Shipping container homes are typically cheaper, more sustainable, and faster to build compared to traditional homes. This alternative housing solution is becoming more popular than ever. In fact, a Guardian report surmises that the market will rise by 6.5% between 2019 and 2025 alone.
Are you looking to build your own container home? Or buy a prefab module? Don’t go anywhere, because today we’ll be breaking down everything you need to know about buying a shipping container house!
25 Best Shipping Container Homes for Inspiration and for Sale
Luxury Container Homes
1. Sevilla 4-bedroom Home
Bedroom: 4
Size: 800+ sq ft
Containers used: 7
Architect: Alejandro Martín Torrente
Year: 2018
Few people would suspect that this sprawling 4-bedroom family home is made out of upcycled containers. In fact, it’s built with 7 containers and a 5-meter cantilever to add more architectural intrigue to the pool area. Incorporating large windows, white paint, and beautiful spaces will definitely elevate the home’s appeal.
2. The Hive
Bedroom: 1
Size: 320 sq ft + bump out
Containers used: 1 (40 ft)
Manufacturer: ShelterMode
The Hive is one of the most beautiful luxury container homes built from just a single 40-foot container. The interior design features a one bedroom floor plan with a living room, indoor/outdoor dining space, and shower, all of which have their own garage door.
There’s private pier access that makes the home even more luxurious, as well as premium wood veneer throughout the exterior.
3. The Magaña Family Home
Bedroom: 4
Size: 2238 sq ft
Containers used: 11 (20 ft + cube containers)
Price: $1,300,000
Manufacturer: Emerie Custom Homes
Year: 2022
Using 8 20-feet containers and 3 cube containers, the Magaña couple has engineered this wonderful luxury home with a private pool, multiple outdoor spaces, and even a small office.
You will find sliding doors and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the property that help blend the interior with the gorgeous nature surrounding it.
4. The Nairne House
Bedroom: 3
Size: 1235 sq ft
Containers used: 4 (20 and 40 ft)
Price: $470,000
Year: 2021
The Nairne House was built on a slope and centered around a beautiful landscape. With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, it’s the ideal home for a medium-sized family. Its open kitchen, living, and dining room lie in the center of the house, and the premium feel is amazing despite being made from recyclable materials.
5. Casa P406
Bedroom: 1
Size: 1238 sq ft
Containers used: 4 (40 ft)
Architects: Orfali & Ehrenfeld
Year: 2021
Nestled in Quilimarí, Chile, this luxury container home is also an extraordinary architectural feat. Its unique silhouette shows just how creative you can get with shipping containers to achieve a one-of-a-kind look.
The house includes an open concept living space, two stories, and massive window walls overlooking the environment.
Cheap Container Homes
6. The Taj Malodge
Bedroom: 2
Size: 640 sq ft
Containers used: 2 (40 ft)
Price: $35,000 (land included)
Manufacturer: Larry Wade
Year: 2010
This impressive 2-bed container home floor plan is super affordable to build and comes with a spacious living room, bathroom, and separate kitchen and dining room.
To make your home even more sustainable to live in, you can install some solar panels that will power electricity!
7. House Sparrow 208
Bedroom: 1
Size: 208 sq ft
Containers used: 1 (20 ft)
Price: $36,500
Manufacturer: CW Dwellings
The following example is a cheap shipping container home that’s ready to be lived in. Made of one 20-feet container and a bump-out, this small but comfortable home can be a great studio, pool house, in-law suite, or even rental home!
The main living area includes a transformable sofa bed, kitchen, and dining space.
8. Model One
Bedroom: 1
Size: 192 sq ft
Containers used: 1 (20 ft)
Price: $20,000
Manufacturer: Modern Dwellings
Up next, take a look at the Model One house by Modern Dwellings! This cheap container home can sleep up to two adults and transforms a 20-feet container into a stylish accommodation.
Despite being minimalist and sustainable, it still feels very contemporary and upscale, thanks to the wood panel surfaces, rooftop deck, and a large glass door.
9. Lance’s Shipping Container Home
Bedroom: 1
Size: 160 sq ft
Containers used: 1 (20 ft)
Price: $10,000
Manufacturer: Lance
Year: 2019
This studio-style tiny home uses only one 20-feet shipping container and is perfect for up to a young couple.
There’s a full kitchenette with a multifunctional countertop that doubles as a desk, and even a bathroom. The best thing about this home is that you can easily do it yourself to cut costs!
10. Small Container Home by Joseph Dupuis
Bedroom: 1
Size: 355 sq ft
Containers used: 3 (20 ft)
Price: $20,000
Manufacturer: Joseph Dupuis
Year: 2012
With only $20k, Joseph Dubuis built this amazing shipping container home. It features solar panels to support an off-grid lifestyle, 1 bedroom, a kitchen, a dining room, and an outhouse bathroom. The three 20-feet containers provide a total of 355 sq ft in livable space.
Modern Shipping Container Homes
11. Rhode Island Scandi-Style Container Home
Bedroom: 1
Size: 125 sq ft
Containers used: 1 (20 ft)
Price: $68,000
Year: 2021
Currently, on the market for $68k, this small but modern container home is designed with a bright and attractive interior.
