Greetings from Iowa! 🙂
We have featured some pretty cool student projects before here at Container Home Hub, and today’s tiny shipping container home by the students in Kirkwood, Iowa is no exception! 18 students who are part of the architecture of construction and engineering mentor program at Kirkwood Community College’s Architecture, Construction, and Engineering Career Academy built the container house. These are students who are earning college and high school credits simultaneously.
Despite its limited space, the tiny house includes everything you need in a tiny house.
Constructed from shipping container (sized 8’ x 40’ x 9’ 6” high), it features two sliding glass doors and windows.
The exterior of this tiny container home encapsulates the concept of modern, minimalist living. The home’s facade, framed by the industrial steel of the shipping container, is softened by the natural wood paneling that covers its walls. This combination creates a striking balance between rugged durability and welcoming warmth, making it not only functional but also visually appealing.
The large glass sliding door is as practical as it is stylish. The container structure ensures that the home is robust and secure, while the sliding door offers easy access and a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. Whether placed in an urban setting or nestled in nature, this tiny home’s exterior promises both protection from the elements and an open invitation to enjoy them.
As you step inside, you’re greeted by a sleek and modern kitchen that maximizes every inch of its footprint. The clean, white cabinetry, paired with stainless steel fixtures, creates a bright and airy atmosphere that instantly feels welcoming.
The countertop, extending into a convenient breakfast bar, offers a perfect spot for a quick meal or a casual chat over coffee. The stool tucked neatly beneath it is both functional and stylish, making the most of the limited space
The kitchen’s layout is highly functional, with all the essentials within arm’s reach—perfect for those who love to cook but need to do so in a compact space. Natural light floods the room through large sliding doors, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living and making the space feel much larger than its actual dimensions.
The flooring, with its warm, earthy tones, contrasts beautifully with the light walls, adding a touch of sophistication while maintaining the home’s cozy vibe.
The kitchen area, compact yet fully equipped, features a four-burner gas stove with a range hood, perfect for meal preparation. The large farmhouse sink adds both practicality and a touch of elegance.
This tiny container home continues to impress with its ingenious use of space, evident in the versatile design of the sleeping area. Here, a Murphy bed, which seamlessly folds into the wall, showcases the adaptability of the home. This feature is a perfect solution for maximizing floor space during the day, transforming the bedroom into a multi-functional area.
The bed itself is both practical and stylish, designed to be easily folded away when not in use. This allows the room to serve multiple purposes, such as a living area, workspace, or even a small exercise space, depending on the occupant’s needs. The wood tones of the bed frame harmonize with the light wood paneling on the walls, maintaining the warm and cohesive aesthetic that runs throughout the home.
The bathroom features a clean, modern aesthetic with a bright white palette that enhances the sense of space. The sink, neatly positioned under a compact vanity, provides storage while maintaining a sleek look. Above it, a mirrored medicine cabinet offers additional storage and reflects light, making the room feel larger.
A tall, slim cabinet beside the sink adds to the room’s storage capacity, ensuring that all your essentials can be kept organized and within reach. The positioning of the toilet and the efficient use of wall space for fixtures contribute to the room’s practicality without feeling too cramped.
The inclusion of a washing machine is also a standout feature, highlighting the home’s thoughtful design, adding practicality and convenience.
The students spent 12 weeks building this 280 square-foot tiny house from a shipping container. The 266 square foot home, valued at $24,000, went up for auction in June 2016.
“This has been an incredible experience for our ACE Academy students,” said Allen Witt, instructor for the ACE program. “Over the course of 12 weeks, they transformed a shipping container into a home. They did everything from laying the floor to choosing the paint color on the exterior.”
While homes under 660 square feet are not allowed within Linn County’s jurisdiction, not all surrounding counties have regulations on home sizes. Those interested in purchasing the tiny house should contact their local building department to determine options in their area.
So what do you think? Would you live here? 🙂
Information Source: Tiny House Talk, Kirkwood Report, Kirkwood Tiny House Project Facebook Page
Photo Source: The Gazette, Kirkwood Report
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