Sep. 01, 2025
Looking for smarter, more sustainable ways to build? You’re not alone. Around the world, housing pros like you are rethinking what it means to create a home, and shipping container house design is leading the charge.
With competitive price and timely delivery, Hongyu Dinghao sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
Whether you’re a builder, remodeler, architect, or designer, you know that traditional construction can come with long timelines, high labor costs, and material waste. But what if you could offer clients a faster, more affordable, and eco-friendly alternative without sacrificing comfort or style?
That’s exactly what this guide delivers.
From layout strategies to real-life examples and pro tips, this article is your go-to resource for creating efficient, eye-catching container home designs.
Why trust us? Here at Cedreo, we’ve got 20+ years of experience working with housing pros in the home design space. That means we know exactly what builders and designers need to create container house plans that land them more clients.
Before you design a shipping container house, you need to know what you’re working with. Shipping containers come in a few key types and sizes, and each one has pros, cons, and ideal use cases in home design.
The most common cargo containers used in shipping container house design are:
Need more ceiling height? Go for a high cube.
*Want to see what you can do with a variety of container sizes? Check out our article 19 Container Home Ideas: Innovative Designs for Professionals.
Whenever possible, choose one-trip containers. They’re budget-friendly while also being structurally sound and clean, which makes them easier to convert into a livable space.
Prices vary depending on size, condition, and location, but here’s a general idea:
Here are the average prices for a shipping container house. Keep in mind this doesn’t typically include the price of the land or site work.
These numbers include the container, modifications, interior finishes, and labor. DIY builders can cut costs, while a turnkey, professionally finished shipping container home sits at the higher end.
Designing a shipping container house means working with steel. It’s strong, compact, and durable. But it also brings unique challenges.
Insulation is a must. Steel conducts heat and cold, so proper insulation (like spray foam or rigid panels) helps control temperature and reduce energy use. This also prevents condensation, a common issue that can lead to mold if not managed.
Ventilation matters. Containers are virtually airtight. Without airflow, a shipping container house can feel stuffy. Use operable windows, vents, or mini-split HVAC systems to keep the air fresh and comfortable.
Space is tight. Containers are narrow — just over 7 feet inside — so smart layouts, minimal framing, multi-use furniture, and vertical storage are key. Every inch counts.
*Want more ideas for making the best use of tiny spaces? Visit our article Shipping Container Tiny House: Best Tips for Builders.
Modifications add flexibility. You’ll often need to cut out sections for windows, doors, or room openings. These cuts weaken the container’s structure, so proper reinforcement is essential, and that can involve consulting with a structural engineer..
Stacking. If you’re stacking containers, the easiest way is to align the corners (the strongest points where they are designed to be stacked). If not stacking on the four corners, you’ll need to add reinforcements, and for that, you should consult a structural engineer for safe builds.
Shipping container homes may be compact, but with the right layout, they can feel surprisingly open and functional. The key? Use the container’s unique structure to your advantage. Here are space planning tips tailored specifically to container house design.
In single-container or narrow designs, place bedrooms at either end and centralize the kitchen/living areas. This layout improves privacy, airflow, and noise control.
*Want to see what else you can fit in a single 40ft container house design? See what’s possible in our article 40 Ft Container Home: Design Tips, Layout Ideas & Costs.
Placing two 40 ft containers parallel and joining them creates a wider interior (approx. 15 feet). This allows for more defined rooms and a traditional open-plan kitchen and living area if needed.
An L-shaped shipping container house using two or three containers creates distinct living and sleeping zones. The inside corner is a perfect, low-light spot for a shared bathroom or walk-in closet, since they are areas that don’t need a lot of exterior windows.
U-shaped layouts use three containers arranged around a central courtyard, creating a private outdoor space that feels like an extension of the home. It’s ideal for clients who love being in nature since it keeps everything connected through the open-air central space.
*See all you can do with a U-shaped construction in our article U Shaped Container Home Benefits, Ideas & Layouts.
