A Guide to Shipping Container Homes in Australia: Design, Cost, and Inspiration
https://www.containerhomes.net.au can help make it a reality
Shipping container homes have been making waves in the architectural world, offering a unique and eco-friendly alternative to traditional housing. These innovative dwellings provide a fresh take on sustainable living, combining affordability, adaptability, and a modern aesthetic. In this guide, we’ll explore the intricacies of shipping container home design, cost considerations, regulatory compliance, sustainability features, and some truly inspirational projects to spark your imagination.
Key Takeaways
- Explore the world of shipping container homes, offering unique and sustainable living solutions.
- Design your dream home with customizability in mind and collaborate with local professionals for successful projects.
- Understand costs, navigate building codes & regulations, reduce environmental impact by incorporating green features & be inspired by innovative projects.
Exploring the World of Shipping Container Homes
A shipping container home is an innovative housing solution, often utilizing recycled shipping containers as the primary building material. These container homes offer:
- Safety
- Versatility
- Personalization potential
- Environmental consciousness
They provide a contemporary and eco-friendly living option.
What Makes Shipping Container Homes Unique?
Shipping container homes are distinguished by their:
- Adaptability and customizability, allowing for quick construction times and reliable, cost-effective pricing
- Robust and durable corrugated steel walls
- Standard sizes that offer a sense of uniformity and consistency in design
It’s worth noting that, although ‘one-use’ containers appear environmentally friendly, they don’t represent the most efficient recycling method. Regardless, container homes remain a popular choice for those seeking a unique, sustainable, and affordable living space.
The Popularity of Shipping Container Homes
The growing interest in shipping container homes is driven by their affordability, sustainability, and the desire for unique living spaces. With prices ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars, there’s a container home for every budget and style. Despite the fluctuations in pricing since their introduction in 2010, container homes continue to gain popularity, thanks to their modern aesthetic and eco-friendly construction.
From compact tiny homes to sprawling, multi-container mansions, the options are endless, and the popularity of these homes only continues to grow.
Designing Your Dream Shipping Container Home
The process of designing a shipping container home encompasses the selection of suitable containers, the tailoring of the design, and collaboration with local experts to realize your vision. From single to double-story dwellings, container homes can be designed to blend in or contrast with their surroundings, offering endless possibilities for creating your dream home.
Choosing the Right Containers from Australian suppliers
Choosing used containers from Australian suppliers is crucial to ensure high quality, durability, and compliance with local regulations. Factors such as the containers’ internal condition, external paint color, and overall structural integrity should be evaluated before purchasing.
Furthermore, considering container sizes is vital, larger ones such as the 40ft high cube containers, provide more cost-efficiency per square meter.
Customising Your Container Home Design
Customising your container home design allows for endless possibilities, from single or multi-story builds to incorporating unique features and finishes.
For example, the Tiny Container Home in Inverloch, Victoria, created by modhouse,is constructed from three 20ft containers connected with links that serve as hallways between them. By embracing creativity and personalization, you can design a shipping container home that truly reflects your individual needs and preferences.
Collaborating with Local Professionals
Working with local professionals, such as architects and builders, ensures your shipping container home meets all necessary requirements and is tailored to your needs. These experts can provide:
- Creative and innovative design solutions
- Ensure compliance with building codes
- Collaborate with engineers
- Incorporate sustainable features into your home
Collaborating with local professionals streamlines the process, optimizes cost-efficiency, and ultimately results in a successful and satisfying container home project. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation.
Understanding Shipping Container Home Costs
Comprehending the costs related to shipping container homes is crucial, this includes container acquisition, construction expenditures, and any potential hidden costs or savings. The cost of a shipping container home can vary significantly depending on factors such as size, materials, and customization, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 or more.
Container Acquisition and Transportation
Container acquisition and transportation costs can be influenced by factors such as:
- Size
- Quality
- Availability
- Distance from the supplier to the build site
For example, the cost of a 20ft high cube container in Australia typically ranges from $3,850 to $9,350, with transportation costs ranging from $2,000 to $7,000 AUD for the same container.
These costs should be taken into account during the planning phase of your shipping container home project to determine the final cost.
Construction and Finishing Expenses
Construction and finishing expenses for shipping container homes can range widely, depending on the level of customization, materials used, and labor costs. Factors that can contribute to the overall cost of your container home include:
- Modifications for insulation
- Electrical work
- Windows and doors
- Site preparation and foundation
It’s important to consider these factors when budgeting for your container home.
