When it comes to small homes, shipping container housing seems like the option with the greatest potential to be distributed on a large scale.
Of course, there are downsides to shipping containers; they can be difficult to insulate properly, and the treated wooden floors are toxic and need to be swapped out if they are being converted for habitation. But when done right, shipping container homes can be quite beautiful and functional, despite these initial hurdles.
The bespoke 40-foot-long home is inspired by Woods’ love of Japanese architecture, putting the emphasis on clean lines and Japanese-style elements like the shou sugi ban trim around the windows and door—essentially lightly torched wood that is more resistant to pests and weathering. In addition, this home was built out of a high cube shipping container, which is one foot taller than a standard container, for a total of 9.5 feet.
To boost interior ventilation and comfort, the home has a mini-split system for heating and cooling and plenty of operable windows to increase natural air circulation.
Woods says that the company has developed a unique method of installing windows on the uneven exterior surfaces of the shipping container, which even DIYers could use
The kitchen area spans along both sides of the home and includes features like quartz countertops, a stainless steel sink that is wide and deep enough to wash almost anything, as well as a compact under-counter microwave, and a full-size stove, oven, and refrigerator.
There is plenty of storage to be found in the cabinets, which have pull-out drawers to allow easy access to things stored all the way in the back.
The living room is just beside the kitchen and features a deceptively simple set-up that comprises a sofa, mini-coffee table, and a console. There is an integrated fan and light installed on the ceiling, which helps to minimize the number of visible fixtures.
But look more closely, and you’ll see that Woods and his team have designed some smart and stealthy space-saving pieces, like the console, which actually can flip open to form either an extra countertop for the kitchen, or a dining table that can seat up to four people.