Stacked layouts are perfect for a small site. Place bedrooms upstairs and shared spaces like the kitchen and living room below. Plus, this configuration often allows for a rooftop deck or covered patio space underneath.
*Get more ideas for stacked layouts in our article 2 Story Container Home Guide: Design, Build & Optimize.
Slide the second-story container back or to the side slightly to form an overhang. This architectural move gives you a shaded outdoor zone that’s perfect for warm climates or compact yards.
With two or more containers, try dedicating one to private spaces (bedrooms & bathrooms) and another to shared spaces (kitchen/living). This separation helps organize the home and improves sound insulation.
The right interior design style can make a container house design feel bigger, brighter, and more like home. Because shipping container homes have unique dimensions and steel walls, some design styles work better than others. Here are a few that pair perfectly with container living.
DON’T MISS THIS: Check out our article Best Design Tips for Inside Shipping Container Homes for more interior design tips for container homes.
Raw materials like metal, wood, and concrete give this style its bold, urban edge. Exposed beams, matte black fixtures, and concrete-look flooring feel right at home inside a steel container. It’s a natural fit — both visually and structurally — for celebrating a container home’s unique build.
Clean lines, light colors, and natural textures make this style a top pick for small spaces. It’s especially effective in container homes, where light-colored walls and wood accents help brighten the space and make rooms feel more open. Simple furniture keeps floor space clear, which is important in the narrow rooms you usually find in a container house design.
Warm, layered, and cozy, Boho style brings life and personality to even the smallest shipping container house designs. Think hanging plants, textured rugs, and low, cushioned seating. It softens the industrial feel of shipping containers while creating a relaxed, inviting vibe.
This look blends rustic charm with clean, modern finishes. Shiplap walls, neutral colors, and barn-style lighting work especially well in high cube containers, where the extra ceiling height gives that farmhouse feel. It’s a nice choice for homeowners who want something cozy but updated.
This is perfect for container houses placed near beaches or sunny areas. This style uses lots of white, light woods, and soft blues. Large windows or glass doors bring in natural light to make the narrow container feel breezy and open. Add woven textures and sea-inspired decor for a full-on coastal look.
*See more trendy ideas in our article Modern Container House: Trends, Tips & Inspiration.
Now that we’ve explored layouts, structural tips, and interior styles, let’s see how it all works in real container houses.
Here are three complete design ideas that combine different container sizes, floor plans, and interior styles. Plus, we’ll share a few real-world examples to inspire your next project.
This layout uses one 40 ft high cube container to create a compact yet stylish living space. Inside, you’ll find a sleeping area, a full bathroom, and a galley kitchen that opens to a small sitting zone.
The interior features a Scandinavian minimalist style — white walls, light wood accents, and simple built-ins to keep the space open and airy. This is a great container house design for Airbnb to rent, guest suites, or off-grid getaways.
Two 40 ft containers sit side-by-side to create a 640 sq. ft. home with two full bedrooms (or one bedroom and one flex space for an office or guest room).
This layout includes a shared bathroom, an open-concept kitchen/living area, and clever storage throughout. The modern farmhouse style adds warmth and personality, with barn-style lights, wide plank flooring, and light-colored cabinetry. It’s an ideal shipping container home for couples, small families, or downsizers.
*Read our article 2 Bedroom Container Home: Best Layouts & Design Tips for more layouts you can use for a 2-bedroom container house design.
This container house design combines multiple containers in a U-shaped layout with a central patio space. Inside, you get three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a large kitchen, and an open dining/living area.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the home with light, while the modern industrial style ties it all together with steel accents, concrete-look floors, and bold finishes. Add a rooftop deck or covered patio for even more outdoor living space.
*Want more ideas for designing big and luxurious shipping container homes? Check out these articles.
The company is the world’s best Container House Projects supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Related links:Want to see what’s possible? Check out these real shipping container home designs to see what’s possible.
Designing a container house doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and a clear plan, you can go from concept to client-ready design faster than ever.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how to create a 3D container house design using a shipping container home planner. If you use software like Cedreo, you don’t need any previous CAD or 3D modeling experience.