It’s perfect to rent out as an Airbnb and comes fully furnished, complete with a raising bed, stove range, a generous kitchen, and working space. With an off-grid, cabin-like feel, this one is hard to pass up!
12. Navajo 960
Bedroom: 2
Size: 960 sq ft
Containers used: 4 (40 ft)
Price: $195,000
Manufacturer: Meka Modular
The Navajo 960 is a two-bed and two-bath prefab module that starts at $195,000. This mid-sized home features a modern interior that includes walk-in closets in the bathrooms and two separate outdoor decks.
Not to mention a beautiful living and dining room that lies in the center of the house, as well as stucco wood sidings and exterior.
13. PV14 House
Bedroom: 3
Size: 3700 sq ft
Containers used: 14 (40 ft)
Price: $450,000
Manufacturer: M Gooden Design
Year: 2014
This next shipping container home is the epitome of an opulent modern house. Built from 14 recycled containers to create a 3,700-square-feet mansion, you will find a three bedroom floor plan with en-suite bathrooms, a rooftop deck, and a huge covered porch. There is also a garage that can fit two cars—perfect for a modern lifestyle.
14. Amagansett Modular
Bedroom: 4
Size: 1800 sq ft
Containers used: 4 (40 ft)
Manufacturer: MB Architecture
Year: 2019
Designed to accommodate a family with three kids, the Amagansett Modular comprises four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, and main living spaces.
But what makes it a great modern home is the outdoor decks and recreational areas, including a spacious lawn and a pool.
The main structure also incorporates two separate buildings to evoke a more integrated indoor-outdoor vibe.
15. Grillagh Water House
Bedroom: 1
Size: 125 sq ft
Containers used: 4 (45 ft)
Manufacturer: Patrick Bradley Architects
Year: 2014
The Grillagh Water House sits along the Grillagh River in Northern Ireland. Its modern architecture combines natural wood with manmade Corten steel and glass for an interesting contrast.
Using four containers to form two cantilever structures, this house offers a stunning complement to the natural landscaping around it.
Inspiring Container Homes
16. Green Roof 40ft Container Home
Bedroom: 1
Size: 320 sq ft
Containers used: 1 (40 ft)
Price: $25,000
Manufacturer: Cocoon Modules
Cocoon Modules’ range of prefab homes is all modern and contemporary, but what’s inspiring is their commitment to sustainability.
This 40-feet version includes an innovative green roof feature, which is a rooftop garden that can boost insulation and minimize your energy consumption! The house itself has a bedroom, a bathroom, and a combined kitchen and living space.
17. Quinta Vale da Vila
Bedroom: 1
Size: 320 sq ft
Containers used: 1 (40 ft)
Manufacturer: Nomad Living Container
Year: 2011
Located in the exquisite Portuguese countryside, this shipping container home is small, simple, but quite luxurious.
This rental getaway sits on a 4-hectare park that’s super tranquil and peaceful. With a bathroom and enough space to sleep two adults and two kids, we also adore how the orange exterior looks striking in the green surroundings.
18. Envase Casa
Bedroom: 4
Size: 1920 sq ft
Containers used: 6 (40 ft)
Manufacturer: Jarad and Kristy
Year: 2019
What’s impressive about Envase Casa is its novel exterior with its beige color that blends gorgeously with the Utah landscape. Inside, there are 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a laundry room, and other amenities.
From the asymmetrical stacking of the containers to the rustic interiors and vast patios, this is a truly magnificent home.
19. Kangarilla Container Home
Bedroom: 1
Size: 320 sq ft
Containers used: 1 (40 ft)
Price: $35,000
Manufacturer: Saffy and Dom
Year: 2018
The inspiring thing about this design is how much it’s integrated with the lush outdoor surroundings. The container stands on top of a pier foundation and a unique octagonal deck with a BBQ and multiple seating areas. Its ingenious use of large windows also helps ensure that the interior is bright and cozy.
20. Naylor Container Home
Bedroom: 3
Size: 1140 sq ft
Containers used: 3 (20 and 40 ft)
Price: $145,000 (land included)
Manufacturer: Ryan Naylor
Year: 2014
There is nothing more inspiring than a fully-DIYed container home, and the Naylor family has nailed this.
Set on a gentle slope with a lot of trees and greeneries around, this 3-bedroom home is the perfect size for a small to medium family. The interior incorporates a double-height ceiling with a loft to evoke a brighter mood!
Tiny Shipping Container Homes
21. Backcountry Containers
Bedroom: 1
Size: 160 sq ft
Containers used: 1 (20 ft)
Price: $40,000
Manufacturer: Backcountry Containers
The Houston-based company Backcountry Containers offers customized projects but is best known for its stunning tiny homes. For instance, this one is a single 20-foot container that comes with a timeless, rustic container home design.
There is a kitchenette and full bathroom inside, plus a rooftop deck that lets you make the most of every square foot of the home!
