
Malcolm McLean, a North Carolina man who ran one of the country’s largest truck transportation companies, invented the standardized metal shipping container, patenting the corner posts that give the shipping container its strength and stacking abilities. But it was their original purpose, as a means to transport goods more efficiently, that truly changed the world, according to an in-depth history by Discover Containers, a comprehensive resource on shipping container buildings. Today, shipping containers are being repurposed as homes, Airbnbs, restaurants and cafes, and even medical clinics - all uses that might sound groundbreaking to us. Source: (Paul Teysen / Unsplash) From the high seas to residential streetsįirst, a quick history lesson. You’ll learn about the benefits, costs and drawbacks of owning a container home - everything you need to know to decide whether to set sail. And, it doesn’t hurt that there are some really cool, modern-looking shipping container home designs out there.īefore you say “all aboard” to this trendy option, let’s take a close look at this architectural style. Plus, repurposing a shipping container can be more environmentally friendly. With existing home inventory low, sales prices reaching record highs and the cost to build new also climbing ever higher, it’s easy to see the allure of an alternative approach like shipping container home design.


Shipping containers - those colorful blocks stacked high on cargo ships, making their way from port to port - are having a moment. If you’re the kind of person who thinks outside the box, then a container home might be a good fit for you.
