the intention of a low-cost frame as a basis for a shelter, in some of these cases. But I enjoy the aesthetic nonetheless.
Alan

Thanks for the mention guys. I have several other container projects that are starting to take shape. Follow my blog here for updates: http://shippingcontainerstudio.blogspot.com/

Thanks again,

Alan
Kidcedar

Great stuff Preston- love the site too- I’ll have to send you my indie-micro-housing design book at some point if you’re game. Keep it up/thanks for the great reading!

-Deek/Derek
from Relaxshacks Blog
- http://www.jetsongreen.com Preston
  
  Thanks Deek, I believe we’re fellow drummers, although I haven’t played in a few years. Congrats on the success of your site and micro-housing! The NY Times put together some beautiful images.
Pingback: 15 Shipping Container Projects of 2010 | Lord Aicani Singleton I
http://twitter.com/CarissaByrne Carissa Byrne

These are great! I really like the idea of the container used as a moveable room or space, in the sense that it is easily transportable (effectively and efficiently in a conservative way)
Pingback: Modular, Modern, and Container Homes « Casey Martner
John Turner

I see nothing here for the humble thrivers of the world, just funky mansions and bachelor pads, picnic shelters and sales pavilions. Repurposed containers can be practical abodes, they can be centers of small-capital economic effort; so why is it we idolize the pavilions and follies rather than the gas-axed-and-brush-painted lunchstand, the ecomansions and bachelor digs not the the farmhouses sleeping seven?

I mean I agree, it’s pretty and all, but the 2551-square-foot townhome with composting toilets is High Camp for the new century, not practical or neighborly. The “container retreat” is inexpensive and durable but it isn’t starter housing for an unmarried dual-income, two-kid family — it’s just a toy for some d-bag who dropped $15k on his platinum card without breaking a sweat.

And Green Roofs? Not a real roof. The real roof is the torched-down membrane *under* the Green Roof, which is already expensive and difficult to maintain before you add the patented “free draining substrate” that cost you more than the roof did. Yes you’ll get used to hearing “if this crazy weather would just cooperate we’ll get it this time”, as yet another doomed army of nursery starts goes up the ladders into the killzone that is your would-be ecological marvel, never to be seen alive again….
John Turner

I see nothing here for the humble thrivers of the world, just funky mansions and bachelor pads, picnic shelters and sales pavilions. Repurposed containers can be practical abodes, they can be centers of small-capital economic effort; so why is it we idolize the pavilions and follies rather than the gas-axed-and-brush-painted lunchstand, the ecomansions and bachelor digs not the the farmhouses sleeping seven?

I mean I agree, it’s pretty and all, but the 2551-square-foot townhome with composting toilets is High Camp for the new century, not practical or neighborly. The “container retreat” is inexpensive and durable but it isn’t starter housing for an unmarried dual-income, two-kid family — it’s just a toy for some d-bag who dropped $15k on his platinum card without breaking a sweat.

And Green Roofs? Not a real roof. The real roof is the torched-down membrane *under* the Green Roof, which is already expensive and difficult to maintain before you add the patented “free draining substrate” that cost you more than the roof did. Yes you’ll get used to hearing “if this crazy weather would just cooperate we’ll get it this time”, as yet another doomed army of nursery starts goes up the ladders into the killzone that is your would-be ecological marvel, never to be seen alive again….
rajesh madkikar

Sir, I am from India and saw your web and really very nice to see hotels in containers great idea beautiful desinged and archtectured