Eco Relax Container

Set outside a small village about a 2-hour drive east of Porto, the Eco Relax Container is a Portuguese gem. This affordable container home build has rave reviews on AirBnB, and it’s easy to see why.

The home is built from a single container, which appears to be a 40-foot long model. The shipping container itself seems to be a somewhat older model, with a slightly different corrugation pattern that you might be used to seeing. But don’t let that worry you that you’re going to be disappointed with the build.

The outside of the home includes an elevated deck with room for lounging, and a wooden pathway connecting the hammock with the parking area. Set amongst a forested area with nearby farms, you’ll definitely want to spend some time outdoors here.

The parcel of land is relatively large, set 50 meters from the road and 1 kilometer from the nearest town. And since you’re only 25 meters from a small creek, it’s easy to get that relaxing sound of water with a quick walk.

With windows on three of its sides, this container has a light and airy interior that makes it feel larger than it actually is. And the inside colors also help the home feel spacious.

Notice how oriented strand board (OSB) is used for all of the walls. This engineered material is quite affordable, yet provides a nice texture and tone to the rooms. Looking up, you’ll notice the ceiling is made of bamboo or reeds for a similar effect. Matching rugs cover much of the floor, providing some nice contrasting colors.

The kitchen area is simple but functional, with a small sink, two-burner cooktop, and dishwasher. The bathroom is similarly minimalist, with a simple tile shower and sink. Here, OSB was even used for the sink base and toilet paper holder!

Climate control is provided by the wood-burning oven for heating and a small, ductless mini-split AC unit for cooling. And fun touches like the bookshelves over the couch and the shelving unit that partially separated the sleeping area from the living area are incorporated with a designer’s touch. The furnishings throughout the house are modern yet muted, and truly give voice to the term ‘less is more’.