With a clear understanding of these expenses and meticulous planning, you can guarantee that your shipping container home is accomplished within budget and to your liking.
Hidden Costs and Potential Savings
When considering the costs of a shipping container home, it’s important to account for hidden costs and potential savings. For example, site preparation for a shipping container home typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,500 or more per container. Utility connections can also add expenses, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
However, potential savings can be found in reduced construction time, as container homes often have quicker build times than traditional homes, resulting in labor and material savings.
Navigating Building Codes and Regulations
Understanding building codes and regulations for shipping container homes entails a comprehension of zoning and permit requirements, along with inspections and certifications.
Guaranteeing that your shipping container home meets all the requisite criteria and complies with local regulations is vital for the success of the project.
Zoning and Permit Requirements
The zoning and permit requirements for shipping container homes can differ depending on the location, hence it’s crucial to liaise with local councils and authorities to certify compliance. In Australia, planning and/or building permits may be required for the construction of a shipping container home, with specific requirements depending on the size and location of the property.
By familiarizing yourself with local building regulations and obtaining the necessary permits, you can ensure a smooth and successful building process.
Inspections and Certifications
Inspections and certifications are necessary to ensure the safety and structural integrity of your shipping container home, particularly when it comes to modifications and welding. In Australia, building inspections for shipping container homes are conducted in the same manner as inspections for regular construction projects. The inspections evaluate the following aspects of the container home:
- Foundation
- Insulation
- Doors
- Flooring
- Overall structural integrity
These inspections are important to ensure that your shipping container home meets the necessary safety standards.
Obtaining the necessary building permits and adhering to local regulations guarantees the safety and durability of your container home.
Sustainable Living with Shipping Container Homes
Living sustainably with shipping container homes entails:
- Minimizing environmental impact via recycling
- Integrating eco-friendly features in the design
- Repurposing unused containers
- Minimizing the need for traditional building materials
Shipping container homes offer an eco-friendly housing solution, utilising moving containers as their primary building material.
Reducing Environmental Impact
Shipping container homes aid in lessening environmental impact by reusing idle containers and lessening the dependence on traditional building materials. The average lifespan of a shipping container home can range from 25 to 50 years or more, depending on the quality of the container and the level of maintenance provided.
Opting to build with shipping containers not only results in a distinctive and cost-effective living space but also aids in conserving resources and minimizing waste.
Incorporating Green Features
Incorporating green features can further enhance the eco-friendliness of your shipping container home. Some examples include:
- Solar panels on the roof to generate renewable energy
- Energy-efficient insulation to reduce heating and cooling needs
- Sustainable materials, such as reclaimed wood or recycled metal, for construction
With considerate design of your container home and integration of sustainable features, you can establish an interior space that is both ecologically responsible and fashionable.
Inspirational Shipping Container Home Projects
Inspirational shipping container home projects showcase the versatility and creativity possible with this unique housing option. From compact urban oases to sprawling, multi-container masterpieces, these homes demonstrate the potential of shipping container architecture.
Urban Oasis
The Urban Oasis is a multi-level, urban shipping container home featuring a rooftop deck and industrial design elements. This innovative residence combines the convenience of city living with the eco-friendly benefits of container homes, offering a stylish and sustainable retreat in the heart of the urban jungle.
With its sleek lines, modern materials, and unique layout, the Urban Oasis is a shining example of the potential for shipping container homes to transform the urban landscape.
Off-Grid Retreat
The Off-Grid Retreat is a small, eco-friendly container home nestled in nature, complete with solar panels and a custom roof. This cozy getaway offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing its inhabitants to truly connect with the natural world around them.
The use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient features make the Off-Grid Retreat an ideal example of how shipping container homes can blend seamlessly with their surroundings while minimizing their environmental impact.
Summary
Shipping container homes offer a unique and eco-friendly alternative to traditional housing, providing a range of benefits including affordability, adaptability, and sustainability. By understanding the design, cost, and regulatory considerations involved in constructing a shipping container home, and drawing inspiration from innovative projects, you can create a one-of-a-kind living space that meets your needs while minimizing your environmental impact. Embrace the possibilities of shipping container homes and embark on an exciting journey towards sustainable living.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to convert a shipping container to a home?
