Fabulous shipping container homes - Thinking outside the box

photo source

Have you ever considered living in a shipping container?

Most people probably have not 

and

until recently, neither had I

At our last several weekly meetings, we have been discussing housing options using alternative construction based on repurposed shipping containers thus reducing environmental impact. Since we will all be downsizing to make the move to Costa Rica, the container home will challenge us to be effcient. We wanted to come up with a relatively inexpensive plan for sustainable housing in a community setting so that we could all live in close proximity to one another. Materials will be renewable, reusable or recyclable. We also plan to utilize solar and incorporate a pool.

Abron, the architect set out to draw up the plans, which he presented to us on Sunday.

We were all pretty impressed and we will begin the search for land (and that perfect spot) when we are in Costa Rica in July

Besides providing food, the roof top terrace also helps to keep the dwelling cool by blocking sunlight from hitting the metal container directly.

Abron, the architect drew the plans

Container Facts:

Shipping containers are flood and fire proof, making them a great home-building material. Ranging in length from 20 to 30 feet, shipping containers are typically only used for 10 to 15 years, but they can last much longer. A 20 ft shipping container is about 160ft of living space. (I think I heard Abron say that our containers are 40ft but don't quote me!) It is estimated that there are 24 million empty shipping containers in the world that will not be used for cargo again.

Container Plans for Costa Rica pt4 from Devon on Vimeo.

Where will we build?

Container Plans for Costa Rica pt 2 from Devon on Vimeo.

There are 4 short videos all total. If you are interested in hearing a bit more of our container discussion meeting check them out on Vimeo.

for more info and to follow our journey to Costa Rica

Visit our website:

 The Aspiring Expats