For Zack and Brie Smithey, their home in St. Charles, Missouri, has a unique story. In 2016, they decided to build their dream home using eight shipping containers. The result? A 3,000-square-foot, two-story house with three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, all made from these large metal boxes typically used for transporting goods around the world.

Before construction began, the Smitheys visited a container yard in St. Louis, where they inspected the used containers that would soon become the foundation of their new home. 'It was surreal to think that we were going to live in one of these,' said Brie.

The idea of using shipping containers for housing isn't new, but it’s becoming increasingly popular due to their affordability and sustainability. Over the years, people have transformed these containers into homes, cafes, restaurants, offices, and even swimming pools. Some have even been used for large-scale projects, like stadiums for international events.

The Smitheys were drawn to the project because of the opportunity to recycle, as well as the chance to create a space that reflected their unique style. However, they soon realized that keeping the project on budget would require a lot of hands-on work, with both of them contributing significant time and effort to the build.

'Many people think container homes are cheap, but the expensive parts like plumbing, electricity, and kitchen installations are still necessary,' Zack said.

The finished product is a one-of-a-kind home, full of creative upcycled features. Inspired by the experience, Zack has even started a side business helping others build their own container homes.

For the Smitheys, this project has opened up unexpected opportunities and proven that thinking outside (or inside) the box can lead to some pretty exciting results.

Source: CBS News - Home sweet home, made from shipping containers