South Coast Container House


This project was always about economy, efficiency and how to do as much as possible on a very limited budget. However, the scale belies the efficiency of program and generosity of the outcome. The client’s conviction from the outset was that good architecture does not need to be expensive, and this project attempts to prove the theory.

It is modest in budget (approx 1/3 of the cost of the any other new house undertaken by the office), and also in scale (94m2 + 40m2 decks). The house can sleep 10, and feed many more.

Structurally it is built around 4 containers, with a flat roof and insulated external cladding for thermal performance. The containers are exposed internally and house sleeping and service functions. The floor and decks step down with the site to create generous ceiling heights, views down the block and connection with the ground at all points.

Environmentally, this house attempts to do as much as possible to minimise its impact including : north orientation and zero excavation, zero VOC finishes, natural wool insulation in roof, 100% recycled HW doors and windows with Low E DGUs and 5000L on site water storage.


Project Team : Matt Elkan, Daina Cunningham

Builder : Luke Price Total Building Solutions (Moruya)

Engineer : Bruce Delprado

Photographs : Simon Whitbread


Awards || Publications


Sanctuary Magazine - Issue 40

South China Morning Post - November 27, 2017

Shelter Stream - https://www.shelter.stream/page/get-started/?from=/plans-check.html

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