Sustainable Living with Container Houses!

Brief:

Solace among the Hills

The Container House was thoughtfully commissioned as an idyllic countryside retreat by the client and their family, who sought to seek solace in nature during the trying times of the coronavirus pandemic. Demonstrating their ingenuity and creativity, Rakhee Shobhit Design Associates utilized shipping containers to craft two distinct residential units that bookend a picturesque farmland site nestled within the majestic Aravalli hills of Udaipur, India.

The Problem:

Calming Residences in a fast-paced world

In today's fast-paced world, stress and anxiety are becoming increasingly common. As people seek to escape the pressures of daily life, their homes must provide a peaceful and calming retreat. However, traditional residential design often prioritizes aesthetics over functionality, leading to cluttered and stressful living spaces. To meet the needs of modern living, there was a need to create residential spaces that prioritize simplicity and serenity.

Strategy:

A Vibrant Retreat with Minimal Footprint

Rakhee Shobhit Design Associates (RSDA) swiftly transformed old shipping containers into a series of vibrant living spaces that serve as a veritable "sanctuary from reality," while leaving a minimal footprint on the surrounding landscape. It is worth noting that using shipping containers is a popular method for building quickly and affordably.

In a world that's rapidly modernizing and increasingly mindful of resource consumption and ecological impact, this unique abode stands out for its sustainable approach to real estate. The entire structure is ingeniously crafted out of repurposed shipping containers, redefining the very notion of consumption in the field of architecture.

The Approach:

The Container House's Unconventional Approach

The Container House is anything but conventional when it comes to residential design paradigms. Rather than relying on traditional building materials, it employs a strikingly industrial exoskeleton that serves as the foundation for a warm and welcoming abode, where the boundaries between the interiors and the natural environment dissolve seamlessly into one another. Through this unconventional design approach, the dwelling invites residents to embrace a refreshing spatial dialogue that breaks free from the confines of typical architectural norms.

The Design:

Thoughtful Design for Privacy, Functionality, and Harmony

The Container House consists of two distinct structures, aptly named Champa and Chameli in homage to the family's beloved pets, thoughtfully positioned at opposite ends of the site to provide residents with a sense of privacy and seclusion. Champa, the larger of the two units, was meticulously crafted by integrating five eight-by-twenty-foot containers to create a spacious living area for the client's mother. Meanwhile, Chameli, the smaller of the two units, was ingeniously fashioned by combining two eight-by-forty-foot containers to maximize functionality and flexibility.

Both units were elevated by a height of fifteen inches from the ground, not only to mitigate the risk of flooding but also to allow for structural reinforcement and insulation, thus enabling large areas of glazing. To blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, their exteriors were finished in a soothing shade of green.

The interior spaces of both units feature a minimalist palette that echoes the concept of modularity, delivering a clean, inviting ambiance. By maximizing the inside-outside connection and offering stunning views, the design enhances the sense of openness and tranquillity, creating a harmonious living environment that is both refreshing and invigorating.