Upcycled shipping containers are transformed into a family home

The c-Home in Hudson, New York was made from six 40 foot upcycled shipping containers with a stacked second floor to create a 1,920 square foot family home.

Shipping containers are made with a hardwood plywood called Apitong, which is retained, restored and given a matt seal to become a character-filled feature of the home. The existing corrugated metal is left exposed where possible for large portions of the internal walls and ceiling, along with any cosmetic dents.

Large expanses of double glazed windows washes the interior with natural light, aided by white painted walls and ceilings which gives the interior a bright and open feel.

Designed by LOT-EK the c-Home is pre-fabricated in a factory to save money and time on site. Prefabricated buildings also reduce construction waste and allow for minimal disturbance to the building site. Once the containers are constructed in the factory they are craned onto site with all interior elements installed. This efficient method of building is said to reduce construction time to half of a conventional build. The c-Home comes in a variety of configurations and sizes to suit a range of sites and individual requirements.

A gorgeous additional feature is the external staircase which leads you up to a green roof and deck. What a fabulous place to sit and enjoy the view! I also love how the existing features of the shipping container have been retained and celebrated and there has been very little attempt to conceal the ordinary origins of the building’s shell.

Related project: If you like shipping container homes, check out Three Shipping Container House by Modhouse

Sustainability specs:
– Upcycled shipping containers
– Large expanses of glazing provide ample natural light
– Double glazed windows
– Windows and doors places for cross flow ventilation
– Existing timber floor is retained and resealed
– Cavity beneath the timber floor is insulated
– Walls and ceiling insulated
– Existing corrugated walls and ceilings are left exposed
– Stair treds are left open to allow for maximum daylight into the home
– Green roof
– Durable and low maintenance finishes
– Pre-fabricated in factory to save time and money
– Small footprint family home
– All electric appliances
– Solar hot water can be integrated
– Wood burning fireplace and reverse cycle air conditioning can be installed if required

Upcycling of shipping containers for construction is a highly sustainable practice, given the huge number of containers that lay unused all over our planet. This is sustainability starting at “point zero”, without compro­mising structural quality, or great design.

This cutting-edge style of design exploits the structural and industrial beauty of shipping containers to create mod­ern, well-appointed home with open spaces full of light.