Most Livable 40 ft Container Home?! Architect's DIY $45k Tiny House

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

*Install ⚒️ Homescapes today for free **clik.cc/homescapes_TinyHouseExpedition** & help Austin renovate his mansion.* 🏡Dan focused on not sacrificing comfort in his high-cube 40' container home while optimizing function. The result is an incredibly livable tiny home for only $45k, due to the DIY aspect. 👉 *Check out his neighbors incredible DIY 26.5-foot tiny home:* kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYjNh2Omo5d1Y6c

[@alexfreer8892]

I love these videos. Another great build 💕🇬🇧

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

@Alex thanks for watching! This really is one of our top favorite single container homes 👌✨

[@faanlouw6109]

I really do not play games, nor do I want more than 1 minute of my airtime wasted on something of no interest to me. This gave me a very bad attitude towards your video. So I will downvote it.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

@@faanlouw6109 sorry to hear it. You can always fast forward the video past the ad by tapping the screen or clicking on to the next chapter, shown at the bottom of the screen

[@despicabledavidshort3806]

Just wanted to wish you well but I can't watch your channel anymore. Your pop up ads are horrendous

[@sherrybrower2858]

You can tell he's a real minimalist! Loved the wood grain thruout. Floor storage was unique too. Dog and cat was so cute made me happy. Would love to have a place like this. I would have larger fridge and w/d. We live In a 30 ft rv and like the minimalist lifestyle.

[@BStrambo]

I loved the editing where in one shot the cat was on the bed and then when it cut to a close up of the counter the cat was on it! Yup, typical cat...I Lol'd

[@TheMm8107]

I 💚 his shirt! Go Spurs go!!! Much love from Houston!! 🤩😎🤘🏾👏🏾✌🏾

[@perpetualmotion8090]

Wow, I wish my city would "allow" a container home like this. So ridiculous all the codes and whose home would it be anyway... it would be mine and I know what I want in a home and how I want to live! This is so very frustrating.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

More places are catching up but progress is unfortunately so slow 😛

[@nossa_casa_container9160]

MY HOUSE CONTAINER kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4G7YoCpp9VlhKM ..............

[@edswope28]

Many cities say no up front. But relent when you show them legit plans with engineered drawings. They just want to make sure you arent trying to build an eyesore shanty that will blow into the neighbors yard in the next windstorm.

[@DawnOldham]

They are living in a RV park. I THINK most cities allow tiny homes and container homes to be in an RV park.

[@sheilaharvey4206]

This is when I’m glad I live in the country, I can build anything I want

[@chris10hi]

Nice to see you do your own place, its really part of you and your family. Lovely.

[@unittwophoto]

where can i get a friend like his?

[@StevenG-xg8nn]

I live in Florida an me an my wife are getting ine build its amazing

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

We'd love to see yours once it's finished! If you're interested, reach out to us at tinyhouseexpedition.com/get-featured/

[@joanntaylor8491]

I love the concept and design. Did u design your T-shirt. I would like to order one if you do ?

[@ginaedmonds]

Love it🎉🎉🎉

[@julieherring2522]

I cannot see $45.000 dollars in this house when I have seeen others down the list for$20,000and just a little more and done to perfection, sorry I mean this because I’ve just watched others and their builds .

[@ExpectGreatThings7]

Same, I couldn't believe it when he said that price! That seems like an extremely high price! There is nothing fancy about it and it is only one container.

[@LastChanceTinyHouse]

You can tell a lot about an architect by the house they or he, built for himself and lives in. I'm not impressed.

[@christinemay1752]

You have a very good voice for narrating, it was a pleasant tour. You did an amazing job with it.

[@oblomovtheunknown]

I loved the minimalist look in the door frames and the Scandi look inside. Wasn't it Frank Lloyd Wright who was keen on the idea that space and lighting was a continuum so that when you have large french windows your living space extends into the garden or nature. I live in a small residential apartment and I have no curtains. Every morning I am greeted by a wonderful view and a feeling of greater space. I like the use of the pine, though I would caution about the quick growing trees as they do have a deleterious impact on indigenous ecologies and the soils. In that case I would use recycled wood or alternatives. What I loved about Dan is how the two animals interacted with him. You get the feeling of a cool, collected and generous soul. We need a lot of that today. Yes there are so many people homeless and so many cheap options. Thanks to Tiny House Expedition and Dan.

