Ferndale Container Home | Modern Sustainable Living in Michigan

The Ferndale container home, a recently constructed two-story dwelling, boasts a unique and innovative design that sets it apart from the surrounding neighborhood. While the area is primarily composed of older single-story ranches and bungalows, this modern home’s aesthetic brings a fresh and contemporary perspective to traditional housing styles in the region.

Upon entering the residence, visitors are greeted by a stunning floating staircase crafted from a combination of sleek steel and warm wood. The staircase not only serves a functional purpose but also doubles as an artistic feature, leading upwards to the communal living areas, including the living room, dining room, and kitchen. The private spaces, such as the bedrooms and laundry facilities, are conveniently located on the first floor.

The second story of the home adopts an open floor plan, which is accentuated by floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto a spacious balcony. This balcony provides a breathtaking view of the meticulously landscaped backyard. The kitchen is a standout feature of this area, showcasing elegantly tiled backsplashes and a bespoke island crafted from reclaimed wood, making the space ideal for hosting and entertaining guests.

This contemporary house, recently listed on the market, shares many luxurious features common to new high-end homes in suburban Detroit. However, the construction material might come as a surprise to many.

The home is constructed from five and a half corrugated steel shipping containers, embodying the emerging trend of using shipping containers for residential housing. Despite its unconventional materials, the home does not compromise on style or functionality and carries a market price of $450,000. An additional garage is available as an optional feature. To provide context, Zillow.com estimates the median value of homes in this ZIP code to be $178,600, highlighting the premium nature of this property.

The house at 3271 Inman Street stands out not only in its neighborhood but also among other container homes in the metro Detroit area. Its developers, Stephanie Coyle of Forever Home and Dee Tignanelli of Alpha to Omega Properties LLC, have undertaken this project with the ambition of setting a high standard for container home construction. They aim to dispel any stigma attached to container homes by demonstrating that they can be aesthetically pleasing and seamlessly integrate into traditional communities.

The design and build process was approached with a focus on quality and mass appeal, aiming to attract a broad range of potential buyers. Situated near Harding Park, the home’s location and design reflect a deep consideration for aesthetic integration and community values. Both Coyle and Tignanelli believe that container homes can play a crucial role in providing affordable housing solutions, filling vacant lots, and fostering development in communities needing revitalization. These homes offer a range of customizable features from basic to luxury finishes, catering to diverse buyer preferences just like traditional homes.

Shipping container homes are also gaining traction for their durability, energy efficiency, and sustainability. They are considered to be stronger than traditional wood-frame constructions, potentially even rodent-proof, and with the right insulation and interior finishes, they can rival the comfort and appearance of more conventional homes.

In Ferndale, local officials and builders are increasingly exploring the potential of shipping container homes, with several projects completed and others underway. This housing form is recognized for its versatility and suitability for transitional neighborhoods, blending industrial and residential uses.

In this case, the container home on Inman Street not only offers a unique living solution but also conserves resources—highlighted by Coyle’s mention of the dozens of trees saved by opting for steel over wood construction. The house also includes a full poured basement, a rarity in container home construction, which adds valuable storage or living space.

As the community sees the finished home, initial skepticism is turning into interest and appreciation, proving that innovative construction methods can indeed mesh well with established architectural norms and community expectations.