2×4 cargoSpace living container home
The hearty Two-by-Four Concept features an open staircase, with a vaulted roof and 20′ of glazing, thereby providing natural day light into the central core of the home. The master suite and bedroom on the upper floor have generous closets and balconies. The open living, dining and kitchen space on the main floor can be expanded into the den with the help of a sliding wall. Security is simple, as the steel container doors on the main floor can be locked down. For remote locations rainwater recycling cisterns, septic field pumps and emergency electrical generation systems, can be easily adapted into the design.
John X says:
The concept is great, but I don’t like the modern design. Can you make it look like a log cabin?
keith says:
Come-on John … these are modern times calling for modern solutions!!
There are examples of designers cladding their container concepts with traditional materials to blend into residential areas. I understand the rational, but I haven’t investigated the possibilities and the potential details enough to promote it. I definitely have a bias toward the more Resi-dustrial approach to container design. I am sure I will eventually explore alternative claddings in the future (when the right client comes along).
Suzanne says:
I think it looks great, though this one is just a little small. Have you given any thought to adding a rooftop wind turbine or solar panels or something of that sort? Keep up the good work!
keith says:
Container buildings are part of a growing industry in the sustainable design community. These concepts lend themselves naturally to adding solar, wind, and water solutions to reduce our reliance on the “grid”.
joanne says:
WHAT ADAPTATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE, IF ANY, OR CAN BE MADE TO OUTFIT THESE STRUCTURES FOR TROPICAL WEATHER CONDITIONS? i WOULD LIKE TO USE THIS…
keith says:
The beauty of the container concept is the wonderful infrastructure that is already in place to move containers all over the world in an efficient and timely way. The greater challenge is keeping them comfortable when steel is such a good conductor of heat. I believe the best solution is often the most passive solution … but when all else fails, there are some creative mechanical solutions that can be utilized off-grid (ie. solar fans, composting toilets and ultra-efficient insulations, etc.). I am confident that with imagination, education and support – nothing is insurmountable.
ross says:
I notice you have used 20ft containers and not 40 ft any reasons why
keith says:
Reduce – Reuse – Recycle. I believe this is not just a list of ideas to live sustainably, but it is listed in order of priority. It is important for us to find ways to do with less. This design is a simple 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom solution (the average North American home) that uses approximately 400 sqft less than the current North American average. If it is necessary to utilize 40′ containers to solve the design criteria of a specific project, I will utilize them.
David Holland says:
Hi me and my wife have been married a year now the one thing that is missing is a new home I live in the GTA Toronto Ontario
houseing is so expensive I’m looking for an alternitive to buying like everyone else we would Like a cost effective house and it seem useing containers could be cheep could you let me know what the total cost including instulation ready to move in would be thx a million 1900 sqr ft
keith says:
This project has not been constructed yet. My best estimates for the 2×4 project are in the range of $150/sqft. The plans will be available in the PURCHASE section of the website very soon.
Greg says:
Do you have floor plans for this? The 3d stuff is pretty and all but I would like to see how the space is utlized.
keith says:
There are floor plans that I will be selling in the PURCHASE portion of the website soon.
MARRCO GARCIA says:
we are very interesting in to bring this kind of houses to costa rica could you please send us the models you produce and the prices. would be a good idea if you send the shiping prices to to Caldera or Limon ports in Cosdta Rica. Thanks
keith says:
Marrco:
Zigloo.ca is a cre-innovative design team. At this time we can provide custom conceptual design services, that include construction drawing documents and details. With “google earth” and aerial photography it is possible to get preliminary information about the building site. We have been doing remote projects this way and we involve local engineers and architects to help out with the bylaws and municipal codes etc… We are not developers, contractors or project managers at this time. However, we do like to stay updated and involved during the construction phase. In this way we can provide helpful input and assistance as the project develops.
This design will be available on the PURCHASE portion of the website very soon.
Joel says:
Hi Keith. I really enjoyed the articles and your web writeup on your house in Victoria. I even went so far as to skulk a peek down your driveway last year. Will that design be one of the plans to be offered? I quite enjoy the look and love the concept of stacking together a house from container components. I even would go so far as to not disguise the exterior as the container look is very interesting.
Carlos says:
What’s the price for this model?
keith says:
click here for more information:
2×4 PLANS AVAILABLE
Santi says:
Really love this design and the 2×4 Eco-Cargo. When it comes time for me to build in the future, I plan to consider these two designs. Have a quick question. Do either of these designs facilitate central air. I live in Southern the US and it tends to get a bit warm. Thanks in advance.And please keep up the good work.
Geoff says:
Hi Keith.
wow some great themes ! : )
cheers
wendy says:
I’m thinking of building one of these houses here in the mountains. I want to be totally, or near, self-sufficient using solar, passive solar and possibly wind. I love the clean design and small footprint.
Nathan says:
Your designs look great. I really appreciate the industrial feel of the 2X4 design. We are planning for a larger family that will need a little more space though. I also want to take advantage of a hillside view of the ocean. Is there a 3-floor option?
keith says:
Modifications are possible. Feel free to contact me about your needs.