Capetonians, and most South Africans who call the coast home, are no strangers to shipping containers lining the water’s edge.

Many are carrying goods to and from our shores, whilst others seem to sit there gathering dust.

Turns out if you are keen to get your hands dirty, you can take one (or a few) of these metal boxes and get rather creative.

We have seen a number of articles and lists about shipping container homes over the past year or so, which is why we’re going to give you a look at some of the more beautiful ones we have come across.

With an estimated 24 million empty shipping containers dotted around the world never to be used for transport again, there’s no shortage of raw materials.

Digital Trends have compiled a list of their favourites, and we have picked three that are very easy on the eye.

Colorado (also pictured up top):

Although not comprised entirely of shipping containers — the lavish home only utilizes two [sic] — Studio H:T’s latest venture in the realm shipping container homes was nothing short of gorgeous.

The firm built the sustainable home on an existing rock outcropping in the Colorado wilderness, allowing the occupants to capitalize on the distant ridge views surrounding them.

The containers straddle the home’s central living space, functioning as bedrooms and a kitchen, as well as a bath, office, and laundry room. The upper floor even features a bed that slides on tracks for an outdoor experience without the tent.

Sardinia, Italy

Located on the island of Sardinia, Summer Residence was set up as an office and living space by designboom, which used three interconnected shipping containers and did most of the work itself.

The setup contains an outdoor kitchen and dining area covered with a straw canopy and two live/work container spaces. Each space has sliding glass doors, and one of the containers is outfitted with a bathroom, including a toilet and shower.

The designers included two outdoor courtyards and a satellite connection.

Curacaví, Chile

The exterior of most cargo containers isn’t exactly flattering. Fortunately with the Manifesto House, James & Mau Arquitectura decided to incorporate a series of recycled wood pallets and shutters in order to help shade the structure in the summer and heat the metal walls in the winter.

The open-space design utilizes three separate shipping containers, each placed in such a way as to allow ample room between the two outdoor patios lining the interior of the home. It also runs primarily on solar energy and features a cantilevered balcony on the top.

“Eco-efficient” is one way to describe it.

Given the high cost of buying property these days, I wonder if we will see this one taking off here at home?

I don’t know who is going to help you follow through on this, but I do know that THESE guys are Seth’s go-to when it comes to shipping.

They’ll sort out everything from start to finish – bar the design of your house, of course.

Berry & Donaldson – remember the name.

[source:digitaltrends]