Certified Shipping Container Tornado Shelter Guide
November 17, 2025
A few years back, the popularity of shipping container architecture was on the rise. The concept was more minimalistic than tiny homes, and individuals were fascinated by the innovative designs. Using discarded steel cargo boxes for housing was considered a sustainable and cost-effective building technique.
Three Squared Inc., a company based in Detroit, gained attention and praise for their plans to construct two apartment complexes using shipping container architecture in the neighborhoods of Corktown (Kaline Squared) and Woodbridge (Rosa Parks Squared). Their success was demonstrated by Trumbull Squared, a model building in North Corktown that was completed in 2015 with nine appealing units made from six 40ft used shipping containers.
Image from: Detour Detroit
The North Corktown building was constructed by stacking and assembling nine shipping containers that were fabricated. The process took a little over 6 hours. The building will serve as offices and a model for the next two years. Three Squared has been receiving project offers from various locations across the U.S. since introducing the model last year.
Image from: MichiganLive
Horn stated that they are currently undertaking various shipping container projects in Detroit apart from constructing a 26-unit apartment complex in Columbus, Ohio. They plan to use approximately 745 shipping containers for construction purposes in the upcoming years. This is only a small fraction compared to the over a million containers in storage in the U.S.
Image from: MichiganLive
Instead of building right away, they spent years researching. Now, phase one of their plan for the Corktown and Woodbridge areas is complete after eight long years. Horn is currently finalizing paperwork for a warehouse, where Three Squared’s sister company Cargolinc Systems will operate. Cargolinc will be responsible for cleaning, cutting, prepping, insulating, and framing the shipping containers at a central location near the Russell Industrial Center in Detroit.
According to Horn, although building-ready containers can be mass-produced, it doesn’t necessarily mean that using them for construction is more cost-effective. He cited a 2,250-square-foot house in Royal Oak that was built from containers and sold for $430,000 as an example, which shows that container buildings may not always be a more affordable housing option.
Image from: Container Home Hub
Buildings made from shipping containers are faster to construct, more energy efficient, and stronger than traditional methods. Furthermore, such structures are able to meet and exceed building safety codes.
If you’re looking for shipping containers for sale in Detroit, On-Site Storage Solutions has a variety to choose from that are great for storage or construction projects. We offer units in various sizes, such as 20′ and 40′, and you can contact us at (888) 405-8772 or go online to get a free quote.
True North Detroit is a housing project that revolutionizes housing in the city by utilizing shipping containers as the main building materials. It is a development comprised of nine rental units and shared community gardens, located two-and-a-half miles from Downtown Detroit. The project aims to provide unique and affordable housing options while promoting sustainability and innovation.
Shipping container homes have gained popularity in Detroit for several reasons. Firstly, they offer an affordable housing solution in a city where affordable housing is in high demand. Secondly, their sustainable nature aligns with the city’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Additionally, the unique style and innovative design of these homes contribute to their growing popularity.
In the True North Detroit project, shipping containers are transformed into homes through a process of modification and customization. The containers are retrofitted with necessary amenities, such as insulation, plumbing, electrical systems, and windows. Interior spaces are designed to maximize functionality and comfort, creating livable spaces within the container structure.
Yes, shipping container homes in True North Detroit are designed to be energy-efficient. The retrofitting process includes the installation of insulation and energy-saving features, such as efficient heating and cooling systems. Additionally, the compact size of shipping container homes allows for better energy management, reducing energy consumption and costs.
Yes, shipping container homes in True North Detroit can be customized to meet individual preferences and needs. The modular nature of shipping containers allows for flexible design options. Residents can personalize their homes by selecting interior finishes, layouts, and incorporating additional features such as rooftop gardens or balconies. Customization adds a unique touch to each shipping container home within the True North Detroit project.
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