Unique Container House in Dallas

A Unique Architectural Vision

Nestled close to White Rock Park, this three-bedroom shipping container residence stands at one of Dallas, Texas’s highest points, approximately 100 feet above the surface of White Rock Lake, which is a mere 1,000 feet to the southwest.

The architects’ vision was to craft a distinctive and modern abode, suitable for its elevated site, utilizing construction techniques that are accessible yet uncommon in contemporary residential building. This two-story dwelling includes a cozy penthouse leading to a roof deck. It boasts three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a spacious area for entertainment on the ground floor, a two-car garage with additional storage, a porte-cochere, an expansive roof deck offering sweeping views, and elevated porches adjoining the main living quarters.

Design and Construction: A Harmony of Elements

The residence’s strategic location and orientation capitalize on the breathtaking vistas of the lake, surrounding foliage, and the cityscape. The design elevates the living spaces to enhance comfort, distancing them from the hustle and bustle of street-level traffic while optimizing the views.

Incorporating overhangs and porches serves a dual purpose: they shield the interiors from harsh sunlight, thus lowering energy consumption, and they also allow for the influx of natural light without disrupting the scenic surroundings.

To further diminish energy expenditures and prolong the roof’s lifespan, the architects outfitted the home’s roof deck with a solar screen atop the insulated membrane.

Constructed from a blend of concrete, steel, prefabricated steel modules—specifically 40-foot shipping containers—masonry, and glass, these materials converge to form a truly distinctive and comfortable design.

The Mooney Residence: A Shipping Container Masterpiece

When locals observed a convoy of shipping containers rolling into their Dallas neighborhood, curiosity led them to the construction site of what would become an efficient and uniquely designed home, boasting some of the city’s most impressive views.

Architect Matt Mooney, a managing principal at Corgan, realized a long-held dream by constructing this house, a concept he had envisioned 25 years prior, well before the popularity of shipping container architecture.

Together with his wife, Barbara, Mooney transformed these industrial units into a 3,700-square-foot contemporary home that seamlessly integrates the natural surroundings.

The structure, comprising 14 shipping containers, features deep balconies that invite natural illumination while protecting the interior from direct sunlight. The design reveals its industrial roots with exposed corrugated ceilings and original container gates repurposed as sliding doors.

The ground floor’s polished cement floors complement the industrial chic of the home, with colorful accents offsetting the grey tones and adding vibrancy to the space.

Above, maple floors and expansive windows highlight the stunning natural views.

Externally, a 1,400-square-foot roof deck presents a panoramic view of the lake and the Dallas skyline, while a 40-foot swimming pool on the ground level mirrors the home’s tallest wall, creating an eye-catching visual.

This shipping container home was showcased during a tour by the Dallas chapter of the American Institute of Architects in 2015.

The PV14 House: A Container Home Landmark

At the intersection of Peavy Rd. and Buckner Blvd., opposite a quaint park with lake views, stands the PV14 house—a standout construction in Dallas, crafted from shipping containers.

The brainchild of architects Matt Mooney and Michael Gooden, the PV14 house—named after its address and the number of containers used—began construction 18 months prior. Even though it was still under construction, Gooden provided a sneak peek into the home’s unique features.

Upon entering, one is greeted by a “utilitarian-modern” aesthetic, characterized by CMU block walls, rebar stairwell railings, and concrete flooring.

The first floor is dedicated to entertainment, with vast windows framing the pool, a sizable entertainment center, a fireplace, and a compact kitchen.

The second floor, constructed from shipping containers, houses the living quarters, each corner adorned with a bedroom or den and an accompanying balcony. The kitchen, described as the “command center,” is where the home’s operations are managed.

Distinctive elements such as exposed ceilings and container doors as bedroom entries maintain the authenticity of the structure’s origins.

Gooden’s extensive research into the shipping container industry was pivotal in overcoming the structural challenges presented when modifying the containers for residential use.