[@robinprice6879]

What a great comment. And I do agree

[@horselizard]

Great video and awesome container house! Any Strung Out fans out there notice the astrolux tattoo?? I knew this guy seemed cool! Haha

[@selfesteem3447]

Your pets are so cute and very healthy. Your little dog, when you were setting up the ottoman, he knows something special is going on, he's so so adorable and so funny, love them. Very special. Love your shipping container, great job - beautiful.

[@terriburch9837]

Hi Dan, I enjoyed watching your video. My property is in south central Colorado (West of Trinidad). Looking to get help building my container home in the next year. I would really like 2 bedrooms. Not sure what containers to purchase to make that happen. I would like to keep costs down as much as possible. I would buy my contain from Pueblo. Any thoughts would be appreciated. T

[@richp7457]

To me, $45,000 for a container home is completely comical and defeats the entire idea.

[@Orangeshebert]

Skilled and beautiful home. The homeowner did a great job and presented his build so nicely. I’ve saved it to show my son who will be building one for my retirement.

[@allegrosotto2126]

Nicely done, I'm a lover of ply anyway. Plus the pets obviously adore the owner☺

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

They really do! ❤️

[@mesaarchitecturestudio]

Thanks!

[@mmmsunshine5367]

Loved the animals too 😍

[@OveBakken]

I think I'm going to get my own semi truck and container house .. I've been thinking about it for a few years now. I don't want to own a regular house or apartment and be tied to a specific location. If I can, I will park my house close to mountain tops, oceans and deep inside dark forrests.

[@jamesengland7461]

I like that it's minimalistic in the way that no unnecessary work was done. No staining, sanding, painting, no unnecessary doors, etc.

[@anneliesjoss]

It’s just ridiculous how expensive lumber has become😱. Cool house!

[@JamesWhite-ms7yk]

Outside air exchanger, mini-split, mechanical steel tubing window / door frames, under-floor storage, etc ,... Probably the best shipping container video I've seen - this is a definitely done right !

[@Ajuni]

Loved watching this! The animals are adorable as well. I am curious to know if Pippin by any chance is a rescue from India? 😍

[@mesaarchitecturestudio]

Pippen was rescued from the 4 corners area. She was a year old when we adopted her and we believe she’s a Carolina dog

[@adamcenteno6155]

Here in Puerto Rico they are charging 6-7,000 for a 40ft shipping container. Highway robbery.

[@yuhmin5365]

Very nice and cozy home! 🌱🌱 Love you pets! Dog is attached to the Dad, cat is enjoying life 🥰

[@nathalierichcreek5460]

I really like the shipping containers when skillfully transformed into a home. I have seen a few and would love 2 40 ft containers meshed together to form a home. I love the different people living tiny today from young people to elderly folks. I never seem to tire of your videos.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Thank you Nathalie! ❤️ We never get tired of meeting all the different kinds of tiny home dwellers

[@maliahjoy2959]

Same!

[@bakakafka4428]

I always wonder with these container homes, how do they manage moisture and avoid mold? With the cold inside metal wall, how do you avoid any condensation?

[@mesaarchitecturestudio]

Closed cell spray foam insulation and ventilation. I used a heat recovery ventilator

[@JudahTribe2023]

You can definitely tell the windows/doors are expensive! They look amazing!!💯

[@mesaarchitecturestudio]

Thanks!

[@treeguyable]

This is great, and functions fine. The thing about life/ having things, is ,... you are never done. As the days go on, you 2 are constantly talking about little changes, up grades, more storage, etc. Would love to see a yr to yr comparison, noting any changes.

[@Lirx01]

I didn't see any cat furniture around, do you have any ideas of how to make the space more comfortable and entertaining for your feline family member?

