Want an unlimited source of ideas for designing your container house? Here are over 101 Container Home Interior Designs to spark your imagination!
Sure, container houses are cheap and economical housing solutions but have you thought about how to turn that simple box structure into the livable home you’ve always wanted? You’re definitely in the right place if you’re looking for the best container house designs to get ideas from!
And the best part? All of these designs are just an email away to get! ARCGO is a container house supplier offering a full package for your container house construction needs. We’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of building your container home to supplying your prefab container house in the Philippines (or abroad) – from plans, and permits to delivery and installation!
Without further ado, let’s get down to the top container house interior ideas we have for you!
- Start by browsing through 101 different container home interior designs to get inspiration from
- Once you've found a few designs that you like, take some time to analyze what makes them appealing
- See if you can incorporate any of those features into your own design
- Don't be afraid to experiment- the best designs often come from trying out new things
- Get feedback from friends and family members before finalizing your design
- With this complete guide, you'll be able to do some cost estimation by yourself. If you're not sure whether you're designing is correct or not, ask for a free quotation from ARCGO!
- Make sure to have a clear idea of your budget before starting anything else
- Take your time and enjoy the process!
Sourcing Materials for a Container House
You have two options for your container house – either find a trusted builder who can customize a shipping container or who can supply new shipping containers or you can buy prefab container homes from a reliable supplier.
But before you can do that, you need to come up with a design so they can provide a quote accordingly.
What are the Design Considerations for Prefab Container Homes?
Designing a prefab container house interior is similar to designing a traditional house. You need to consider your lifestyle, your lot shape, and your budget. Here are some of the things to consider when designing your prefab container home.
1. Standard Finish vs Luxury Container House Finish
A standard, factory-built container house such as a Detachable Container House or Flatpack Container House is usually built and finished with the basic elements of a house. This includes the sturdy floorboard with basic finishing, prepainted walls, 2 standard-sized windows, and a door.
So, if you’re looking for an economic housing or office solution, this is might be the best choice for you. However, if you’re after a luxurious prefab container house – one that has a more elaborate finish – then you would need to communicate what you want with your supplier.
2. Liveable Elements
You need to consider where to situate liveable elements like your bathroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, and bedroom.
How would you plan to arrange them according to your lifestyle?
3. Lot Shape
4. Window Areas/Number of Windows
A prefab container house usually comes with 2 sets of windows for a standard package.
Adding more windows or more window areas in your container home design would add up to its cost.
If you’re working from home or want to spend less on your electric bill, natural lighting is actually a great thing to add to your container home design.
Hence, adding more windows may actually pay off in the long run. Plus, windows make your property more appealing and stylish.
Price Considerations
Standard (Basic) Unit
The most common standard 20ft prefab container houses in the Philippines costs around 190,000 PHP to 220,000PHP in 2023. The price variation may be caused by the materials used, quality, thickness of the columns and flooring options.
Wall Panel Options & Price Variations
Wall Panel Insulation Types | Wall Thickness | Steel Plate Thickness | Characteristics |
EPS Foam Sandwich Panel | 50mm/75mm/100mm | 0.326mm/0.426mm | The cheapest type of insulation with the shortest lifespan; perfect for temporary facilities |
Rockwool Sandwich Panel | 50mm/75mm/100mm | 0.326mm/0.426mm | Mid-range in terms of price and quality; fireproof as compared to EPS; great for housing material |
PU Sandwich Panel | 50mm/75mm/100mm | 0.326mm/0.426mm | High-end choice, usually used in prefab warehouse material; more beautiful & durable |
Which Wall Insulation to Choose?
EPS is the most common type of wall panel insulation being sold by Philippine container house suppliers. After all, it is the cheapest, most lightweight, and most durable enough to withstand the forces of nature.
EPS wall panels are also being used as insulation materials for Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings, Metal Roofing, siding, and more.
However, if a stronger, more durable, and fireproof housing material especially if you’re building your dream home, better use Rockwool.
Rockwool would definitely add up some cost to your container home, but at least you’ll have better peace of mind when it comes to durability.
