10 modern 2 story shipping container homes (2024)

As container homes begin to become more popular in the consumer market, more and more people are beginning to embrace the idea of having a full-sized home made entirely out of containers. Chances are, you’re probably one of them. Designers and home-buyers alike have always been intrigued by the idea of having a two-storey container home in the suburbs.

If that’s something that you’ve been hoping for as well, you might want to take a look at our list of 10 modern two-storey container homes. Either way, you’re bound to be left impressed by the creativity of these two-story container homes. Have a look.

#1 White as snow 2 story container homes

It may seem like a bit of a stretch to have a two-storey container home in nothing but white, which is why you should pay attention to its background setting before embarking on such an adventurous decision.

Nonetheless, this very design escalates the clean concept to an entirely different level. Some may argue that a design like this is just far too plain, which is why we’ll leave it to you to decide whether a similar design would suit your taste.

#2 Nothing to hide

Imagine a home where you’re forced to be completely exposed to your neighbors and other passersby. It would be a complete nightmare; but not far the designers and inhabitants of this modern two-storey container home. With a full frontier of glass windows, it’s impossible for you to have any sort of privacy living in this questionable yet voguish container home.

It’s a good idea to have some curtains as a back up plan, unless you want to have the entire world staring at you as you come out of the shower. In any case, the concept is nothing short of daring but pleasant in a weird way.

#3 Blue with a balcony

Minimalism has certainly taken the world of design by storm; container home designers included. There’s an increasing number of people who are hopping on the minimalism bandwagon, just like the gentleman who came up with this polished two-storey container home design.

It’s understandable for people to think that its aesthetic appearance leaves much to be desired, which makes having a jaw-dropping interior so much more important.

#4 Modern’s not enough? Try space-age

With a heavy resemblance to a professor’s labroatory, this two-storey container home looks like prime location for some crazy inventions and experiments. It could even be used for weapons research; who knows? In any case, if contemporary modern designs aren’t enough to captivate you, then something as futuristic as this particular home might do the trick.

The clever use of shutters makes it a convenient and convertable hideout, in case you’re up to something frisky and need some privacy. It also makes things so much easier to maintain, since you won’t have to replace any curtains.

#5 Modern brilliance

This two-storey container home design concept might have yet to be implemented, but it’s most definitely possible. To some extent, it looks no different from any other suburban home, just that it has a significant emphasis on modernisation.

No two-storey container home would ever be complete without a garage, a balcony, and a backyard. With everything put together, you’ll have yourself a modern two-storey container home that exudes sheer brilliance.

#6 Part house, part container

If you have a great sense of humour, you’ll definitely enjoy this two-storey container home design. Accompanied with a front that looks remarkably like an ordinary home, people who pass by your house will be pleasantly surprised to realise that the entire structure’s supported by nothing else but shipping containers.

It even has its own makeshift roof to make it look even more like a regular subruban home. Jokes aside, the container home looks fantastic and exquisite; definitely a one of its kind.

#7 Hollow in the middle

You’d expect a two-storey container home to be stacked directly on top each other, but this designer pulls a fast one on you. Instead of going with the flow, he decided to do quite the opposite and have a hollow corridor in the middle. It’s a great idea if you’re thinking about squeezing in an extra room in your container home, or even if you want a more distinct amount of separation between two blocks.

#8 Containers and trains

Here’s a two-storey container home that will really knock your socks off. Walls of glass, a swimming pool, and a fireplace modelled after a train? Shut up and take my money already! You can’t get any more urban than this.

This design is arguably one of the most prestigious ideas of its kind. Complete with a second floor that has an angled window, there’s no doubt that the view from that room will be something worth waking up to every morning.

#9 Grass in the cracks

Here’s an two-storey container house idea that’s simple enough to do on your own but yields results that are multiples of your effort. Having a courtyard between two container homes can be seamlessly connected with a space that’s paved with uneven concrete slabs separated by blades of green grass.

Depending on the type of grass that you use, maintenance shouldn’t be too much of a problem. It’s a great place for your dogs to play or laze around, and adding a dining table makes for a romantic evening.

#10 They’re containers; for real

It’s understandable if you’re having trouble wrapping your head around this two-storey container home design. It just looks far too sturdy to be believable. But rest assured, this particular design makes use of a few shipping containers, while making use of several other structures and elements to finish its aesthetic appeal. Squaring up wooden beams against the glass walls of your container home can make it look even more appealing than it already does. Not to forget a flat roof to finish everything off!

