Inside the Prince Road Container House: Rob DePiazza’s Bold Shipping Container Home in St. Augustine, Florida

 

In a quiet residential neighborhood in St. Augustine, Florida, one home stands apart from the others. Built from nine recycled shipping containers, the Prince Road Container House is a striking example of how unconventional materials can become thoughtful, livable architecture. Created by local artist and collector Rob DePiazza, the home blends industrial structure with creative expression, offering a fresh take on what a modern shipping container home can be.

From Hurricane Damage to a New Vision

The story behind the Prince Road Container House begins with Hurricane Irma in 2017. A massive oak tree was uprooted during the storm and crashed into DePiazza’s longtime home, where he had lived for more than 30 years. Faced with extensive damage, he chose not to rebuild in a traditional way. Instead, he saw an opportunity to rethink the idea of home entirely.

At the time, DePiazza had already been exploring the idea of using shipping containers as studio space. After the hurricane, that concept evolved into a full-scale residential project. Working with architect Stephen Bender, who specializes in shipping container construction, DePiazza began designing a structure that could serve as both a home and a showcase for art.

The finished residence spans roughly 1,600 square feet and includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Most of the living space is elevated above ground level, a practical response to flood concerns common in coastal Florida.

How the Shipping Container Home Is Designed

The Prince Road Container House is built using nine full-size shipping containers arranged in a dynamic layout. Some are stacked, others offset, and one is angled dramatically to serve as both a visual focal point and a functional shade element over the exterior staircase.

Inside, the containers are treated as modular building blocks. One of the most dramatic features is the main living area, which has a ceiling that rises approximately 20 feet. This was achieved by inverting a container and removing part of its structure, creating a vertical space that feels far larger than its footprint suggests.

Rather than hiding the industrial roots of the shipping containers, the design embraces them. Corrugated steel walls remain visible in several areas, and original container flooring is lightly refinished instead of replaced. The result is a space that feels intentional and authentic, rather than overly polished.

A Living Space Built Around Art

Art plays a central role throughout the home. DePiazza’s personal collection fills the interior, ranging from bold graphic prints and original works to unexpected sculptural pieces. Many of the home’s custom details reflect this artistic focus, including doors and panels cut with playful designs and textures.

Outside, a large-scale mural wraps part of the container structure. The artwork reflects the chaos and impact of Hurricane Irma, using surreal imagery to tell the story of the storm that ultimately reshaped the property. The mural turns the home itself into a public-facing art piece, visible from the street and unmistakable in character.

Rather than treating art as decoration, the Prince Road Container House integrates it into everyday living. The result feels less like a staged installation and more like a home where creativity is part of daily life.

Comfort Inside an Industrial Shell

Despite its bold appearance, the interior is comfortable and livable. The kitchen is fully equipped, including a six-burner gas range and ample prep space, making it suitable for both daily meals and entertaining. Furnishings mix mid-century influences with modern pieces, creating a relaxed but intentional atmosphere.

Large windows and sliding doors help soften the steel structure, bringing in natural light and views of the surrounding area. Outdoor living is also a major focus. A covered deck provides space for dining and relaxing, complete with a ceramic grill that encourages year-round use.

One of the more unexpected features is a cedar sauna, which adds a layer of comfort and wellness that contrasts with the industrial materials. These additions show how shipping container homes can move beyond novelty and into genuine long-term livability.

A Shipping Container Home You Can Stay In

What began as a personal rebuilding project has become a destination in its own right. The Prince Road Container House is now available as a short-term rental and consistently earns high praise from guests. Visitors often highlight the home’s design, artwork, and sense of place as reasons for choosing it over more traditional accommodations.

The home comfortably sleeps up to six guests and includes modern conveniences such as high-speed internet, updated bathrooms, and easy self check-in. Its location just a few miles south of St. Augustine’s historic downtown offers a balance of quiet surroundings and easy access to the city’s attractions, waterways, and outdoor recreation.

For many guests, staying in the home is as much about the experience as the destination. It offers a firsthand look at how shipping containers can be transformed into a creative and functional living space.

Rethinking What a Home Can Be

The Prince Road Container House stands as an example of how shipping container architecture can combine sustainability, resilience, and personal expression. By reusing industrial materials and adapting them to a coastal environment, the project demonstrates a flexible approach to modern housing.

More than that, it reflects one homeowner’s willingness to take risks and embrace creativity after loss. DePiazza’s home shows that rebuilding does not have to mean returning to what existed before. With vision and thoughtful design, it can mean creating something entirely new.

In St. Augustine, a city known for its deep history, this shipping container home adds a distinctly modern chapter, proving that innovation and individuality can coexist comfortably alongside tradition.

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