Mesmerizing Shipping Container Home To Be Built In The California Desert

Once again, London-based designer James Whitaker is tackling the “inconceivable” by building an eco-friendly shipping container home in the California desert. Ultra-realistic renderings of the proposed home, which was originally intended for a site in Germany, show a cluster of white cargo containers emerging like a “starburst” near a rocky site. The crystalline cargotecture will be located in the Joshua Tree Residence. In addition to being powered by solar, the home will be protected from the desert’s harsh elements.

DeZeen reports that Whitaker was granted the opportunity to make the proposed home a vision when a film producer who is based in Los Angeles, saw the rendering of the Hechingen Studio on a trip to Joshua Tree National Park. The client owns a 90-acre property near the park and commissioned Whitaker to make his vision a reality. Reportedly, the home is intended to be a holiday dwelling for the filmmaker and his wife. “With a background in nurturing creative projects to fruition, [the client] is, in many ways, the dream client!” said Whitaker.

Credit: James Whitaker

The one-of-a-kind home may look quite eccentric, but it’s not that out of place in southern California. Many wealthy Los Angeles residents commission unusual-looking homes in the area.

Credit: James Whitaker

In total, the starburst-looking home is 2,153-square-feet. It will be elevated on concrete columns overlooking a sloped site and will be surrounded by a rocky landscape. The designer envisions an “exoskeleton” made of shipping containers painted bright white. The cuboid forms will extend in all directions, giving the home a unique and appealing allure. Said Whitaker, “Each container is orientated to maximise views across the landscape, or to use the topography to provide privacy, depending on their individual use.”

The designer envisions an “exoskeleton” made of shipping containers painted bright white. The cuboid forms will extend in all directions, giving the home a unique and appealing look. Said Whitaker, “Each container is orientated to maximise views across the landscape, or to use the topography to provide privacy, depending on their individual use.”

Credit: James Whitaker

Inside, one will find a minimalist and modern interior. Whitaker envisions angular, white-painted surfaces and simple plywood furnishings. The decor will be accented by red Misfits seating by Ron Arad.

Credit: James Whitaker

The modern, minimalistic home is meant to protect dwellers from the sun-baked landscape, while at the same time accentuating it.

Credit: James Whitaker

Credit: James Whitaker

Dwellers should feel a sense of protection and privacy, as square windows frame views of the blue sky and rough terrain. In some areas, faceted ceilings will allow in light, giving the effect of being in crystallized form.

Credit: James Whitaker

Credit: James Whitaker

Near the carport, a canopy of solar panels will harness the sun’s energy. And around the side, a wooden deck will serve as the perfect spot to enjoy the desert view while soaking up some beneficial vitamin D.

Credit: James Whitaker

Said Whitaker, “The client was keen for a hot tub to be included, and so we configured the outdoor space to have a degree of privacy and be sheltered from the desert winds.”

Credit: James Whitaker

h/t DeZeen