Monday, December 03, 2007

Manic Monday - ship


Today's word from Mo at "It's A Blog Eat Blog World" is SHIP
Of course I wanted to do something innovative and one of the first thoughts I had was shipping containers. That's different, right?


But then I ran into something even more unusual: shipping container homes.


Architect and artist Adam Kalkin's 12-container house. Esto photo by Peter Aaron

Yup, this is a house made of shipping containers. Ain't it a beaut!

Here's another:

Seatrain House in downtown Los Angeles was completed in 2003 by the architecture firm Office of Mobile Design, principal architect Jennifer Siegal. Photo by Undine Prohl, courtesy of Office of Mobile Design

Here's further information if you think you might like a shipping container home:

In this era of scouring the earth for the magic bullet in home building, few ideas can compete with the weird, pragmatic beauty of the used shipping container. Cheap, strong and easily transportable by boat, truck or train, these big steel structures now litter the ports of America as mementos of our Asian-trade imbalance. (Many more full containers arrive on our shores than depart, so ports either ship them back empty -- to the tune of about $900 per -- or sell them.)

Hurricane proof, flood proof, fire proof, these metal Lego blocks are tough enough to be stacked 12-high empty -- and thus can be used in smaller multistory buildings. Used containers (which can be picked up for $1,500 to $2,000) often have teak floors and sometimes are insulated. The bright orange, blue and rust corrugated boxes may not appeal to everyone. But contemporary hipsters find them not just the ultimate in postmodern appropriation but aesthetically pleasing as well.

A handful of architectural firms around the world -- from New York to New Zealand -- have built prototypes or plans for shipping-container homes. Most of these designers develop each house or project as a one-off, but one prefab factory has begun pumping out little container homes that are not meant for the military encampment or the disaster relief camp. Rather, they are meant for the discerning homeowner avid for something new.

The Quick House is three bedrooms and two bathrooms built in 2,000 square foot plan. This prefab is designed by Adam Kalkin (see his 12-container home above). The basic kit comes with five modified containers witch [sic] you can modify such as a stainless steel kitchen with appliance and fireplace, mahogany door package, custom designed carpets…

At $76,000 it’s one of the cheapest and quickest prefab houses currently on the market.

Not bad, huh? I'd consider it.

Here's a video about container houses:

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh now those totally rock! AWESOME! Thanks for showing me something new! I'm going to show this to hubby right now...He'd love it!

Anonymous said...

wow, that is so cool!! we are moving and will be looking for a house--hmmm...a great idea and beautiful too. Love this post. Have a great Monday!

Ian said...

Now that is an original idea! I don't know how well they would work in a cooler climate, but I expect they'd be good in dry areas like where I live.

Happy MM!

Ian

Unknown said...

Great MM Post! I never would have thought to create a home out of shipping containers. People can be so creative at times. Makes you wonder why we need to fight wars...

My MM post this week involves cruising on the high seas.

peace, Villager

Durward Discussion said...

I saw that CNN report. It is a wonderful idea to use something rather than let it go to waste making the countryside ugly.

Sandee said...

Now I've heard everything. This is quite clever and resourceful. Why not. Have a great MM. :)

Anonymous said...

wow thats cool... interesting! mine is here http://happymomiam1.bravejournal.com/entry/25227

Unknown said...

Ships AHOY on my blog!!!!!!!!!! Everything looks SHIP SHAPE here.

Neila said...

I have never heard of a house made of shipping containers. That is too cool! Happy MM!

Crazy Working Mom said...

I've never heard of those before. But, that's pretty darned cool! :)

Great job on this one. Thanks for the information and Happy Manic Monday.

Travis Cody said...

Now that's fascinating. Great idea for the theme.

Mine will be up a little later.

Happy MM!

Gattina said...

First I couldn't believe it !! But then I saw the little video ! What a great idea and so practical and cheap. I wonder if it is only possible in warm climates or also in very cold regions ?

Unknown said...

I have never seen those homes before. It is amazing to me. Great post!

Amazing Gracie said...

That is totally unique! What an overlook for the ocean or in the mountains!

Stine said...

Yes! I'd live in one - no probs. The versatility alone does it for me...
Grand post!

Shelia said...

Wow....Great post! This is all news to me, very informative. Happy MM!

Schmoop said...

Those are sweet and your pictures are very sharp. Cheers!!

Lisa Ryan said...

very, very cool. who knew? great post for today. Enjoy your day!

maryt/theteach said...

Thanks everybody for commenting. I think they would work in cold and hot climates because many of them are insulated. Of course heat and air conditioning would be part of the fabrication, I think.

Sarge Charlie said...

I checked on General Rose, the photo shown was: This is the only known color photo of Rose as 3rd Armored commander. The photographer, location, and date are unknown.

If your dad was in the Tank Corps this would have been the man.

Marilyn said...

That is really cool! I'd buy one if it were insulated well enough.

TopChamp said...

wow - never seen such a thing!

Alice (in BC Canada) said...

This is a great post. I really enjoyed reading it and now I want a new home... haha. Have a great week.


Alice - I Was Born2Cree8
http://iwasborn2cree8.blogspot.com/

Reba @ Reba's Run
http://rebasrun.blogspot.com/

Sarge Charlie said...

I love this instant replay, great show on the midway.

Unknown said...

Amazing and very original - I want one =)

Great choice for the carnival!

Shelia said...

Good Morning Mary, I remember this very thorough post, excellent as usual. Happy MM! Have fun at the carnival!