Are Shipping Container Homes the Wave of the Future?

Over the years, the style of houses have changed drastically.  If you’ve ever driven around, you’ve probably noticed that there are several types of homes, all of which have their appealing qualities. From closed floor plans to open floor plans with lots of space, houses, like everything else have gone through several changes – and some have been more drastic than others. Over the last few years, a new trend, shipping container homes, has taken the housing world by storm, and many people are wondering whether or not it’s here to stay.  This style of architecture, sometimes also referred to as “cargotecture” uses steel shipping containers as a the structure for building homes and businesses. According to inquisitr.com “Standard shipping containers are about 8 feet wide and 8 feet tall and come in both 20- and 40-foot long styles. The average price of a long container is between $2,500 and $3,500. The containers can be cut apart and welded back together to form rooms or a home two or three containers wide – or simply left together to form a single container home.” Similar to tiny houses, these homes have become very popular for their unique look and also come with several advantages.

Sure, you’re probably wondering why anyone would want to turn and old steel container into their home. In fact, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve seen a shipping container and thought about how unattractive and bulky it looked. But if you’ve been looking for your next new project, or just something cool to learn about, this could be the perfect thing for you. With a lot of work and a lot of creativity, these steel structures can be transformed into some pretty amazing spaces, and also may be a more sensible choice than the ‘normal’ houses you’ve been living in and looking at.

Compared to other more traditional style homes, shipping container homes are much more durable.  Their steel frames were made to withstand large amounts of wait as long as harsh environmental conditions.  With that being said, they could serve as a very sturdy option for people who live in places where there is a frequent threat of natural disasters.  Shipping container homes are also less expensive to build than traditional homes, and are relatively easy to transport. Let’s be real, who doesn’t jump at the chance to save a few bucks wherever possible? But most importantly, shipping container homes are also very eco-friendly, and because they are made from steel containers, they greatly reduce the need for other building materials.

However, despite some pretty attractive advantages, shipping container homes also come with some cons. Although steel is a great conductor for heat, in many places throughout the world, the temperature is subject to change on a daily basis.  As a result, shipping container homes may need to be insulted more efficiently than the average home. Despite the fact that steel is a very strong material, the roofs on shipping container homes are known to be weak, which could cause a lot of problems for people who live in areas with heavy snow fall.  Being cold is one thing, but having the roof cave in is a completely different story. Also, people who enjoy having the flexibility to build additions to their home may not feel comfortable purchasing one of these homes.  Although there are ways to add on to a shipping container home, it is not very easy, and also requires a lot of time.

Those who have weighed these pros and cons, and have decided to move forward a shipping container home seem to be enjoying their new spaces.  These unique buildings have become popular in various places throughout the country including Dallas, TX where a couple has been working together to build a luxurious shipping container home. With the use of 14 recycled steel containers, the couple managed to construct a nearly 4,000 square foot two-story home. Their work proves that shipping container homes can be beautiful both inside and out, and don’t actually have to look like ugly steel boxes.

With their versatility and distinctive design, shipping container homes could eventually become a popular choice for people all over the world.

Would you ever consider living in a shipping container home? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below, and please share this post with your friends on Facebook to spread the world about these awesome homes!

 (Photo by Ian Waldie/Getty Images)