Alternative Building Methods - Silo or container?
- Erin Gaffney
- Jan 25, 2017
- 2 min read
Amidst numerous design projects, raising my two girls and the daily grind of life, somehow I'm also finding time to plan my own home addition. It's been a long time coming and in June my plan will be put into action. Now I just have to decide which plan to go with – silo or shipping container. Bonus: Both fall into the category of green building!
(Beautifully executed silo tiny home, completed by architect Christoph Kaiser)
I have never been one to go with the flow; I seek UNIQUE! So a silo addition has always been appealing, especially since I live in a rural area with farms sprinkled here and there and grain silos dotting the landscape. While I want to do something different with my home, I certainly want it to flow and blend with the area and natural landscape.
Pros: Silos can be purchased relatively inexpensively, they come in a variety of diameters and offer nice height. Cons: Custom, custom, custom! Because I would be dealing with a cylindrical shape, I would most likely want to keep with the curves in that part of our home.
The other option I'm considering, a storage container, is appealing because the layout opportunities are endless! Angle them, stack them, put one on its end to house a stairwell, etc.
(Example of a gorgeous shipping container home from Freshome)
The large doors on the end offer opportunities for open air spaces (when there's no snow on the ground!) or beautiful large windows. It's exciting to think about all they have to offer! Containers also come in a few different sizes and are relatively inexpensive.
What to do, what to do.... Study, research and plan – that's what!
(The first of what I assume will be MANY preliminary plan/ideas for my addition.)
This will be my first experience with residential design using a silo or shipping containers. I'm excited to add to my skill set and look forward to sharing my journey!
Which would you choose? Silo or container? Let me know in the comments!
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