Flooring Types | Options | Price |
Glass Fiber Magnesium Board | General | Standard pricing |
Composite Wood Floor | Customized | $ |
Solid Wood Floor | Customized | $ |
Cement Floor | Customized | $$ |
Vinyl Floor | Customized | $$ |
Flooring Options
Flooring Types | Options | Price |
Glass Fiber Magnesium Board | General | Standard pricing |
Composite Wood Floor | Customized | $$ |
Solid Wood Floor | Customized | $ |
Cement Floor | Customized | $$ |
Vinyl Floor | Customized | $ |
Choosing a Container House Supplier/Builder
Do your research about the company. Are they reliable? Here are some ideas on how to choose a builder:
1. How do they communicate?
2. What type of house do you want: economic, modern, fully customize
3. How long have they been building homes?
4. How many homes have they built
5. Consider the design you want and the budget you have
6. Lead times
Related: How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in the Philippines
What are the interior dimensions of a prefab container?
The interior dimensions of a standard 20-ft container house are 5.95m x 3m. This makes about 17.85 square meters of floor space for 1 unit which is good enough to fit the basic parts of a house (bed, small counter, dining table, and small CR).
The first step in decorating your container house interior is to scale the furniture and compartments to this available space.
You need the square meter measurement of the rooms you want. From here, you can make your container house interior design.
Think 1-20ft container house space too small for you? Just add more units to your layout and don’t forget to consider your lot area (and the minimum allowed setback according to the National Building Code of the Philippines).
The next section covers the most exciting part – over a hundred container homes interior design ideas for you to get your creative juices out!
Single Container House Interior
A single container house measures 5.95m x 3m x 2.8m. A single prefab container house unit can usually fit a studio-type apartment which consists of the following:
- 1 bed
- 1 bath
- 1 small sofa
- 1 area for cooking
- 1 small table
1. Single Bedroom Container House
This single-bedroom container home design plan has 1 bed, living room space, kitchen, and shower enclosure. It has good space utilization and is highly economical. The design is very simple, yet cozy for 1 person or a couple. Inclusive of the set are 2 windows and 1 door.
Design Elements:
Wall Finish: Standard Rockwool Sandwich Panel, no extra wall cladding
Floor: Laminate-style vinyl flooring
Windows: 2 standard PVC sliding windows
Kitchen: L-Type modular kitchen cabinet with countertop
Bathroom: Shower Enclosure only
Cost Estimate:
Container House Unit = 190,000 to 200,000 PHP
Shower Enclosure + Shower Set = 25,000 – 40,000 PHP
Prefab Kitchen Counter = 50,000 to 70,000 PHP
Delivery = 16,000 to 35,000 PHP depending on location
Other Add Ons*
Shed Roof – 25,000PHP to 40,000PHP
Roof with Trusses – 60,000PHP to 90,000PHP
Roof Deck – 100,000 to 150,000 PHP
*Delivery cost may increase if add ons are added
Installation Fee*
Prefab unit installation (depends on location) – starts at 30,000PHP
*This does not include plumbing, electrical, structural excavation and general requirements. Please get in touch with us so we can assist you with a free estimate
2. Single Bedroom Container Home with Restroom/Bathroom
Similar to the above interior design, this prefab 20-ft container house is a simple, studio apartment with 1 bed and 1 bathroom.
The only difference is that the bathroom is separated by a wall panel (which adds a small cost on the prefab unit and installation fee).
The shower room is also separated from the toilet with a glass wall panel enclosure. This makes the interior less spacious than the previous design but more practical if you plan to have guests over.
Design Elements:
Wall Finish: Standard Rockwool Sandwich Panel, no extra wall cladding
Floor: Standard MGO board
Windows: 2 standard windows
Door: 1 main door, 1 door for bathroom
Kitchen: L-Type modular kitchen cabinet with countertop
Bathroom: Shower Enclosure only
Cost Estimate:
Container House Unit = 190,000 to 200,000 PHP
Shower Enclosure + Shower Set = 25,000 – 40,000 PHP
Prefab Kitchen Counter = 50,000 to 70,000 PHP
Delivery = 16,000 to 35,000 PHP depending on location
Other Add Ons*
Shed Roof – 25,000PHP to 40,000PHP
Roof with Trusses – 60,000PHP to 90,000PHP
Roof Deck – 100,000 to 150,000 PHP
*Delivery cost may increase if add ons are added
Installation Fee*
Prefab unit installation (depends on location) – starts at 30,000PHP
*This does not include plumbing, electrical, structural excavation and general requirements. Please contact us so we can assist you with a free estimate.