[@marciaharper2575]

As a container home enthusiast I loved the layout, design and finish he managed to achieve a lot in with a single container. The colour palette not to my liking but the windows make this place look amazing. The 'untouched' look of the container and plywood made it really easy to see how they pulled it all together. Kitty litter in the bedroom would be hard no for me, I'm not anti pet. just anti-pooh in my bedroom. also not super wild about the washing machine in the bedroom. Altogether very utilitarian. no pointless fluff in this build

[@anniewright6358]

I agree about the cat litter being in the bedroom. Nothing smells worse than cat poo and if it had to ‘go’ in the middle of the night, I’d have get up and take it out straight away

[@bellaluce7088]

Totally agree about the awesome windows--especially the one behind the couch! 🤩 I had the same reaction to the kitty litter next to the bed (yikes!), but I actually think the bedroom is a brilliant place for a washer/dryer in a tiny house. Since doing laundry happens when you're awake, it means the noise pollution is isolated in the farthest, most unused portion of the house during the day. It would also be so convenient to transfer clothes to the bed for folding, or straight onto hangers with the closet right there! This might be a new tiny house preference for me!

[@Originalman144]

LOL I was looking for this comment. I agree. Pooh was wayy too close to the bed. Talk about a wake up call!

[@7Jennifer]

Can I borrow his friend to fund my own build, haha? I think this is a great option overall but in particular for those who want a TH but one that they can age-in-place better than a TH with stairs. Pippen and the kitty are adorable! Since he knows how to build maybe he'll consider putting a swing away small platform by the bedroom window for the kitty. It swings away as needed (like to close the shades) but otherwise its in front of the window for optimum viewing height. Adding a door with a cut out by the litter would be my choice as well. Unless his kitty is not a wild one in the box and doesn't make a mess like my cat does!😆 He said it ran $45k to DIY but I didn't hear what it would cost for a lay person to have it built to the same specs. Costs can change but a ballpark idea would have been good to know.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

If only we could all have a friend like that! 😄 I think for a lay person the cost would be similar but require more research. Dan doesn’t have much build experience and also he purchased most materials pre-pandemic. But hopefully prices will drop more!

[@7Jennifer]

@@TinyHouseExpedition Sorry, I meant what the cost would be (generally) to have it built to the specs of what he currently has.

[@mesaarchitecturestudio]

Thanks for the comments. I estimate that the build would be somewhere around $80-$100k to hire a contractor to build this.

[@1wldnczyguy]

For a home “designed by an ARCHITECT,” I’m not impressed by the “design” or “ingenuity” of any of it.

[@opinionatedartist]

Unfortunately I have to agree.

[@opinionatedartist]

Laying in bed next to your vacuum cleaner, washing machine, dirty laundry and cat litter box does not speak so highly of your design solutions … maybe putting the dresser under the closet and the litter box and dirty laundry under the bed would help. Also the “versatile” table, dog crate is not that pretty. The dog crate ( if truly a necessity that couldn’t be replaced with folding dog gates) could also go under the bed, you just have to make the bed higher like they do in vans. And you could use a couch with storage for some of your winter items that you currently store under the bed. I am not writing all this just to be critical toward you, that is not my goal, but for anyone else looking to build a tiny house who has been discouraged by this video ☺️

[@inesolujic2534]

I'm glad I'm not the only one. It looks like a cheap, unfinished shed with nice windows added. I've seen amateurs build tiny homes that are 10x better thought out and clever in their use of space.

[@Mammaj1963]

Everything is made cheap

[@michaelcook6855]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@quikxfl]

Is this skipped to drain the top of the container? If like to see one with a modular porch extension at the larger opening

[@xBINARYGODx]

"this is pippens crate... but its also my office" LOL!

[@edswope28]

Ive read that spray foam is almost a necessity in these to stop the condensation of the metal walls that will ruin traditional batted insulation. A little spendy but worth it.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

💯 worth it!

[@DP-jt5kz]

Beautiful home! How do you deal with the issue of property? If in the city Can you just like buy a open lot, fence it off and do this? Or would I need some type of permit?

[@TheBigDubovsky]

I wonder how he stops the rust from spreading and eventually rotting through into the interior. Really cool build.

