Part 4 in the Series ‘Reimagining Shipping Containers’

By reusing shipping containers, Phoenix-based design firm Upcycle Living have created a modular housing system which costs 2/3 less than a traditionally built home, and with prices starting at $100,000, property ownership could become a more achievable goal for many.

Their 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom model is made up of four 40-foot shipping containers, and contains 1,280 square feet of space. Sustainability is a key factor in the design, with recycled flooring, bamboo cabinets, and energy efficient appliances all present in their first model. More advanced environmental features, such as solar panelling, will be introduced in later models.

As the above image shows, there is plenty of space inside, but the design is nothing spectacular. This is probably why, despite being suitable for mass housing and having already received some private orders, their primary focus is the provision of temporary buildings in disaster zones, and one off public buildings, like their proposed press box and locker room at Grand Canyon University.