Nestled near the breathtaking Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio, the shipping container home known as The Lily Pad stands as a testament to the creativity and resilience of its owners, Troy and Dianna Shurtz. As the founders of Creative Cabinets, Ltd, they envisioned not just a physical structure but a sanctuary filled with memories, love, and a deep connection to nature.
A Journey of Nostalgia and Connection
Dianna’s connection to Hocking Hills runs deep, inspired by a childhood filled with hikes and memories of her late father. “I spent a lot of time in Hocking Hills as a child,” she reflects. “My father passed away at the age of fifty-nine, and I’ve always felt closer to him when I’m there.” With the dream of honoring his memory, the couple embarked on a mission to build a getaway that combined their skills and passion for architecture.
In the depths of winter two years ago, they discovered the perfect plot of land—two miles from Old Man’s Cave, surrounded by hills and pine trees. The unique choice of a shipping container for their build was an exciting challenge. Dianna mentions, “We’ve always been intrigued by shipping container homes and knew we wanted to create something unique and special for this property.”
Design Inspirations: Blending Modern and Rustic Elements
The Lily Pad is not just a structure but an eloquent expression of style and functionality. With a total of 280 square feet of living space, the home boasts a sleek black exterior that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding landscape. The shed-style metal roof extends to provide shelter for a spacious outdoor living area, designed for relaxation and connection with nature.
The outdoor space includes a hot tub, a swing bed, a living area, and a gas grill, creating an inviting environment for family gatherings or intimate getaways. Dianna elaborates on their intentions for this area: “Our goal for the outdoor living space was to keep it as open as possible, but still sheltered from the wind, rain, and snow, allowing us to include many amenities.”
Room to Breathe: Open and Bright Interior
Upon entering The Lily Pad, visitors are greeted with a refreshing sense of openness enhanced by abundant natural light that floods in from large windows. Bright white walls and thoughtfully selected furnishings in leather and wood provide a warm, inviting atmosphere. One standout feature is the motorized garage door in the living room, which can roll up to connect the interior with the porch and the beautiful wooded landscape beyond.
“We wanted a lot of natural light and to bring the outdoors in,” Dianna states, and this design choice elegantly accomplishes that vision.
A Kitchen Built With Care
One of the highlights of The Lily Pad is its custom-designed kitchen. With white cabinetry topped with light grey quartz and charming gold hardware, the kitchen is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. A large picture window offers breathtaking views of the surrounding nature, making meal prep feel more like an adventure.
“We knew we needed small appliances, so we purchased a 24-inch-wide microwave and an induction cooktop,” Dianna explains. “All cabinets are soft-close, ensuring ease of use.” The thoughtful design extends to low-maintenance coffee-colored vinyl flooring, which complements the bright white theme of the cabinetry.
Nature’s Sanctuary: The Bedroom and Bath Retreats
The bedroom provides a peaceful retreat, enhanced by a large window that invites the outdoors in. “The large window in the bedroom lets you feel like you’re sleeping outside,” Dianna shares, with the added benefit of a motorized shade for privacy. The space is intimate and calming, perfect for a restful night.
In the bath, elegant details abound. A sliding barn door leads into the bathroom, where a gold-framed vanity mirror adds an upscale touch to the overall relaxing vibe of the home.
Harmony with the Environment
The Shurtzes placed the shipping container on a cinder-block crawl space that accommodates vital systems like the furnace, plumbing, and tankless hot-water heater. This thoughtful planning not only protects the environment but also contributes to the home’s modern aesthetic.
The shipping container structure itself boasts a glossy, corrugated black finish that shines invitingly among the rolling hills and tall pines. “When we first saw it, I felt my father’s presence and knew this was where I wanted our house to be,” Dianna expresses, highlighting the emotional significance of their adventure in building The Lily Pad.
A Perfect Getaway
The Lily Pad represents much more than just a home; it embodies the Shurtzes’ journey to blend memory, creativity, and a connection to nature. This shipping container retreat near Hocking Hills serves not only as a getaway for the couple but as a reminder of love and resilience—a beautiful blend of personal history and modern design that attracts guests seeking tranquility and connection with the forested surroundings.
In an era where sustainability and innovation harmoniously exist, The Lily Pad stands as an inspiring model, showcasing how dreams can materialize into a cozy, stylish haven.
