{"id":15143,"date":"2019-11-19T14:08:16","date_gmt":"2019-11-19T14:08:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/womentales.wpengine.com\/?p=15143"},"modified":"2021-11-29T19:45:57","modified_gmt":"2021-11-29T19:45:57","slug":"a-tiny-shipping-containers-converted-into-an-amazing-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/womentales.com\/a-tiny-shipping-containers-converted-into-an-amazing-home\/","title":{"rendered":"A Tiny Shipping Containers Converted into an Amazing Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For many young adults in this day and age, owning their own\nhome is nothing but a dream. For Freddie Pack, a young man from England, the\nthought of renting an apartment for the rest of his life was an unappealing\none. What he wanted to do was build his own home without going into debt. What\nsort of fantasy house could someone in the capital of England live in without spending\na tiny fortune? His solution: an old shipping container! Many thought it was a\nsad dream, but Freddie\u2019s vision of converting a metallic shipping container\ninto a livable, albeit tiny, structure turned out a lot better than you could\nimagine! How did he do it and what does it look like in the inside?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Property<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Like so many of his peers, Freddie Pack was renting a small cottage in the town of Kent, England, but he was far from happy with his living arrangements. He and his girlfriend, Katie McNie, decided that enough was enough \u2013 they needed their own home. Freddie is one of the fortunate people living in Kent since he had acquired a piece of real estate from his mother. Although step one was in the bag, his dream of owning his own home was far from complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

2. Debt-Free<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The 28-year-old man from Kent worked as a part-time project manager that didn\u2019t exactly fill his pockets with extra cash. He was also determined to complete building his home without applying for a bank loan \u2013 an endeavor that is impossible for many people. But how could this couple without stacks of money hidden beneath their mattress afford to build a home without accruing debt? This is where the craftiness of this couple came into play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. Creative Thinking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Freddie\u2019s budget was modest at most, but he didn\u2019t want to sacrifice his quality of living. To overcome the financial burden, Freddie had to be creative. He, a project manager with a background in farming, came up with the idea to build a tiny cabin on a trailer. Freddie and Bob Pollard, an architect and close friend, put their heads together to come up with a number of ideas. Finally, the two found an option that would allow Freddie to build his dream home without going over his budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

4. Living on a Budget<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

To save as much money as possible, Freddie and Katie decided to stay with his mother for the time being. They didn\u2019t have much and weren\u2019t earning as much as they\u2019d like, so every penny counted toward reaching their goal. Without having to worry about rent, the couple could save enough to begin \u201cconstruction.\u201d Their first purchase was a used flatbed bale trailer from Yorkshire costing \u00a32,700. Not bad for a durable steel structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

5. Proper Permits<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Next, Freddie and Katie had to acquire the proper permits to build a home. Building permits can be a pain to apply for, but in Freddie\u2019s case, they didn\u2019t have much paperwork to deal with. Since his trailer fits the description of a mobile home, he didn\u2019t need a permit to build anything. Also, since he was technically working part-time on his mother\u2019s farm, even if he needed to build a brick home, he could argue that he needed a dwelling that kept him close to his workplace. Everything was coming together smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

6. Covering the Bases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Although Freddie didn\u2019t need to apply for a building permit, he and Katie did so anyway. Why? For peace of mind. When his mobile home was done, he wanted to ensure that the government couldn\u2019t punish him with technicalities and other nuisances that would turn his dream into a nightmare. Plus, when he and Katie eventually outgrow living in a trailer, they could rent the unit out as a holiday apartment. Good thinking, Freddie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

7. Like a Caravan Site<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In many ways, their mobile home is much like a caravan. The home draws water and electricity from the existing infrastructure on his mother\u2019s farm, and it has two gas canisters to keep the boiler running all day long. Foundations weren\u2019t needed since the cabin rests on a set of wheels. The only major decision the couple had to make was where to place their home. They decided to rest it on a spot on the farm with the best view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

8. Exterior<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The cabin\u2019s frame is made of weathered timber and galvanized steel. His experience as a project manager allowed taught him how to make his home as comfortable and as livable as possible. The biggest issue with the cabin\u2019s exterior was holes where unnecessary sunlight could shine through. Freddie used UV fa\u00e7ade and blue felt to prevent the sun from poking sunrays through any gaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

9. Staying Dry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

One of the couple\u2019s biggest challenges was keeping the interior dry during the rainy season. Rain in Kent isn\u2019t uncommon, so they knew they had to make the structure as water-tight as possible. However, the slanted profile of the roof created problems that Freddie didn\u2019t anticipate, but with his creative mind, he found the perfect solution: wedge some sponges in between the steel and wooden frames to soak up as much water as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

10. Rustic yet Modern<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Airbnb<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The couple settled on using wooden steps to lead up to a foldaway deck with an elegant pulley system. On the deck, they enter their home through steel-framed sliding doors with large windows to allow natural light to illuminate the interior. Freddie\u2019s work as a project manager and his time spent among architects inspired him to create something so lovely in a limited amount of space. But if you think the outside is packed full of features, you have to check out what\u2019s going on inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

11. A Look Inside<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

As soon as you step foot indoors, you would never guess that this luxurious cabin served as a container for shipping materials across seas. In the main living space, you\u2019ll find a log burning stove, a cozy nook beneath a window, a wide couch, and beautiful walls, but the real eye-catcher is the ceiling\u2019s design. Shadow gaps conceal the presence of LED light strips that produce heat-free lighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

