When done right, shipping container homes can offer a number of benefits—from cost-effective construction to low-maintenance needs to sustainable architectural approaches and compact living that amounts to a simpler lifestyle. Rakhee Shobhit Design Associates (also known as RSDA) is an Indian practice that recently completed two shipping container homes. Located on either end of farmland in the Aravalli hills near Udaipur, India, the structures were commissioned as "countryside escapes for the client and his family." The shipping container homes are also equipped with various facilities, like a full gym.
RSDA relied on "industrial materials as the exoskeleton to create a homely, cozy setting with a spatial dialogue between the interiors and the surroundings." This spatial dialogue is created by the windows that maximize views to the outside while also enabling an ample influx of natural light.
Shipping Container Homes
Rakhee Shobhit Design Associates Creates Two Residential Units in India
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Architecture - The use of low-maintenance, cost-effective shipping container homes for sustainable architecture and smaller living spaces is a trend that continues to grow in popularity.
2. Industrial Chic - The utilization of industrial materials in design to create unique and stylish homes is a trend that many architects and designers are exploring.
3. Outdoor Integration - The integration of outdoor elements in architecture that maximize views and natural light is a trend that is increasingly popular in home design.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - The architecture industry has the opportunity to embrace innovative construction materials and approaches to create sustainable and low-maintenance residential homes, such as shipping container homes.
2. Real Estate - The real estate industry can explore incorporating shipping container homes into the market as an affordable and sustainable housing option for those seeking simpler living spaces.
3. Fitness - The fitness industry can capitalize on the trend of at-home workouts by integrating full gyms and exercise spaces into the design of residential homes, such as the shipping container homes created by RSDA.