22. San Antonio Container Guest House
Bedroom: 1
Size: 320 sq ft
Containers used: 1 (40 ft)
Manufacturer: Poteet Architects
Year: 2010
Although small, this guest house is a great example of experimenting with turning one shipping container into an eco-friendly but livable home.
It’s fitted with a full bathroom, whereas the spacious outdoor deck allows the home to feel even larger than it is. Using glass doors and large windows are also an excellent idea.
23. ALT Eco
Bedroom: 1
Size: 160 sq ft
Containers used: 1 (20 ft)
Price: $35,900
Manufacturer: Alternative Living Spaces
This simple, studio-style container home is ideal for students or young couples who would like a small and minimalist space.
It features a main room containing a bed and a multi-purpose dining/study, plus a bathroom with a full shower. Overall, it’s an excellent option for anyone interested in tiny living!
24. Riverside Hideout Container Home
Bedroom: 1
Size: 320 sq ft
Containers used: 1 (40 ft)
Price: $22,000
Manufacturer: Ryann
Year: 2018
Designed as a short-term rental home, this riverside accommodation is a 40-feet container furnished with the most inviting décor and amenities.
It has plenty of glass doors that can be opened to enjoy the outdoor air, a fold-out sofa bed for additional sleeping space, an open kitchen, and a nice little outdoor patio.
25. The Crow’s Nest
Bedroom: 1
Size: 160 sq ft
Containers used: 1 (20 ft)
Price: $51,000
Manufacturer: CargoHome
The Crow’s Nest embraces a classic and timeless tiny home design with a studio interior, complete with a coffee bar and kitchenette, as well as a roomy bathroom.
One highlight here is the rooftop deck, which can be reached with a metal spiral staircase. This outdoor space also adds more square footage to the home.
Interior of Container Homes
We’ve mentioned Lance’s home above, and this photo showcases how a small interior can still look cozy and beautiful while also being functional.
One tip is to combine warm wood flooring with white surfaces and furniture to evoke a clean and welcoming vibe.
Those building a larger home with more containers may find that a large and homey living room can make a gorgeous focal point of the entire house. Don’t forget to add lots of windows to maximize airflow and natural light.
Up next, this open-plan living room provides a great idea for decorating your container home interior. It adopts a more eclectic and intimate style, which helps you convey your personality and character!
Prefab Container Homes for Sale & Top Builders
There are a lot of builders who offer custom and prefab container homes. A prefab is a great option if you want something quick and pre-designed, whereas a customized home may be better if you have specific requirements and requests.
Some excellent builders that make and sell great shipping container homes include…
- Cocoon Modules: sustainable prefab homes with energy-efficient solutions
- Meka Modular: super quick installation that may take only hours
- CW Dwellings: excellent quality control and fast delivery
- Modern Dwellings: known for their smart layouts and modern designs
Of course, the options go on and we can’t list them all. That’s why it can be important to do your research and compare several different builders so you can choose the best one for your specific project.
How much does it cost to build a shipping container home?
There is no fixed range as building a container home can vary from $10,000 to upwards of $500,000. However, the average cost would be around $35,000 for a single-container home and up to $175,000 for larger structures.
When it comes to building a container home, there are a few different costs that you’ll need to pay attention to. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Size and number of containers
- Land cost
- Foundation
- Insulation
- Amenities (electricity, plumbing, solar panels, etc)
- Builder fee
Is it cheaper to build a house out of shipping containers?
In general, it is cheaper to build a house out of shipping containers.
Additionally, you might want to consider DIY instead of hiring a builder. It will cut your costs even more and can be a fun project to do with your spouse or family.
But note that it will require more time, research, and effort. So, while it does save you money, we only recommend DIY-ing a container home if you have the time to spare.
How long do container homes last?
Most container homes can last around 25 years if you maintain them properly and carefully. Installing siding is also useful for lengthening the lifespan of your shipping container home.
Factors such as weather and climate play a huge role in terms of how fast the metal of the containers will rust. Obviously, homes in drier areas will rust slower.
Final Thoughts on Shipping Container Homes
So, are shipping container homes worth it? We would say that yes, they are!
They can even have a high resale value as long as they’re maintained properly and have an attractive design. Whether you’re interested in the sustainability aspect, mobility, or affordability, it’s worth looking into it!
4 Responses
How can I buy container shells direct?
Do I need to have a special permit to enter the port?
Hey Ron,
You’ll want to reach out to providers at your port that have relationships with the shipping container manufacturers. For example, here is a list of Maersk service providers: https://www.mcicontainers.com/service/service-providers/?region=north-america
Hope it helps!
Ryan
Awesome website.
I’m just starting out on my journey to hopefully own a container home. Your information contains specifics on where to go, how to find further information. This helps me to move from one subject to another without a great deal of stress.
You touch on about every single area, and then some-which makes me think “I didn’t know I didn’t know that”, as a new enthusiast. Additionally I am looking to relocate to accomplish this, and having multiple websites across the country has been very beneficial for me.
I have been researching for about a month now, nearly daily, and I came across your page and it’s been hugely (is that a word?) helpful.
Thank you for your hard work!
Thanks for the kind words Robin! Glad you’re finding the information useful and pumped you’re into container homes!
Ryan