TIP!: Get the full list of detailed instructions in our article How to Design a Container Home.
Start with the basics — what kind of shipping containers will you use? How many? What’s the size of the lot? Think about your client’s lifestyle and goals. Do they need two bedrooms? A home office? Outdoor space? These early decisions will guide your layout.
Use Cedreo’s floor plan software to quickly draw walls, place doors and windows, and define rooms. With drag-and-drop simplicity, you can outline an entire 2D floor plan in just a few minutes.
As you design, Cedreo generates 3D views in real time. This helps you picture how the space flows, where the natural light comes in, and how the interior style comes together.
Choose from thousands of materials and furniture options to match your client’s design style. You can also add corrugated textures to make the home look like a real shipping container.
With just a few clicks, export photorealistic 3D renderings, 3D floor plans and professional presentation documents. Clients can clearly see the vision, which helps you get faster approvals and keep projects on schedule.
Want to see the full process in action?
Watch our webinar on shipping container house design with Cedreo.
It’s packed with tips and live examples that show just how easy container house planning can be.
Choosing the right software can make or break your design process, especially for something as unique as a shipping container house. Let’s take a quick look at three of the most popular tools in the industry.
As you’ll see, while SketchUp and Revit have their strengths, Cedreo stands out as the best choice for container home professionals who need speed, simplicity, and results that land them more clients.
*If you want to see more software options for container house design, check out this article: 10 Best Container Home Design Software (Free & Paid)
SketchUp is a flexible 3D modeling tool known for its intuitive drawing interface and plugin ecosystem. It’s often used for quick conceptual designs but requires time (and sometimes paid add-ons) to tailor designs for container homes.
Revit is a powerful BIM (Building Information Modeling) tool widely used in large-scale architecture and engineering projects. It’s extremely detailed but often too complex for quick shipping container house design work.
Cedreo is built for housing pros who want to create container home designs (and other types of residential home designs) quickly, without needing CAD skills. It combines 2D and 3D design in one easy-to-use interface that is perfect for visualizing layouts and impressing clients fast.
With Cedreo, you can skip the steep learning curve and focus on what matters — designing beautiful, buildable container houses that help you grow your business.
Try Cedreo now for FREE.
Designing a shipping container house doesn’t have to be complicated. Fortunately, with Cedreo, it isn’t. From simple homes built with a single shipping container to spacious multi-container dream home layouts, Cedreo gives you the power to create accurate 2D floor plans and stunning 3D visuals in just a few hours. Do all of that even without extensive CAD or 3D design experience.
So, whether you’re a home builder, remodeler, or designer, switch to Cedreo today so you can plan smarter, present better, and win more clients.
Container houses are durable, fast to build, and often more affordable than traditional homes. They also promote sustainable building by reusing steel shipping containers and minimizing construction waste.
Container homes can face insulation and ventilation challenges due to their steel structure. They may also require structural reinforcement when cutting for windows or doors, and often need local code compliance checks.
On average, container homes cost between $40,000 and $150,000, depending on size, finishes, and site prep. Small single-container units are cheaper, while multi-container luxury homes with extensive modifications obviously cost more.
Container homes are usually more inexpensive compared to traditional houses, especially for smaller DIY builds. However, customization and insulation can add costs, so the savings depend on the design and materials used.
With proper maintenance and protection from moisture, container homes can last 25 to 50 years or more. Using one-trip shipping containers and quality finishes helps extend their lifespan.
It’s easier with the right tools and planning. Software like Cedreo helps design and visualize layouts, but you’ll still need to handle insulation, structural changes, and compliance with local codes.
It depends on your goals. Tiny homes offer flexibility in design and materials and are often on mobile trailer foundations. Container homes are more durable and more affordable to build if you stick to simple layouts and a basic concrete pier foundation.
The idea of living in a shipping container hasn't always been everybody's cup of tea. Today, more and more people are embracing container homes and the unique design style they bring to the table.
