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Awesome Tiny Cabin Built with a Single Used Shipping Container


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The Shiship is a really cool tiny cabin that was designed and built by Repère Boréal in Quebec, Canada.

It’s a simple structure made with a single high-cube shipping container and it measures 31′ long x 8′ wide, and 9’6″ tall.  On the exterior, you can still see most of the original shipping container with lots of exposed corrugated steel and massive cargo doors at one end.  It’s an interesting visual reminder that the shell of this cabin had another life before it was repurposed.

The cedar accents balance out the more industrial look of the container and make it feel more welcoming, and the massive wooden window frame at the other end is a dramatic feature that defines the outside of the structure and makes it pretty unique.

Shiship Repere Boreal - Outside - Exploring Alternatives

Image © Exploring Alternatives

On the inside, everything is open-concept, and there’s no separation except for the bathroom wall. 

The kitchen has custom black cabinetry, a stainless steel countertop, a bar fridge and an induction cooktop, and a good-sized sink with running water.

Across from the kitchen is a DIY transforming table.  The table top is on tracks and can slide out and unfold to create more dining space.  There are two extra folding chairs stored in a drawer under the couch for guests.  An advantage to having the table mounted to the wall is that there are no table legs taking up valuable floor space. 

Shiship Repere Boreal - Inside 1 - Exploring Alternatives

Image © Exploring Alternatives

The sofa bed was also custom-built by the Repère Boréal team. It’s a nice comfortable spot lounge and it transforms pretty easily into a small guest bed.

Shiship Repere Boreal - Inside 2 - Exploring Alternatives

Image © Exploring Alternatives

Next to the kitchen is the sleeping area with a large queen size bed next to the massive picture window.  It’s a pretty nice feature to have such an immersive view of the forest from the bed.  

Since this is a rental, people can take advantage of the view while they’re in bed, but for a full-time living situation, you could easily switch out the bed with the sofa so that you could enjoy the view during the day.

Shiship Repere Boreal - Bathroom - Exploring Alternatives

Image © Exploring Alternatives

The bathroom is a pretty good size and it doesn’t feel cramped at all.  Probably in part because of the glass shower and the tall window inside.  A big window in the shower is not something you see every day but with the cabin being nestled in the forest it definitely creates enough privacy to be able to do this.  There’s also a regular flush toilet that is hooked up to septic, and a small sink and mirror.  

Behind the pocket door in the bathroom is a mechanical room and extra storage.

Check out the video below for a full tour of this tiny shipping container cabin!

VIDEO: Awesome Tiny Cabin Built with a Single Used Shipping Container – FULL TOUR

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Danielle is a digital nomad who is passionate about tiny spaces, living with less, reducing waste and eating plant-based food. Danielle is half of the Exploring Alternatives blog & video project. You can find more of her at www.ExploringAlternatives.ca and her Exploring Alternatives YouTube Channel.
{ 3 comments… add one }
  • ron zimmer
    November 6, 2022, 4:13 am

    Incredibly well thought out!

    kudos. perhaps the best design Ive seen in a year.

  • Victoria A Banaszak
    November 7, 2022, 9:57 pm

    This is so nice. As always my cats wouldn’t let me use those shelves but other than that I love the interior and exterior look.

  • Tanya W
    March 22, 2023, 2:38 pm

    I love the style but not a fan or the layout

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