Sustainable Living Takes Shape in Stacked Steel
Imagine a home built not with bricks and mortar, but with recycled shipping containers! This innovative concept is becoming a reality, and Swedish architect Måns Tham has taken it to new heights with his creation: The Container House on the outskirts of Stockholm.
A Self-Built Dream
Designed for a couple passionate about self-building and sustainability, the Container House utilizes eight standard shipping containers stacked and elevated on metal pillars. The husband’s background in demolition and love for customized vehicles influenced the project’s focus on reuse and adaptation, making a large portion of the construction a self-build accomplishment.
Maximizing Space on a Challenging Terrain
The steep building lot presented a unique challenge. To overcome the lack of space for a traditional foundation, Tham cleverly raised the house on steel pillars. Eight containers, each 2.4 meters wide, were meticulously stacked to create three levels of living space for the family of five. Walls between containers were strategically removed to maximize the interior volume while maintaining structural integrity.
Challenges and Solutions
“A shipping container’s limited width isn’t ideal for a house,” explains Tham. “Choosing which walls to remove and which to keep to minimize additional structure required a lot of thought.” This thoughtful approach ensured efficient use of the containers.
Design Responding to the Environment
The container placement reflects the site’s topography. The upper floor, spanning a larger area, houses the main living spaces, taking advantage of the elevated position. Rainwater seamlessly flows beneath the house and the adjoining steel-truss bridge, minimizing impact on the surrounding pine forest.
A Functional Layout
Entering the house from the lower level, you’ll find a den and guest bedroom. A laundry room and main bathroom with a large window showcasing the rocky landscape complete this floor. Stairs lead to the upper level, featuring the main living area with a terrace bathed in evening sunlight. Additional bedrooms at the back offer serene forest views.
A Playful and Light-Filled Space
A unique feature is a single container perched above the living area, creating a private mezzanine lookout for the children. This container also functions as a lightwell, bringing natural light into the north-facing living room. An open-tread steel staircase with a net balustrade further enhances light penetration.
Sustainability Through Resourcefulness
The project champions sustainability by incorporating salvaged materials from demolition sites around Stockholm. Timber planks, metal panels, staircases, and even discarded kitchen components were given a new lease on life with slight modifications.
Meeting Regulations with Creativity
Sweden’s strict building codes demanded innovative solutions for railings, chimneys, and guttering. Tham’s ingenuity ensured these details adhered to regulations while maintaining the home’s cohesive aesthetic.
Beyond the Containers
The Container House exemplifies the growing trend of repurposing shipping containers for sustainable architecture. Similar projects include a portable house built from two containers by Polish practice Wiercinski Studio and a demountable stadium constructed using containers by Fenwick Iribarren Architects in Qatar.
A Testament to Transformation
Tham concludes, “At some point, the stacked and modified containers transcend their original purpose and become a permanent part of the landscape. This transformation was a guiding light throughout the design challenges, resulting in a truly unique and sustainable home.”
Considering a Shipping Container Home?
The Container House offers a glimpse into the exciting possibilities of sustainable and innovative architecture. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and unconventional approach to home building, repurposed shipping containers might be worth exploring!