More and more prefab container homes are popping up on the market, making it easier than ever before for buyers to embrace this lifestyle. They offer a range of benefits like quick build time, the ability to build almost anywhere, and easy transport. Container homes can be cost-effective when compared to traditional homes.
That doesn't mean they don't come without a specific set of challenges. Learn more about what to keep in mind when considering a container home build or design project.
When creating container homes, plans can vary dramatically depending on your ideal setup. A home designed for a family is certainly very different than a space that functions as a live-work setup for a single individual or couple. The most important thing is having a container home interior design plan in place well before you start finishing and furnishing a space.
Here are a few tips to help you develop a plan before the buying and building process:
The location, planned use, and design of a container home will be held to the same applicable International Building Code (IBC) standards, as well as state and local laws and regulations, as would be applied to any other permanent housing. This includes zoning and deed restrictions, HOA rules, and all associated permit processes.
How a container home is used has a role in the building requirements it is subject to. For instance, a container home will be required to meet the housing code standards that a backyard shipping container storage unit would not. Other factors must be documented and verified as within regulations. Project details such as the height and length of the container are subject to the same regulations as any modular home or new construction.
Some state and local regulations require home builds utilize only new containers. New containers will be more structurally sound, with no wear and tear from use, and will not have been exposed to potentially harmful chemicals during shipping. As with the documentation required of a normal home build, this offers a more accurate history of the building materials used, from the steel quality, hazardous exposure risks, and even the type of paint.
While any container home attached to a permanent foundation is federally considered the same as a modular home or new construction site, each local jurisdiction will be subject to their own regulations. The best way to save time and money on a container home project is to research the codes that apply to this emerging market in your area.
Expedite the permits by providing plans and photos of any already completed container projects in the area to clear up any confusion as to exactly what type of container home your client is planning.
The used shipping container market can be a tricky one to navigate to ensure superior materials for client homes. Choosing quality containers can make the process of building a home considerably easier by reducing the amount of repair work required upfront.
Older containers may be salvageable, but they can create a lot more headaches than one might imagine. While a dented or dinged corner may not matter much when shipping cargo across the world, it's much more noticeable — and potentially problematic — when that damaged corner becomes part of a home's façade. Rust is also a serious concern when you're dealing with well-worn shipping containers.
Even experienced builders find themselves searching the world over for containers that can be combined to build the ideal home for a client. One-trip containers are those containers that have made only one voyage on a shipping vessel. They tend to be more expensive than containers with more use, but the benefit is that one-trip containers are a lot less likely to have damage that needs to be repaired.
Though shipping containers are made of hard, ultra-durable materials, they're designed for cargo, not people. Repurposing a shipping container, or multiple shipping containers in most cases, means turning industrial materials into something people can actually live in. That's why proper insulation is a must, particularly if you're building for a very cold climate.
When considering insulation, climate is a key factor. A home in Southern California has different requirements in terms of insulation than what is needed in Manitoba, Canada. Some prefab container homes come pre-insulated, but you'll need to make sure they're equipped for their final destination.
In many container homes, a mixture of insulation types will work best. For example, closed-cell polyurethane spray foam is commonly used on the roof. However, this type of insulation may work for use on the whole container-home build.
Rock wool blankets are regularly used under containers. Other flooring insulation options include open-cell polyurethane foam, fiberglass, cotton, and sheep's wool. Non-traditional materials like straw bales and hemp may also be helpful.
Appliances make up a big part of any new home build, especially in the kitchen. Container homes may not lend themselves to oversized options, but there’s no need to skip the chef's kitchen entirely. Instead, find a set of compact appliances that are the right scale for a container home.
Additional ideas for compact container home appliances:
Creating a home from shipping containers can be cost-effective, creative, and produce truly spectacular results in terms of overall style and design. The design and building process is quite different than a traditional property job. Making a thorough plan before taking action can prevent choosing containers that won't work for the build and keep the project on budget, from start to finish.
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