Shipping Container (Affordable Housing)

My project was to design an affordable house made out of shipping containers. This design utilizes only two average sized shipping containers and the interior design can be changed to match the taste of the individual living inside of it. This house is meant for a single person living situation. Houses and apartments in the modern day are very expensive and can be very costly, especially if you are also attending and attempting to pay off college. This design was made to be cost-effective and affordable for the average adult.

• Shipping containers (2)
• Fortified Windows (3)
• Door (1)
• Ladder (1)
• Solar Panels (4)
• Bed (1)
• Curtains (3)
• Rugs (2)
• Poster (1)
• Air Conditioning Unit (1)
• Phone (1)
• Stacked Books (1)
• Thin Floor Cabinet (1)
• Couch with Hanging Desk (1)
• Counters (2)
• Stool (1)
• Sink (1)
• Portable Stove (1)

First place two shipping containers adjacent to each other. Before doing any exterior or interior designs, color/paint the shipping containers to your desired color. Afterwards, add holes for the windows and for the door, replace these holes with your windows and your door. (Note: There is a window on the other side of the front-facing wall. It's also important to ensure that the windows you add are fortified, ensuring the during rainy weather, water will not seep into the shipping container). Then, add on four solar panels on the top of the containers and a ladder to be able to get up on top. The solar panels will be used to save on electricity, making this housing plan more affordable.

Detach one facet of the shipping containers in order to expose the interior. For this specific affordable housing design, we will simply be using the shipping container's wall to divide the two sections of the house. We will make a hole through the wall to create a walk through. We will be designating the left side of the shipping container for the bedroom. The right side of the shipping container will be for the minimalist kitchen and living area.

Add a bed, every bedroom has a bed. For privacy reasons, add a curtain to every window in the bedroom (this includes the second window on the front wall that was previously removed). Everything onwards is completely optional, decorating and designing the room to fit the individual's taste. Add a shelf above the bed with items of your choice, we will also be placing an air conditioning unit atop this shelf powered by the solar panels on top of the building for affordability. We can add further decoration to the floor (such as a rug) and to the walls (such as a poster). A thin table can be placed adjacent to the bed for storage such as articles of clothing or personal belongings. If you need more storage (such as a wardrobe) or a space to do work (such as a desk) there is enough space towards the entrance of the room to squeeze something in.

The right side of the shipping container house will be used for a minimalist kitchen and a small living area. Add a curtain to cover the window. The design from here can be changed to the individual's taste. Add a couch/seating of choice. Make sure it is easy to maneuver around this seating area with relative ease or it will become a burden the longer one lives in the house. it is also suggested to attach a moveable desk to this couch (as shown in the image) if you decided not to put a desk in the bedroom. We will then add two counters for the kitchen each with their own cabinets underneath for storage. You can put a stool towards the left side of the counters if desired. A sink and an area adjacent to the sink can be designated for storing plates or cooking materials. We will place a portable kitchen stove top for simple meals to be cooked. Cabinets or shelves can be added above the counters for any extra storage needed. A microwave, toaster, and a coffee machine can also be added as well for more simple food options if desired.

Notice that there is no bathroom indoors. The resident can choose to use a nearby public restroom or make/buy a portable bathroom and have it stationed right outside the shipping container house. Also notice how there is no door that divides the living area/kitchen with the bedroom. If the owner so desires, a door can be implemented here. However, you can also design it so that a simple privacy divider or a curtain divides the two rooms instead, as shown in the picture provided.