Writer. NYC.

My Shipping Container Fantasy

My Shipping Container Fantasy

The Sea Box prototype via New York Observer

The Sea Box prototype via New York Observer

In the weeks after Hurricane Sandy, so many people lost homes that New York City had to scramble to find housing. In the immediate aftermath, housing had to be in shelters in and around the city, many of which were in schools and old armories. The shipping container solution the city had planned for such events were, unfortunately, not ready for Hurricane Sandy.

But as I looked at the renderings for those homes, I began to have fantasies of living in one myself. I have seen these shipping containers used as temporary housing for art and as homes and offices.

These are the ultimate tame space. Streamlined, recycled, multipurpose. Built in furniture and storage. Inexpensive and therefore available for all budgets.

They are the metal, budget cousin of prefab homes, another of my architecture crushes. I live to love these kinds of spaces.

My question is whether a family of four could live in a shipping container. If anyone who produces these shipping containers would like to have that question answered, I would happily volunteer my family as guinea pigs. I would be happy to write a year-long review or a list of pros and cons. When I shared this with my partner he snorted and said "That's going too far!"

Maybe he's right. Still, I know my two little boys would like it and I'd sure get a kick out of breaking out of the pre war, brick and plaster building and sauntering into my very own shipping container home.

Could you live in a shipping container? Post your comments below.

There Will Be Piles

There Will Be Piles

Architectural Digest Home Design Show

Architectural Digest Home Design Show