French Architect, Patrick Partouche, Contains Life in Lille

'Maison Container Lille' by Patrick Partouche, Lille, France

This is a wonderful example of what you could do with shipping containers as the French architect, Patrick Partouche shows us a thing or two about the sustainable residential design he has created, 'Maison Container Lille'.  He proves you do not have to sacrifice in design to achieve comfortable, contemporary sustainable living solutions.  This eco-friendly home is just a sign of the times.

'Maison Container Lille' by Patrick Partouche, Lille, France 
 Above Exterior Images © Manuel Djamdjian.  All images courtesy of Patrick Partouche

The recently completed 'Maison Container Lille', a single family residence created from eight shipping containers within the countryside of Lille, France.  The units combine to generate 2,238 square feet of living space which overlook a field with cows through a facade of glazed panels. The original doors on the ground and upper level may be opened or closed from the outside for privacy or to protect from direct sunlight. Resting upon reinforced concrete foundations, the dwelling was installed within three days on-site. The maritime containers were transported by truck and placed during construction with a crane.

upper level  image © manuel djamdjian

Large polycarbonate and glass bay windows with low-e coating and argon gas infill clad the front and rear elevation, serving as a thermal bridge and providing plenty of natural light. The removed corrugated sheets were introduced as decorative elements within the living spaces. the exterior complies with local regulations while the interior material palette of galvanized steel, poppy red columns and wood generates an industrial atmosphere as desired by the inhabitants.

(left) facade detail (right) oprning the shipping container doors
images © manuel djamdjian

(left) living area  (right) kitchen
images © manuel djamdjian

hammock suspended within the living area
image © manuel djamdjian

living and dining area
image © manuel djamdjian

(left) dining area  (right) spiral stair to upper level
images © manuel djamdjian

(left) top of stair  (right) downward view of galvanized steel stairs
images © manuel djamdjian

upper level steel grate catwalks
image © manuel djamdjian

(left) children's play area  (right) bedroom
images © manuel djamdjian

corridor
image © manuel djamdjian

children's bedroom
image © manuel djamdjian

(left) polycarbonate windows produce privacy for the bathroom
(right) partial solid facade screens the bathtub
images © manuel djamdjian

delivery of components to site

containers rest upon concrete foundations

a crane stacks the upper level into place

placing upper level container into its final location

Floor Plans:

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

roof plan

elevation

elevation

elevation

project info:
program: single-family
year: 2010
area: 2,238 square feet
duration of studies / work duration: 6 months / 6 months
specific materials used: recycled and managed eight containers, terracotta, metal, wood, polycarbonate, glass