In an innovative solution to space and privacy needs, a couple in Henderson, Nevada, has purchased two shipping container homes for their teenage daughters to live in the backyard. As reported by Jenna Spesard on her YouTube channel “Tiny House Giant Journey,” this creative approach not only provides the girls with the independence they crave but also keeps them close to home. Let’s dive into this unique housing solution, explore its benefits, and understand the broader implications of such a choice.
Why Container Homes?
As Jenna Spesard explains, Matt and his partner, Linda, faced a common problem: they moved in together but their house did not have enough space for each of their teenage daughters to have a private bedroom. This led them to consider alternative housing options. They found that shipping container homes offered a sustainable, cost-effective solution that could be placed right in their backyard. This setup provides the girls with their own space while keeping them within close proximity to the family. This underscores why alternative housing, such as ADUs, is rapidly gaining popularity.
Installing the Containers
The installation process for the container homes was remarkably swift. As Matt detailed to Jenna, the entire setup, including craning the containers over their house, took only about four hours. The containers were connected to the house’s existing sewer, power, and water systems, ensuring they are fully functional and livable. This quick installation highlights the practicality of container homes as a fast and efficient housing solution, and was especially impressive to me.
How the Homes are Used
Originally, the container homes served as bedrooms for Matt and Linda’s daughters, Maddie and Ashley. However, Ashley went to college, so they are renting her container to Maddie’s friend Braedon now. The family has plans to repurpose these spaces in the future. As Jenna reports, Matt and Linda foresee using the container homes for their aging parents, providing them with autonomy while remaining close enough for easy monitoring and care. This multi-generational approach underscores the versatility and long-term value of container homes.
Shipping Containers & Sustainability
One of the key benefits of using shipping containers as homes is their sustainability. Matt emphasized to Jenna that repurposing these containers prevents them from ending up as rusting waste in landfills. Additionally, the containers are highly efficient, with full closed-cell blown-in insulation that maintains a comfortable temperature even in the hot Vegas summers. This eco-friendly aspect is an essential consideration for many modern homeowners.
Container Stats and Cost
Each container home measures 40 feet by 8 feet, offering 340 square feet of living space. The cost of each container home was around $60,000, and when fully furnished, the price increased to about $70,000. This cost-effective solution is particularly appealing given the rising prices of traditional housing. This is another thing that impressed me because of its affordability, and is something everyone should look into as a for of alternative housing.
Welcome Inside
Jenna did a tour inside the container homes, showcasing the smart design and efficient use of space. Each home features a living area with a TV and seating, a kitchenette with necessary appliances, a bathroom with unique metal walls, and a cozy bedroom with ample storage. The thoughtful design ensures that every square foot is utilized effectively, making the homes comfortable and functional.
Kitchenettes
The kitchenettes in the container homes are compact yet practical. They include a sink, mini-fridge, and induction stove. While the girls often use the main house kitchen for cooking, the kitchenette provides the convenience of having basic food preparation facilities within their own space.
Bathrooms
The bathrooms are designed with style and efficiency in mind. They feature metal walls, built-in shelving, and LED light mirrors, offering a modern and functional space for the girls to use daily. This was especially impressive to me because I didn’t expect this level of functionality from a bathroom in this type of living space.
Bedrooms
The bedrooms are perhaps the most personalized spaces in the container homes. Each room is equipped with a bed, built-in storage, and additional features like TVs and hanging shelves. The design ensures that the girls have a comfortable and private retreat.
Keeping Relationships Healthy
People in the comments really loved this idea: “If I had the resources, I’d totally do this too. Very cool they can afford to set up their children like this”
Another commenter added: “This is a wonderful idea. Family should live together but with their own privacies and spaces to grow. This keeps relations healthy.”
One person managed to find a possible issue: “One problem I see is the width of the hallways and the ability for elderly parents with wheelchairs or walkers being able to fit”
Alternative Housing Meeting Modern Needs
Jenna Spesard’s report on this innovative housing solution highlights a growing trend of utilizing alternative housing to meet modern needs. The use of shipping containers not only addresses space and privacy issues but also offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional housing. As housing prices continue to rise, and sustainability becomes a more pressing concern, such creative solutions could become more mainstream.
Other Unconventional Housing Solutions
What do you think? What other unconventional housing solutions could help address space and affordability issues in urban areas? What are the long-term sustainability benefits of repurposing materials like shipping containers for housing? How can multi-generational living arrangements be designed to benefit all family members?
See the full video on Tiny House Giant Journey’s channel for more details here.