[@JK-oc9qc]

Watching this, especially when he talks about the bedroom, reminds me of my early days of marriage when we were living in a small studio, we were very close and dependent on each other. we did not feel crowded at all. now we are living in a nice big house, and we are not as close to each other as early days. More space gives more freedom and less stress but closer space actually could cultivate a stronger personal bond. Psychologically, we sometimes need a smaller space to feel more up close and personal but larger space to alleviate some stress.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Fascinating perspective and rings true. Our relationship has only grown stronger living in our tiny home for many years. ☺️

[@trumpisatruepatriot3431]

I love this. So true.

[@EvendimataE]

big plus for having a window right where the stove is....so no need for a range hood.....that would even be nice for regular houses

[@wownewstome6123]

For health, best to cook with electricity. For gas, good to use a large hood to exhaust Carbon Monoxide and other pollutants, like NO2, produced when cooking with gas. A strong breeze from a window nearby can increase the Carbon Monoxide production by making the flame flicker and turn yellow/orange vs all blue. The other issue with windows is that they dilute pollutants vs extract them. But to each their own!

[@sandrabrooks1478]

Nice job. I live in Durango also, and yes, Durango has done a great job in allowing Tinys. Love the way you matched the grain of your wood. I LOVE the front door. It makes a difference to have lots of light in a Tiny.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

It really does! ❤️

[@raymondcaylor6292]

I understand the type of build and the lifestyle. What I don't understand is putting it on rented land. 20 year's of rent would cost a minimum of 150K and that's if you never moved it.

[@jukes243]

A very simplistic but lovely home. The dog is a little leery of the camera person. Handsome animal.

[@juliamaxwellmarin]

Maintaining the ability to close those doors is great for added security or even hurricanes too!!

[@dedricbullock5567]

Where did you find the side window with the sliding windows on the bottom and nice build?

[@shoralho804]

Your home looks amazing ! also I love the fur babies so well behaved ..😃

[@katzsteel]

That plywood looks so unfinished.

[@MrMlbfan6]

Cause is kinda ID but that’s his style

[@lindamartin2045]

Rather like this video👍🤗. I've lived in a mobile home before with hot dry summers. This "can" looks very comfortable and efficient. No ladder to climb. 😊😁 Yay! Washer. Storage. The plywood walls are actually quite lovely. Thank you

[@mesaarchitecturestudio]

Thank you 🙏

[@vanessagraham1908]

I love it I love his layout and the wood he used and the smaller container for storage there is also a need for housing where I live. Barriers with housing would lessen if companies,cities and states could see that this type of home is very efficient , little ground breaking and strong thank you for sharing 😊

[@SPohl-zy4rz]

Nice effort by a likeable, concise man. Unit feels spacious and comfortable. Great pets. Loving the stereo as well.

[@maighreadoleary9140]

Very nice! Love the kitchen...all the spaces . really love the wood. Thank you for your video

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Appreciate you watching!

[@locutz]

Came out really cosy ,the one thing he left out was Where water supply is .

[@mesaarchitecturestudio]

Sorry, the water supply is near the existing container doors, same wall as the kitchen. Hope that helps.

[@erinbrown6962]

Durango seems like on of the few perfect places for tiny homes 🏡!!!❤

[@jalalelbirech7322]

salam 3alaykom,iam jalal from Morocco,beautiful shopping container home , good job and good Luck.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

thank you for watching!

[@normaharrod5337]

I love the wood look even if it is just plywood. Love the large sink and stove area.

[@tonyahawkinskamoroff7725]

Where can you buy the container?

[@pauldesigncomics2625]

Very nice design and very functional. The only thing that bothered me was the kitty litter right next to the bed.

[@alanaweaver8942]

This can be adapted to helping homeless veterans and individuals who need a home.

[@diaperscomfyftw1760]

Damn I'm building one soon and my cost for materials is under $16,000 and I'm putting a 20ft one on top and putting in a staircase. I already found my containers. My 40ft high cube one is $1800 plus free delivery and my 20ft one is $1300. Now cost of a foundation and a crane will set me back another $5000, but damn 45k! 😳 I'm glad I roughed it out during covid. I'm going save a shit ton!

[@mmmsunshine5367]

Really like the concept but wondering what the total cost would be for non-diy or handy folks especially including financing/mortgage/insurance perspectives.

