Skip to content

Two-Storey Shipping Container Homes

Two-storey shipping container homes offer a compelling solution for sustainable living with vertical efficiency. By stacking repurposed containers, designers can deliver spacious floorplans and elevated views—without expanding the building footprint.

This section explores two-storey shipping container homes that combine smart planning with rugged aesthetics. Whether built on urban infill lots, suburban blocks, or remote countryside land, these stacked structures add functionality without sacrificing sustainability. Most designs feature open-plan ground levels, rooftop terraces, and upper-floor bedrooms—creating dynamic zones that support family living, remote work, or rental accommodation.

Engineered for modular strength, shipping containers are ideally suited for stacked configurations. Their uniform geometry allows for fast assembly, while their steel frames support solar panels, green roofs, and natural cladding. Inside, architects are transforming rigid industrial shells into warm, light-filled spaces using timber, glass, and passive cooling techniques.

As interest in multilevel prefab housing grows, two-storey container homes represent a bold step forward. They’re efficient, adaptable, and ready for every landscape—from downtown laneways to sloped bush blocks.

Scroll down to explore real-world examples of two-storey shipping container homes in action—designed for resilience, space, and sustainability.

The Mad Max Texas Shipping Container Home

Steampunk Survival: The Mad Max Texas Shipping Container Home

    🔥 Mad Max Meets Fallout: A Texas Shipping Container Home Like No Other

    Imagine if Mad Max moved to the mountains and got really into clean lines and minimalist design. This stunning shipping container home in Texas brings industrial edge, high-desert views, and modern comfort together on a scale that’s raw, almost refined — and totally unforgettable.

    Built across three separate lots with a commanding high-elevation position, this two-level container home redefines what it means to build bold in the desert. It’s not fully off-grid, but it does deliver a fierce sense of independence, creative sustainability, and next-level style.

    Read More »Steampunk Survival: The Mad Max Texas Shipping Container Home

    Cliffside modular container home in New Zealand with ocean views

    Cliffside Shipping Container Home in New Zealand: Sustainable Modular Design on Steep Terrain

      In the evolving landscape of sustainable architecture, shipping container homes in New Zealand are gaining traction as a viable response to both environmental and topographical challenges. The Cliffside Shipping Container Home in Wellington stands as a compelling example—an architectural response to steep terrain, coastal exposure, and rising interest in eco-conscious design. Read More »Cliffside Shipping Container Home in New Zealand: Sustainable Modular Design on Steep Terrain

      Kaloorup Shipping Container House | Sustainable Living in Margaret River, Australia – 59306001 2070083089951219 2433478824386625536 n

      Kaloorup Shipping Container House | Sustainable Living in Margaret River, Australia

        The Kaloorup Shipping Container House, located in the Margaret River region of Western Australia, is an innovative and sustainable design. Built by Steve and Fiona Hick with the expertise of architect Tim Lanigan, the home uses repurposed shipping containers to create a functional and visually striking space that fits seamlessly into its natural surroundings.Read More »Kaloorup Shipping Container House | Sustainable Living in Margaret River, Australia

        Graceville Container Home, Brisbane, Australia

        Graceville Container Home | Sustainable Shipping Container House in Brisbane

          The Graceville Container Home stands as a landmark in the growing movement of shipping container homes in Brisbane. Completed in July 2013, this three-level architectural residence sits just 8 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD and showcases a perfect blend of modern design, sustainable thinking, and environmental resilience. Constructed from 31 repurposed shipping containers, it remains one of the most iconic and influential shipping container homes in Queensland. Read More »Graceville Container Home | Sustainable Shipping Container House in Brisbane

          The Very Green Six Recycled Shipping Container Home, Flagstaff, AZ, USA. Shipping Container Homes Arizona

          Flagstaff Container Home | Sustainable Shipping Container House in Arizona

          In Flagstaff’s historic Southside, a unique structure stands out. It was the first shipping container homes Arizona built—a bold and sustainable response to modern living. Built from six recycled containers, this 2,000-square-foot home combines innovation, climate-conscious design, and local craftsmanship. The home sits at the edge of Flagstaff’s urban fabric. Surrounded by mountain views and university-town charm, it shows what’s possible when reuse, design, and performance come together.Read More »Flagstaff Container Home | Sustainable Shipping Container House in Arizona

          The Hygge Box Hop, Rockbridge, Ohio, USA.

