It’s Your Average Off-Grid Shipping Container Home—Just Set on a Tall Metal Tower

This article highlights the transformation of a 17th-century building in Copenhagen, originally part of a royal naval base, into a contemporary townhouse. The renovation, undertaken by architect Danielle Siggerud and her husband Mathias, focused on preserving the building's historical integrity while introducing modern elements. Key to this approach was the retention of original features such as exposed timber beams and arched windows and doors, which serve as visual reminders of the structure's industrial past. The design philosophy emphasized the interplay of history and natural light. Internal walls were removed to enhance daylight penetration, and all four floors were interconnected, creating a sense of openness. Danielle notes the captivating effect of shadows and the contrast between light and darkness, which contribute to a warm and intimate atmosphere throughout the house. The interior palette is characterized by neutral tones and earthy textures, including plastered stone-colored walls and blonde timber floorboards, which are softly illuminated, giving the spaces an ethereal quality. Functionally, the open-plan kitchen and dining area features large arched windows that offer views of the canal and garden. A sleek kitchen island made of honed Carrara marble anchors the space. The decor reflects Danielle's refined yet understated style, prioritizing timeless furniture, structures, and materials that are not driven by fleeting trends. She works intuitively, favoring natural materials that will age gracefully. The home incorporates a blend of vintage and auction-acquired furniture, which injects personality and historical depth into each room. This is complemented by a sophisticated collection of art, ceramics, and sculptures. The master bedroom exemplifies this design approach, with a material bedhead, tactile bed linen, and a restrained color scheme that create a calm and soothing environment. A black and brass Serge Mouille wall lamp adds a touch of drama, while the use of stools as versatile bedside tables is suggested as a practical and flexible decor tip. This thoughtful integration of old and new elements results in a home that is both modern and deeply connected to its historical roots. #IndustrialDesign #HomeRenovation #ExposedTimberBeams #CopenhagenArchitecture #HistoricPreservation #ContemporaryTownhouse #NeutralPalette #VintageFurniture #InteriorDesign

Budi Pradono Architects designed the Clay House on a hill in Selong Belanak, Lombok, Indonesia. The residence, also known as Seven Havens Residence by its owner, is composed of two volumes supported by concrete stilts, allowing it to rise above the surrounding trees and offer views of the paddy fields and the Indian Ocean. The architects positioned the structure carefully to ensure it becomes an iconic landmark in the still-developing area. A distinctive feature of the Clay House is a 2.2-meter-high shipping container situated at the highest point of the house. This container is angled upwards at 60 degrees, providing a high ceiling in the master bedroom and a large window with access to a terrace. An additional window on the opposite side of the container allows natural light into the en-suite bathroom. To mitigate heat from the sun, the exterior of the shipping container is painted white. This project reflects Budi Pradono Architects' prior work, which includes a leaning residence in Jakarta, designed as a counterpoint to conventional European-style homes in a gated community. The design approach emphasizes a departure from traditional architectural norms. For the Clay House, Budi Pradono Architects prioritized the use of locally sourced materials. The shipping container itself was acquired from a nearby island's port, retaining its original "7h" orange logo. The walls are constructed from local clay, collected 20 kilometers from the site and processed by artisans who mixed it with sand, cement, straw, and cow dung. These board-marked walls are 30 centimeters thick, providing effective insulation against Lombok's hot and humid climate and preventing overheating. Internal cladding is made from flattened bamboo, harvested at night to maximize starch retention in the roots, a traditional preservation technique. The bamboo was then submerged in seawater for two months and coated with paint. The interior also features exposed natural materials like heavy wooden furniture and stone tiling, complementing the building's organic aesthetic. Access to the entrance is provided by a staircase framed by greenery-draped walls. The living, kitchen, and dining areas are located in the volume beneath the shipping container. This space is oriented to face a long, narrow swimming pool that extends from the rear of the house. Budi Pradono Architects, recognized on the Dezeen Hot List, has a portfolio that includes a property with interior trees and a bamboo house designed to harmonize with the local landscape. #BudiPradonoArchitects #ClayHouse #LombokArchitecture #ShippingContainerHome #SustainableArchitecture #TropicalDesign #IndonesianArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #LocalMaterials

