Vojtěch Valda’s shipping container house runs on wind, solar, and pulleys. He and his carpenter brother converted the 20-foot (6 meters) high cube into a transforming space for his family of four thanks to his transforming inventions like a retractable porch, table, and bed. His low-tech creations were inspired by the simplicity and reliability of the nautical world.

Valda wanted to use a container because he could build it at his workshop and easily transport it to his off-grid site. He built a wide roof for solar and to collect water for his 1000 liter tank. Valda and his wife documented the build process and sell the plans to other DIY builders.

Gaia shipping container DIY conversion plans by Vojtěch Valda.