This MI Container Home So Off-Grid There’s No Bathroom: How Much House

MICHIGAN — Shipping container homes have been around since the early 200ss, driven both by the “tiny house” trend and a ready supply of building materials as the vessels stacked up at ports.

Extremely durable and unique, shipping container homes have gone mainstream among people interested in simplifying their lives by adopting a more sustainable, minimalist lifestyle.

They’re often a less expensive option than stick-built homes and, importantly to the people choosing this non-conventional type of housing, they reuse existing resources. And they’re built to withstand the wet, salty environment at sea, making it likely their durable steel shells will be more resistant to weather than traditional siding.

Not all shipping container homes are the same. Some are private residences, while others are simple back-to-nature retreats. This week in How Much House, we take a peek inside shipping container homes in California, Georgia and Michigan.

Michigan | $69,900

4222 Rogers, Kalkaska
Listed by: Atty Belanger | Kidd & Leavy Real Estate LLC
Square feet: 340
Acreage: approximately 10 acres
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 0

Living off the grid isn’t for everyone, but this sustainable homemade from shipping containers is thoughtfully designed to incorporate basic necessities — although the shower is located outside, with a view of the woods in this Up North paradise.

The home has been fully insulated and finished with elegant hardwood floors. A well and generator were expertly installed n 2015, allowing or autonomous, eco-conscious living.

The property has a 100-foot-by-100-foot fenced garden with enriched soil and two 1,550-gallon water tanks to keep plants hydrated and happy.

Manistee Lake, a freshwater haven for sports enthusiasts, is nearby. Peek inside for more photos.

Georgia | $349,900

129 Quail Run, Woodstock
Listed by: Mahria Heller | RE/MAX Town & Country
Square feet: 1,280
Acreage: 1 acre
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2 (both full)
Year built: 2023

This brand-new home constructed of steel shipping containers is the first of its kind in Woodstock. It is built on 16-foot-by-16 foot steel reinforced concrete piers, anchored with steel plates on bridge pillars with re-bar.

It has a commercial grade roof, tankless water heater, quartz counter tops, new General Electric appliances, two septic tanks and and 2-inch-thick Asian mahogany floors throughout.

The rooftop deck and full basement are unfinished, ready for the owner’s finishing touches. The basement area is suitable as an income-producing rental unit or as an in-law suite with a separate entry.

The home sits at the end of a quiet street in a subdivision without a homeowner’s association. Peek inside for more photos.

California | $1,780,000

33832 Robles Drive, Dana Point
Listed by: Gaetano Logrande | Bullock Russell Real Estate Services
Square feet: 1,600
Acreage: 0,07 acres
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2 (1 full)
Year built: 2017

Built from repurposed shipping containers, this home in the Lantern District of Dana Point seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with eco-friendly materials. The homemade of repurposed materials is built on 15-foot-deep caissons to make it earthquake resistant. It has top-notch heating and cooling systems

A striking, custom-built automatic sliding door made from reclaimed wood from Idaho sets the tone for the unique character of the home. A spacious garage also doubles as a studio for artists, complete with a built-in Murphy bed for guests.

Inside, you’ll find stylistic features like reclaimed French limestone floors that convey both luxury and environmental consciousness. Quartz countertops in the kitchen are complemented by a pass-through flip out window with an exquisite countertop slab of Italia travertine.

Stone walls, a custom blend of texture, and board form finish concrete beams contribute to the home’s unique and robust aesthetics.

Upstairs, a custom-built steel door leads to a balcony. Reclaimed wood beams add warmth and character. The back balcony featuring a corrugated roof overlooks the lush surroundings. All windows are fiberglass with steel black finish and provide a modern and cohesive look throughout the house.

The living space seamlessly connects with the outdoors through a La Cantina steel bifold door and an outdoor shower, adding an element of relaxation and natural beauty. The outdoor space is ultra private and perfect for entertainment. Peek inside for more photos.

• Looking for something else? Search Patch real estate listings to find your dream home.