The McConkey Residence: A SoCal Home Built from Shipping Containers

The McConkey Residence is ahead-turning example of what’s possible when creativity, sustainability, and industrial materials are combined. Made from repurposed shipping containers, this striking San Diego home looks nothing like the cookie-cutter houses that surround it — and that’s exactly what makes it so intriguing.

Constructed primarily from steel containers once used for overseas cargo transport, the McConkey Residence is part architectural experiment, part eco-conscious design statement. The house belongs to architect Patrick McConkey and his wife, and it serves as both a home and a living portfolio piece, showcasing how unconventional materials can be reimagined for modern living.

Why Use Shipping Containers?

Shipping containers aren’t a new concept in alternative architecture, but the McConkey Residence stands out because of how naturally it fits into its setting despite its industrial bones. Shipping containers are cost-effective, widely available, and built to withstand the elements, which made them an ideal building block for McConkey’s vision. By stacking and offsetting them, he was able to create a multi-level design with a surprising amount of light and open space — two things most people don’t associate with steel boxes.

A Shipping Container Home with Layers

The house consists of multiple shipping containers that have been arranged into a dynamic structure with overhangs, balconies, and floor-to-ceiling windows. While many shipping container homes end up looking boxy or makeshift, this one feels intentional and permanent. The containers are painted a muted gray, blending them into the surrounding hillside and allowing the glass and greenery to pop.

The open-plan interior is anything but cold. Hardwood floors, custom cabinetry, and minimalist furniture soften the harder edges of the steel frame. Skylights and large windows keep the space bright, and clever cut-outs in the container walls connect rooms and allow airflow. Instead of drywalling everything, McConkey left some areas of exposed corrugated metal as a nod to the structure’s origins.

Building Challenges and Solutions

Shipping container architecture comes with a unique set of hurdles, and the McConkey Residence tackled them head-on. One major challenge was insulation. Steel conducts heat, which can make shipping container homes feel like ovens in the summer and freezers in the winter. To solve this, spray foam insulation was applied to the interior walls, and additional layers were added to the roof for thermal control.

Another issue was cutting and welding. Once you start modifying shipping containers — especially when removing large sections for windows or room openings — you compromise their structural integrity. McConkey reinforced the cut areas with steel beams and added a concrete foundation to support the weight of the stacked containers and ensure seismic safety in California’s earthquake-prone terrain.

Sustainability at the Core

Using shipping containers in residential construction isn’t just about aesthetics or affordability — it’s also a solid sustainability move. And because the McConkey Residence uses passive cooling, natural lighting, and solar panels, its environmental footprint is impressively low.

In addition to the recycled structure, the landscaping around the home was designed with native drought-tolerant plants. This not only reduces water usage but also enhances the home’s modern, low-maintenance appeal. Rainwater catchment systems and a rooftop garden further push the envelope when it comes to off-grid potential.

Living Differently by Design

The layout of the McConkey Residence is a reflection of its owners’ lifestyle. There’s an open-concept kitchen and living room on the main floor, with the private bedrooms tucked away in separate containers to give each family member their own space. A rooftop deck offers panoramic views of the San Diego skyline and serves as a quiet place to enjoy a glass of wine at sunset.

Every detail feels considered — from the steel mesh balcony railings to the compact yet functional bathrooms. The home doesn’t just make a statement; it proves that living in a structure built from shipping containers doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or style.

A Growing Trend in SoCal

The McConkey Residence has become a bit of a local landmark for those interested in sustainable or alternative housing. San Diego’s high cost of living has prompted many would-be homeowners and developers to look at nontraditional builds, and McConkey’s home offers a real-life example of what’s possible. 

While container homes aren’t yet mainstream, projects like this are pushing the idea into public consciousness. They challenge conventional zoning, design norms, and expectations of what a home “should” look like.

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