The top floor, referred to as “the star of the show,” is an entertainment hub with dual outdoor decks that provide a 360° view of White Rock Lake and the Dallas skyline, capable of accommodating up to 150 guests.

Spanning 3,700 square feet, the PV14 stands as a testament to innovative design and community integration.

Architectural Metrics and Design Concept

This single-family residence, approximately 3,700 square feet in size, extends over two stories with an additional small penthouse granting access to the roof deck. It includes three bedrooms plus a den, three and a half bathrooms, a two-car garage with a storage bay, a ground-level entertainment area, a porte-cochere, and porches elevated alongside the main living spaces, culminating in a vast roof deck with a panoramic view.

The design concept was to create a modern home with a distinctive character, responsive to its unique location and orientation, and utilizing construction technologies that, while available, are not commonly employed in current residential construction.

The Building Process: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

The foundation is a concrete pier and beam structure, with the ground level featuring polished concrete floors. The primary superstructure is made of structural steel, supplemented by Parallel Strand Lumber beams at the roof deck level. Prefabricated steel modules form part of the primary structural system, with 2×6 perimeter stud wall framing insulated with a mix of closed and open cell spray-on insulation. The exterior showcases stack bonded CMU masonry veneer at ground level and a modular brick masonry veneer tower.

The glazing systems are double insulated and high performance, supported by significant roof and porch overhangs that shade the windows from direct sunlight, enhancing energy efficiency. The home also features high-performance heating and air-conditioning systems and low water consumption plumbing fixtures.

Our Philosophy and Approach

Our firm is driven by a passion for inspired and exhilarating design. We lead the design process with a collaborative and transparent approach, guiding our choices and recommendations through every phase, from programming and concept development to product selection, detailing, and material specification.

Discovery and Visioning

Our journey begins by immersing ourselves with our clients, understanding their aspirations and constraints, collecting inspirational imagery, defining program requirements, and ultimately, uncovering the essence of the project.

Design Exploration

The design phase is an odyssey of discovery. Employing 2D space planning, 3D modeling, and cutting-edge technologies, we craft a refined and fitting design. Our focus remains steadfast on site-specific planning, massing, orientation, and materials, as we transform our client’s vision into tangible reality.

Consultant Collaboration

We collaborate with a trusted network of engineers and consultants to produce the necessary documentation for permits and construction. Our team diligently ensures that every detail and consultant input is synchronized to maintain the architectural integrity and design intent of the project.

Pre-Construction Partnership

We aim to partner with the region’s most reputable construction professionals. We facilitate connections between clients and contractors to identify the best match for the project. Our role in the pre-construction phase includes scrutinizing contractor pricing and overseeing the bid negotiation process.

Documentation and Permitting

We pride ourselves on generating clear, comprehensive permit and construction documents. A well-prepared manual is essential for a contractor to realize a vision successfully. Our thorough documentation eliminates uncertainty and sets clear expectations. With extensive code knowledge and experience, our team adeptly manages the complex permitting process, ensuring the project stays on course.

Pioneering Shipping Container Homes

Our ethos is rooted in a history of excellence in structural engineering services. We are committed to delivering superior service to our clients, with meticulous attention to detail and a dedication to producing quality work. Our quality assurance practices evolve with advancements in materials, design tools, methodologies, and staff expertise. We address critical concerns at every milestone, from inception to construction completion.

Our expertise spans various sectors, including healthcare, mission-critical facilities, education, residential, cultural, performing arts, transportation, and government projects. Proficient in contemporary structural engineering analysis, design trends, and Building Information Modeling, our team leverages technology to enhance project outcomes.

Our Commitment to Client Success

Our success is intertwined with our clients’ achievements. We strive to create a legacy of success stories through our people and projects.

Qualifications and Registrations

Embracing diversity, we offer structural engineering services across all fifty states. We believe in fostering partnerships with architects, owners, construction managers, and contractors throughout the design and construction phases, ensuring optimal value.

We are recognized as a minority-owned business, certified as a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) with the State of Texas, a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), and a Small Business Enterprise (SBE).