By Brandon J Green
Anyone who reads my blog knows how interested I am in exploring the use of shipping containers when it comes to building a sustainable home. I have been very passionate about exploring different concepts and talking with individuals who support the use of recycled shipping containers. In Europe and a number of other countries, the concept has started to expand not only in residential settings but also for commercial use, schools and even hotels.
Low cost, sustainable home in Phoenix, Arizona
A couple of months ago, I sat down with partner and co-founder of Upcycle Living, Ashton Wolfsinkle. The old saying “build it and they will come” is exactly what Ashton has done here in Phoenix, Arizona. He and his partner have started building residential homes out of shipping containers. Right now, on a rented lot at 5th St and Roosevelt, you can view a model they have built. It is roughly 1280 sf and has two floors with two bedrooms and two and half baths. They have used 4 full length (40′) containers and have a complete model ready to preview. It has bamboo floors, modern cabinets, high efficiency toilets, and sky lights.
Shipping containers are very strong and can be configured in a wide variety of ways to create very unique and modern living spaces. They are very durable and cannot be harmed by insects or weather. Once a plan is designed, a home can be created offsite and then shipped into a location with minimal assembly required. On site, the containers are put in the desired configuration and plumbing/electric are completed. Even these two essential components can be done off site and then snapped together on location limiting expensive contractor fees and speeding up the time it takes to finish a home.
A buyer can design their own home and while it is being built offsite. They can have their land prepared for delivery. A container home can be set on a cement slab or it can be put on cement pilons thus
Nice large master bedroom
reducing the cost. Once the home is set in place, it is affixed and becomes a permanent structure known to withstand hurricanes and tornadoes. Usually a crawl space is left so plumbing can easily be accessed underneath the home.
Most successful designs minimize the number of walls where plumbing is placed but what you end up with are containers set side by side or stacked on top of each other with all electric and plumbing in the floor or walls. Completely invisible to the owner inside and totally protected to the elements on the outside.
One of the biggest arguments I see and hear from potential buyers is the idea that they do not like the look and feel of a
Stucco or siding can be added to change the exterior appearance
container. I had my own theory on how to solve this problem but I discussed this with Ashton and he confirmed, “Upcycle Living can put many different types of skins on the containers.”
They can add stucco or many different types of siding so the house looks more traditional from the outside. They can add an A-frame roof or you can have a more traditional flat roof. Since the containers are so strong, you can add a solar system to the roof or your very own sustainable roof garden. Your only limitation is your own imagination.
I will post more updates about this home and other designs from
A nice open kitchen makes this a great home for entertaining
Upcycle Living. If you would like to schedule an appointment to see the home or discuss possible options about buying it, please feel free to drop Ashton Wolfsinkle a call or email me, Brandon Green, directly at bgreenrealtor@gmail.com
The model can be purchased and Upcycle Living is able to deliver it to almost any location a buyer may desire.
Nice, bright open living room and kitchen with stairs to the upstairs bedrooms
Remeber if you have a vacant lot, want to tear down an existing home, or need assistance finding a vacant lot, the model or a more personalized version can be purchased and delivered to your property. Call me at 602-722-8125 or email me at bgreenrealtor@gmail.com to discuss pricing and for more information.
May 27th, 2010 at 6:28 am
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