February, 26 2025
So you've got a spare plot of land in your current home, or you're living with your parents and considering a tiny place to live in. Is it worth buying a shipping container home?
Shipping containers are a modern, comfortable, and sustainable home option. Whether you're looking to downsize, build an eco-friendly home, or invest in a unique living space, here are the top five reasons why buying a shipping container home is a smart decision.
You’ve got savings, but it’s not enough to purchase a traditional Australian home. Thankfully, a tiny home can be bought for a fraction of the price, but that’s not the only benefit to buying.
With skyrocketing property prices making homeownership difficult for many in Australia, shipping container homes presents a cost-effective alternative to traditional housing.
Although it might not be as big as your dream double-storey home, you can live comfortably and own something outright. So, how is it less expensive?
A shipping container home is an excellent eco-friendly option, and Sonic Steel uses mostly new shipping containers. Since they are prefabricated off-site, this results in less waste and more efficient use of resources.
Why else are container homes sustainable?
Because shipping containers are built to be airtight, special consideration is needed during the design and construction phases. Airtightness is important for energy efficiency, but it can also cause a lack of insulation when exterior humidity levels fluctuate throughout the year. The good thing is Sonic Steel’s system adapts well to temperature changes!
The Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) is used for controlled mechanical ventilation, as well as using windows for ventilation. Retaining up to 85% of thermal energy while bringing in fresh, filtered air in exchange for stagnant air, you can stay warm on a winter’s night with all the windows closed.
You can enjoy ventilated, fresh air for only 8W of energy, and HRV maintains a consistent humidity level inside the home by eliminating excess moisture generated by cooking, washing and breathing. This makes your home more energy-efficient as it reduces the load on your air conditioning system.
What about air conditioning?
Daikin’s split system A/C is used for efficient, reliable climate control to regulate indoor temperature. The split system circulates internal air continuously to maintain the desired indoor temperature.
Inverter technology also adjusts compressor speed based on cooling demand, giving you efficient energy use and a stable temperature. You’ll never feel too hot or too cold!
Naber THERMOBOX airtight dampers prevent backdraught through the kitchen exhaust, so it really improves the airtightness. It works without electricity and uses air as an insulating medium, and the system contains triple dampers arranged one behind and the other sealed by a magnet.
These flaps form two chambers that trap air (which is a poor conductor of heat) and reduce heat loss. Hot or cold air outside will always stay out, even in strong winds, and stops heating and cooling energy from escaping when the range hood is not in use.
Sonic Steel models include an odourless toilet system!
The Milu: For flush systems, the Milu Odourless Toilet features an in-built fan that quietly extracts odours directly from the toilet bowl and discharges them into the sewer, stopping bad smells in your bathroom! It also includes an easy-to-clean rimless bowl with a powerful flush and a soft-close seat and lid for convenience.
The Panfan: This features a sophisticated ventilation system that extracts odours from the toilet bowl and vents them outside! The Panfan operates quietly, so odours are removed to create a more comfortable bathroom experience.
Instead of being limited to buying properties within a selected area you can afford, shipping container homes can be customised to your liking! What are some of Sonic Steel's customisation options?
Do you want a two bedroom or a single room? There are many designs to choose from at Sonic Steel!
Offering a compact lifestyle, the Mark II can be used as a self-sufficient living space or a home office!
This fully functional 20ft shipping container is a cost-effective way to maximise land use. All layouts and inclusions are completely customisable!
The Mark V is a design that can accommodate a young family with two small children. You don’t have to compromise between comfort and space.
Rooms always appear bright, welcoming and with large awning windows. Clean air is well-circulated and ventilated with the Daikin split system and Zehnder HRV, as well as the Pan Fan toilet odour filter system. Features include:
If you need larger living quarters, Sonic Steel has a Multi Container option! Designed, constructed and assembled within a period of 5 months, this project is a classic case of modular construction of 2 x 40ft container homes. Features include:
The building includes a lunchroom, communal office space, a dedicated office, a toilet, and several storage compartments. Sonic Steel is delighted to have provided such a successful alternative for Campbelltown Council to save both their construction time and costs.
