The ubiquitous shipping container has been used world-wide to provide permanent and semi-permanent accommodation. They can be creatively adapted to provide workshops, retail units, shopping malls and even elaborate, stylish homes. Due to their availability, they are very inexpensive. They are also quick to site and install for whichever purpose they are used for. Collectively, these valuable features make them an ideal solution to meet the need for low-cost living accommodation.

Shipping containers are easily converted into innovative, environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient homes. As compact and contemporary-styled starter homes, they provide the equivalent of a one-bedroom apartment of 26 sqm. That is not to say they are limited to this size - since, like Lego bricks, they are modular - meaning the units are expandable with bolt-ons. Simply put - Micro Homes provide a perfect gap-filler to meet current housing challenges at the starter end of the market.

The project pictured - which can be replicated in nearly every community - is based on a regenerative social housing project in Aylesbury.