Jun. 30, 2025
Shipping container homes are increasingly becoming popular for many due to their affordability and availability. In addition to being cost-effective, they are often also considered more sustainable. Quick assembly and customization also make them attractive to potential homeowners.
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But is container living the right choice for you? If the container chic aesthetic is calling your name, you're in the right place. In this post, we look at shipping container homes, what makes them popular and what you should consider before getting one for yourself.
Shipping container homes are made from a used shipping container or by combining multiple shipping containers. These homes can be either prefabricated or custom-built. Container homes are becoming increasingly popular as a more sustainable and affordable alternative to traditionally built homes.
Shipping containers are made from weathering steel, making them incredibly durable and low maintenance. They are also modular, so they can be easily transported and assembled on-site. Shipping container homes can be adapted to most climates and terrain, making them ideal for those who want to live off the grid.
If you want flexibility to expand your living space as your needs change, consider adding additional containers. Expandable container homes can be easily extended with prefabricated or custom-built containers to match the existing structure. This makes them ideal for growing families or if you want to incorporate other uses like a home office, an art studio or a home gym.
Prefab container homes are the way to go if you want a quick and easy way to build a new home. These homes are built off-site in a factory and then transported to the building site, where they are assembled.
This can save a significant amount of time and money, as well as reduce the amount of disruption to the surrounding area.
Who said container homes can't be lavish? Luxury container homes can be customized to include various high-end features, such as gourmet kitchens, spa-like bathrooms, and home theaters.
They can also be designed to blend in with the surrounding environment, making them ideal for those who want to live in a more natural setting.
Consider tiny container homes if you want to downsize your living space and live a more minimalist lifestyle. These homes are typically made from a single shipping container and can be as small as 160 square feet.
They are often very affordable and can be easily transported, making them ideal for those who want to live a more nomadic lifestyle.
Shipping container homes are made from intermodal steel containers. They come in two sizes that can be used as-is or configured to create larger space.
Most shipping containers are 20 feet by 8 feet or 40 feet by 8 feet. The smaller containers can offer 160 square feet of living space, while the larger ones provide 320 square feet.
Shipping containers can be stacked vertically or horizontally to create a more living space. You can also use shipping containers to create dwellings that house multiple independent units.
Shipping containers are versatile, durable, and modular, making them ideal for innovative repurposing beyond residential use. Here are a few creative, non-residential applications of shipping containers.
Example Use Benefits Examples Pop-up retail & cafes Convert containers into trendy shops, coffee houses, or food stalls. Portable, cost-effective, and eye-catching for urban areas or festivals. Starbucks’ drive-thru container cafés, seasonal holiday markets. Mobile art galleries Transform containers into traveling art exhibits or interactive installations. Weather-resistant, easy to transport, and customizable for lighting/display. The Container Art Festival (Taiwan), BOX PARK (London). Emergency shelters & medical clinics Rapid-deployment clinics, disaster relief housing, or mobile hospitals. Stackable, secure, and quickly modified for sanitation and utilities. Emergency COVID-19 testing units, refugee housing in conflict zones. Urban farming & hydroponics Create vertical farms or climate-controlled grow rooms for herbs, greens, or mushrooms. Efficient land use, insulation for temperature control, and pesticide-free crops. Freight Farms’ Leafy Green Machine, urban rooftop farms. Co-working spaces & offices Build portable offices, tech hubs, or startup incubators. Affordable, scalable, and ideal for remote or temporary worksites. Google’s container-based offices in Kenya, pop-up co-working hubs. Educational classrooms & libraries Deploy classrooms, STEM labs, or community libraries in underserved areas. Fast setup, low-cost alternative to brick-and-mortar buildings. Containers of Hope schools in Costa Rica, mobile STEM labs. Hospitality & eco-tourism Design boutique hotels, glamping pods, or eco-resort amenities. Unique aesthetic, minimal environmental footprint. CitizenM hotels, luxury safari lodges in Africa. Community and social hubs Build gyms, maker spaces, or youth centers in urban areas. Affordable community infrastructure with a modern vibe. Re:START Mall (Christchurch, NZ) post-earthquake retail hub.There are many benefits to reusing shipping containers for housing. Here are a few things to consider if you're looking into the pros of container homes.
While the cost of a container home will vary depending on size, design and layout, this option is generally a more cost-effective housing option. Shipping container homes are smaller and often come pre-fabricated, making them more affordable and accessible.
Pre-assembled homes are often built offsite and inside large hangers that make construction faster. If you have all the necessary materials on hand, it is possible to construct a shipping container home in just a few days.
This is a significant benefit if you need to move into your new home quickly or live in an area where housing is in high demand.
Container homes are made from repurposed shipping containers that are no longer used to carry cargo. Therefore, buying them and converting them into living spaces is considered more sustainable as they use fewer land resources and raw materials.
Shipping containers are made of durable corten steel that can withstand different temperatures and weather conditions. This construction material also requires less maintenance and can be used in different climates.
As with many things, there are a few cons of shipping container homes that can impact your decision. Make sure to explore them all before committing to a container home.