          The Hygge Box Hop | Luxury Eco-Friendly Shipping Container Retreat in Ohio

            Located in the serene landscapes of Rockbridge, Ohio, The Hygge Box Hop stands as an innovative example of container home design. Owned by Emily and Seth Britt, the founders of The Box Hop, this distinctive retreat combines sustainability with Scandinavian-inspired comfort. It’s a spacious, eco-friendly getaway that redefines modern vacation rentals and embraces the beauty of shipping container homes.Read More »The Hygge Box Hop | Luxury Eco-Friendly Shipping Container Retreat in Ohio

            The Hāwea Flat Shipping Container Home in Wānaka, NZ

            Hawea Flat Shipping Container Home | Sustainable Living in Wanaka, NZ

              In the picturesque landscape of Hāwea Flat, Wanaka, a remarkable sustainable shipping container home New Zealand project demonstrates the extraordinary potential of repurposed materials. This innovative dwelling comprises six 20ft shipping containers thoughtfully arranged to create a spacious, light-filled residence that exemplifies eco-conscious design principles. Architect Gary Todd has masterfully transformed industrial shipping containers into an elegant eco container home that harmonizes with its stunning alpine surroundings.Read More »Hawea Flat Shipping Container Home | Sustainable Living in Wanaka, NZ

              The Cronulla 2 Storey Shipping Container Home, Sydney, Australia.

              Cronulla 2 Storey Shipping Container Home | Sustainable Living in Sydney

                In the coastal suburb of Cronulla, Sydney, a remarkable sustainable shipping container home Australia project demonstrates the innovative potential of repurposed materials in contemporary residential architecture. This striking 2 storey shipping container home in Australia combines eleven shipping containers—eight 20-foot and three 40-foot units—to create a spacious family residence that balances aesthetic appeal with environmental consciousness. The eco-friendly container home exemplifies how industrial materials can be transformed into sophisticated living spaces while reducing construction waste and environmental impact.Read More »Cronulla 2 Storey Shipping Container Home | Sustainable Living in Sydney

                The Atlanta Shipping Container House 2.0 USA.

                Atlanta Shipping Container House 2.0 | Sustainable Living in Georgia

                  Atlanta Shipping Container House 2.0: A Modern Sustainable Home -Urban Innovation with Recycled Materials. Architect Francis Kirkpatrick and engineer George Runkle designed the Atlanta Shipping Container House 2.0 to challenge conventional urban housing norms. Built on narrow infill lots in Atlanta, Georgia, these homes reuse standard shipping containers to create bold, efficient, and eco-friendly residences. As interest in green architecture continues to grow, these homes demonstrate how sustainable living can thrive—even in dense city environments.

                  Read More »Atlanta Shipping Container House 2.0 | Sustainable Living in Georgia

                  Dabba Mane "Box House". A Shipping Eco Container Home, Bangalore, India.

                  Dabba Mane Box House: Sustainable Shipping Container Home in Bangalore

                    “Dabba Mane”: Pioneering Affordable Shipping Container Home in Bangalore Transforms India’s Sustainable Housing Landscape. In the bustling neighborhood of Ramamurthynagar, Bangalore, an unconventional dwelling stands apart from traditional Indian homes. This unique shipping container home in Bangalore belongs to Kameshwar Rao, a 33-year-old adventure sports coach. Unlike conventional brick-and-mortar structures, Rao’s residence—aptly named “Dabba Mane” (box house)—repurposes four shipping containers into a functional family home. Moreover, this innovative project showcases how sustainable container home design in India can combine practicality, affordability, and environmental consciousness.

                    Read More »Dabba Mane Box House: Sustainable Shipping Container Home in Bangalore

                    Maison Container Lille: Innovative Shipping Container Home in France

                    Maison Container Lille: Patrick Partouche’s Modern Shipping Container Home in France

                      Maison Container Lille: A Bold Statement in Sustainable Living. A Modern Shipping Container Home in France by Patrick Partouche. In the heart of northern France, the Maison Container Lille redefines residential design. Located near Lille, this innovative dwelling was created by architect Patrick Partouche. Completed in 2010, it shows how recycled materials and modular construction can form a fully functional family home.Read More »Maison Container Lille: Patrick Partouche’s Modern Shipping Container Home in France