Dec 28, 2012

New 8' x 20' Shipping Container Home Design

When I set out to design my first shipping container home, my goal was to keep it simple and affordable.  The resulting design is not fancy, but it has pretty much everything one person needs.  In my view, this is too small for two people for an extended period of time, but one person could be comfortable here.  It could be a great vacation home, guest house, or place for an adult child who has returned home after college, as many are doing these days. 

Front view of the 8' x 20', 160 square foot container home design with an 8' x 20' deck.

I was surprised that I was able to shoe-horn this much into 160 square feet.  There's a three fixture bathroom, a tiny kitchen, a stacked washer/dryer combination, a "great room" that combines living, dining, sleeping, and study/work space, plus two closets.  The dining table doubles as a desk, and the futon couch folds-out to become a full-sized mattress at night.

Floor plan for an 8' x 20', 160 square foot shipping container home with an 8' x 20' deck.


It goes without saying that 160 square feet is tight.  I tried to create a greater sense of spaciousness by having quite a bit of glass for natural light and views.  The bathroom and kitchen each have their own windows, and the great room has four windows and a double patio door.

Cross section view looking toward back wall.

Cross section view looking toward front wall.

Cross section view looking toward end wall.  A propane heater is mounted on the wall.

A small water heater could be installed under the kitchen sink, or in the closet next to the washer/dryer.  Another alternative would be to mount a tankless water heater on the wall in the bathroom, or raise the washer/dryer unit up on a platform and stick an RV water heater underneath it, or maybe even above it.  In a climate where freezing is not a problem, a tankless water heater could be installed on the outside of the house.

Building section through the bathroom.
I drew this using Google SketchUp, something I'm not very skilled at yet.  I am aware of some of the problems you may notice, such as the lack of a foundation, framing, and electrical outlets.  Also the shower would need a curtain or bifold shower door because the sink location would interfere with the door swing.  

Exterior perspective rendering.
If you build a container home in an area where it gets cold, you need to insulate the floor as well as the walls and ceiling.  You could mount the container on a crawlspace foundation too.  That would probably be the best solution in a cold climate, because it would allow you to put your insulation underneath the container, thus conserving headroom inside (you could also put your water heater in the crawlspace, as long as you have access to it).

I am including some additional exterior views, and a cost estimate below.
Exterior perspective rendering.

Exterior perspective rendering.

Exterior perspective rendering.
Incidentally, this tiny house design doesn't need to be built in a shipping container.  It could be easily built conventionally, with a gable or shed roof too, and any sort of siding, roofing, and trim that pleases you.

Take a virtual tour and hear my description of the 8x20 shipping container home in the video below.  I have some information about cost beneath the video.  If you enjoy the video, please "like", share, comment and/or subscribe on YouTube.  Thanks!



 How much would it cost to do this?
Okay. Many people have requested it so I did a quick work-up of how much it would cost to do this. My calculations include all framing, doors, windows, plumbing fixtures, most interior finishes, stacked washer/dryer, insulation, water heater, a prefabricated compact kitchen, and a propane heater. I priced most of the materials at a big box DIY store. For the most part, I didn't choose the absolute least expensive things, but neither did I choose the most expensive.  I didn't include labor of any sort, tools, the deck, electrical supplies, fasteners, furniture, or any plumbing supplies other than fixtures and faucets.   All materials are assumed to be brand new, but no taxes or discounts were included. The cost for materials alone (not including the shipping container itself) came to $10,075.  As a general rule, you can obtain used 8x20 shipping containers for between $1,000 and $3,500.  You'll want the "HC" (high cube) variety because they're a foot taller and you'll need that space for framing and insulation.

I'm not going to break the costs down in too much detail here, but the framing materials, insulation, drywall, doors, windows, and flooring came to about $4,470.  The bathroom worked out to $1,010, and the kitchen, including the washer/dryer, water heater, and prefab compact kitchen came to $3,395.  Substituting recycled materials could reduce costs a lot.  The big ticket items were the washer/dryer ($1,200), propane heater ($1,300), and prefab compact kitchen ($1,600).  Those three items combined add up to $4,100 (plus shipping).  Building your own kitchen and using a laundromat  could reduce the initial investment quite a bit.  This is a only a rough estimate.

