‘Micro living’ is not very new but it’s becoming more common or known in the world, especially with the growing population and increase in cost expenses. Aside from financial practicality, micro living can also be ideal for those who want a minimalist lifestyle. A small space would be just enough for you to store some belongings and be able to do certain tasks while still having that level of comfort.
Since there is a limited amount of area to work on in micro living, designers and manufacturers often come up with clever design ideas to maximize the space, like having built-ins that can be used for multiple purposes and retractable furniture pieces that could be tucked away to allot more free space for other things or more room for activities.
Over time, micro living has evolved from the typical small apartments to off-grid houses on wheels. But there is this one example that seems to be becoming a trend, which are revamped shipping containers.
Shipping containers generally come in three sizes: 10-ft., 20-ft., and 40-ft. The dimensions are pretty much the same, just varying in length and a bit in height if you’re going for the standard or the high cube type. Since the containers are built for heavy duty use and overseas cargo, they are durable, can withstand inclement weather conditions, and are mobile or can be transported easily. These are some features to take note of when turning one into a dwelling.
Shipping Container House
The project shown above is a single-storey house that used two 20-ft. high cube shipping containers joined together side by side. This features a living area, dining for four, kitchen, a bedroom, and toilet and bath. Since the shipping container only has less than 8 ft. vertical clearance inside, the top part or roofing is taken out and replaced by an open gable roof with sloped ceiling to add more head space. There is also a deck at one side that extends a bit to the back of the house which can be used for outdoor seating or can be turned into a service area.
This shipping container house project is on a 120-sqm lot with space for 1-car carport.
Shipping Container Office Exterior
Shipping Container Office
Aside from houses, shipping containers can be used for other purposes such as an office. The project shown above fits in around 3 to 4 personnel with enough desk space to work on. There is a toilet room included, too. Since these containers may easily be transported elsewhere, you can turn it into a mobile office and it’s most ideal for those in the construction industry where you might need an office space at the site.
This shipping container office project is on a 115-sqm with 2 parking spaces.
Shipping Container Food Stores Exterior
Shipping Container Food Store
You could also refurbish shipping containers for commercial use. As shown above, the project utilized 20-ft. shipping containers and designed it to be small food stores or shops. Having limited space inside the container, an outdoor dining area is added to accommodate more customers.
Food Store Design 1
Food Store Design 2 with Indoor Dining Area
This features two design ideas: one that is like a food truck style with the container’s interior solely used by the shop personnel, and one that had a quaint indoor dining area. Windows were maximized to let more light in and to make the space feel less ‘contained’.
The shipping container food store project is on a 250-sqm lot, 125-sqm per stall.
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