Are you looking for an alternative architectural style for your home or business? Want something that’s affordable, looks good, and ahead of the curve? Consider building your next project with shipping containers! It’s easier than ever to buy shipping container (s) and, thanks to their seemingly nonstop rise in popularity, there are hundreds of resources on how to bring your dreams to life. So, what are you waiting for?

Check out our curated list below to learn more about three architecture features you should always consider when you buy a shipping container for home construction!

  1. Exterior Stylings

First things first, let’s talk about your exterior aesthetic options. Most new shipping containers offer a classic and “ridged” exterior — a texture that has really come to represent and symbolize a “distinctly-shipping-container” urban build-out. It’s a signature look and defines the genre.

But while you might not have as many exterior texture options, that however does not mean you don’t have plenty of color options to choose from! So, be sure to choose a colorway as a foundation for your shipping container and have fun building a real-life palette out of your purchases. And, of course, later down the road, don’t worry if you want to switch things up. You can always add a coat of paint to re-energize your original vision.

  1. Size and Layout

Another core architectural feature to consider when buying shipping containers is their overall size, layout, and blueprint. There are a lot of different functional shipping container units available for purchase today, and you can save yourself a lot of renovation and construction work if you take the time to choose the right boxes at the start of your project.

For instance, you can use flat rack containers to lay a foundation for your new build, or, because they have collapsible walls, you could even use them to create an every-season, second-floor lookout. You can use open-top containers to literally “raise the roof” on your design and create a high-ceiling effect. Or you can use open side containers to create walkways and natural paths from room to room.

But that’s just scratching the surface. There are many different types of functional containers to choose from. So have fun, do your research, and — remember — even if you want to change things down the road, you can. And we’re happy to help — offering a wide variety of custom shipping container modification services.

  1. Lighting, Lighting, Lighting

Potentially one of the most important architectural features to think about is lighting! While many shipping containers come ready with a sleek, minimalist, and often Scandinavian design style (depending on your color choices) on the outside, they’re pitch black on the inside. So it’s important to have a strategy for how you’ll properly light your interiors.

To start, consider your surroundings. Where will the sun hit your business or home in just the right way? Where should you install windows to create that amazing “right-in-nature” feel?

Once you’ve answered your natural lighting questions, it’s time to jump into electrical. Map out a plan, add your favorite fixtures, and voila — you’re good to go! With a little bit of upfront brainstorming, you can transform your interior into an amazing modernist mecca.

You’re Ready — Buy Shipping Container (s) Today!

While there’s still quite a bit more to bring your shipping container dreams to life (e.g., appliances, furnishings, etc.), focusing on lighting, layout, and exterior styling will give you a great jump start on some of the biggest design challenges. So, what are you waiting for? Buy shipping containers today and get your projects started today!