12. Upcycling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A tiny bar-style dining table separates the main living space from the kitchen which contains a stove, oven, and other cooking appliances. Just past the kitchen is the master bedroom, complete with an en-suite bathroom with shower. You have to admit: this cabin has style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

13. Harnessing Solar Power<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The main concern of people living in warm climates is keeping heat outdoors. In England, however, the opposite is true, so Freddie had to devise a plan to insulate his home during the frigid wintry months. His solution? Installing glazed windows. Solar gain through these windows works tremendously at keeping their cabin toasty when winter comes a-knockin\u2019. The tradeoff is exceedingly warm temperatures during summer, but opening these windows can solve the problem of over-mugginess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

14. Living off the Grid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The greatest perk of living in a mobile structure is taking their home wherever they like. Vacationing across the country is easy since their trailer sits atop a movable bed. Even the spot on Freddie\u2019s mother\u2019s farm is too warm or hot, all they need to do is hitch the trailer onto a tractor and move to a more comfortable area. The idea of living in a mobile home is becoming more and more appealing if you ask us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

15. Katie\u2019s Involvement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Even though the whole idea to build a mobile home was Freddie\u2019s idea, Katie was just involved in the entire process as he was. She was as much of a part of the endeavor as Freddie was, and she has contributed some of the most fanciful ideas to the home\u2019s construction. If Freddie was totally in charge, there\u2019s no doubt that the mobile home would be livable, but with Katie\u2019s influence, their home became something to be proud of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

16. Exceeding the Budget<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Freddie\u2019s budget for the entire project was limited to \u00a330,000 \u2013 the total amount he and Katie saved while living with his mother for nine months. Everything was meticulously designed and accounted for, but as everyone knows, not everything goes according to plan. In the end, Freddie had to borrow a couple thousand from his mother to finish building his home. Thanks, mom!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

17. Plywood Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Most of the cabin\u2019s interior was constructed using plywood panels, but plywood isn\u2019t the most durable material. Birch ply becomes extremely delicate when wet, which can cause mold growth and may even collapse on top of their heads if they\u2019re not careful. Originally, Freddie and Katie wanted to use laminated composite, but it would take forever to receive the materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

18. Floor Difficulties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The floorboards used to create the beautiful floor pattern is undoubtedly eye-catching, but if Freddie could re-do the project, he\u2019d advise not following his footsteps regarding constructing the cabin\u2019s floor. Not only did it take three weeks for two people to complete, but the floors \u2013 also plywood \u2013 are wearing down exceptionally quicker than they anticipated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

19. Additional Storage Space<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Even though Freddie and Katie are proud of what they built together, they\u2019ve noticed several parts of their home that they would have done differently if given a second chance. For instance, their home is extremely roomy and allows for easy movement between rooms, but storage space is a real problem. Not having a place to put their personal belongings ends up making their spacious home look cluttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

20. Enjoying What They Have<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

With so many limitations, you need to plan everything to a t to make the most of what you have. Admittedly, they could have planned better, but with everything said and done, there\u2019s nothing they regret about building their own compact, mobile home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

21. Window Nook<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The piece that the couple is most proud of is the fancy window nook located near their wide couch. The nook doesn\u2019t only allow the sun to shine its friendly rays to illuminate their home, but it\u2019s also a distinctive feature where Freddie likes to spend his off-time. The nook looks easy to build, but waterproofing it was a real challenge. Ultimately, they settled on using clad with fiberglass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

22. Freddie\u2019s Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Anyone who passes by their mobile home is left stunned at how the couple managed to make so much out of so little. But what does Freddie, the initiator of the project, think about his hand-made home? He spoke of how much he enjoyed being fully in charge of building the home \u2013 from inception to adding final touches. However, like most people on Earth, having a mobile home left him yearning for more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

23. Future Plans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Freddie\u2019s experience in his home-building project has stirred his creative juices. He\u2019s hoping to take his creativity to the next level by leveling one of the farm\u2019s cottages and building a modern two-bedroom home where he and his wife can live comfortably. The best part is that his mobile home hardly costs a thing to maintain so he can save enough to begin his next large-scale project in the near future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

24. Enjoying the Simple Things<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Source: Instagram \/ @freddiepack<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Even though he has plans to expand, he\u2019s taking it day by\nday. He and Katie make sure not to live beyond their needs so they have time to\nenjoy everything they experience. Lately, the pair have listed the mobile home\non Airbnb where people can escape the hustle and bustle of city life by enjoying\nthe coziness of a wood burner in a small dwelling. Who wouldn\u2019t like to sit\nback and play relaxing music while the toastiness of the burner tickles their\ntoes? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For many young adults in this day and age, owning their own home is nothing but a dream. For Freddie Pack, a young man from England, the thought of renting an apartment for the rest of his life was an unappealing one. What he wanted to do was build his own home without going into […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":15352,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[79,1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/womentales.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15143"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/womentales.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/womentales.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/womentales.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/womentales.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15143"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/womentales.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15143\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":97342,"href":"https:\/\/womentales.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15143\/revisions\/97342"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/womentales.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15352"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/womentales.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15143"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/womentales.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15143"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/womentales.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15143"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}