Detroit condo project puts discarded containers to use
The idea of putting people in empty shipping containers hardly evokes images of stylish urban living.
But a Detroit-based group hopes to use empty shipping containers to build one of the most unusual -- and certainly one of the most innovative -- residential projects in southeast Michigan.
The project would stack empty containers four high, cut in windows and doors, install plumbing, stairways and heating, and add amenities such as balconies and landscaped patios.
If it wins city approvals, the 17-unit condominium project could break ground this fall and open near Wayne State University in 2009. Steven Flum, a Detroit-based architect who designed the project, said it solves several problems at once, including the need to build environmentally sensitive buildings cheaply. The project is going to cost about $1.8 million, about 25% less than a normal condo project of similar quality would run.
The project will offer condominium units measuring 960 to 1,920 square feet. Prices will range from about $100,000 to around $190,000.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080513/BUSINESS04/805130314
Replies
12
SWGB
Saw this in Architectural Record, seems like a cool idea and the pictures were neat. I just think noise would be an issue.
SoWal InsiderAuthor
Saw this in Architectural Record, seems like a cool idea and the pictures were neat. I just think noise would be an issue.
Kinda has that "freight car" feel....ala the hobos riding the rails during the Depression era.
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Beach Lover
I would have hoped for "25% of" as opposed to "25% less"... With the depressed real estate market up there, I would think the buyers could find an off the shelf home for a bigger cut than that...
SWGB
Kinda has that "freight car" feel....ala the hobos riding the rails during the Depression era.
.
This is 2008, don't our hobos deserve granite countertops and stainless steel?
SoWal InsiderAuthor
This is 2008, don't our hobos deserve granite countertops and stainless steel?
I think those things are what got them into their present situation...now it's ramen served on a cable spool.
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Beach Fanatic
Sadly, the shipping crate houses are better design than 80% of the houses in SoWal.
Give me one of those off 30A and I'll be happy forever...
Give me one of those off 30A and I'll be happy forever...
Beach Lover
people still live in detroit??...why would u build even one unit of residential in an area that is experiencing mass exedus?
beats on hood
Last hour CNN had a feature on people living in their cars. They are allowed to spend the night in parking lots, but must move out of the parking lots during business hours. I caught the tail end of the story -- don't know the location.
Where do they shower or go potty?
I also wonder where the homeless people who live under the overpasses on the connecter in downtown Atlanta do that.It's really a sad situation.
Where do they shower or go potty?
I also wonder where the homeless people who live under the overpasses on the connecter in downtown Atlanta do that.It's really a sad situation.
Beach Fanatic
I'd love to live in one of these well designed and creative homes. The architect is doing a project to provide affordable housing w/ low energy costs and is reusing items that are just sitting there.
As an added bonus, the fact that they are made of old shipping containers and don't have a gate will apparently help keep the snobs away!
As an added bonus, the fact that they are made of old shipping containers and don't have a gate will apparently help keep the snobs away!
SWGB
Last hour CNN had a feature on people living in their cars. They are allowed to spend the night in parking lots, but must move out of the parking lots during business hours. I caught the tail end of the story -- don't know the location.
Where do they shower or go potty?
I remember years ago McDonald's was trying a concept of showers and lockers for homeless people. It didn't go over very well since they (the employees) had to pay for it. It was a lot like the old company store adage.
needs to get out more
Sadly, the shipping crate houses are better design than 80% of the houses in SoWal.
Give me one of those off 30A and I'll be happy forever...
http://www.sgblocks.com/
I'm sure they'd like to do one here.
Beach Fanatic
Kinda has that "freight car" feel....ala the hobos riding the rails during the Depression era.
.
I can't wait to tell my Mom about this... she and Dad's first newlywed home was a
boxcar. They said that boxcar house was hotter-n-hades in summer and colder-n-??? in the winter! They will get a particular kick out of today's "affordable" price
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