Backcountry Containers has designed lots of different types of shipping container homes, from large residential units to smaller rural retreats. For its Luke tiny house, the firm connects a large and a small shipping container together, offering a surprisingly spacious interior layout that sleeps up to two people in comfort.
The Luke is based on a 40-ft (12.2-m) high-cube shipping container and a 20-ft (6.1-m) model, which have been welded together, modified with doors and windows, and painted a uniform blueish color. It measures 480 sq ft (45 sq m), which is arranged on one floor.
Thanks to the additional width provided by using two containers, the interior has a spacious open-plan layout, avoiding the usual issue of container-based houses seeming very cramped. Another major concern with living in what's essentially a big metal box is the terrible thermal performance, so to mitigate this the firm has added spray foam insulation in the walls and ceiling. A wall-mounted mini-split air-conditioning unit is installed too.
The front door (there's also a door installed at the rear of the home) opens onto the living room, which occupies the center of the home. It has enough space for a sofa and a coffee table and TV. The kitchen is nearby. This includes butcher block countertops, cabinetry, some shelving, a sink, and space for a fridge/freezer and other appliances.
Situated to one side of the living room is the bathroom. This actually looks relatively well-proportioned for a container-based tiny house and has a shower, flushing toilet, a vanity sink, and a washer/dryer.
The other side of the living room, meanwhile, is occupied by the bedroom. It's accessed by a barn-style sliding door and, thanks to the home's single floor layout, has ample headroom to stand up and move around. It contains a double bed.
The Luke has a lot of optional extras available, including the choice of materials used inside, the exterior cladding, a rooftop deck, wood-burning stove, appliances, and more.
This model starts at US$125,000.
Source: Backcountry Containers
First, why weld it together? Now it is MUCH harder to move. The units could be build off sight and bolted together vs welding that has to be done BEFORE the inside is installed. Otherwise inside would catch fire during welding. A detachable roof would keep weather off the seem for additional protection and also aid in heat rejection/retention of the metal container in the weather.
Next is AC placement. Why is the handler between the door and window? Doors and windows usually "leak" thermal energy and seems it would just be lost straight out them. And what about the bedroom when the door is closed? Also why is compressor unit (and other utilities) blocking the door? Or, if OE door is not used why leave the latch mechanism in place instead of sealing them (IE permanently welding shut). I can see someone playing with those latches and causing issues. Also why is compressor unit way around the end from the handler? Feels like a couple of cassette units in the ceiling and shaded location for the compressor unit would help greatly.
Next what is up with the power strip with a bunch of power bricks going into the kitchen? Did they not put any outlets in there? No room for them? Or maybe for code reasons?
Also curious about the on demand water heater next to shelf above washer in the bathroom. Open drier vent in the wall - did they not get a combo washer/drier or did they install a shelf blocking the drier from being installed? Also there doesn't seem like much of anything keeping items on shelf from blocking the air space for the water heater. And its all installed in a wet environment (bathroom). Where is the mirror and/or cabinet? Looks like the wall between washer and show is utility space - why in the middle of the room?
I would combine a couple of the concerns together with a fix - unblock the OE shipping door, instead have it open to a utility closet and place the above mentioned items inside (water heater, electrical boxes, AC unit). Closet would only need to be a foot or two deep and could be vented while still securing the items behind lock and key (and behind a bear "proof" door)