The cost to convert a shipping container to a home can range from $15,000 for a basic unit to up to $400,000 for a luxurious two-bedroom model. However, on average, most people spend between $30,000 and $50,000 for a complete, ready-to-move-in structure.
Are shipping container homes legal in Australia?
Shipping container homes are legal in Australia, but you should make sure to check with your local council before beginning the process as they may have specific regulations you need to follow. Generally, container homes must adhere to the same regulations as traditionally built homes.
What are the main benefits of building a shipping container home?
- Cost-Effective: Shipping container homes can be more affordable than traditional homes because the main structure — the container — is a repurposed item that can be cheaper than new building materials.
- Sustainability: Reusing shipping containers for homes is an example of upcycling, which reduces the need for new materials and minimizes waste, making it an eco-friendly option.
- Strength and Durability: Containers are designed to withstand harsh conditions at sea, making them incredibly sturdy and able to handle extreme weather when properly insulated and maintained.
- Speed of Construction: Container homes can be built faster than traditional homes since the main structure is already built. The modifications and interior fittings often take less time than building from scratch.
- Modularity: The modular nature of containers allows for creative design and stacking, making it relatively easy to expand or modify living spaces.
- Mobility: Although not all container homes are designed to be mobile, their inherent structure allows for relocation if they are not permanently attached to a foundation.
- Unique Aesthetics: For those looking for a non-traditional home, container homes offer a unique aesthetic that stands out from conventional architecture.
- Space Efficiency: Containers can be ideal for creating homes in tight urban spaces where a small footprint is required.
- Security: The steel construction of containers can provide a more secure shell than traditional wood-frame construction.
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The Country Life
After a lifetime of teaching, retiring to the beautiful Flinders Ranges was my idea of heaven I bought a quaint stone cottage, in need of a few repairs on a few acres and started developing my Shangri-La. Planting fruit trees, grape vines, herbs vegetables and an ornamental garden was great, the soil was fertile and everything grew. Harvesting the food I ate was a buzz. This area in South Australia is a low rainfall area, and South Australia is the driest state in Australia, which just happens to be the driest habitable continent on Earth. So why was everything looking so good, there was dry grass where normally it was dry earth and green grass where normally it was dry, the weeds were thriving but so was my garden. It was great, and I observed with academic interest the way the hawks and other predatory birds would swoop down snatch a mouse from the paddock and hurry back to their nest and after a few weeks would be back teaching their young how to hunt. At that time however I was ignorant of the life cycle of the local native mice, and so I pottered away in blissful ignorance.
The local field mice had adapted over the millennia to their harsh conditions so only went into a breeding cycle after rain so in a drought few mouse problems. We had enjoyed a wet year and the mice bred, the young produced would become sexually mature after only a matter of weeks, and if it rained could breed. So numbers could and did escalate pretty fast. It went from plenty of food for the birds of prey to too many for them to control. The cats and the Sleepy Lizards were fat and so well fed that the mice could run over them in safety. The mice never came to live in the house but would descend upon it as a ravenous hoard devouring all in its path, then steal quietly back to their nests and sleep content with the contents of my pantry in their round little tummies.
Something had to be done! After several highly creative but unsuccessful solutions the problem was finally solved. From time to time people give away a thing they no longer need and that is how I gained a nice clean upright freezer that no longer worked and a small fridge in similar condition. They were ideal pantry cupboards. My food was safe, “Sealed in steel and safe as houses.” as the canning industry had proudly proclaimed a few years ago, and when considering my house considerably safer.
My problems seemed solved everything was stored in the top cupboards other than food which was stored in the old fridge and freezer, but the mice were still around. Every so often there was a horrible squeaking and squealing as a sleepy lizard caught and ate one. Yes, the sleepy lizards were still coming in hunting them. Several friends warned me about snakes saying, “If a sleepy can get in a snake certainly can.” but I hadn’t seen a snake since moving here so wasn’t at all concerned despite the fact that the council was doing major works on the old railway dam and displacing a number of the residents, my fish pond had frogs for the first time ever.
Then the mice disappeared, I saw them running around in the paddocks and the garden but virtually none in the house. I continued on in blissful ignorance believing I and I alone had rid my house of mice. That is until one day I came home to a nasty surprise.
