1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom, 3-Bedroom Shipping Container Houses
Shipping container homes in Kenya are becoming more popular as a modern, sustainable, and cost-effective housing option. A larger number of consumers in Kenya are considering shipping container homes due to the unique benefits that these units offer compared to traditional brick and mortar houses. 20FT and 40FT shipping containers can be converted to 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, or 3-bedroom container houses based on the needs of the customer. This article offers a breakdown of the typical layouts for shipping container houses as well as pros, cons and design considerations when building a container house.
1-Bedroom Shipping Container House
One of the common products in the market today is the 1-bedroom shipping container house which can be done on one 40FT shipping container or two 20FT shipping containers depending with the desired size and space by the client.
Typical Size:
- One 40 ft container (320 sq ft)
- There is option to combine two 20 ft containers for more space
Layout:
- Open-plan kitchen and living room
- 1 bedroom with closet space
- 1 bathroom
- Optional outdoor deck
Pros:
- Compact and energy-efficient
- Easier and cheaper to build
- Great for singles or couples
Considerations:
- Requires clever storage and multi-functional furniture
- Can feel tight without proper design and lighting
Price:
The price of a 1-Bedroom Shipping Container House in Kenya today is 1,200,000-1,350,000
2-Bedroom Shipping Container House
Another common product in the shipping container house market today is the 2-bedroom shipping container house. This is normally done using one 40FT shipping container. However, if a client’s needs more space, the house can be done in two 20 ft shipping containers which are placed side by side with space in between for sitting room and kitchen. Samples of both options are as shown in the images below;
Sample 2-Bedroom houses in one 40FT shipping container
Sample 2-Bedroom house in two 20FT shipping containers in Kwale County, Kenya.
Typical Size:
- The 2-Bedroom shipping container house can be done in one 40 ft containers or two 20 ft containers.
Layout:
- Central shared living and kitchen area
- 2 bedrooms at either end for privacy
- 1 or 2 bathrooms
Pros:
- Suitable for small families or roommates
- More interior space and layout flexibility
- Better resale or rental potential
Considerations:
- Requires more insulation and HVAC planning
- Higher build cost and potential zoning/code requirements
Price:
The price of 2-Bedroom shipping container house in Kenya is 1,250,000-1,800,000 depending on size and design of the house.
3 & 4-Bedroom Shipping Container House
A 3-bedroom shipping container house is a more preferred option for clients who have bigger families. Depending with the desired size of the house, two or three containers are combined in order to create bigger space.
Sample 3-bedroom shipping container house in Mwihoko, Kiambu County.
Typical Size:
- Made from combination of two or three 40 ft containers (960–1,280+ sq ft)
Layout:
- Larger kitchen and living room
- Master bedroom with en suite
- 2 additional bedrooms with shared bath
- Optional laundry room, pantry, or office space
Pros:
- Ideal for families
- Spacious and can feel like a traditional home
- More room for customization and amenities
Considerations:
- More complex engineering and foundation
- May require cranes or heavy equipment for stacking/assembly
- Need to meet stricter code and permit requirements
Price:
Price of the 3-bedroom and 4-Bedroom shipping container house is 3,400,000-3, 800,000 depending on the size and design.
