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Floor Plan of Tall House by Tall Architects

While they may resemble shipping containers, the pods are actually built of wood and clad in corrugated steel.

In Southern Mississippi, hurricanes are a very real concern. Mark and Madison ensured decisions were made with storm-resistance in mind: for instance, sturdy aluminum-clad windows instead of vinyl-clad.

In the primary bedroom, side tables are built into the wall and the bed is custom-made for the space. “Everything had to be custom because of space constraints,” says Madison. “A custom home kind of requires custom furniture to make the most of every inch.”

In the bathroom, white subway tiles from Home Depot line the walls. The chic wall lights are just from Ikea.

Art rails keep decor neatly arranged, and allows the family to switch out artwork easily.

Madison points out that the pod concept would make it easy to add an extension if necessary. “We see it as a house that can grow with us—and that we can pay for as we go along.”

The deck is constructed from standard, treated 2x6s from the hardware store. The oak tree in the center of the deck provides the family with shade and cooler temperatures through the humid summers, and protects from the rain as well.

By living in an Airstream for “three years and six days,” says Mark, the couple was able to save up money to build their home without a loan.

“If we were questioning the hospitality of these pods, or the toughness of them, a three year old boy will test the toughness of anything,” laughs Mark.

The couple splashed out on KitchenAid appliance, but stainless steel countertops in the kitchen “look fancy but were cheaper than quartz,” says Mark.

Blue Dot stools sit at the custom table. The sofa is from Joybird. Kitchen lighting was sourced from 143 Lighting.

The exterior is clad in corrugated, galvanized metal. “We just spray it off with a water house,” says Mark.