As I approached the front door I could see a slight movement behind the fly wire of the screen door, which I dismissed as a shadow but as we approached my dog Muppet was barking and snarling with all the ferocity that a geriatric one toothed fluff ball can muster so I was a little more cautious than I would otherwise have been. Holding the writhing snarling Muppet under one arm I carefully opened the door and moved back keeping the door between me and the shadow which suddenly materialised into a brown snake, which leisurely slid across the veranda. The snakes head crossed the line grooved into the concrete when the veranda had been laid over a hundred years before. I peeped around the screen door. The snake was sliding out from under the front door via that depression made in all old doorsteps by the generations that have passed through there. I glanced back at the snakes head; it was still moving away and had passed a second line but I knew if it felt threatened it could attack me in a fraction of a second.
I stood still clutching Muppets muzzle, so that her noise and movement wouldn’t spark an attack as the head crossed a third line and finally the end of the tail slid out from under the door. The snake slid off the veranda and into the garden, disappearing among the geranium and daisy bushes. The snake had to be at least eight feet long!! My head was pounding. I was shaking all over. I felt sick. I ran back to the car still clutching Muppet and sat there shaking in mortal terror.
My daughter had on a number of occasions referred to the poor standard of the cottage, and had found plans for various small transportable houses that I could get to, as she put it, have somewhere safe to eat and sleep. I had dismissed all these ideas including a converted container house which I saw as a third world option. The container home now started to develop some appeal, I’d like to see the mouse that could gnaw its way through heavy steel and double glazing, to let in snakes. I looked it up on the internet; didn’t look to bad, and the price was in my almost manageable range. Got a quote a quote from Samuel at container homes designer domain then checked around again it definitely seemed value for money. So I placed an order, my first internet purchase. Several friends said “Why a house? Why not start with something small like a book?” It was hard actually parting with the money and I very nearly backed out at the last minute but was reminded of my long skinny visitor and asked wether it needed to bite me next time for me to see sense so I paid up and waited for the delivery.
The site had a large dilapidated shed full of rubbish covering it, so that had to be prepared. I started work sorting stuff and taking some to the dump and some to the scrap metal dealers, but was making little progress until a friend and my daughter and her husband came to the rescue, and the job was completed and was ready for my container home. I did have to put up with some good natured comments about the snake and its claimed length until it put in an appearance and from then on it was claimed I had understated rather than over stating its size. This wasn’t a real comfort. I was starting to count off the days to my containers arrival.
While it was being built Samuel had sent some pictures and it looked OK but when it arrived I was stunned. It was great and far exceeded my expectations. It is really comfortable. There is a compact easy to work in kitchen, and a neat bathroom with a shower, hand basin, a toilet with a soft close lid, exhaust fan/light and a nice big mirror. From the lounge I can see the township of Orroroo and the hills to the West. Each morning I am woken by the Sun as it rises over Black Rock, the highest hill in the range to the East. If I am awake at night I can stare out through the double glazed sliding doors at the black night sky and the millions of stars, and know that this is most definitely not third world, its heaven, or pretty close to it. I sleep peacefully each night sealed in steal and safe as houses, or come to think of it safer than houses.
Jacquie von der Borch
Flinders Rangers Orroroo
We run a coffee shop business in Tasmania and we just took delivery of a beautiful Airstream-style coffee trailer from Container Homes Ltd. It's exactly what we wanted - and the process has been really good from start to finish. Sam at Container Homes was a pleasure to work with: very responsive, unflappable, and reliable. The coffee trailer is built to an extremely high standard. Sam dealt with a lot of the admin to make sure it complied with Australian regulations, and was able to make changes to the design when a couple of things cropped up with no drama. We would highly recommend him and the company to anyone looking for a coffee/food trailer.
Hi Samuel,
First impression was great. The property is quite remote so having a lock up container is great. Also a caravan will always depreciate in value but the container should not loose much value if we keep it in good condition. I must say you were honest in all your dealings with us and I am quite happy for you to use me as a reference.
Regards
Mark Armstrong
I have already procured three containers from Mr Halsa, and have a fourth order now.
So obviously, I am quite satisfied.
He is hands on, and always available for any questions or problems.
Jerry Schwartz
Director,
Schwartz family co
www.schwartz.com.au
Schwartz FamilyCompany
Garry Porter wrote:
Hi Sam,
We were very happy with the homes you delivered to us.
Especially considering the remote location you had to get the homes to.
Regards,
Garry Porter
Assets Maintenance Officer
Ngaanyatjarra Health Service 08 89501753
“Imagination, inspiration, great designs, working along side clients to achieve the impossible.”
