CONTAINER HOMES

Gone are the days of getting a rusting 20ft or 40 ft container, cutting a doorway and some windows then adding some furniture.

Today's homes are often 5 star!! One entire side drops down to become a deck, and then glass sliding doors and panels are revealed. Some are even completely self-contained, with their own waste systems, water catchment/storage and solar power. Brilliant!! Take one of these in the middle of nowhere and be completely comfortable!!

Just to give you an idea, take a look at this one called the G-pod. It is designed by an Australian architect and now in production in Hong Kong.   http://g-pod.com/

There are many outstanding benefits to containers, not the least of which is that global transportation networks are ALL designed to handle containers. You can literally close-up your home and ship it anywhere in the world. Without ever having to pack any of your belongings!!! Just leave them in the drawers and cupboards - how cool is that??
Once on the new site, only a few pad footings are needed and you are established. Perhaps in the future we will see container parks like for caravans and RV's.....

Alternatively, empty containers can be joined (or put close to each other with the gaps filled with other materials, eg glass) for an endless variety of shapes and sizes. The only limit is your imagination. 

I think you get the idea by now?

So many possibilities. 

And I don't know about other countries and their planning and building codes, but here in Australia these homes could even be seen as "temporary" structures, in order to get more leeway from a local Council.

Imagine having a small acreage, adding several container homes and ....voila!! Instant B&B !! Or retreat.

I'll leave the rest to your imagination..... have fun !!

Welcome !!

This blog is an off shoot of Michael's Alternatives http://try-these.blogspot.com.au

Because I am taking a more wholistic approach to the issue of Alternatives, dwellings and building/s are a very important component. I'm pretty sure that most of us would prefer a roof over our heads that doesn't leak :)) Even if we currently can't afford one.
Which is also the boat that I am in.....

However, I have a number of ideas to put forward on ways that may help to alleviate and/or enhance our ability to have a lovely space of our own.

Some solutions are also relatively inexpensive, especially when working with earth materials, eg my favourite Poured Earth - or sometimes known as Formwork Cob. And if you use just Cob construction, your new space can be as freeform as your creativity permits!

Also to be mentioned later are the new generation of container homes, earth-sheltered homes and the evermore popular Tiny Homes.

This topic is a HUGE area, as so much is being done all around the world all the time. Many new (and old) materials are becoming available, so will do my best to be on top of it all. :)

I hope to see you soon !!