Creating your own shipping container house (often with the help of a contractor or architect) is the best way to have a unique and affordable home. The term ‘Modified Home’ can refer to just a modified container – with a ramp, shelving, window or doors, to a shipping container home that just isn’t within the small realm of standard for the industry.

Shipping Containers modified homes

Take this container home from Asheville, North Carolina – the owners used one forty foot container and two twenty foot containers, as per the floor plan. They made it unique and their own by building a wedge shaped roof that allows for plenty of light to come into the house, and using a timber frame to build the living area

Shipping Containers modified homes
Shipping Container home examples

This Maine home, known as the “12 Container Home”, was designed by architect Adam Kalkin. Built in 2003, but it is so unique that the design still looks relevant today – thanks to modifying shipping containers. Starting by stacking a dozen orange “reclaimed” shipping containers in a T-shape then replacing some of the steel panels with large windows to enhance the view, Kalkin managed to keep the price of this stunning home at about $125/square foot.

Shipping Container home examples

The options for designing and building your own modified container home are endless – here are some ideas to consider making your house totally unique:

  • Glass – windows, doors, panels, screened separators
  • 1, 2, 3 or even 10 containers used in any formation or layout
  • Doors, walls, stairs

But the layout will truly make it unique – see the images below for design ideas or click here.

Shipping Container home design
Shipping Container home design
Shipping Container home design
Shipping Container home design
Shipping Container home design
Shipping Container home examples