The downside of shipping container homes is that they are not recognized as valid forms of housing by many local municipal authorities. This might make it challenging to obtain the necessary permits and might not be permissible in your area.
Always do your research and work with a shipping container home builder who is familiar with the permitting process in your area.
The modular nature of shipping containers means they can often be sourced and used at a lower price. However, they will likely require additional costs for insulation, finishes, appliances and other features to make them livable.
You might also have to factor in structural integrity risks when cutting openings and additional reinforcement costs.
Another downside of shipping container homes is that they can be difficult to insulate. This is because shipping containers are made from metal.
As a result, shipping container homes can be sweltering in the summer and very cold in the winter. Insulation options are available for shipping container homes, but they can be expensive to install.
Containers that have been damaged or were treated with chemicals can be dangerous if not cleaned properly. Using new containers that can still be used for shipping instead of ones that have reached their retirement age is not the same as repurposing old ones.
Although shipping containers are less expensive than other construction materials, they must be properly insulated and outfitted with electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
This can add up quickly, so be sure to factor in the cost of these materials and services when budgeting for your shipping container home.
Consider a container home if: Avoid it if: You prioritize sustainability and innovative design. You seek guaranteed low costs or traditional aesthetics. You have budget flexibility and enjoy DIY projects. Local codes are restrictive, or you lack time/resources for complex modifications. Local regulations are favorable, and you can secure experienced contractors.Another thing to consider is the design of your shipping container home. You can customize these homes to meet your specific needs, but it's important to work with a qualified architect or engineer to ensure that your home is safe and up to code.
Shipping container homes offer a unique, eco-conscious housing solution with notable design potential. However, success hinges on thorough planning, awareness of hidden costs, and compliance with regulations.
Evaluate personal priorities, location, and budget carefully before committing. Do your research and work with a shipping container home builder familiar with the permitting process in your area to make sure that your shipping container home is up to code.
Ever since renovation, home styling and interior design became popular, through shows like The Block or Grand Designs, shipping container homes have been at the forefront of people's minds. Recognised for their potential low cost, associated environmental benefits and quick build time, the idea of building a shipping container home has appealed to many frugal and savvy individuals. For the few that have tried and succeeded, lessons learnt along their construction journey were not readily available, until now.
This article will be your guide through some common questions - and answer more specific details about shipping containers homes in Australia.
There are currently limited 'off-the-plan' options for a container house. There are also no 'ready made' container homes that can be trucked or transported from a depot and dropped into place. Each container is brought to site and carefully placed by a qualified team of builders.
Whilst containers provide a shell, each container needs to be fabricated to fit in with the floorplan and designed to meet the Building Code of Australia (BCA) requirements. This can be done at a container depot, or onsite depending on the project. This is covered further into the guide.
Think of it like a game of Tetris, where each piece is pre-configured off-site, then carefully moved into place before being fixed to a set of footings or foundations designed by your engineer.
If you are planning on building a container home in Australia, you will need to check the planning requirements of your local council. Now that the disclaimer is out the way, let’s dive into planning permissions in general.
Most Australian councils treat containers like any other permanent building on your property. Whether it is being used as a permanent backyard shed, or an architecturally designed container home, you will need engineering, plans, inspections and all other associated approvals in place before you start building your home with containers.
This can become more complicated if you intend to modify or fabricate the containers on site to fit your design. The structural integrity of a container is what makes them so popular for shipping and transport. As soon as any modification is made, the structural integrity can be compromised. This can be overcome by having a structurally certified welder complete the work.
Related links:For more Luxury Expandable Container Houseinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
Container homes in Australia are treated like any other home. They are a standalone structure and must comply with the same regulations that govern a traditionally built home. These can differ based on location, so you should speak with your architect or local council before you begin your container home journey.
No matter what design you settle on, you will need to convert shipping containers to suit your home design. Whilst they come with walls and end doors (or side doors if you choose), they do not come with windows or internal doors. Your plans will need to clearly detail these conversions.
You will also need to consider footing and foundations, ventilation, insulation, plaster, plumbing, electrical and flooring, as these additions are not included in the container cost and cannot be excluded.
Shipping containers do a fantastic job of keeping goods protected from wind and water. They can also heat up very quickly, if there is nothing to allow the warm air inside to escape. This change in temperature can cause condensation.
Once you settle on plans from an architect and engineer, you will need to have them approved by your local council or shire.
The good thing about containers is that you have a lot of freedom with modifications. This includes sliding doors, windows, insulation and, internal and external doors.
A range of considerations will determine the final cost of your container home.
The pricing below takes into account the cost of containers only. It does not include the associated costs of any of the following, each of which will also need to be considered when building:
All prices below incl. GST. They are accurate as of . If you are after a current indicative price of containers, call our Customer Service Team on 131 132.
The quantity of containers you need will depend on the size of your home. Like any structure, as the size increases so does the cost.
Each container will also need to be modified to fit into a house too. Consider internal doors, windows, the removal of walls to create larger spaces, etc. They will also need to be modified properly, so that the structural integrity is not compromised.