3. Single Container Home Interior Design
Design Elements:
Wall Finish: Standard Rockwool Sandwich Panel, no extra wall cladding
Floor: Medium Hardwood Floor
Windows: 3 standard windows
Door: 1 standard door and 1 sliding door
Kitchen counter: I-type
Cost Estimate:
Container House Unit = 200,000 to 210,000 PHP
Additional Cost for Hardwood Flooring = 300 to 500 PHP per square foot
Prefab CR (Shower Set, Toilet, Wash basin, tiles) = 70,000PHP to 90,000PHP
Prefab Kitchen Counter – 50,000PHP to 70,000PHP
Delivery = 20,000 to 40,000 PHP depending on location
Other Add Ons*
Shed Roof – 25,000PHP to 40,000PHP
Roof with Trusses – 60,000PHP to 90,000PHP
Roof Deck – 100,000 to 150,000 PHP
*Delivery cost may increase if add ons are added
Installation Fee*
Prefab unit installation (depends on location) – starts at 30,000PHP
*This does not include plumbing, electrical, structural excavation and general requirements. Please contact us so we can assist you with a free estimate.
4. Single Container Office
This single-container office is made up of 1 welcome area and 2 office desks. Still, the room is spacious enough to receive clients or applicants for an interview.
Design Elements:
Wall Finish: Standard Rockwool Sandwich Panel, no extra wall cladding
Floor: Medium Hardwood Floor
Windows: 3 standard windows
Door: 1 standard door and 1 sliding door
Kitchen counter: I-type
Cost Estimate:
Container House Unit = 190,000 to 200,000 PHP
Delivery = 20,000 to 40,000 PHP depending on location
Other Add Ons*
Shed Roof – 25,000PHP to 40,000PHP
Roof with Trusses – 60,000PHP to 90,000PHP
Roof Deck – 100,000 to 150,000 PHP
*Delivery cost may increase if add ons are added
Installation Fee*
Prefab unit installation (depends on location) – starts at 30,000PHP
*This does not include plumbing, electrical, structural excavation and general requirements. Please contact us so we can assist you with a free estimate.
5. Single Room with Small Office Container House Design
Want an affordable getaway cheap vacation house for yourself? This temporary shelter complete with amenities for 1 person will absolutely entice you!
This 1 – 20ft prefab container van can fit 1 single bed and 1 side table, 1 desk and chair, a countersink, a cabinet, and a small bathroom. You can even rent it out for your Airbnb business.
Design Elements:
Wall Finish: Standard Rockwool Sandwich Panel, no extra wall cladding
Floor: Medium Hardwood Floor
Windows: 2 standard windows
Door: 1 standard door, 1 door for bathroom
Partition: 1
Cost Estimate:
Container House Unit = 200,000 to 210,000 PHP
Additional Cost for Hardwood Flooring = 300 to 500 PHP per square foot
Simple Bathroom (Shower Set with enclosure, Toilet, Washbasin, no tiles) = 45,000PHP to 55,000PHP
Prefab Kitchen Counter (steel countertop) – 35,000PHP to 60,000PHP
Delivery = 20,000 to 40,000 PHP depending on location
Other Add Ons*
Shed Roof – 25,000PHP to 40,000PHP
Roof with Trusses – 60,000PHP to 90,000PHP
Roof Deck – 100,000 to 150,000 PHP
*Delivery cost may increase if add ons are added
Installation Fee*
Prefab unit installation (depends on location) – starts at 30,000PHP
*This does not include plumbing, electrical, structural excavation and general requirements. Please contact us so we can assist you with a free estimate.
6. One 20 ft Prefab Container House
Would you like to spend your next vacation in a cozy, temporary home? If so then this 1-20ft prefab container van with all of the necessary amenities for a couple is perfect! It can fit on a double bed, a wall-mount shelf, a small sofa, a television, a small comfort room, and a small cooking area. You could even rent it out on Airbnb.
