Luxury Shipping Container Villas in Bali

On the picturesque Island of the Gods in Bali, Indonesia, a unique accommodation concept is turning heads. Nestled between lush tropical landscapes and world-renowned surf beaches, Villa Mola offers two luxurious shipping container villas available for short-term rental. These villas combine the charm of minimalist architecture with the lush beauty of Bali’s southern coastline, creating a tranquil yet modern retreat.

Villa Mola is the brainchild of Giorgio and François, two friends from Italy and France, who drew on their experiences managing short-term rentals in Bali and Boracay. Their vision for Villa Mola was to create a modern, eco-friendly space that redefines tropical luxury while offering an inspiring model for container construction.

The Inspiration Behind Villa Mola

The inspiration for Villa Mola stemmed from the duo’s fascination with shipping container homes. After watching documentaries showcasing container construction, they were captivated by the possibilities for sustainable and cost-effective living spaces. The appeal of reusing industrial materials, combined with Bali’s rising demand for unique rental properties, made containers the perfect choice.

While they briefly considered other materials, like wood or bamboo cladding, they ultimately opted for the simplicity and modern aesthetic of raw, painted containers. This decision also aligned with their goal to create a replicable housing model that could be built quickly and affordably.

Overcoming Challenges in Construction

Building Villa Mola was far from straightforward. Giorgio and François sourced high-quality containers from the Port of Surabaya in Java, transporting them to Bali via truck and ferry. The logistics were challenging, involving narrow roads, broken infrastructure, and even police escorts. Despite the early setbacks, the containers eventually reached the site, marking the start of an intense construction phase.

Initially, they hired a contractor with experience in steel construction, but the relationship soured after the contractor abandoned the project midway. This left Giorgio and François to oversee much of the construction themselves, acting as both architects and contractors. They spent months learning on the job, reinforcing the containers, and managing teams to complete specialized tasks such as plumbing, painting, and landscaping.

A Thoughtful Design for Luxury and Comfort

The final design of the two villas reflects a harmonious balance between industrial elements and tropical surroundings. Each villa spans approximately 1300 square feet across two levels. The ground floor features a spacious living room, dining area, and kitchen, created by combining two 20-foot containers separated by a 16-foot gap.

Upstairs, two 40-foot high cube containers provide the space for two bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms. Large windows, gypsum walls, and parquet flooring give the interiors a luxurious yet homely feel. To minimize the tropical heat and reduce noise, the villas were equipped with reflective metal roofs and fiberglass insulation.

Although the exterior maintains the signature look of shipping containers, clever landscaping and vegetation ensure the villas blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Pools and tropical gardens enhance the overall experience, creating a relaxing escape for guests.

Hosting Guests in Bali’s Container Villas

Villa Mola officially opened its doors in early 2020, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Guests praised the unique design and the seamless blend of modern comfort with Bali’s natural beauty. Interestingly, many visitors didn’t even realize they were staying in container villas until they were told, a testament to the careful attention to detail in the interior design.

However, the global pandemic posed challenges shortly after the villas were launched. Travel restrictions forced the team to pivot to monthly rentals, and while bookings slowed, the novelty of container living helped maintain interest. In particular, locals and expatriates found the villas appealing, with some expressing interest in purchasing similar properties.

The Cost and Lessons Learned

Building Villa Mola came with significant financial and logistical challenges. The total project cost, including land, permits, pools, and furniture, reached approximately $270,000. However, the construction of the villas themselves cost around $74,000 each.

Giorgio and François acknowledge that hiring a professional contractor from the outset would have saved them time and money. Despite the difficulties, their hands-on approach gave them valuable insights into container construction, lessons they plan to apply to future projects.

Villa Mola stands as a shining example of how shipping container homes can transcend their industrial origins to become luxurious, eco-friendly retreats. Its success is a testament to the creativity and resilience of its creators, offering inspiration for others to explore the potential of container living in tropical destinations like Bali.