Enjoy this post?  Share it with friends using the social networking buttons below. Like the FaceBook page, facebook.com/smallscalehomesJoin the conversation, or start one, in the comments below.  Thanks!

55 comments:

  1. This is a fantastic design. Can't wait to see one built.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Paul. I sketched it out on paper, and that didn't take long at all. I'm new to SketchUp, so creating it there took me awhile.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very nice layout and I like the illustrations. I am intrigued by shipping container houses and would like to someday visit some.

    ReplyDelete
  4. If someone wants to use a real shipping container, be sure to replace the floor. They use strong chemicals/pesticides in the treated wood. I saw a picture of something like this once that was raised up on log poles to provide a carport and small patio underneath the container. There were exterior stairs to the front door which had a small deck. Raising the container could also help provide a view and sense of space.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks "Anonymous". That's some good information to know.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Imagine what you could do with the roof space also as an outside top-deck? And some ivy would soften the look of the metal.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks. Good ideas for my next design.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'd like to know how it is, if you buy a shipping container, to cut the window holes yourself. I'd like to go with a container but am worried I could not do the work myself.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Anonymous, I wrote a post about shipping container homes in general back in October. I recommend a tool called an angle grinder for the cutting of door and window openings. Here's a link to the post...
    http://smallscalehomes.blogspot.com/2012/10/homes-made-from-shipping-containers.html
    I've never posted a link in the comments before so I don't know if it will work. If it doesn't, you can copy and paste it into your address bar, or just look for popular posts in my blog's sidebar. Look for the post called "Homes Made From Shipping Containers". I hope you find it helpful.

    ReplyDelete
  10. People who plan on building a home made out of shipping containers could get help from this informative post.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks Serge. That's why I do it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Awesome guide. There are lots of things you can still do. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  13. We have a shipping container that we use for storage; & are curious to know if you can provide a break-down of the costs of such an amazing reno! Raven

    ReplyDelete
  14. Check back in a week or so Raven. I'll see what I can work- up by then.

    ReplyDelete
  15. The resource that you mentioned here is something that I have been looking from quite a time. And finally it ended with such a nice blog post. Don’t have words to thank you. Thanks.

    Instant Moving Container Quote

    ReplyDelete
  16. Okay. Many people have requested it so I did a quick work-up of how much it would cost to do this. My calculations include all framing, doors, windows, plumbing fixtures, most interior finishing, stacked washer/dryer, insulation, water heater, and a prefabricated compact kitchen. I priced most of the materials at a big box DIY store. I did not include labor of any sort, nor did I include any electrical supplies, fasteners, tools, or any plumbing supplies other than fixtures and faucets. All materials are assumed to be brand new, but no taxes or discounts were included. The cost for materials alone (not including the shipping container itself)came to $10,075. This is an extremely rough estimate, but I think it's in the ballpark.

    ReplyDelete
  17. all container looks so good ,get this types Shipping Container for your business purpose at best prices.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I know your expertise on this. I must say we should have an online discussion on this. Writing only comments will close the discussion straight away! And will restrict the benefits from this information. Europa-Road Kft.

    ReplyDelete
  19. This particular is usually apparently essential and moreover outstanding truth along with for sure fair-minded and moreover admittedly useful My business is looking to find in advance designed for this specific useful stuffs… Europa-Road vasúti szállítmányozás

    ReplyDelete
  20. Simply love it so so much. My pleasure, I was hunting for grabbing some information on using shipping containers. Already have taken a prompt tour to some sites and wanted to grab more info surely and so I am here. Well, you have disclosed a fantastic design. The home shape in the photos look so beautiful and artistic. The interior and exterior sketch were very eye-catching and intelligent touch. I really like your new shipping containers home.