Now what?

Take these 10 modern two-storey container home design ideas and be inspired to create something of your own. As impressive as our list may seem, there’s always room for improvement, and you might just be the guy to do it.

10 modern 2 story shipping container homes (2024)

FAQs

What is the best state to build a container home? ›

Which States Allow Shipping Container Homes?
  • Texas. Texas is one of the best states for building alternative dwellings like tiny homes and shipping container houses. ...
  • California. California is another state that is accommodating to alternative dwellings. ...
  • Louisiana. ...
  • Oregon. ...
  • Missouri.
Dec 6, 2022

What is the life expectancy of a container home? ›

Because they were built to safely transport goods over long distances and often-harsh conditions, shipping containers are extremely durable, making them an ideal choice for homes. With proper care and maintenance, these homes can last decades - an average lifespan of 25-30 years.

How much does it cost to build a container ship home? ›

How much does a shipping container home cost? For most homeowners, this eco-friendly, small-space living solution costs anywhere from $25,000 to $250,000 or more, with luxury options reaching $10,000 . Overall, you can expect to spend $150 to $350 per square foot for a shipping container home.

Why do container homes only last 25 years? ›

When maintained properly, a shipping container can last upwards of 25 years or longer. The lifespan depends on the condition of the container and the environment in which it is kept. Although they are built to resist harsh climates, its' lifespan can be cut short by wetter, saltier climates.

Is it cheaper to build a house or a container home? ›

According to HomeGuide, the average cost to build and install a container home is $25,000 to $250,000. While that's no small chunk of change, it's significantly less than you'd expect to pay for a traditional house in most parts of the country.

How much does a container house cost in the US? ›

Shipping container homes cost $25,000 to $80,000 for a single-container model or $80,000 to $250,000+ for a multi-container house. The average cost to build a container home is $150 to $350 per square foot, depending on the size and features. Shipping container prices are $1,200 to $10,000 for the container alone.

Are container homes safe? ›

Shipping Container Homes Can Be Just as Safe as Regular Homes. Shipping container homes can be equally safe as traditional homes when proper construction and safety measures are implemented. Despite concerns about toxic chemicals and harmful paint coatings, there are ways to address these issues.

Is a container house worth it? ›

Shipping container homes are durable but may lack the longevity that traditional houses have. A custom container home can last 25–30 years with proper maintenance, but a standard home generally lasts much longer than that, especially considering homes are passed down generations and still stand the test of time.

Do container homes age well? ›

The lifespan for shipping containers that are used to build houses are even longer because these containers are not only in a friendlier environment but have also been treated and clad as part of the building process. Container homes can easily last well over 50 years with no problem.

Are container homes hot in summer? ›

In hot climates, particularly in the summer, shipping containers can easily reach more than 100 degrees. So, to keep the inside cool and keep your contents safe, you'll need to plan ahead.

Do container homes rust? ›

Rust can weaken the structure of a shipping container home and lead to additional problems, such as leaks and water damage. To prevent rust, shipping containers must be coated with a protective layer of paint or an acrylic finish to prevent moisture from reaching the steel underneath.

How long does it take to build a shipping container home? ›

Since you already have the appropriate infrastructure in place, the building time won't take as long. Contractors can build a container home in less than a month. Larger dwellings can be finished in a few months, while the smaller ones can be fabricated off-site in a shorter period of time.

Is it cheaper to build a house out of shipping containers? ›

Yes, shipping container homes are cheaper to build than a regular home. While a single container home might cost around $30,000 to build, a house of similar size would cost you around $90,000 to build, more than 3 times more than the shipping container home.

Are container homes unhealthy? ›

Shipping container homes can be equally safe as traditional homes when proper construction and safety measures are implemented. Despite concerns about toxic chemicals and harmful paint coatings, there are ways to address these issues.

Are container homes a bad investment? ›

Container homes are cost efficient, eco friendly investments. The initial costs of container homes can be lower than traditional homes. Container homes are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Do container homes get hot? ›

Hot Climates

Shipping containers are typically made from steel which conducts heat very well, but in a hot climate, keeping a container cool is easy with a few smart design choices. Choose a larger-than-necessary roof to extend over the home, shading windows from direct sunlight.

Are container homes safe to live in? ›

Despite the challenges, container homes can be safe if built correctly. Professionals in architecture and engineering have developed ways to reinforce the containers' structure and make them habitable, targeting concerns such as extreme weather conditions and seismic activity.

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