I’m so thrilled to show you this tiny home that was built using three shipping containers. Steve, the owner/builder, has been collecting ideas for this project for years.
He’s a computer programmer who loves designing and building. His website is awesome because he shows you how he did it, too.
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Containers to Cabin Conversion
Images: Steve at Tin Can Cabin
I encourage you to enjoy the rest of tour of this awesome shipping container cabin below:
Images: Steve at Tin Can Cabin
Check out his frequently asked questions page.
Learn how he designed and built his shipping container tiny home.
See more photos of his project.
Check out his latest finished photos of the cabin shot by Dan Meinhardt.
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Alex
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This is pretty cool, but there are some other ones that are a little nicer and bigger.
Very nice but why the middle container? And I’d make the middle room them 10-12′ wide and give access to the attics above the outside 2 .
Still a lot of building needed to insulate the containers makes their economics not as good as it seems because they get too hot, cold.
Container’s best use is likely underground or piled earth over it since the ground will keep the temp reasonable in many places with little, no heating/cooling costs.
Jerry:
It’s all about the security. That’s why everything is built with containers rather than a hybrid with conventional mixed in.
You’re correct about the economics, it’s much more expensive to build with containers than conventional . BTW, my containers are neither too hot nor too cold. My roof was designed to keep the cabin cool in summer and also allow the winter sun in to help warm it in winter. I have 2″ of closed cell spray foam around the shell which has made it comfortable down to -10F – the coldest it’s been while I was there.
And this is important. NEVER bury a shipping container. Shipping containers cannot handle the lateral stresses when buried and will collapse. The few containers that have been successfully buried have been properly reinforced. You’re much better off using concrete for any type of underground structure.
Steve
Having Dirt against the top or sides of the containers will cause them to rust out — you would need to coat them somehow to keep the dirt from causing the rust. Also to insulate them — you can get a spray on insulation that coats the outside of the container, but you can insulate the inside as well. I think it was very interesting how he put the 3 containers side by side.
Rust, or corrosion, is not an issue with the correct anode material connected to the container with a good electrical connection (wire). This method is utilized all over the world to protect underground gas pipelines from corroding and springing leaks. Basically for steel they use a copper anode. The size of the anode will determine how often it needs to be replaced.
Wow. This is impressively nice. I’d have no problem living here. What about a shower?
Lisa:
The floor plan shown above is a pre-construction one that has changed considerably, and one of those changes was a shower. If you look through my blog posts there’s one specifically about the bathroom.
Steve
Thanks, Steve. I’m always interested in TH anything.
Nice job Steve! I designed one of these container homes using straw bale insulation and stucco. Gets rid of the container metal look and adds R27 to the walls so very efficient for heating and cooling. I like that you left the doors on for security if this is a remote cabin and also can block harsh sunlight. Good floor plan layout though I would maybe put in a master bedroom with just a pull out couch bed for kids or guests.
LaMar
LaMar you share great advice. Thanks!
Great job Steve. Its real eye-candy to me and a keeper for sure.
I am hoping someone does a piece on basic elements relating to building Tiny Houses from Shipping Containers, Adding Wheels vs Foundationd, Adding Cielings (removing Top of container for Sleeping Lofts, Etc) and other modificatios, making them Road Legal, Etc.
Nice! Looks like it may be Zombie proof.
Nice job Steve, ty for sharing. Is there no way others could lock you in while you are sleeping? hmmm Alex thumbs up buddy! God bless all of you and keep you safe. Happy Trails!
Ha! To lock you in, “the others” could bury you. To escape, just wait for the rust! Easy peasy!
Love this shipping container home. This design is super. Wish I could find a cheap shipping container here in Georgia. 🙂
Steve,
I just wanted to say that your cabin is beautiful. After researching many different sources, I am considering building my own shipping container home. It would be a residential home that I would live in full time. If you have any tips for me, other than this lovely post, please let me know.
Is that a Fold down Couch for adults Bed? as Bunks for adults and Child in same room would not be that Good. The Hidden Bed or Wall hanging Folding Bed ideas would Be Great to Add room during the Day and Fold away Bed to leave a Desk .It would Be easy to Add on another Container to extend the Width or create More Room. the Area Above in Roof Cavity Could be a Storage Space … and Under neath . What about Gutters to Collect Rainwater and Have a Water Tank nearby ..for Shower, Kitchen,Drinking water, Where i live All Our Water is Rain Water .and we only Buy extra water Ifwe have a Long Drought or waste our water..Front Loading washing Machines Use Less Water .
I’d like to compliment the decorator. The choice of the pale banana color along with the placement of wood parts & the curtain print, really does give me a warm, pleasant feeling. I normally go for the natural, rustic, raw look, but this. …..I do like. Great job. ♡
I have actually seen this build on line from start to finish, and they did an awesome job transforming the containers into a beautiful tiny house…!
That they did!
Problem, how to install Windows and doors into the uneven sides of a shipping container, and not have leaks? Without an additional roof over the container, how to have windows open during rain?
I’ve never built one myself, but I think this video might help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3bBZ6sYOp4
Though this is done well, it just seems a bit awkward to me. I’d like to figure out a way to utilize that entry a bit better. Either add closets for storage or remove that wall and make it more a part of the living area. Personally I would need to add a bathroom…no outhouse for me, that’s for sure. Many think that’s fine but going outside in the dead of night in all kinds of weather and wild animals…depending on where it is located, some could be dangerous predators…would be too nerve wracking for me. The security of those container doors won’t help you in the outhouse! 😉 And I didn’t see a refrigerator. To be sure, I usually look at these tiny houses from the perspective of living in one, not just camping for a couple of days once in a while so certain amenities would be a must. I do like those doors that add extra security over a regular locking door. Posts like this make you really analyze what you would need compared to what you see in the photos. That’s important for those who are serious about tiny house living. It would seem to take some adjusting to and thinking long and hard to make a plan is essential. This container home has lots of positives but for it to suit my personal preferences, I’d need to make some changes. Thanks for making us think and ask questions of ourselves!
There’s no wall by the entrance in the actual build, just the desk…
Has a bathroom. o.k. I’m good to go. I’d live in that, no problem. Again an excellent way to provide housing for those who don’t have a million dollars to purchase a home. Like the lay out and the bunkbeds. I’ve liked bunk beds because you can sleep on the lower one and throw your clothes on the top one.