Casa Incubo Shipping Container House Is Called an "Icon of Sustainability."

One doesn't usually see monster homes built out of shipping containers; their interior width is designed for freight, not people. But Designboom shows an interesting work/ live design in Costa Rica, designed by Maria José Trejos. The 400 square meter (4305 SF) house uses shipping containers essentially as thick habitable walls, with a big sloping roof enclosing the area between. It is quite dramatic and the architect says it is "an icon of sustainability."

© Sergio Pucci via Designboom

By reusing transport objects, costs were minimized and the completion time was shortened by 20%. The impact on the environment and generation of CO2 were also reduced, as the details of the house make the most of the climatic elements. The central module, with its double height space, acts as a lung with crossed ventilation and the west façade is glazed to let in natural light so that during the daytime it is unnecessary to use electric fixtures.

© Sergio Pucci via Designboom

Shipping containers can turn into ovens in direct sunlight, so the house is shaded by deep overhangs and bamboo screens. It also offers alternative means of getting downstairs in a hurry.

© via Designboom

Whether or not one agrees that this is an "icon of sustainability", it is an interesting use of shipping containers. Lots more images at Designboom and the architects' website.