Roundup: Astonishing Container Apartments Driving a New Lodging Trend (1)
1. 1,400 sqm Apartment Building, Chile
In 2022, a 1,400-square-meter apartment building opened in Chile, mainly serving students and single residents. Four stories tall, it is built from a prefabricated system of recycled shipping containers and steel structure. It is designed for low- and medium-density urban areas, with modules that can be added or removed according to available land. This modular concept can be adjusted—or built in stages—to match commercial needs or budget. The advantages of container apartments are fast construction and lower cost, because the prefabricated structure can be installed in just a few weeks. Each unit is self-contained, with a bathroom and a small kitchen.
The project was designed from six prefabricated stair blocks and 70 containers arranged together, forming small balconies on most units. The gaps between modules also give the building a dynamic overall expression. Only the foundations, floor slabs, and MEP systems were built on site; all other elements were prefabricated and installed on site.
2. 2,400 sqm Container Dormitory, France
This container dormitory sits on the docks of Le Havre, France, designed by Cattani Architects. It is built entirely from recycled containers and holds 100 apartment rooms, each 24 square meters with a ceiling height of 2.4 meters. Practicality and structural performance fully match traditional buildings. The modular stacked-and-layered form conveys the youthful energy of student life, while also feeling rigorous and meticulous—fitting a campus atmosphere. Staggered unit layouts free space for walkways, courtyards, and terraces. The metal structure helps identify different rooms and makes it easier to move through stairs, terraces, and other expanded areas. Inside, the designers chose white walls and wooden furniture; each unit includes a kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, plus Wi-Fi. Windows on all four sides bring in ample natural light, and floor-to-ceiling windows look out directly onto the English Channel.
3. Tietgen Dormitory, Denmark
The Tietgen dormitory was commissioned by a Nordic Danish foundation. The foundation set out to realize the possibility of a “dormitory of the future” through a clear, visionary architectural idea. Inspired by China’s tulou (earthen roundhouses), the project won the Royal Institute of British Architects International Award. Its design concept strengthens communication and exchange among students—a vivid Danish vision of future student living. A simple circular plan centers on a small plaza, consistent with the surrounding urban fabric. Varying facade depths give the building a crystalline character. Its reflection on the water adds a distinctive beauty. Open terraces that step in and out ease connections between floors. Exterior corridors, shared kitchens, recreation rooms, laundry rooms, and other shared spaces are detailed for comfort and everyday convenience. Inside, exposed concrete combined with plywood creates a warm, home-like atmosphere.
