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Collection by Luke Hopping

A Rustic Shipping Container Home Built on a Budget

In Southern California, architect Chris Bittner of OBR Architecture collaborated with his clients to create a compact dwelling that combines their fascination with shipping containers and love of the outdoors.

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Because the area is prone to wildfires, the architect and residents were compelled to use special flame retardant materials for the windows and roof.
Because the area is prone to wildfires, the architect and residents were compelled to use special flame retardant materials for the windows and roof.
Opting for IKEA appliances helped rein in the budget, but the home's greatest cost-saving measure may have been Mike's background in construction. His degree in architectural engineering enabled him to play an active role in both the ideation and execution.
Opting for IKEA appliances helped rein in the budget, but the home's greatest cost-saving measure may have been Mike's background in construction. His degree in architectural engineering enabled him to play an active role in both the ideation and execution.
In the open-plan kitchen, a garage door can be retracted to take advantage of the balmy California climate and bring the outdoors in. Mike's wife, Shawn, appreciates the home's proximity to hiking trails.
In the open-plan kitchen, a garage door can be retracted to take advantage of the balmy California climate and bring the outdoors in. Mike's wife, Shawn, appreciates the home's proximity to hiking trails.
The flooring, doors, and bathroom vanity were sourced from the local Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
The flooring, doors, and bathroom vanity were sourced from the local Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
The 800-square-foot house is among the first shipping container residences in San Diego County, according to Mike. He hopes it will soon by joined by a larger container home on the property, at which point it will become the guesthouse.
The 800-square-foot house is among the first shipping container residences in San Diego County, according to Mike. He hopes it will soon by joined by a larger container home on the property, at which point it will become the guesthouse.