If you have any questions about customisation and recent projects, feel free to reach out to Sonic Steel! Knowing what you’d like your tiny home to look like helps us during the design phase. After all, we want you to feel at home.
If you would like to learn more, have a read of the best ventilation options for shipping containers, a comprehensive guide!
Shipping containers are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rain, and even fire.
Corten steel construction makes them incredibly strong, providing a safe and secure housing option. Sonic Steel’s building methods and materials are built to last decades, and here’s why.
Sonic Steel uses cement sheets to clad all wall and ceiling surfaces in every shipping container home.
These sheets are resistant to cracking, warping, and other external damages, providing a strong, stable interior finish. Cement sheets are also an excellent insulator and is mould, rot, and moisture-resistant.
Sonic Steel shipping container homes are built with corten steel as it is corrosion resistant. This cladding is enhanced with a high-performing, marine-grade paint for durability, UV protection and weather resistant. The smooth, glossy finish comes in a range of colours, too!
Karndean Luxury Planks offer a combination of durability, aesthetic appeal, and practicality. Replicating the look of natural wood and stone gives Sonic Steel shipping container homes a high-end finish.
Waterproof, easy to clean, and comfortable to walk on, the vinyl planks are glued down for an increased lifespan and ease of maintenance.
Using skylights in shipping container homes is a fantastic way to bring in natural light, extra ventilation and spaciousness into what might otherwise be a confined space to some! Sonic Steel uses Velux skylights as they are high quality and thermally efficient, and there are many options to choose from:
What are some high-quality materials and features included in a Sonic Steel shipping container home?
High-quality materials and features such as Daikin split system, Rinnai hot water heater, powder-coated tapware, full-size porcelain (grout free), under-mount sink, square set ceiling, Westinghouse appliances, weatherproof built-in service outlets, and more. With a lifespan of 30+ years, well-maintained shipping container homes are a long-term investment in quality and security.
A shipping container home isn’t just for tiny home enthusiasts. These homes are versatile and can be adapted to suit different lifestyles. Whether you want a study nook, a quiet place to work remotely, or a teenage retreat, there’s something for everyone.
First-home buyers: Affordable and easy to maintain.
Rural retreat seekers: Perfect for off-grid living.
Growing families: Multi-container designs provide extra space.
Investors: Great for rental properties, Airbnb listings, or holiday accommodations.
Home office or studio: A cheaper way to add a backyard office or creative space.
Sonic Steel’s modular designs and custom designs mean you can expand your home over time, adapting it to your changing needs. Whether you're a first-time buyer, an investor, or someone looking to build a backyard studio, relocatable homes in Australia can be used in so many ways.
Sonic Steel builds shipping container homes for Victoria, NSW, and SA residents looking to change their way of living!
With the ability to design your space, lower costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability, it’s no surprise that more Australians are embracing a smaller (yet mighty) way of living.
As a specialist in the shipping container industry since 2014, Sonic Container Homes is a product of both skills and experience earned during those years, combined with creativity and innovation.
We bring the knowledge from our architectural background and fuse it with our technical talent. Our VenSulation system is the only one on the market that addresses ventilation, insulation and condensation for container homes!
Contact 0431 059 331, email enquiry@sonicsteel.com.au or download our brochure through our website to learn more about our shipping container modifications and shipping container DIY options.
With Tiny Home Expos in VIC, NSW and WA in the coming months, we are offering DISCOUNTED DELIVERY (*up to $5000) to each state the Expo is in exchange for using your project as a display at the show. Offer expires 12 weeks before each expo and is limited to one project per expo. Reach out to us now to secure your spot!
February, 26 2025
Top 5 Reasons Why Buying a Shipping Container Home is a Smart Decision
January, 30 2025
Container Home vs. Traditional Home: Which is the Better Investment?
December, 18 2024
Preventing Condensation in Shipping Container Homes: Comprehensive Strategies and Insights
December, 10 2024
What Are the Best Ventilation Options for Shipping Containers? A Comprehensive Guide
October, 31 2024
Why Insulating Your Shipping Container is Essential: Key Benefits
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