Design Elements:
Wall Finish: Standard Rockwool Sandwich Panel, no extra wall cladding
Floor: Medium Hardwood Floor
Windows: 2 standard windows
Door: 1 standard door
Kitchen: L-type kitchen cabinet with wooden countertop
Cost Estimate:
Container House Unit = 195,000 to 205,000 PHP
Additional Cost for Hardwood Flooring = 300 to 500 PHP per square foot
Prefab CR (Shower and Toilet, floor tiles only) = 40,000PHP to 60,000PHP
Prefab Kitchen Counter – 50,000PHP to 80,000PHP
Delivery = 20,000 to 40,000 PHP depending on location
Other Add Ons*
Shed Roof – 25,000PHP to 40,000PHP
Roof with Trusses – 60,000PHP to 90,000PHP
Roof Deck – 100,000 to 150,000 PHP
*Delivery cost may increase if add ons are added
Installation Fee*
Prefab unit installation (depends on location) – starts at 30,000PHP
*This does not include plumbing, electrical, structural excavation and general requirements. Please contact us so we can assist you with a free estimate.
7. One Unit 20ft Prefab Container House
This 1-20ft prefab container house has all of the necessary amenities for a one-man traveler. It can fit on a single bed, a toilet, a small dining table, and a small cooking area. It’s perfect for a camping home in the woods!
Design Elements:
Wall Finish: Standard Rockwool Sandwich Panel, no extra wall cladding
Floor: Medium Hardwood Floor
Windows: 1 large window (2.6M x 2.0M)
Door: 1 standard door
Cost Estimate:
Container House Unit = 195,000 to 200,000 PHP
PVC Window (2.6M x 2.0M) = 19,000 to 24,000PHP
Additional Cost for Hardwood Flooring = 300 to 500 PHP per square foot
Prefab CR (Toilet, floor tiles only) = 20,000PHP to 30,000PHP
Prefab Kitchen Counter – 50,000PHP
Delivery = 20,000 to 40,000 PHP depending on location
Other Add Ons*
Shed Roof – 25,000PHP to 40,000PHP
Roof with Trusses – 60,000PHP to 90,000PHP
Roof Deck – 100,000 to 150,000 PHP
*Delivery cost may increase if add ons are added
Installation Fee*
Prefab unit installation (depends on location) – starts at 30,000PHP
*This does not include plumbing, electrical, structural excavation and general requirements. Please contact us so we can assist you with a free estimate.
2-Container House Interior Design (Adjacent Containers)
8. Two-20ft Prefabricated Container House
If you think a 6x3m unit is not enough for you, then check out this 2-unit container house. It has large windows for natural lighting, hardwood flooring for a dramatic style, and standard prepainted white walls for simplicity.
This makes a single unit with 1 comfort room inside a bedroom and spacious living space.
Design Elements:
Wall Finish: Standard Rockwool Sandwich Panel, no extra wall cladding
Floor: Medium Hardwood Floor
Windows: 2 large windows (2.6M x 2.0M), 2 standard windows
Door: 1 standard door, 1 interior door
Wall Partitions to include
Cost Estimate:
Container House = 370,000 to 390,000 PHP
PVC Window (2.6M x 2.0M), 2pcs = 38,000 to 48,000PHP
Additional Cost for Hardwood Flooring = 300 to 500 PHP per square foot
Wall partitions = 6,000 PHP to 10,000PHP
Additional door (aside from standard door from package) = 4,000PHP to 8,000PHP
Prefab CR (Toilet, floor tiles only) = 20,000PHP to 30,000PHP
Delivery = 25,000 to 50,000 PHP depending on location
Other Add Ons*
Shed Roof – 40,000PHP
Roof with Trusses – 70,000PHP to 90,000PHP
Roof Deck – 200,000 to 300,000 PHP
Installation Fee*
Prefab unit installation (depends on location) – starts at 30,000PHP
*This does not include plumbing, electrical, structural excavation, and general requirements. Please contact us so we can assist you with a free estimate.
ARCGO
ARCGO is a family-owned general construction business & ecommerce store for home improvement, renovation and construction-related products. We are your one-stop solution from house construction to product procurement for your interior design.
