For many of us when we think of a shipping container home we think 8 foot wide by 8 foot high and 20 foot depth. The mind concept provides us with a small narrow dark box like structure. That is far from the truth.
Shipping container homes can come in many different sizes and configurations, depending on the number and placement of containers used. In fact, some homes can use multiple containers stacked or arranged in different ways to create unique designs and living spaces. By combining multiple containers side-by-side or stacking them on top of each other, the living space can be increased significantly.
In fact, some shipping container homes can be quite spacious and feature multiple levels, with open floor plans that maximize natural light and ventilation. The design possibilities are virtually endless, and with a little creativity and planning, a shipping container home can be customized to fit almost any size or style requirement.
It’s important to remember that shipping containers can be modified and customized to meet a variety of needs, whether it’s for a small cabin or a larger family home. With the right planning and design, shipping container homes can offer a unique and affordable housing option that is both practical and stylish.
Placing Two Shipping Container Side by Side
When two shipping containers are placed side by side, they create a 16-foot-wide space, which is wider than many traditional room sizes. This extra width can make the space feel more open and airy, and provide more flexibility in terms of furniture layout and use of space.
Additionally, the standard height of shipping containers is 8 feet, which is higher than many traditional room heights. This extra height can be used to create loft spaces or mezzanines, which can increase the usable square footage of the home without taking up more floor space.
The 20-foot depth of the shipping container also provides ample space for various room configurations, such as creating a living room, kitchen, and bathroom in one container and using the other for bedrooms or a workspace. With a little creativity and planning, a shipping container home can provide all the necessary amenities and comfort of a traditional home, but with the added benefits of mobility, sustainability, and affordability.
Our Perception Is Wrong
The common misconception that shipping container homes are narrow and gloomy is often due to the association with the single container structure. However, by combining multiple containers side by side, the living space can be significantly expanded and made to feel open and airy.
With the right design and planning, a shipping container home can provide a larger living space than a traditional home, with the added benefits of sustainability, affordability, and mobility. The flexibility of container homes in terms of design and layout also means that they can be customized to meet the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner.
By utilizing natural light and ventilation, insulation, and strategic placement of windows and doors, a shipping container home can be designed to maximize the use of space and provide a comfortable living environment. With the growing popularity of shipping container homes, there are also many resources available for design inspiration and construction advice to help make the process easier and more accessible.
When The Area Is Greater Than The Sum
The space created by combining two or more shipping containers can be greater than the size of a traditional house room, providing ample room for interior design and customization without limitations.
One of the advantages of a shipping container home is the flexibility of design and layout. With the right planning and construction, the interior of the container home can be designed to suit the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner. This can include everything from choosing the size and placement of windows and doors to configuring the layout of rooms and designing the finishes and furnishings.
Because shipping container homes are modular and can be assembled and customized in a variety of ways, the design possibilities are virtually endless. Homeowners can get creative and experiment with different layouts, finishes, and furnishings to create a unique living space that is tailored to their individual tastes and lifestyle.
And, as mentioned, because the space created by combining multiple containers can be larger than a traditional house room, there are fewer limitations when it comes to interior design. This means that homeowners can really let their imagination run wild and create a space that truly reflects their personal style and needs.
A Larger Room More Imaginative Design Possibilities
A room with a width of 16 feet can be more open to imaginative design because it provides ample space for furniture and decor placement, as well as a variety of design elements such as accent walls, lighting, and artwork.
A wider room also allows for more flexibility in terms of layout and function. For example, a 16-foot-wide room could be divided into two separate spaces, such as a living area and a dining area, or it could be left open for a more fluid and versatile living space.
Additionally, a wider room can create a sense of openness and airiness, which can make the space feel more inviting and comfortable. Large windows or doors can also be incorporated to bring in natural light and provide a connection to the outdoors.
When designing a room with a width of 16 feet, it’s important to consider the proportions of the space and choose furniture and decor that complement the size and shape of the room. With the right design elements and careful planning, a room with a width of 16 feet can be transformed into a beautiful and functional living space.
The Cost Factor
The cost of two shipping containers 8 feet by 8 feet by 20 feet will vary depending on several factors such as the location, availability, condition, and modifications needed for the containers. Generally speaking, used shipping containers can cost between $1,500 and $4,500 each, and new containers can cost upwards of $5,000 each.
When comparing the cost of using two shipping containers to traditional room construction, it’s important to consider the overall cost of the project, including the cost of materials, labor, permits, and other expenses. Traditional room construction can vary widely in cost depending on factors such as the size, complexity, and location of the project, as well as the materials and finishes used.
In general, using shipping containers for home construction can be a cost-effective option because they are already designed to be structurally sound and durable, and can often be obtained at a lower cost than traditional building materials. However, it’s important to keep in mind that modifications to the containers, such as cutting openings for windows and doors, installing insulation and utilities, and adding finishes and fixtures, can add to the overall cost of the project.
Ultimately, the cost of using shipping containers for home construction will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner, as well as the location and availability of materials and services. It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional builder or contractor to get an accurate estimate of the costs involved in your specific project.
Conclusion
The perception of shipping container homes being narrow and small is outdated and inaccurate. In fact, when multiple containers are used and properly configured, they can provide a spacious and comfortable living space that rivals or even surpasses traditional homes in terms of size and functionality.
As the popularity of shipping container homes has grown in recent years, designers and builders have become more innovative in their use of containers, combining them in various ways to create unique and expansive living spaces. The result is a wide variety of container homes that range in size and configuration, from small and simple structures to large and complex designs.
Moreover, container homes are customizable to suit the needs and preferences of the homeowner. With proper design and planning, container homes can have all the amenities and comforts of a traditional home, such as multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.
In short, the perception of shipping container homes as narrow and small is outdated and no longer accurate. With the right design and configuration, a shipping container home can provide a spacious, comfortable, and functional living space that is sustainable, affordable, and customizable.
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