This article details a unique residential project in East Austin's Mueller neighborhood, spearheaded by Patrice Rios, founder of Troo Designs and custom shipping container business Sige&Honey;. The project is a duplex designed in collaboration with local architect Mark Reynolds, creatively integrating shipping containers as adaptable home additions. These containers are envisioned as guest bedrooms, offices, or art studios, offering flexible living and working spaces. One unit has already been sold, while Unit B, featuring a similar floor plan with a more feminine aesthetic, is listed for $499,000. The architectural design of the duplex draws inspiration from the shipping containers themselves. Clad in white Hardie plank siding, the building's modular appearance echoes the look of a two-story container home. Despite its 1,484 square feet, the residence feels expansive due to large windows and 11-foot-tall ceilings. The ground floor comprises a fluid layout of living, dining, and kitchen areas. A full bathroom on this level is conveniently accessible for guests utilizing the shipping container addition. A striking steel-and-wood floating staircase ascends to the second floor, which houses two bedrooms, both with access to private patios. Unit B, specifically, showcases a refined interior. The first floor features gleaming stained concrete floors, complemented by a "showstopper" staircase that combines industrial steel elements from the containers with warming wooden beams. The kitchen in Unit B incorporates black and white cabinets with brass hardware accents, and brass galvanized pipe and glass shelving. Rios emphasized her intention to infuse the kitchen with an "Austin" sensibility, characterized by shelving, a high vent hood, a gas stove, and double-stacked cabinets that enhance the home's volume. The master bathroom continues the brass theme with mirrors, light fixtures, and hardware, harmonizing with the kitchen's aesthetic. The exterior of the duplex includes a covered patio with clear-coated cedar wood. The shipping containers are strategically placed approximately 10 feet from the main house, mirroring the duplex's shared wall and creating a cohesive visual effect. Windows cut into the sides of the containers allow natural light to penetrate and offer views of the backyard. The front facade of the main house incorporates upcycled wood from cabinet shipping pallets, highlighting a commitment to sustainable practices. Each 160-square-foot shipping container is equipped with track lighting, wall sconces, a full-height cabinet, a mini-split air conditioner, and floors that combine engineered wood with hand-painted tiles from Clay Imports. These containers are highly versatile, staged in the article as an office space, but capable of serving various functions tailored to the homeowner's needs. The project aims to offer a unique living experience reminiscent of a downtown high-rise, complete with private workspaces, located in Austin's vibrant and open East Side neighborhood. #ShippingContainerHome #AustinRealEstate #DuplexDesign #ModularArchitecture #SustainableLiving #InteriorDesign #PatriceRios #MarkReynolds #MuellerNeighborhood

This blog post highlights a $5 million penthouse loft in Tribeca, located at 58 Walker Street, showcasing its unique blend of industrial charm and modern luxury. The 2,115-square-foot duplex spans two floors and includes a generous 1,318 square feet of private rooftop space, making it suitable for both winter and summer enjoyment. The apartment, situated in a building constructed in 1869, retains much of its original character, particularly through extensive exposed brickwork. Contemporary additions include an open staircase that connects the two levels, a striking massive copper kitchen vent, and distinctive lighting fixtures. The kitchen, positioned beneath the lofted second floor, features an externally-powered indoor grill, allowing for year-round culinary activities. The main floor of the penthouse accommodates two bedrooms and two bathrooms, both offering northern views. The master bedroom is further enhanced by a spacious dressing room. The second, lofted floor is an open-plan area currently configured as a “dining loggia.” This space is equipped with a custom 100-bottle wine bin, a wine bar, a wine refrigerator, and a half bathroom, designed for entertaining. Access to the private rooftop terrace is provided via another open staircase leading from the dining loggia. The terrace offers ample room for outdoor furniture and landscaping, with panoramic views that include iconic New York City landmarks such as the Empire State Building and the Woolworth Building. Interior design details include a classic bathroom with a clawfoot tub and a second bathroom featuring patterned wallpaper, adding a contemporary touch to the rustic aesthetic. Overall, the penthouse presents a balanced living environment with a wood-burning fireplace for colder months and expansive outdoor space for warmer weather, combining historical elements with modern amenities in a highly desirable Tribeca location. The property is listed by Dina Lewis and Melanie Lazenby of Douglas Elliman. #PenthouseLoft #TribecaRealEstate #LuxuryApartment #ExposedBrick #RooftopTerrace #Duplex #IndustrialChic #NYCArchitecture #WalkerStreet