Architects find innovative ways to reuse common materials.Â
Utilizing upcycled shipping containers, the sustainability minded are defining an interesting real estate trend . The massive containers often sit empty on docks around the world after being unloaded, thus creating yet more wasted material and wasted space. With the rise in popularity of these durable homes, comes the rise in competition for architects to flex their creativity and give prospective buyers truly unique properties.ÂSituated just outside Phoenix is 2753 East South Mountain Avenue. This 2,969-square-foot shipping container home features three beds, four baths, and because of its 100 percent aluminum foil exterior, the sun reflects off the siding, effectively keeping the interior of the home cool. As the brainchild of engineer Jorge Salcedo and Columbian architect Gregorio Baquero, the dual-level home is complete with plenty of open space in the middle and a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows for plenty of natural light. It is currently on the market for $610,000.
Another industrial chic property sporting more than a handful of shipping containers is on the market for $875,000 and hails from New Jersey. At four beds and 4,000-square-feet, architect Adam Kalkin brought this design marvel to life by utilizing upcycled hardwood floors, concrete, floor-to-ceiling windows on every side, large wooden beams, and showcased the original corrugated metal siding on the exterior. The result is a space that feels open, modern, and connected to the surrounding landscape.
