What began as a backyard project has blossomed into a thriving family venture. Kenneth Wheeler’s innovative endeavor, CargoHome, specializes in hand-building tiny homes using shipping containers. This unique approach not only blends sustainability with style but also meets the rising demand for affordable housing solutions. The result? Beautiful, functional residences that resonate with customers looking for both creativity and practicality.
A Unique Design Philosophy
CargoHome homes showcase a distinctive architecture that marries the industrial aesthetics of shipping containers with modern living demands. With broad glass doors that seamlessly connect indoor spaces to the outdoors, homes often feature rooftop decks providing panoramic views, making them feel larger despite their compact size. The clever design intricately uses leftover industrial fittings, leaving traces of the containers’ original structure visible.
Inside a CargoHome: wood paneling and modern fittings create a cozy atmosphere.
Image Source: Dwell
From the Backyard to the Community
Founded in 2017, CargoHome has completed nearly three dozen units, reflecting a growing appreciation for these tiny homes. Leveraging his background in residential construction, Wheeler, together with his team, has transformed basic shipping containers into charming, livable spaces. The company’s ingenuity gained traction when its two-story container house was recognized as the fifth most ‘wish-listed’ tiny home on Airbnb.
A Home Sweet Home
Customers from diverse backgrounds have turned to CargoHome, whether for vacation rentals or as permanent residences. With more homes available as short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb, the appeal of living in a shipping container has never been more evident.
The Craftsmanship Behind CargoHome
Located near Waco, Texas, a town famous for its home renovation renaissance thanks to Chip and Joanna Gaines, CargoHome builds four distinct models using standard shipping container sizes. Each home takes approximately two months to complete and ranges from 160 to 480 square feet.
Price points for these containers vary: units start around $40-50K for smaller models, while larger options range from $75,000 to $95,000. Customers can customize their homes and explore various options through the company’s website.
Exploring CargoHome Models
1. The Anchor
This compact 160-square-foot design leverages a minimalist approach while maintaining spaciousness with its glass front doors that open completely, fostering an indoor-outdoor living experience.
The Anchor’s design prioritizes open space and natural light.
Image Source: Dwell
2. The Crow’s Nest
Similar in size to The Anchor, The Crow’s Nest capitalizes on space with a larger bedroom area. Its distinctive spiral staircase leads to an inviting rooftop deck.
The Crow’s Nest features efficient use of space and a rooftop deck.
Image Source: Dwell
3. The Mainsail
An upgrade in size, The Mainsail utilizes a 40-foot container, offering a private bedroom and separate living area, ideal for those seeking more space without sacrificing style.
The Mainsail offers a private layout with a larger footprint.
Image Source: Dwell
4. The Helm
CargoHome’s most expansive offering, The Helm, combines a 20-foot container atop a 40-foot one. This clever design accommodates an array of living spaces, including a master suite that offers unparalleled views and comfort.
The Helm features a spacious interior, with upstairs views.
Image Source: Dwell
Building with Purpose
Wheeler emphasizes the unique construction process of container homes: “We typically use what are called ‘one-trippers’ for our CargoHomes. These are new containers shipped from China, ensuring we avoid potential hazards associated with older models.” Each container’s forward-thinking design allows for substantial structural integrity, negating the need for traditional home-building methodologies.
Conclusion: A Growing Community of Tiny Home Enthusiasts
CargoHome is more than a building company; it’s part of a growing movement embracing minimalist living, sustainability, and stylistic innovation. As housing prices soar, tiny homes serve as a beacon of hope for those seeking affordable options without compromising on quality or creativity. With each completed project, CargoHome paves the way for a new era of homeownership that prioritizes both practicality and design.
By persevering through challenges and championing creativity in their craft, Kenneth Wheeler and his team are setting a precedent in the construction world—one that may redefine how we think about home and community in the years to come.
For more information on CargoHome and to explore their unique offerings, visit CargoHome.
