Cargotecture

[miramargal]

Since Florida has more unusual construction than Louisiana I have to ask if anyone has seen any "cargotecture" housing. It is made from shipping containers and, because of the construction is absolutely hurricane proof. It is a very "green" housing alternative due to the glut of containers in the U.S. and may be very cost effective. If done right, they look very futuristic and sleek.

The high end per square foot cost is about $150. Basic per square foot can be as low as $60.

[Unplugged]

Have any links or photos to share??

[Sandcastle]

I believe there was an HGTV episode about this recently. It was a favorable report.

[Searcher]

Seems to be an interesting idea -

http://www.containercity.com/
http://www.architectureandhygiene.com/12conHouse/12con_main.html

[Unplugged]

:eek: Okay - now can we see something with... curb appeal? :shock: :idontno:

[jdarg]

Um, they look like cargo containers. I'm thinking that old kid's book "The Boxcar Children".

[miramargal]

www.hybridseattle.com (http://www.hybridseattle.com)

The very modernistic style is not for everyone I know, but we kind of like it. I like the "greenness" of it, also.

[bdc63]

Have you heard of the "Push Button" house, also made of cargo containers? Check out the link below.

http://www.inhabitat.com/entry_825.php?w=architecture#body

[Pirate]

:roll:

[Smiling JOe]

I know of a Bay-Front Boxcar in Turquoise Beach S/D. :idontno:

[John R]

container living is quite viable, as seen here. (http://www.fabprefab.com/fabfiles/containerbayhome.htm)

[Uncle Timmy]

www.hybridseattle.com (http://www.hybridseattle.com/)

The very modernistic style is not for everyone I know, but we kind of like it. I like the "greenness" of it, also.

I like modern architecture as well; one of the primary influences on the modern architectural movement was the desire for machine produced, inexpensive housing units. I think the containers certainly fit this principle. Not so sure about the aesthetics or other aspects of this systen, however.

If it appeals to you and you decide to build one, I would be very interested in seeing the results.

My suspicion is that to create a home with the 'look' and environmental aspects you are going to want will push the overall cost to the upper end of the price range. And at that point, there are other options for a modern, affordable(relative I know), green building systems that may appeal to you more.

[miramargal]

I looked at architecture and hygiene's website and they have a 2000 sq ft house completely done for just less than 150 k. i'm think that's not too bad, and they do bill them as hurricane proof. it's a little funky, but isn't that part of the charm of life down there? you guys march to your own drummer and that is certainly part of the greatness about the florida coastal life.

[Paradise Sea]

And they say the Hilton house is an eyesore!

[miramargal]

Paradise Sea,
Don't worry, you won't have to live there, I will.

[miramargal]

..and I like the way the Hilton house looks. The world is full of cookie cutter homes. It is great to see housing that challenges that.

[Searcher]

Check this out -

http://www.architectureandhygiene.com/quikHouse/quikHouse_main.html

Subjective aesthetic judgements aside, it really is a pretty amazing concept - a 2000 sq. ft home for under $200,000, in less than six months.

In the right setting, it could be a striking (in a good way) home.

Go for it Miramargal!

[miramargal]

Searcher, thanks for the good words. My husband and I have been looking at that one today. I think if we decide to do this we may go with something more custom because this should be the last home we own and although it's not a problem now, we don't want to worry with stairs as we get older. The more we read about these homes and their durability, the more it becomes a serious option for us.

[bdc63]

..and I like the way the Hilton house looks. The world is full of cookie cutter homes. It is great to see housing that challenges that.

I second that.

[Smiling JOe]

right now on HGTV, there is a show on titled, "Small but spectacular," featuring the container homes mentioned in one of the posts above.

It will re-air tonight at 10:30p-11:00pm.

[Unplugged]

:eek: Okay - now can we see something with... curb appeal? :shock: :idontno:This bears repeating...

[Mermaid]

This bears repeating...

What? About "CURB APPEAL?" You need to remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I, for example, like the looks of those cargo houses and the charm of such blatant recycling really appeals to me. Though I can certainly understand your distaste--your opinon echoes my husband's. To each is own is all I can say. If I ever buy one, I promise not to site it next to your lot. ;-)

[scrltbegonya]

right now on HGTV, there is a show on titled, "Small but spectacular," featuring the container homes mentioned in one of the posts above.

It will re-air tonight at 10:30p-11:00pm.

I saw that! Thought it was fantastic, especially when he said they could close it up and ship it on down the line...AND they had no utility bills. So jealous of that. But don't know how the blue barrels catching rain would go over 'round here.

[Searcher]

right now on HGTV, there is a show on titled, "Small but spectacular," featuring the container homes mentioned in one of the posts above.

It will re-air tonight at 10:30p-11:00pm.


SJ - Thanks for the heads-up. I hope to catch the show.

I think that the inevitable future for housing (resort and otherwise) will be greener and smaller. Curb appeal will follow for many of us as we get used to the idea. For now I applaud these creative recyclers.

[jimmyeagle]

Okay, if someone could post a still or vidcap from "I, Robot", where Will Smith goes to visit all the obsolete robots, that would be great! :rofl:

I'm not technically competent to do so...