The Shipping Container House in Williamsburg

In our East River Ferry/#untappedcities Instagram contest for the most “Untapped” photograph last fall, we chose this image of a shipping container house in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, submitted by Reuben Hernandez. On Friday, Inhabitat brought readers inside the house, which has finally been occupied by its owner-designers. It’s made of 6 shipping containers, purchased at $1500 each, and insulated with NASA ceramic infused paint. We love what the owner has done with the materials, enabling balconies, natural light and patio spaces.

When we met David Boyle outside his shipping container house in November, he was wary of photographers because coverage in other publications had tipped off the Department of Buildings. He told us that his wife, architect and NYIT professor, Michele Bertomen, designed the space. When I asked David why shipping containers, he said simply, it was cheaper. But the DOB stop-work order and numerous follow-up complains created unexpected costs and delays. Aided by friends, family and even neighbors, completion of the house became a community endeavor. The couple moved in at the end of February.

Submit photos to our photo pool by hashtagging #untappedcities on Instagram or Twitter. Get in touch with the author @untappedmich.