If you’ve ever hopped across the Tasman to Christchurch, you would have seen how shipping containers can be recycled into trendy cafes and stores. Now, some are taking this one step further and recycling shipping containers into full-blown homes.
From merging two shipping containers for a multi-bedroom house, to adding stairs in a tall shipping container for grungy loft-style living, the possibilities are endless. And, with many shipping containers available for under $3000, you’ll have plenty of budget left to mould your containers into your dream home.
For the environmentally-conscious, modular houses go a few steps beyond solar panels when it comes to an eco-friendly home. Modular homes are prefabricated and built off-site, then reassembled on the land you have selected for your property.
Australian company ArchiBlox design sustainable prefab homes that can reach an eight star energy rating. These homes use passive and sustainable design principles and some of their designs – the Carbon Positive range – actually produce more energy than they consume.
They are designed and built in Australia and delivered Australia-wide within 12-28 weeks. The designs available can be customised to suit the land you own and any other design requirements. The houses have features, such as in-ground cooling tubes, double glazing, green roofs, garden walls and air tightness that make them an eco-friendly home choice.
Want to get more movement into your day? This unique ‘domestic fitness’ house by Elii helps you get in shape while also saving money on your bills. Currently a work in progress, the Jane Fonda Kit House (JF-Kit, for short) allows residents to produce domestic energy by doing physical activities.
Want to charge your phone? Move your body on the tatami mat. Need to water the plants? Simply do some pull-ups in the ‘triceps greenhouse’. The JK-Kit is a unique idea that, if realised, will make our wallets fatter and our bodies slimmer.
For something less physically demanding, you can create a living roof or wall in your existing home to save money on bills. Adding plants or vegetation to your roof can insulate your home and naturally cool the air, saving on air-conditioning bills, and assisting with storm water management.
Need some inspiration for renovating your quirky home? Get ideas from the Domain Renovating blog.
Image credit: Tom Ross