Stacked Shipping Containers Create Smart Green Homes in Malaysia

What do you get when you take<a href="http://inhabitat.com/la-warehouse-office-is-a-shipping-container-city/" target="_blank"> six shipping containers</a>, stack them, add a shed roof and a new rain screen exterior? You get a simple, yet effective, smart green home. Designed by <a href="http://anand.com.my/containerhome.htm" target="_blank">Anand Bungalows</a>, a design/build firm in Malaysia, this awesome <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/tag/shipping-container" target="_blank">shipping container</a> home includes rainwater harvesting, natural ventilation, plus energy and water efficient design.

The home is constructed out of six recycled shipping containers - 4 are stacked to create a 2 story volume oriented to the north and south.

The other two are oriented to the east and west with a double height atrium between the two volumes.

Natural ventilation and daylighting help reduce the energy needed to keep the home lit and cool.

The eastern facade of the home takes in the morning sun, while the western facade is shaded from the hot afternoons.

Construction photos reveal that the cargo doors were positioned to be open in order to create balconies for the rooms.

The large shed roofs protect the home from the sun and direct rainwater into a large cistern under the house.

The containers are stacked on a concrete pier foundation with little impact on the surrounding earth.

The home is 2,551 square ft and includes outdoor living spaces with views of the surrounding landscape.

The western facade is protected to minimize heat gain in the afternoon.

The home recycles grey water and rainwater for use in the garden.