Montana’s breathtaking landscapes have long been a canvas for architectural innovation, and architect Ty Kelly has added his unique touch with a shipping container home that seamlessly blends form and function. Crafted from two recycled shipping containers, this eco-friendly abode, nestled in the heart of Livingston, showcases the possibilities of cargotecture.
Kelly, an architect and artist, drew inspiration from the idea of using recycled shipping containers as the structural foundation for his project. The containers, being “square, true objects to work from,” provided a sturdy and reliable starting point for his vision. The end result is not a mere assembly of industrial containers, but a sleek, light-filled residence that harmonizes with Montana’s awe-inspiring views.
The construction of Kelly’s shipping container home spanned about a year, with the architect shuttling between Seattle and Livingston. The project posed unique challenges, but Kelly found solace in the vast open spaces of Montana, which fueled his creativity. The property, designed for unobstructed views, became the perfect canvas for Kelly’s architectural ambitions.
“I always liked the idea that an object had landed on the landscape, so I wanted to create an all-glass wall that faced the mountains,” Kelly explains, emphasizing his desire to integrate the structure seamlessly into its natural surroundings. The containers, sourced from a company just south of Seattle, became the building blocks for his imaginative venture.
One entire side of the house features a glass wall, inviting the panoramic views of Montana’s mountains into the living space. The thoughtful incorporation of an outdoor shower and a wood-burning stove enhances the outdoorsy feel, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. In the bedroom, albeit compact, there’s enough space for a desk, offering a tranquil space that connects with the living room’s glass wall.
The eco-container home doesn’t compromise on modern conveniences. From a fully-equipped bathroom to a stove top, dishwasher, and washer and dryer, Kelly ensured that the house meets the practical needs of everyday living. However, it’s the careful fusion of materials and the simplicity of design that transforms this shipping container into a warm and inviting home.
For Kelly, the experience of constructing his first shipping container home surpassed expectations. He views recycled containers as captivating “building blocks” and envisions designing and building yet another home for himself, continuing his exploration of sustainable and innovative living spaces.
This project by Ty Kelly challenges conventional notions of housing, showcasing that recycled materials can be transformed into functional, aesthetically pleasing homes. The marriage of cargotecture and Montana’s natural beauty has resulted in a residence that not only stands out as an sensational container home but also serves as a testament to the potential of sustainable living.
In a world where eco-friendly choices are gaining momentum, Ty Kelly’s shipping container home in Montana stands as a great example of how creativity and sustainability can coexist. This is more than just a house; it’s a testament to the possibilities that arise when architects harness the potential of recycled materials and merge them seamlessly within the landscapes.
