Skip to content

The difference between a shipping container home and a modular container home?

When people start looking into container homes, they often picture those rugged metal boxes that once crossed oceans stacked on cargo ships. And yep, those are shipping containers, but what we do at Home Tech Club is a whole different story.

Let’s clear up the confusion.


What Is a Shipping Container Home?

Shipping container homes are made from second-hand freight containers, typically 20ft or 40ft long, that have been cut and modified to create living spaces. They’re popular for DIYers and ultra-budget builds, but they come with a few catches:

✔ Pros:

  • Repurposed materials

  • Quick conversion

  • Low initial cost

✖ Cons:

  • Limited in size and shape

  • Hard to insulate properly

  • Can contain toxic coatings or rust

  • Require significant modifications to be liveable

  • Not designed for long-term residential comfort

If you're after a backyard office or weekend cabin, these might do the trick. But if you want something that actually feels like a home? Read on.


What We Do: Modular Container Homes (Built From Scratch)

At Home Tech Club, our container-style homes may look similar, but they’re not made from recycled shipping containers. Instead, we build our homes from the ground up using steel frames and insulated sandwich panels.

That means:

  • No rust

  • No chemicals or old paint

  • No awkward container doors

  • No size restrictions

You're not getting an old freight box with a makeover, you're getting a brand new modular home, designed for real living, comfort, and style.


Built for Life, Not for Freight

All of our modular units are:

  • Fully insulated for year-round comfort

  • Customisable inside and out

  • Available in a range of sizes beyond standard container limits

  • Fitted with kitchens, bathrooms, storage, and air con

  • Built locally in our own workshop, delivered straight to you

Whether you're looking for a 1-bed setup, a full bathroom block, or something completely custom, we can make it happen — and it won’t feel like you’re living in a tin can.


So... Which One Should You Choose?

Feature Shipping Container Home Home Tech Club Modular Unit
Materials Second-hand steel box New steel frame & insulated panels
Layout Options Limited Fully customisable
Comfort Can be cold/hot unless upgraded Insulated + optional air con
Appearance Industrial Clean, modern, and tailored
Durability May rust over time Built to last

Let’s Build Something Better

If you’re looking for a shipping container home without the compromise, our modular homes are the smarter option. Built for Aussie conditions, designed with real people in mind, and made to last — these are container homes done right.

Got questions?
Chat with our team today or explore our latest designs like the JULIET, STELLA, or VIOLET.

Contact us or Explore Modular Units

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published..

📞 Call Us