CASA INCUBO BY MARIA JOSÉ TREJOS

A stately shipping container home in the Costa Rican countryside

Just when we thought container houses had reached the apogee of their glory, out pops the Casa Incubo by Maria José Trejos. The Costa Rican architect created a palatial container home that outshines its eco-friendly competition.

Located in the countryside, the home is constructed from eight shipping containers and is completely surrounded by nature. A huge cedar tree even sits at the center of the complex, representing the project’s sustainable ideals. As with similar container projects, the chosen material drastically cut project costs, while also reducing construction time and CO2 emissions.

Since the home needed to double as office for the photographer owner, the principle room is a double-height open space with glazed windows that allow for ample daylight. The 95 m² space is ideal for the occupant’s work and leisure, and it serves as a central lung for the home thanks to clever cross-ventilation. In addition, the slanted roof was specifically designed for easy rainwater collection and was also made reflective to minimize heat absorption from the Costa Rican sunlight.

A roof top terrace, a sliding bamboo facade and firepole between the first and second floors complete this eco-friendly design.