Shipping Container House in Sweden: Sustainable Living with Stacked Steel Design

Imagine a home crafted not from traditional bricks and mortar, but from recycled shipping containers. This idea has evolved into a movement redefining sustainable architecture—and Swedish architect Måns Tham has turned that vision into reality with his remarkable Container House on the outskirts of Stockholm.

A Self-Built Dream

Designed for a couple passionate about sustainability and self-building, this shipping container house in Sweden uses eight standard containers stacked and elevated on steel pillars. The husband’s experience in demolition—and his love for customized vehicles—inspired the design’s focus on reuse and resourcefulness. Much of the project was self-built, showcasing how creativity and craftsmanship can coexist in sustainable living.

Maximizing Space on a Challenging Terrain

Building on a steep, rocky site meant the team had to think vertically. Tham’s clever solution: raise the entire structure on steel pillars instead of pouring a traditional foundation. The eight containers, each 2.4 meters wide, were arranged across three levels to create generous living spaces for a family of five. Strategic wall removals between containers maximized the home’s interior without compromising its strength.

“Choosing which walls to remove and which to keep to minimize added structure required a lot of thought,” says Tham. The result is an elegant blend of functionality, safety, and creativity—a perfect fit for Sweden’s rugged landscape.

Design in Harmony with Nature

The house’s layout follows the natural topography. The upper level contains the main living areas and enjoys expansive forest views, while rainwater naturally flows under the house and its adjoining steel bridge, leaving the surrounding pine forest untouched. This thoughtful integration minimizes environmental disruption and emphasizes harmony with nature.

A Functional and Light-Filled Layout

• Lower Level: A cozy den, guest bedroom, laundry, and main bathroom with a panoramic view of the rocky terrain.
• Upper Level: The main living area opens to a sun-drenched terrace and features additional bedrooms overlooking the forest.
• Mezzanine: A single container perched above the living room serves as a lightwell and a children’s play loft, bringing daylight deep into the home.

An open-tread steel staircase and net balustrade enhance airiness and light penetration—hallmarks of Scandinavian design.

Sustainability Through Resourcefulness

Beyond its striking form, this shipping container house stands as a symbol of smart reuse. Materials salvaged from demolition sites across Stockholm—including timber planks, metal panels, staircases, and even discarded kitchen elements—were repurposed and reimagined. This approach not only reduced waste but also gave the home an authentic, lived-in warmth rarely found in new builds.

Meeting Regulations with Creativity

Sweden’s rigorous building codes required inventive thinking. Tham devised custom solutions for railings, chimneys, and drainage systems that complied with regulations while maintaining the home’s cohesive, industrial-chic look. Each functional element—from the gutters to the window trims—adds to the overall design harmony.

Beyond the Containers

The Container House reflects a growing global movement in shipping container architecture. Similar innovations include the Stadium 974 in Qatar by Fenwick Iribarren Architects, made entirely from containers, and the portable container home by Wiercinski Studio in Poland.

A Testament to Transformation

“At some point, the stacked and modified containers transcend their original purpose and become a permanent part of the landscape,” says Tham. “That transformation was a guiding light throughout the project.” The finished home beautifully demonstrates how industrial materials can evolve into sustainable, inviting architecture that enhances the environment rather than disrupts it.

Considering a Shipping Container Home?

The Swedish Container House offers a glimpse into the future of eco-friendly architecture. If you’re dreaming of a unique, sustainable home, YES Containers can help you get started. We offer shipping containers in Washington, Colorado, and California—perfect for your next container home or creative project.

📞 Call us today at (800) 223-4755 or contact us online to learn more about designing your sustainable shipping container home.