Appearance of Old Container Houses

The appearance of old container houses typically retains the original form of the containers, achieving a combination of functionality and aesthetics through modifications. Common design elements include color painting, adding doors and windows, building decks, upgrading roofs, and modular combinations.

1. Retention of Basic Form and Color Painting
Most cases retain the original rectangular structure of the containers but alter the visual effect through surface treatment. For example, some houses paint the outer walls of the containers black, dark blue, or natural wood color, creating a striking visual impact. In a German example, the outer walls of the containers retain their natural rust color, paired with a nursery and patio furniture, creating a unique aesthetic that blends industrial style with nature.

2. Modification of Door and Window Systems
To enhance lighting and ventilation, container houses commonly add doors and windows. Common designs include:

• Multiple Door Designs: Adding doorways on the front, back, and sides of the containers to connect to decks or outdoor spaces. For example, a 15㎡ container home in the forest has a door added in the middle, connected to a small deck.
• Large Windows and Glass Walls: Using floor-to-ceiling windows or wire mesh glass walls to reduce direct sunlight while ensuring clear views between indoors and outdoors. For instance, an L-shaped container uses an electric hydraulic system to extend its side, forming a deck patio separated by a wire mesh glass wall.

3. Deck and Patio Systems
Decks are a signature modification for the appearance of container houses, with common forms including:

• Fixed Decks: Extending wooden or metal decks from the sides of the containers, paired with railings and decorative strips. For example, a black container house has a super-large staircase and bright green decorative strips, with a roof deck for leisure.
• Transformable Decks: Using hydraulic systems to open and close decks, such as the side of an L-shaped container that can fully extend to create additional activity space.

4. Roof Function Upgrades
Roof modifications balance practicality and aesthetics:

• Lifting Rods and Light-Transmitting Designs: Installing lifting rods at the four corners of the roof to enhance indoor lighting and ventilation, while laying solar panels to solve electricity issues.
• Greening and Leisure Areas: Some cases transform roofs into decks or gardens, such as the Thai Triangle Garden project, which features a private deck bedroom on top of the containers, paired with a sunshade roof and semi-transparent lighting design.

5. Modular Combinations and Layered Appearance
Multiple containers are stacked or joined to form composite structures, enhancing the three-dimensional appearance:

• L-Shaped and Multi-Story Combinations: For example, a German student apartment is built by stacking multiple containers, with the exterior wrapped in weather-resistant steel plates, forming a stylish modular building complex.
• Spatial Connection Design: Adding decks or staircases at the connection points of containers, such as a Thai project that connects public areas with independent bedrooms via a semi-outdoor deck, creating a layered spatial layout.