    ReplyDelete
  21. A few of the pendant watches are constructed with real gold and silver, rhinestone or gemstones. view publisher site

    ReplyDelete
  22. It is a great website.. The Design looks very good.. Keep working like that!. Korea proxy buying

    ReplyDelete
  23. No doubt this is an excellent post I got a lot of knowledge after reading good luck. Theme of blog is excellent there is almost everything to read, Brilliant post. dropshipping fulfillment

    ReplyDelete
  24. This article is actually remarkable one it helps many new users that desire to read always the best stuff.I was in need of such article about Shipping crates for sale .

    ReplyDelete
  25. I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much. shipping container

    ReplyDelete
  26. Nice Blog!Thanks a lot for sharing such a great information. I got a lot of knowledge after reading such article about Shipping crates for sale .

    ReplyDelete
  27. It is an excellent blog, I have ever seen. I found all the material on this blog utmost unique and well written. And, I have decided to visit it again and again. Shipping Containers

    ReplyDelete
  28. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. Shipping Containers

    ReplyDelete
  29. I was looking for an appropriate clarification for container houses. Much appreciated, administrator for sharing such awesome substance on this theme. Presently I have all I require about it. Here's another enlightening substance for Container Houses: easy to build, affordable and durable . You will get well-informed data about it here.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work.
    mobile office trailers near me

    ReplyDelete
  31. That is the excellent mindset, nonetheless is just not help to make every sence whatsoever preaching about that mather. Virtually any method many thanks in addition to i had endeavor to promote your own article in to delicius nevertheless it is apparently a dilemma using your information sites can you please recheck the idea. thanks once more. ib Laursen

    ReplyDelete
  32. i am always looking for some free stuffs over the internet. there are also some companies which gives free samples. Brådskande visum för Indien

    ReplyDelete
  33. The best Article that I have never seen before with useful content and very informative.Thanks for sharing the info.
    conex box

    ReplyDelete
  34. shipping container home builders Thanks for a very interesting blog. What else may I get that kind of info written in such a perfect approach? I’ve a undertaking that I am simply now operating on, and I have been at the look out for such info.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Dating for everyone is here: ❤❤❤ Link 1 ❤❤❤


    Direct sexchat: ❤❤❤ Link 2 ❤❤❤

    Ez..

    ReplyDelete
  36. Dating for everyone is here: ❤❤❤ Link 1 ❤❤❤


    Direct sexchat: ❤❤❤ Link 2 ❤❤❤

    4m .

    ReplyDelete
  37. Your work is very good and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts. Thank you for sharing great information to us. pianos shipping quote

    ReplyDelete
  38. You have a good point here!I totally agree with what you have said!!Thanks for sharing your views...hope more people will read this article!!! furniture shipping near me

    ReplyDelete
  39. Excellent post! I must thank you for this informative read. I hope you will post again soon
    Work Gloves

    ReplyDelete
  40. CIMC Equilink offers all types of shipping containers, container parts, special vehicle and vehicle parts all over the world. shipping containers for sale

    ReplyDelete
  41. The article you wrote has many valid points, despite the fact that I have read it many times. Your readers will benefit greatly from this content. Travelers can apply for a Turkey evisa which is very easy. You can apply online from any corner of the world. You only need an internet connection and valid documents.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hey Thanks for sharing this valuable information with us. I will come back to your site and keep sharing this information with us.
    mobile office trailer repair

    ReplyDelete
  43. I loved this blog post. It was inspiring. Keep on posting!

    " 토토사이트 추천

    ReplyDelete
  44. I loved this blog post. It was inspiring. Keep on posting!

    " 스포츠중계

    ReplyDelete
  45. I loved this blog post. It was inspiring. Keep on posting!

    " 링크모음

    ReplyDelete
  46. "Hi there, just wanted to mention, I loved this blog post. It was inspiring. Keep on posting!

    " 토토

    ReplyDelete
  47. , I loved this blog post. It was inspiring. Keep on posting!

    " 슬롯사이트

    ReplyDelete
  48. , I loved this blog post. It was inspiring. Keep on posting!

    " 온라인 카지노

    ReplyDelete
  49. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Your blog post is a compelling literary masterpiece, skillfully interweaving intellect and emotion. The eloquent prose and profound insights create an immersive experience, leaving readers enlightened and emotionally stirred. Your unique narrative style adds a layer of depth, making this a standout piece.

    ReplyDelete