Located in Fundo Liray, Santiago, the Liray House shipping container home stands as a testament to innovative sustainable architecture in Chile. Designed by Chilean practice ARQtainer under architect Ruben Rivera Peede and engineer Julio Oyarzun Flores, this prefab container home Santiago project demonstrates how repurposed shipping containers can be transformed into aesthetically pleasing, cost-effective residential spaces.
Pioneering Sustainable Design with Container Architecture
The Liray House container home Chile project emerged from the client’s need for a quick-to-build, earthquake-resistant, and affordable dwelling. Spanning 115 square meters, this modern structure was completed in 2010 on a spacious 6,775-square-meter property in the La Copa subdivision of Colina, Santiago.
ARQtainer’s innovative approach to container architecture proves that sustainable housing doesn’t require sacrificing style or comfort. The structure utilizes Corten steel shipping containers as its primary building material, complemented by a steel frame, thermal pane windows, and internal plasterboard coating with projected cellulose insulation for optimal thermal performance.
Structural Design and Spatial Organization
The AFFORDABLE shipping container home features a thoughtful layout organized along two perpendicular axes:
- The shorter axis houses social spaces and services, including the living room, kitchen, dining area, laundry facilities, and two exterior balconies
- The longer axis contains private bedrooms arranged linearly along the north face, with a corridor running along the south side
This modular container home Chile project comprises five repurposed shipping containers in total:
- Two 40-foot containers dedicated to private areas (bedrooms)
- Three 20-foot containers housing public spaces (living room, kitchen) and service areas
Two additional annexed structures—an entrance hall and a service yard—connect these areas, providing spatial continuity throughout the home. The architects strategically set back the facade in the bedroom area to stay within the required square footage while maximizing functionality.
Construction Process and Building Techniques
One of the most innovative aspects of the Liray House shipping container home was its construction methodology. The entire structure was prefabricated offsite in a construction workshop before being transported to its final location. This approach significantly reduced:
- Noise pollution during construction
- Environmental impact on the building site
- Overall construction timeline
The prefab container home Santiago project sits 55 centimeters above ground level on a system of stilts, creating necessary space for plumbing infrastructure while visually elevating the structure. This design choice also offers improved views of the nearby Andes Mountains from the property’s eastern position.
Innovative Sustainability Features
The architects capitalized on the containers’ inherent structural strength to include special features like a terrace above the living and dining areas, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. At ground level, they repurposed the containers’ original doors to create functional balconies.
To address thermal and acoustic challenges common in metal structures, the container home Chile project features:
- Projected cellulose insulation throughout walls and ceilings
- Internal wall density of 45-60kg/m³ for superior thermal and acoustic performance
- Elimination of thermal and acoustic bridges
- Prevention of water vapor condensation
- Enhanced fire resistance properties
Why Container Architecture Makes Sense
Shipping containers offer numerous advantages as building materials that made them ideal for the Liray House project:
- Exceptional structural strength designed for heavy loads and stacking
- Durability against harsh environmental conditions
- Standardized measurements providing modular building blocks
- Adaptability through cutting and modification
- Transportability for simplified logistics
- Relative affordability compared to traditional building materials
- Sustainability through repurposing industrial materials
These qualities allowed ARQtainer to fulfill the client’s requirements for a quick-to-build, earthquake-resistant, and AFFORDABLE shipping container home with minimal environmental impact.
Environmental and Economic Impact
The Liray House exemplifies how sustainable architecture can address both environmental concerns and practical needs. By repurposing shipping containers, the project diverts industrial materials from potential waste streams while creating a durable, energy-efficient home.
The home’s design considers Santiago’s climate, with insulation systems specifically chosen to combat the intense heat gain that metal structures typically experience. The cellulose insulation not only improves thermal performance but also enhances the acoustic properties of the space, eliminating the hollow sound often associated with container structures.
Architectural Innovation in Chile’s Context
The Liray House shipping container home represents a growing trend in Chile’s architectural landscape, where designers are increasingly exploring sustainable alternatives to traditional construction. This prefab container home Santiago project demonstrates how modular construction can be adapted to local conditions while maintaining architectural integrity.
The project’s success lies in its thoughtful balance of practical considerations—earthquake resistance, speed of construction, and affordability—with aesthetic and environmental concerns. The result is a contemporary home that sits harmoniously in its environment while pushing the boundaries of residential architecture in Chile.
The Liray House stands as an inspiring example of how shipping container architecture can create beautiful, functional, and sustainable living spaces. Similar approaches have been adopted worldwide, from pop-up restaurants in Sydney to residential developments across South America.
As resources become increasingly precious and climate considerations more urgent, the adaptability and sustainability of container architecture offer promising solutions for conscious construction. The Liray House demonstrates that with innovative design thinking, repurposed industrial materials can be transformed into sophisticated living spaces that meet modern needs while reducing environmental impact.
For those considering alternative building approaches, this container home Chile project illustrates how thoughtful architectural design can transform simple shipping containers into a comfortable, stylish, and sustainable home.
Courtesy Of: Ruben Rivera Peede
