modulus: six oaks shipping container residence

‘six oaks’ by modulus, california, USAall images courtesy of modulus

to create the most sustainable home possible in a dense redwood forest on the site of an old train path, american studio modulus used recycledshipping containers and took advantage of their particular characteristics and embodied energy.  consisting of six containers spanning an area of1200 square-feet, the ‘six oaks’ private residence uses each of the six faces of each vessel to create a home integrated into the landscape where absolutely no space is left unused.  the containers are spaced four feet apart, creating a grid and leaving a space for a glass spine to bring inplenty of daylight to the interior spaces. the second storey crates are stacked perpendicularly to the first, making smart use of their structural capabilities. the top volume, which houses the services, rests on a board-form concrete foundation that also forms the walls of the shower, and in many cases the shell has been left exposed and untouched with a closed-cell poly iso layer of insulation. the floor boards are madefrom recycled plywood sheets originally used to transport goods thousands of miles, stained and sealed with natural materials to look almostas if new. two redwood trees felled on site to make way for the dwelling have been recycled into several components of the house, including stair treads and furniture.

entry with a grated bridge connecting the upper level to the hillside

concrete foundation holds service container

house is positioned to affect as little of the environment as possible

luxury interior made from mostly recycled parts

living room

stairs with recycled redwood treads

(left) grated bridge(right) glass skylight brings in natural light