Highly recommended, from the planning stage to constructing the units, even when we asked for wider than standard size. They did this for us. Imagine a container homes being wider than a standard shipping container arriving at you site, no need to join to create space all in one, just plug and go.
Adam Pennington
Spinifex Land Management
Pila Nguru (Aboriginal Corporation)
Tjuntjuntjara
PMB 88
Kalgoorlie WA 6430
T 08 9037 1135
last working day before christmas break…
last working day before christmas break did not think i would receive a call back today but i have received lots of info from Sam thank you
Date of experience: 23 December 2022
Very helpful business.
This a business that we have been searching far and wide for. We needed additional accommodation for guests on our farm and they were right on it. From flexible plans to site planning, they have given us everything that we need. The main benefit is that our whole property is not a dragged out building site. Ground works are subtle and before you know it, there is more accommodation.
08 April 2020
James Manny
Australia
Very efficient on much needed…
Very efficient on much needed information
Date of experience: 29 October 2022
Monique Vajda
Australia
Great negotiator, excellent service, managed to deliver unit under extreme circumstances, thank you Samuel.
Nils Bildt, MA-IPS, KC President
CTSS Japan, Ltd.
I must say the kitchen was remarkably high quality, amazing how you could deliver such oversized units.
I would recommend you any time, thank you
Josh Gadischke
PO Box 749
Kingaroy Qld 4610
Champion! Much appreciated
Thanks Samuel.
Kent Marchant
MD | Touch Cloud Global Pty Ltd (TCg)
|Mona Vale |NSW
Hi Samuel,
We are going to be investing in upgrading our infrastructure in our Singapore park. I am very impressed with the structures that you supplied for our Adelaide park (I'm currently sitting in one) and would like to install 6 or 7 in our Singapore park. Please would you be able to send me some more information on the type of units available and approximate prices. I look forward to your reply.
Best regards.
Johno Lyons
CSO (Chief Safety Officer)>Singapore>M. Singapore +65 9384 2159>
M. Australia +61 426 351 374>T. +65 6884 5602>A. 10a Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa Island, Singapore, 099 008>W. megaadventure.com
Hi Samuel,
Coming from Adelaide you turn left approximately 10km over the border into NT onto the Mulga Park Road. After approximately 100km you come to a left turn that says ‘Pukatja’. Turn left and follow the road for about 44km and pass the police station on your right as you enter Pukatja. The garage is on the corner, turn right at the garage corner and follow the road to the brightly coloured store with a car park and tables out the front. That is where we work and the store worker house is at the rear of the shop. Alternatively you can phone when you reach Pukatja and your reception comes back on and we will direct you in.
We will ask the truck driver this week which road he takes to get to the rear of the store because there is another road you can take from the garage which is direct to the rear of the store.
Regards,
Lisa & Andy Attack
Managers
Pukatja Store
Ph: (08) 8956 2919
Fax: (08) 8956 7580
Email: pukatjastore@bigpond.com
Thank you, Container homes, especially Samuel always there when needed, these are the way of the future
MICHAEL BAKER
BERRINGA Vic.
Amazing work, suited our needs will recommend Highly
Industries Services Training Pty Ltd
Winnellie NT 0821
The units were locally modified and transported to site, very have with dealings and highly recommended.
Dr Warrier
Ridge Street Medical Centre Nambucca Heads NSW 2448
More of our Clients
Automotive Holdings Group Limited
21 Old Aberdeen Place West Perth
IDEAL Property Group
The Med Hotel Cresent Heads NSW.
The Fairmount Resort
Blue Mountains NSW
Niki Colman
Site address
Macleay Island,
Queensland 4184
Penny O’Brian
Davidson's Lane Moore Creek, NSW.
Peter Rose
Roma, Qld, 4455
The units were locally modified and transported to site, very have with dealings and highly recommended.
Dr Warrier
Ridge Street Medical Centre Nambucca Heads NSW 2448
Container Homes
ABN: 61 152 992 099
PH: +61 02 9056 5028
Mobile: +61 0 434191600
Head Office: 81-83 Campbell St Surry Hills NSW 2010
1 Ginibi Drive Altona North Vic
Mail: PO BOX 880 ASHFIELD NSW 1800 Australia
Container Homes Designer Domain Pty. Limited.
TRADING AS:
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