9. Double 20ft Prefabricated Container House
10. 2 Standard 20ft Prefabricated Container Home
With one king-size bed, a living area, a kitchen, and a small dining area, this 2-20ft container house can make a great studio apartment. The prefabricated construction means that the unit can be quickly and easily assembled, and the compact size makes it perfect for use in tight spaces.
Since there is no dividing wall between each part of the tiny house, we can omit the cost of wall partitions. The unit only consists of standard-sized windows and 1 large window in the living room for natural lighting.
What I love about this unit is that it has all the necessary parts of the house and since there’s no partitions, it leaves some extra space for you to maneuver and it’s also a cost effective home.
Design Elements:
Wall Finish: Standard Rockwool Sandwich Panel, no extra wall cladding
Floor: Standard MGO floor board
Windows: 1 large window (2.6M x 2.0M) in the living room, 2 standard windows, and 2 small windows.
Door: 1 standard door, 1 extra interior door
Wall Partitions to include
11. Happy TwoGether - Interior Design of a 2-20ft Shipping Container Home
This container home makes the most of two 20′ shipping containers supplied by an A+ shipping container supplier, forming a 1 bedroom layout with an open living room, galley kitchen and bathroom with walk-in shower. It’s perfect for full-time living, Airbnb rentals, sportsman cabins, and more.
12. Enjoy Privacy: 2-20ft Container Interior Design
With an unconventional layout, two 20ft container units can be arranged this way to have a more privatized configuration. The bedroom and living room are hidden from the kitchen, dining and bathroom. We can add more windows around the house so there’s more natural lighting everywhere – and it saves a lot of electricity!
13. Spacious Office: 2-20ft Container Office Interior Design (36sqm)
A prefabricated container office is an excellent way to get a private, professional space without dropping a lot of cash. You can really make the most of your square footage with 2-20ft containers.
Adding greenery like potted plants or small gardens not only gives some color and life to the area, but it also helps purify the air.
14. 2-20ft Luxury Office Container Interior Design
When it comes to creating a cozy and inviting office space, there are few things more important than letting in natural light. Large windows are key to creating an airy and open feel in any space, and that’s especially true of a container office.
Not only will the extra light make the room feel more spacious, but it will also help to brighten up the space and make it more inviting. In addition to large windows, a small bathroom, kitchen counter, and extra tables can also be squeezed into this cozy little office.
And don’t forget about the porch! Having an outdoor space for entertaining clients or guests is a major bonus. All in all, a container office doesn’t have to be large or expensive to be comfortable and inviting.
With a little creativity, even the smallest space can be transformed into a welcoming and comfortable office.
15. Couple’s Lounge: 2-20ft Container House Interior Plan
With 2 20ft prefab containers, this unit offers 320 square feet of living space. The bedroom is perfect for couples or singles who want to downsize. The open living room and kitchen offer a spacious and comfortable area for entertaining or simply relaxing.
The bathroom features a walk-in shower, 36″ vanity and toilet. This model is perfect for those who want to experience the joys of tiny living without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
16. 2-20ft Container Single Bedroom Apartment
Looking into making a budget-friendly container apartment business? 2 prefab containers are perfect for a small apartment for a couple or a single person.
17. 2-Bedroom Container House Interior Design
Looking into making a budget-friendly container apartment business? 2 prefab containers are perfect for a small apartment for a couple or a single person.
18. 20ft Family Home Interior Design
Offering a wider space and easier build, the expandable container house’ interior is perfect for a family of 4. It can be great as a vacation house or a camp cabin in the woods.
This particular interior makeup consists of 1 spacious couple bedroom, another bedroom with 2 single beds, a common bathroom, small kitchen, dining and a living room.
19. Spacious 20ft Expandable Container House
20. Spacious 20ft Container Office
40ft Expandable Container House Interior Designs
21. Single 40ft Expandable Container House (3 Bedroom Unit)
22. 130SQM Container House Interior Design
23. 40-foot Expandable Container House
40ft Container House Interior Designs
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- 2-20ft Container House Making 40ft of Space
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- 2-20ft Container Dorm with 2 Rooms
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- 40ft Shipping Container Interior
-
- Double Bunk House 320 sq. ft.