[@sheilaharvey4206]

To me it just doesn’t look finished at all I wouldn’t want plywood on my walls

[@rogerlabarr8578]

The foundation makes it look more Rustic; Awesome!

[@ninagink5666]

The plywood walls are so depressing!

[@annamorgan9069]

My favorite takeaway is how important the pets are to this couple. Love the rustic look and pops of color too.

[@ann-mariejensen2623]

Intelligent, no-nonsense design.

[@elmono3939]

Nice ! I see everybody is bulding its own container. I am surprised somebody doesn't make these containers move-in ready. I am sure there would be good market for it. Thank you for sharing.

[@georgeonyango3899]

I'm planning to buy my own container, this is truly lovely ❤❤❤❤

[@rozinant1237]

I like the interior design and it is superbly detailed, but I am not seeing why you needed a container to build this? In my locale, I could have this shape, wood framed and batt insulated for far less. That would allow me to use a more attractive siding material, which would have made the project look more upscale. As well, I can purchase a brand new, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, single wide in San Antonio for $42,000.

[@sososanchez3512]

Eco Friendly & Beautiful..

[@tWz4462]

I'm so enjoying his view of his records and player. Still have mine as well😅😅🥰😍👍👍❤️. Very nice.. I wish my state would start this movement.

[@FountainBeee]

Thank you for sharing.

[@trine357]

Can’t say I love the idea of an open litter box right under the clean hanging clothes… but the rest of the layout looked great…

[@bikebudha01]

I am disappointed you didn't cover how the roof system works. How do you keep the water out? How do you keep the water from ponding on the roof?

[@peggybachler5952]

nice build - I live in AZ and it's gotten so expensive here to live that I'm being forced to move to the mid west in order to survive - I don't want to live with kids "yet" lol

[@ochexavier]

I would love to see what he would do with four containers joined

[@daviduribe3111]

All that exposed plywood is visually monotonous. For a start, I would apply a flexible, synthetic stucco to the ceiling. A light color would create an illusion of added ceiling height.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

We think the plywood looks really clean and fairly bright, but not everyone’s cup of tea. We like your light ceiling idea 😊👍

[@julieherring2522]

They could always paint it if they get sick of it but for now they have a giant tiny home to live in pretty special hey,!

[@5167304]

Boards Of Canada record !😍

[@tanyaking394]

How do you get away with an on demand hot water heater in that climate? That could be a game changer in my thought process.

[@carolhewett3756]

How on earth did you you get permission to install this in that park? Railroad ties would never work in Florida. They do rot over time.

[@TheTruthlady]

Very nice build, inspiring.

[@mesaarchitecturestudio]

Thanks!

[@theloniouszappa]

These can be made for a lot less. I can get two 40ft containers for $4,000. I'm sure if someone wasnt trying to use super expensive materials for the interior, one could be finished for 25-$30,000

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Yeah it comes down to what you prioritize and really want. He highly valued large windows and glass doors, high quality insulation (needed for the climate), and the energy recovery ventilation system-all more pricey but well worth it, for Dan anyway. 😊

[@michaelripperger5674]

How much was the hvac system ? What was the name ?

[@AcrimoniousMirth]

I currently work in luxury motor yacht design and manufacture so cramming as much as I can into a tiny space that looks and feels good is sort of what I’m trained to do. Videos like this really make me wish the codes and regulations where I am were more friendly to tiny homes and similar so I could feel more free to finally get mine started.

[@AcrimoniousMirth]

@Just think Correct, my style is different.

[@mesaarchitecturestudio]

