More and more people are reconsidering their impact on the planet. Downsizing doesn't sound like much fun initially, but it creates new and interesting challenges for designers. And often, it results in some truly amazing little homes.
We've seen a lot of tiny houses of all kinds, but one of our favorites are the homes made from repurposed shipping containers.
The sturdy, plain metal boxes are surprisingly versatile, and can become everything from luxurious little houses to accessible and affordable hospitals offering care to those in need.
Today, we're looking at a shipping container home in Houston that serves as a country retreat for those looking to get a little peace and quiet.
Built by architectural company Backcountry Containers, the Rustic Retreat is just that. It's a converted shipping container that gets you out of the madness of modern life, but also comes equipped with its conveniences, like plumbing, power, and insulation.
The cool thing about the Rustic Retreat is that it can function both on- and off-grid, so you can hook it up to your local power and water supplies, or generate your own power and use a reservoir in more removed places.
And also? It's adorable. The bright blue of the container adds to its charm, and it even comes with an optional rooftop deck for even more peace and quiet appreciation. Check it out below!
[H/T: Tiny House Swoon]
The Rustic Retreat is a tiny country getaway made from a repurposed shipping container.
It looks modern and sleek due to its metal exterior, but it works perfectly in the country, and sports rustic touches like the rooftop porch and front deck.
The interior walls, appliances, and other homey details are built via the container's original doors. Those doors are then sealed up to form the home.
Inside, it's cozy, functional, and stylish.
Some wood flooring and paneling makes it look less sterile and more homey, too.
The couch here folds out to sleep three people, and actually comes with the house.
Inside is a small kitchen area for basic food preparation. As a weekend getaway sort of place, it doesn't have a full stove, but the porch outside would be a perfect place for a grill!
The house can operate both on- and off-grid. That means it can be hooked up to receive power and water from the local grid, or it can be hooked up to a generator and reservoir and be completely self-sufficient.
The sinks, shower, and toilet are also all water-saving appliances for an even smaller footprint.
And despite its name, the Rustic Retreat can be placed anywhere.
The homes are built to order by Backcountry Containers, and ship all over the U.S.
Backcountry Containers imagines the Rustic Retreat — which costs about $30,000 without the additional porches — as a perfect place for a weekend getaway in the woods, a hunting or fishing spot, or as a backyard retreat.
From the rooftop deck, you can fully appreciate your surroundings, too. Sitting up here as the sun goes down seems like the nicest way to end your day!
