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8 Containers, 1 Dream! Meet the Couple Who Turned Shipping Boxes Into a Beautiful Home

8 Containers, 1 Dream! Meet the Couple Who Turned Shipping Boxes Into a Beautiful Home

Zack and Brie Smithey, a creative couple from Missouri, turned eight shipping containers into a unique and mortgage-free home.

Their imaginative approach to homebuilding showcases recycling, repurposing, and reusing materials against conventional norms.

With no prior experience, they faced challenges head-on, creating a stunning residence filled with history, character, and innovation.

1. A Creative Vision

Zack and Brie Smithey’s journey began with a creative vision. Both artists at heart, they saw potential where others saw mere metal boxes.

Their project was more than a home; it was an art form.

With Zack’s artistic background and Brie’s business acumen, they crafted a space that resonated with their passion for innovation.

2. Unique Building Site

In 2011, the Smitheys purchased an ideal plot in St Charles, Missouri.

Positioned on a hill, the land needed substantial excavation—2,500 cubic yards of earth—to accommodate their home’s foundation.

This location not only provided a breathtaking view but also a challenging landscape that required innovative problem-solving to transform into their dream residence.

3. Shipping Adventures

The Smitheys’ home comprises eight shipping containers that had journeyed the world 12 times before arriving in Missouri.

Each unit was a blank canvas, ripe for transformation.

With careful planning and creativity, they harnessed these steel giants into a cohesive and inviting structure, capturing the spirit of adventure and global exploration.

4. Creative Construction Challenge

Building with shipping containers offered both challenges and rewards. Zack, a problem-solver, took on the physically demanding task of cutting steel walls.

This hands-on approach was not only cost-effective but also fueled their creative process, allowing the couple to explore innovative design ideas.

5. A Community Affair

The Smitheys’ project quickly became a community affair. As their red containers took shape, curiosity grew.

An open house event drew over 2,000 attendees, raising $10,000 for a local animal shelter.

This communal interest highlighted the impact of their creative venture, turning a personal dream into a shared community inspiration.

6. Interior Innovation

Inside the Smitheys’ home, innovation abounds.

They skillfully reused materials, like hardwood floors sealed with epoxy, and incorporated unexpected elements such as church windows and cable spool staircases.

Each space tells a story of creativity and resourcefulness, making the interior as intriguing and unique as the home’s exterior.

7. Eco-Friendly Living

The Smitheys prioritized eco-friendly living.

Their home boasts closed-cell spray foam insulation for temperature regulation, along with a Mitsubishi heat pump and ductless mini-split air-conditioning units.

These energy-efficient choices ensure comfort year-round, reflecting the couple’s commitment to sustainability and modern living practices.

8. Open-Concept Kitchen

The Smitheys reimagined their kitchen with open shelving and a generous breakfast island, discarding traditional cabinetry.

This design choice emphasizes openness and accessibility, while a walk-in pantry keeps clutter at bay.

Their functional yet stylish kitchen reflects the couple’s inventive approach and desire for a fresh, airy living space.

9. Transformative Exterior

A graphic makeover transformed the Smitheys’ home exterior. Bold stripes unify the mismatched materials, while upside-down windows add a whimsical touch.

This artistic facade not only conceals construction elements but also makes a bold statement, showcasing the couple’s talent for turning ordinary materials into extraordinary art.

10. Future Aspirations

The Smitheys have plans to enhance their home further, envisioning a rooftop terrace connected by a bridge from the hilltop.

This future addition represents their continuous pursuit of creativity and innovation, demonstrating that their container home is more than a dwelling. 

It’s an evolving canvas for their dreams and aspirations.