This is a MOD of my original 1280sqft shipping container home design, with an increase of 160sqft achieved by spreading the containers apart another 4 feet. This makes the common area between containers 20’x40′ (800sqft), increasing the overall total livable area of the home to 1440sqft.
1440sqft Shipping Container Home Design
Vaulted ceiling
The ceiling has been modified to increase the overall height to 12 feet, giving the interior space a more open feel. With the addition of large glass windows on either end of the building and 4 smaller windows on the rear of the home above the loft, it allows more light to enter the living area, thereby decreasing the need for powered lighting.
4500-watt solar roof
The most notable design aspect of the home is the sloped SOUTH facing roof which is equipped with 18, 250-Watt solar panels. The roof is angled at approximately 40 degrees to maximize the direct sunlight.
640sqft living roof
Another sustainable aspect of this container home is the living roof. The flat surface area of the roof of the shipping containers makes the perfect area to grow a living roof. The structure of the container would need to be reinforced to support the added weight of soil and plants/grass.
Solar + farming
The living roof is a great use of space and basically turns the home into a practical tool instead of just a shelter. The home becomes an energy machine and a small garden. The total area covered by the garden is about 640sqft.
This home is designed to be efficient while producing food and energy, and the modern design makes it more attractive to those with contemporary taste in home design.
Sun deck
One could essentially modify the loft (north) side of the roof as a sun deck by simply adding railing and a staircase to reach the roof area.
Affordable
Affordability is relative, however, because this home uses recycled shipping containers as the base for the modular design, one could build something similar for less than $50k in materials and equipment, including the solar power system and the living roof.
The possibilities and potential practical uses for this design are nearly limitless.
Peiting
Tuesday 19th of February 2013
can I ask about the suitable material for the roof under the solar panel and also the material for the vaulted ceiling? Btw, how do you joint the existing wall of the shipping crate with the vaulted ceiling? thanks...