Shipping container homes have emerged as an innovative solution to the growing housing and environmental crises that we’re facing up and down the country and around the world. Incredibly versatile and, more importantly, sustainable, these prefabricated marvels offer a real alternative to traditional bricks and mortar — providing more people with a chance to finally make it onto the property ladder.
As with any other dwelling, a crucial requirement to satisfy when designing and building a shipping container home is to make it as comfortable as possible — and a main way of achieving this is by making the best use of however much space you have.
Perhaps the most important way to satisfy the task is to draw up concise shipping container home plans. This is because having a clear idea of where the bedroom(s), lounge, kitchen, and dining room will fit together makes the job of sourcing and placing furniture much more straightforward.
But what are the essential considerations to make when devising shipping container home design plans, and what examples are out there to provide inspiration? Read on to find out more.
What is a Shipping Container House?
As the name suggests, a shipping container house is a dwelling made out of recycled shipping containers. These robust structures can withstand extreme weather conditions and maintain their structural integrity for many years, making them an eco-friendly substitute for more traditional homes.
In addition to housing, repurposed shipping containers can be used for a variety of purposes — such as offices, garages, gyms, or restaurants. They’re also ideal for business ventures like glamping sites or air bnb-style off-grid retreats.
Important Shipping Container House Plan Considerations
When devising shipping container home plans, there are several important factors that need to be taken into account. These include the need for natural light, how much insulation to use, and the number of occupants that will be staying in the building.
Here are our thoughts on the key elements you should think about when it comes to shipping container house design plans:
- Insulation: Having the right amount of insulation is crucial to making your home as comfortable as possible, especially in the winter months. Not only will you need to choose the most suitable type of insulation for your dwelling, you’ll also need to consider the fact that however much you do use will be taken away from how much living space you’ll have to play with.
- Foundation: While shipping container homes are extremely durable, they will still need to be anchored to the right type of foundations.
- Layout: When creating a shipping container home plan, there’s absolutely no room for wasted space. Think about how the rooms should be best laid out and what furniture options would be most suitable.
- Natural Light: Getting enough natural light is essential for any shipping container house plan. Given that one of the main plus points of living off grid is the opportunity to get back to nature, allowing as much sunlight as possible to filter into your property should be a top priority.
- Occupants: Exactly who will be living in the house is also an important factor. More people means more bedrooms will be needed, as well as additional space in general to move around. In this case, it may be beneficial to use a shipping container home plan that consists of multiple units.
- Height: Typically, a recycled shipping container house will only be one storey in height. For those who want a bit more elevation, it’s a good idea to create raised areas — such as a bed with office space underneath.
As you can see, there’s a lot to think about when devising shipping container home design plans. Luckily, speaking with a specialist means that all of this will be taken care of for you.
Our Most Popular Shipping Container Home Plans
At Live Off Grid, we recognise that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to shipping container house plans. That’s why we offer a number of different designs to suit any taste or requirements. Our most popular layouts are:
Mercury
As you step into this thoughtfully designed container home, you’re instantly embraced by the warmth of the kitchen. It’s the perfect place to brew a comforting cup of tea or coffee to melt the day’s stresses away.
Then, to your left, the dining area awaits. This inviting spot welcomes you in like an old friend. It’s an ideal spot to gather, share stories with loved ones, and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals. Just beyond, the lounge beckons with its cosy atmosphere, practically calling you to sink into the comfort and lose yourself in the quiet relaxing environment an evening off-the-grid brings.
Then, to the right, tucked between the kitchen and bedroom, is the bathroom — strategically placed for easy access no matter where you are in the home. Consider it a small sanctuary of convenience, designed to fit seamlessly into your routine. The bathroom perfectly encapsulates the ethos of our Off Grid containers — allowing you to get away from the hustle and bustle without needing to sacrifice all home-comforts.
Discover more about our fantastic Mercury shipping container home here.
Jupiter
Ever had the kind of day where the first thing you want to do when you get home is dive straight into bed? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Our Jupiter home has you covered, as you’re greeted by the welcoming sight of a comfortable bedroom as soon as you walk through the main entrance.
If you do manage to resist temptation and venture further into the house, you’ll find yourself in the stylish lounge and dining area — where you can either while away the hours with a good book, or perhaps even play a candle-lit board game or two. Feeling peckish? Well, you’re in luck; the well-presented kitchen is just a few more steps away.
The final flourish of our delightful Jupiter shipping container home is the beautiful bathroom, full of all the components you need to relax and unwind.
Think that the Jupiter might be for you? Get more information here.
Pluto
In the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui, the layout and flow of energy in a home are very important to creating harmony and balance. People who follow this creed will feel that walking straight into a lounge or bedroom simply won’t do. This is because, without a landing area, the energy flow of the space is sure to be disrupted.
With this in mind, instead of being thrust straight into a particular room, you might prefer a more gradual shift from the external to the internal — allowing you to survey your surroundings and let your feelings guide you If this sounds familiar, our Pluto home could be the right choice.
This shipping container home plan offers easy access to the bathroom, bedroom, dining area, and kitchen — making it one of the handiest designs you can find. If none of these options take your fancy, no problem! Just walk a little bit further and the cosy lounge is all yours to enjoy.
Indeed, the close proximity of the living and dining areas means you’re able to have your meals either at the table or on the sofa, depending on how lazy you happen to be feeling. It’s alright, we won’t tell anyone.
To get all the details about our stunning Pluto home, click here.
Saturn
Our most spacious dwelling, the Saturn is ideal for couples and small families. Consisting of two units joined together, this prefabricated paradise is full of all the comforts you could possibly need. Whoever said off grid living had to be cramped and confined clearly hasn’t seen these shipping container home plans.
Step into the Saturn and you’ll find yourself not in outer space, but a smart porch area that leads onto the lounge, kitchen, and dining room. These sumptuous surroundings provide the ideal location for everyone to come together and chat about their day, or just spend some quality time in each other’s company.
Beyond this haven, you’ll find a long hallway that leads to a luxurious bathroom and not one, but two, spacious bedrooms perfect for relaxing in. When it comes to providing real luxury, the Saturn runs rings around all other options.
Want to know more? Click here for all the information you could possibly need.
Be Part of the Off Grid Community
If you’ve been thinking about joining the off grid revolution, there has never been a better time than right now. With so many shipping container home plans to choose from, you’re sure to find your ideal design with us. What’s more, we’ll take care of everything for you, including installing and furnishing your ideal home — so all you need to do is look forward to moving in.
For those who just want to dip their toe into living off grid, we also offer a range of exciting holiday opportunities. Relax, unwind, and get back to nature thanks to our stunning vacation properties. We’ll have you returning home rested and rejuvenated, with all your stresses melted away.
To find out more about how we can help you embrace the off grid lifestyle, get in touch with our team today.
