Top 8 Most Stunning Shipping Container Homes and Buildings Around the World
- Elite Container Terminals
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
When you think of shipping containers, or sea cans, you probably think of large cargo ships, construction sites, and probably even storage facilities - but did you know that they are also becoming a popular choice for modular housing projects? Shipping container houses, also known as shipping container offices, are popping up all over the globe, and some brilliant architects have used them to create truly stunning works of art. In this article, we’ll share just 8 of the most stunning shipping container buildings in Canada and beyond. The projects in this list are diverse, ranging from eco-friendly shipping container homes, to multi-resident container builds, and even business offices.
The Pacific Bin by Devon Leorop in Sultan, WA
The Pacific Bin is the brain child of mechanical engineer Devon Leorop, first conceived in 2022 and built a year later in 2023. This luxury container home was constructed from 5 shipping containers, and features the stunning views of Washington’s old growth mossy forest and Cascade Mountains. Leorop sought to create a secluded couples getaway that allowed guests to unplug from their busy digital lives, which shines through in the home's design. The large picturesque windows and wooden interior help incorporate nature into the design, and elevate this shipping container cottage’s already impressive aesthetics.
Book “The Pacific Bin”, or view one of Devon Leorop’s other projects directly on his website - and be sure to follow along on his future builds!
Stackt Market in Toronto, ON
Toronto’s Stackt Market is a truly one of a kind creative shipping container building that has hosted over 4000 businesses since its establishment in 2019. What can only be called a shipping container art installation, Stackt Market describes itself as “A space to find inspiration, community, and connection.” With over 100 custom shipping containers used in its construction, it is easily Canada’s largest shipping container market. From the family and pet friendly marketplace, to its vibrant sea can art, there is a good reason that Stackt Market has already won 8 awards in its 6 year tenure.
For more information about Stackt Market Toronto, visit their website or in person at 28 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario.
Måns Tham Container Home in Stockholm, Sweden
Found on a beautiful lake outside Stockholm Sweden, Swedish architect Måns Tham designed and constructed this unique off-grid shipping container home described as “industrial chic”. Built using 8 different recycled shipping containers, the walls were completely removed to maximize the living spaces. In order to accommodate for the unique V shape of the canyon it's built on, the upper level is bigger than the lower level, creating an interesting yet functional building. The rest of this recycled shipping container house is also made of sustainable salvaged parts like timber planks, metal boards, and staircases.
To learn more about this property, visit Måns Tham’s website.
Starburst House by Whitaker Studio in Joshua Tree National Park
When you think of creative shipping container homes, the Starburst House tops the list thanks to its truly unique design. Tucked into the side of a mountain in Joshua Tree National Park, Whitaker Studio used a total of 21 shipping containers to create this 3 bedroom container house. Each individual container was carefully oriented to enhance the beauty of the natural landscape, adjust the light allowed to enter the house, and provide residents with privacy. The house is powered by on-site solar panels built into the carport and has been featured numerous times on the web.
The Starburst House can be seen in more detail on the Whitaker Studio website, where you can learn more about the studio and this one of a kind project.
The Toronto Container House
Another shipping container house in Ontario, our very own home province! This was the very first sea can home in Toronto, finished in 2018, and located in the heart of Toronto’s vibrant west-end. The project was completed using three 53’ high cube shipping containers (high cube sea cans), and features a basement, living room, master bedroom, and even a kitchen. Thanks to state of the art weather proofing, the Toronto Container House is built to withstand even the harshest Canadian conditions.
You can find out more about this incredible home, or even rent it out, on the house’s very own AirBnB page.
The Hilda L. Solis Care First Village in Downtown L.A
One of the most unique projects on this list for multiple reasons; not only is this sea can home creatively constructed, but it provides interim public housing for 232 people formerly experiencing homelessness. This project came into being at the beginning of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, and had a truncated 6-month construction schedule. Thanks to the help of 3 different shipping container companies, 132 permanent residences and 100 temporary residences were constructed - each with a full bathroom attached to it. The campus-like setting also includes a spacious (6000 square feet) resource building with a kitchen, dining area, and more.
To learn more about this shipping container apartment building and its impressive community outreach, check out the NAC Architecture website.
Squirrel Park by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris in Oklahoma
Oklahoma city had a pressing need to increase the density of its residential neighbourhoods, and Allford Hall Monaghan Morris responded. As a result, the shipping container neighbourhood called Squirrel Park was born which used shipping containers to create four single-family homes. According to the developer, each home offers 1400 square feet of living space, and encourages outdoor living and interaction thanks to its park-like environment.
Find out more about Squirrel Park and their other projects on the designers website.
c-Home by LOT-EK in Hudson, New York
Our final shipping container house is a high quality modular home made from 6 upcycled 40-foot shipping containers. This single-family unit is over 1,920 square feet and features an open concept floor plan with two bedrooms and a full bathroom. Virginie Stolz, CEO of c-Home USA, is quoted saying that the c-Home is designed to provide a strong, durable, and industrial aesthetic.
Learn more about c-Home on their website.
In Conclusion
Shipping containers are used for far more than just storage and transport, they have been repurposed by brilliant minds all over the world to address a growing need for more flexible housing. Whether you prefer more modern homes, or even a more traditional look, there is absolutely a sea can home that fits your preferences. Are there any shipping container projects that we missed on this list? Let us know so we can feature them in our next article!
If you have any questions about shipping containers (sea cans) and their uses, please contact us by phone at 905-513-7373, email at INFO@ELITECONTAINERTERMINALS.COM or using our contact form.