COMPLETED HCD PROJECT • RAJAGIRIYA, SRI LANKA
Two-Storey Container Home in Rajagiriya
This completed two-storey container home in Sri Lanka
demonstrates how HCD transforms shipping containers into modern,
functional residential spaces. Located in Rajagiriya and overlooking
Diyawanna Lake, the home was developed using
two 40ft high-cube shipping containers.
The project combines container architecture, practical space planning
and indoor-outdoor living within a compact residential footprint.
The arrangement takes advantage of the site's views while creating
distinct living, sleeping and outdoor areas across two levels.
PROJECT TYPE
Container Home
LOCATION
Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka
CONFIGURATION
2 × 40ft High-Cube Containers
BUILDING TYPE
Two Storeys
CONTAINER HOME DESIGN
Designed Around the Site and the View
Container home design is not simply about placing shipping containers
on a property. The orientation, internal layout, structural openings,
circulation and relationship between indoor and outdoor areas all influence
how the completed home functions.
For this Rajagiriya container house, the two-storey configuration
creates additional usable space while allowing the upper level
and outdoor deck to take advantage of the surrounding environment
and views towards Diyawanna Lake.
The project is an example of HCD's approach to
container design in Sri Lanka,
where architectural planning, structural modification and building
functionality are developed as part of one coordinated solution.
TWO-LEVEL LAYOUT
Practical Living Across Two Storeys
01
Ground Floor
The ground level incorporates a bedroom, fully tiled washroom
and open living area with a connection towards the garden.
The layout is designed to use the available container footprint efficiently
while maintaining practical circulation through the home.
02
Upper Level
The upper level extends the usable living environment
and incorporates a spacious outdoor deck. Its elevated position
creates a different relationship with the surrounding landscape
and views across the Diyawanna area.
40FT CONTAINER ARCHITECTURE
Using 40ft High-Cube Containers for Residential Design
High-cube shipping containers provide a useful structural starting point
for container-based residential architecture.
Space Planning
The long rectangular container form can be planned around living,
sleeping, washroom and circulation requirements.
Structural Modification
Openings for doors, windows and connections between spaces
must be considered together with the container structure.
Vertical Development
Containers can form part of multi-level concepts where the structural
arrangement and site requirements support the proposed design.
Outdoor Living
Decks, balconies and other external areas can extend the usable
environment beyond the original container footprint.
BUILT FOR SRI LANKA
Container Home Design for Sri Lankan Conditions
A container home in Sri Lanka requires more consideration
than its external appearance. Heat, humidity, rainfall, ventilation
and long-term weather exposure all need to be considered when developing
the building.
Container openings, insulation, internal finishes, roofing,
weather protection and building services should therefore be considered
according to the project location and intended residential use.
REAL HCD PROJECT
Modern Container Living in Rajagiriya
This project shows how a relatively compact container configuration
can be developed into a distinctive two-level home rather than remaining
visually or functionally limited by the original shipping container form.
The combination of two 40ft high-cube containers, residential spaces,
an elevated level and outdoor deck demonstrates the flexibility
available when container architecture is planned around the site
and the way the occupants intend to use the building.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Two-Storey Container Homes in Sri Lanka
Can shipping containers be used to create two-storey homes?
Yes. Shipping containers can form part of multi-storey residential
designs subject to the proposed configuration, structural requirements,
foundations and site conditions.
Can 40ft containers be used for container homes?
Yes. 40ft containers can be modified for residential applications
and multiple containers can be arranged according to the required
floor area and layout.
Can a container home include a deck or balcony?
Yes. Decks, balconies, canopies and other architectural elements
can be incorporated depending on the proposed design,
structural arrangement and site requirements.
Does HCD design container homes for individual sites?
HCD can develop container-based projects around the intended use,
required spaces, site conditions and preferred architectural direction.
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