@justthink Yes used containers are cheaper, but the rust, dings, scrapes, stickers and fading paint adds character to the container, very much like a patina. No salesman antics. The container is not for sale. The interior walls are 7’2” and code minimum for a bedroom is 7’. I used 2x3 studs because I wanted to maximize the interior space, just as you mentioned. After living in the space for nearly 4 years, I wish I added another 2” of insulation rather than gain 2” of space Drywall is the wrong choice for container homes, especially for those that are not sitting on a permanent foundation. Container flex as temperatures change. In Durango, it’s not uncommon to see 20-30 degree temperature swings in the summer. That kind of movement would wreak havoc on drywall and repairing nail pops and cracks would be a constant job. Air movement and ventilation are critical to mitigate moisture and mold in small spaces. The ceiling fan in the living room and bedroom (as well as the heat recovery ventilator) are crucial for this design. Plus, the fans are all we need for 4-5 months out of the year to keep the place comfortable. The underside of the container was sprayed with about 7” of closed cell spray foam insulation. I agree that the closet is a bit of a mess. I opted to not install doors because their swings would be awkward and reduce the space more. Ceiling storage sounds like a good idea, but I didn’t want to reduce the ceiling height. Also, that’s a more complex cabinet build and I wasn’t confident that I had the ability to build them. I think ceiling storage would be most helpful for long term storage. The bigger challenge is storing the everyday items - shoes, cloths, coats, mail, etc. The water heater and cooktop are gas. I wish they were electric so that it could be off the grid ready with a solar kit. Gas is insanely cheap here, but propane is not.

[@littlecookingtips]

Wonderful container home! We liked how efficient it was for this couple!

[@tristandecaix3941]

People keep painting their plywood for some reason and a lot of people tell me my van looks unfinished for that same reason, but I love it, especially pine, it has so much to show that I think it's a shame to hide it behind paint... you guys did a great job! Love it 👏

[@sgrvtl7183]

Love the patina on outside of container

[@ediekoller1144]

Love your build and the pets too. It's looks nice and clean and simple.

[@mesaarchitecturestudio]

Thank you!

[@Tangably]

Wow this architect is very clever!

[@eleanorcramer7986]

Floors and ceilings afford great storage. I’d put shoes and vacume in floor away from clothes and food. Hinged Ceiling bins below upstairs or lofts can tilt down for galley or hall . Put paper products or pantry items in there. I love all you’ve built into your contained space that still lets in the world beyond. Wherever you go there you are. HOME.

[@jenlomelir3cubedhomemycont870]

Great job! Love all of the creative storage space!

[@MR-pr8tp]

Most states do not approve of homes like this. I live in GA and contractors told me it wasn't worth the cost, and most of all, no county zoning/ ordinances would allow it. Welding alone would be outrageous. Also, stinks that our local government dictates living options, and for one that wants to minimize their living space. The remodeling for Georgia on a container home, would ultimately cost more than a larger stick built house. Then there is mortgage approval, utilities etc. So not so easy, cost effective, at least here. I wanted this to work but couldn't make it work without costing more and getting less. Real Bummer!

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Sorry to hear that! It’s such shame how complicated the process is in most places

[@jamesgillette5332]

Most informative and well shot for the viewer. Will look forward to more ideas

[@helenabiesma5560]

Brilliant and it has me convinced in getting involved in it - myself and it reflect what can be done with it and you are right in getting the windows - because it look right - and the whole package looks well

[@michaelripperger5674]

You had a void area underneath.. and framed it out on top.. you said your inside space was 8’. I believe a high cube is 9.5” tall. So how much space under your floor and on the ceiling ?

[@alexavila2907]

Is the architect a San Antonio Spurs fan? If so, and your ever in SA, I’d enjoy treating you to a game! Go Spurs Go!

[@mesaarchitecturestudio]

#gsg

[@ivangomezarroyo5630]

Hello Dan, do you know what thickness are the main post of the container. If anyody knows I would be very gratefull.

[@reubenarivas]

BoC ...Nice surprise you see the Boards of Canada Vinyl as part of his essential collection of music! #hexagonsun

[@mesaarchitecturestudio]

Was a gift from a friend, too. Certainly a must

[@mezzamuddle]

I love this home, I could definitely see myself living here. The plywood looks great, such a shame the pandemic has pushed prices up so high.

[@IExpectedBSJustNotThisMuchBS]

Nice home. I'd have to have a cover on the litter box - a door with an entry for the cat - couldn't look at that all the time. Slide in doors would have worked well for the clothes (rod hung from above). Even normally opening doors would allow for some art to be viewed from the bed. I just realised that's what I'm missing in this home... some colorful art by local artists.

[@jonenoh]

Nice - simple living

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

simple and sweet 😊