According to a report by Commsec Home Size Trends Report released in , the average size of new build homes in Australia is 235.8m2. This is important to provide context when calculating the cost of a container home.
Depending on your design, you may need a range of container sizes.
According to the Australian Building Code, the minimum internal ceiling height is 2.4m for a habitable room. This rules out general purpose containers, with an internal ceiling height of only 2.39m.
In contrast, the internal height of high cube shipping containers is 2.7m. This provides ample space for insulation, electrical, lighting and plaster.
Another consideration when determining your container size is the design that you choose. In terms of cost, 40ft high cube containers represent better value for money per m2 than 20ft high cube containers. Take a look at our Shipping Containers for Sale and Hire Price List guide that highlights the breakdown in cost of shipping containers. Much of the cost can be attributed to the corner castings and corner posts, which provide the structural integrity for each container.
Thinking of building a tiny home, or something smaller? Using the above pricing, you can calculate the cost of containers only for your own build.
There are numerous factors that contribute to the price of a shipping container. If you want to learn more about container pricing, take a look at our guide, Shipping Containers for Sale & Hire - Price List.
New, used or heavily used? Whilst newer containers are cleaner, show less signs of wear and tear and have often carried or stored less stock, they also cost considerably more.
Used containers are much cheaper, but they may have minor internal or external marks. Or they could have been used to store or transport things that you would not want in your home, such as automotive parts, paints, or junk. Your container supplier should be able to provide an indication of containers that are suitable to use for a house build.
Unfortunately, unless you purchase new containers, there is no way to guarantee what each container has been used for.
Once your containers have been fabricated and you are ready to piece together your dream home, make sure you stick to those original plans. Any updates or changes will incur significant expense, especially if the container requires further modification. This might mean more cutting, welding, or even starting again with another container. Remember, it is much harder to retrofit one or more containers into a build part way through.
Although the interest in container homes is growing, there are currently no off the plan build services available in Australia. Each and every home needs to be designed from the ground up, whether through an architect, builder or hobbyist home owner.
A custom home design can be one of the primary reasons why people decide to build a home like this.
Suitable containers for a home build come in either a long or a very long rectangle. The possibilities with the way they are configured together to form a home are endless. They can be single or double story, include architectural highlights like cantilevered rooms and industrial interior walls, and either blend in with or contrast against their surroundings.
In short, container homes often make a statement.
Built with corten steel, containers are designed to last in the harshest conditions. Think of the exposure to salt on the open ocean, to the heat and UV rays of the Australian sun during summer, and extended rains during winter. Each one of these contribute to corrosion and rust.
The common lifespan of a container used for freight, on rail or road, is 10 or more years.
However, containers for static storage can last much longer because they are lifted and moved much less often. This is when much of the structural damage can occur, from scratches and scrapes that accelerate rusting, to denting and warping that can occur from constant loading and unloading.
When used for onsite storage, containers can last up to 25 years with limited maintenance. Depending on how exposed it is, the locking rods and door seals may deteriorate before this estimate.
Containers used for homes can often last much longer for multiple reasons.
Solid footings keep dampness away from the base, which is usually one of the first parts to show signs of damage if left on soil or dirt.
This extends their life by sealing the unit from water, salt and dirt. The addition of roofing over the structure, which accounts for water runoff, means that water will not pool on top of the container either. This significantly reduces the chances of rust.
Each container that is chosen is often in decent condition. Newer builds, or containers used in protected areas for static storage are the most suitable for home builds because they show less signs of wear and tear, have fewer rust spots and are more structurally sound.
Containers that have done a decade or more on the road or rail are less likely to be suited to container homes. Exposure to the elements, along with the constant loading and unloading into and out of depots means there is often more damage and corrosion. In some instances, there can also be minor warping which won’t affect them in transit, but will cause significant headaches when building a home.
Ongoing maintenance, such as cleaning and painting every 5-7 years, means your container home could last for well over 50 years.
Are shipping containers the best material to build your next house with?
They could be, if you want a house that makes a statement, whilst also reducing the environmental impact of building a new home, then containers could be for you. Your container home will be unique. It will stand up to Australia’s harsh conditions, from scorching hot summers, to cold and wet winters too. Depending on how you fit out the interior, it could also have an industrial edge that will be unmatched with a standard home.
However, if your intention is to build the cheapest house by using recycled shipping containers, then you might be in for a rude shock. Pricing has changed significantly since container homes burst onto the scene around . There will also be a large amount of fabrication work if you intend to build an average sized Australian home. A traditional home built off the plan will likely represent a much more affordable project, with more traditional living space and less headaches throughout construction.
Once you have spoken to an architect or builder and know what you need, contact SCF to discuss your container requirements. SCF currently supplies containers to a range of builders for residential and commercial projects.
If you require many containers, suggest to your architect or builder to contact us early in the process, as it might take a while to secure the number of containers that are best suited to your home build. Our team will be more than happy to help you secure 20ft and 40ft containers for your home.
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