On a wooded site in Amagansett, New York, a family home stands where there was once only an empty triangular lot. Designed by MB Architecture, the 1,800 square foot residence proves that tight budgets and unconventional materials can still deliver thoughtful design.
The clients, a couple with three children, had purchased the unusual corner property with plans for a four bedroom, three bathroom home they could enjoy in summer and throughout the year on weekends. The challenge was clear from the start. The site was narrow and constrained by its triangular shape, and the budget sat well below prevailing construction costs in the area.
Rather than pursue traditional stick-built construction, the architects proposed something different. The family was open to experimenting with materials and building methods, so a prefabricated shipping container house became the solution. By constructing the main components offsite, costs could be reduced and installation dramatically streamlined.
Shipping containers, however, come with one obvious limitation. They are narrow. To overcome this, the architects stacked multiple containers and carved away sections of the interior floor, walls, and ceiling. The result is a large open living space and kitchen that rises dramatically upward, creating a sense of volume that far exceeds the home’s footprint.
A full-width staircase occupies the entire width of one container and leads up to a lofted bedroom. Instead of feeling tucked away, the stair becomes part of the architecture itself, expanding the living area and drawing the eye upward. Finished in crisp white, the interiors feel bright and airy, amplifying both light and space.
Black framed windows punctuate the facade, pulling natural light deep into the home. Large doors open directly onto the yard, where outdoor seating areas and a swimming pool extend daily life beyond the interior walls. Despite the compact footprint, there is still enough lawn for the children to play.
The layout cleverly separates private and shared spaces. A single container housing two bedrooms is positioned slightly away from the main building, creating courtyard-like outdoor pockets in between. Connecting the two volumes is a window-lined bridge that offers views through tall grasses and shrubs, turning a simple passageway into a light-filled experience.
The geometry of the containers dictated much of the plan. Their inherent structural strength allowed the architects to simplify materials and keep interiors uncluttered while meeting budget goals. Even a small second-floor extension is bolted and welded back to the main structure, held in tension without beams underneath.
Perhaps most impressive is the timeline. The building was installed on site in just two days. Within two months, it was fully completed, delivering a modern, four bedroom family home with a pool at a cost significantly lower than typical local builds.
This Amagansett container home shows how design ingenuity can transform limitations into strengths. By stacking, carving, and connecting steel modules, the architects delivered light, space, and flexibility for a growing family, all within a modest budget and a short timeframe.