32. 40ft Shipping Container Home Interior Design
3-20Ft Container House Interior Designs
34. 3-20Ft Container House Interior Designs
36. Three containers assembly room
35. 3-20Ft Container House Interior Designs
37. 3-20Ft Container House
38. 3-20Ft Container House
39. 3-20Ft Container House
4 - 20ft Container House or 2 - 40ft Container House
40. 4 units of 20ft Container House
41. 2-40 ft Container House
42. 4 container house interior design
43. 4 container house interior design
44. 4 container house interior design
45. 1,200 sq ft container home plan
46. 40 Container home plan with a skillion roof
47. Container home plan with two living areas
48. Container home plan with two living areas
6 - 20ft Container House
49. 4-bedroom container home plan
Container House Interior Finishing Ideas
Want to accentuate a simple container house into a beautiful home? Here are some ideas to look at. Most of these have interior decorative cladding and tiles as add-ons for your basic unit.
50. Decorative Idea #1
51. Decorative Idea #2
52. Decorative Idea #3
53. Decorative Idea #4
54. Decorative Idea #5
55. Decorative Idea #6
56. Decorative Idea #7: Loft-Style Tiny House
57. Decorative Idea #8: Loft-Style Tiny House
58. Decorative Idea #9: Countertop and Cladding
59. Decorative Idea #10: Living Room
60. Decorative Idea #11: Bedroom
61. Decorative Idea #12: Dining Room
62. Decorative Idea #13: Wood Finished Kitchen
63. Decorative Idea #14
64. Decorative Idea #15: Cozy, Lighted Common Area
65. Decorative Idea #16
66. Decorative Idea #17
67. Decorative Idea #18
68. Decorative Idea #19
69 Decorative Idea #20
70. Decorative Idea #21
71. Decorative Idea #22
72. Decorative Idea #23
73. Decorative Idea #24
74. Decorative Idea #25
75. Decorative Idea #26
76. Decorative Idea #27
Grand Designs Shipping Container House Interior
77. Luxury 4 All 3 Bedroom - 960 sq. ft.
The Luxury 4 All 3 bedroom floor plan is a unique design that combines both practicality and style. It features a master bedroom with a large walk-in closet and en suite bathroom, an open style kitchen/dining/family room, two additional bedrooms, and another full bathroom with a spacious bathtub.
For those looking for convenience, the unit also offers space for a washer-dryer and plenty of storage solutions. The entire layout is constructed from four shipping containers, adding up to an impressive 960 sq. ft. of cozy living space!
2 Storey Container House Interior Design
78. 2-Storey, 2 20ft Prefab Container Unit
79. 2-Storey, 4 - 20ft Container House
80. 2-Storey, 3 - 20ft Container House
Container House Interior Design: Flooring Options
1. Original Plywood or Bamboo Flooring
2. MGO Board
3. Vinyl Planks
4. Fiber Cement Board
Types of Windows for Your Prefab Container House
Window Option 1: Smart/Privacy Window
Pros | Cons |
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Window Option 2: Burglar Window Bars
Window Option 3: Prefab Sliding Shutter Windows
Window Option 4: Prefabricated fixed aluminum louver/aluminum window
Window Option 5: Tinted Glass
Window Option 6: Standard PVC Window
Bedroom Size Considerations
According to the Building Code of the Philippines, the smallest possible room size has at least 2.00 meters (6feet, 7inches) of horizontal distance for human habitations.
This means that a small, livable room can be around 2 meters x 3 meters (6.56 x 9.8 ft).
Since a 20ft container is 6x3m, this means you can fit 1 small bedroom with half the container.
Bathroom Size Considerations
The least dimensions for Bath and toilet should be 1.20 square meters with a least dimension of 0.90 meter.
Small Bathroom Size:1.2Mx3M
Medium Bathroom Size:1.5Mx3M
Kitchen Size Considerations
Minimum from National Building Code: 3.0 square meters with the least dimension of 1.50 meters
ARCGO’s Engineering Solutions Compared to Others
1. Sturdier Walls
2. Better Insulation
3. Fire-Resistive Materials
4. Reinforcement Solutions
About the Author:
When was the last time you dreamed big and worked really hard for it?
Building a house is one of the most expensive investments especially for hardworking Filipinos.
Engr. Noelle Nicole Go passionately works to help Filipinos build their dream home. She handles Container House design, supply and delivery and personally designs modular houses for her clients.