This week started with a local home being featured on CBS Sunday Morning. Here’s the link to a short three minute segment about this shipping container home.
The home was built in 2016, and it is approximately three miles from our home in St. Charles, Missouri. Zack and Brie Smithey are the owners. I don’t know Zack or Brie, except for meeting Zack once. The thumbnail of the video is actually the back of the home.
When the home was being built, Dan and I took a bike ride over to see it. Zack was there working, and we happened to see him outside. We stopped our bikes and asked him all about it. He cheerfully told us about the home he was building and patiently answered all our questions. I remember, near the end of our conversation, saying, “This is so cool.” He smiled a really big smile. I wondered if he was surprised that someone my age would like something like this.
Only in hindsight, did I think that Zack probably had a million and one things to do that day; yet, he took the time to visit with us.
I know there were issues with zoning codes as well as some of the neighbors. When he put the arched windows in “upside down” and painted the outside in blue and white stripes, some thought it was the coolest thing ever. Others thought it to be an abomination.
Opinions are still varied, even though it’s been five plus years, and the home has had some national publicity. The recent “CBS Sunday Morning” segment was posted in our neighborhood Facebook page. I won’t repeat any specific comments since our group is private, but the comments are varied from one extreme to the other.
To be honest, I still have trouble with the “upside down” windows. But you see, Zack is an artist. And from what I can tell from his Facebook page and his website, he has achieved a degree of notoriety. You can check out his artwork on the website page.
I remember Zach telling us when the house was complete, he was going to have an open house where people could walk through for a donation. The donations were targeted for some good cause. I can’t remember what it was specifically. I would have loved to have participated, but we just happened to be out of town that day. Wouldn’t you know it!
It’s not the same as seeing it in person, but you can see a few pictures of the inside of the home here.
Personally, I would not want a house like that. It’s not me. However, I do think the house – and Zach – are just so cool. I feel a bit like George on that Seinfeld episode – remember the one where he thought Tony was just so cool? I like people who dare to be different. Extra points if they are nice.
I also like the fact that shipping containers were used, and that everything in the house was upcycled.
What do you think? Would you ever choose to live in a “different” type house? A tiny house? A berm home? A shipping container home? A house on wheels? A home, made up of three pods, elevated 12 feet above the ground in the Caribbean with a view of the ocean?
What would you think if it was built right next to your home? Would you be worried about the value of your property? Do you like it but think such a home should be relegated to certain locations or lot sizes? Or would you bring a plate of homemade cookies over and welcome them to the neighborhood?
I could live in a shipping container home; however, the home would need to be more conventional. It could take on a more modern design though. But just so you know. I am not planning to go anywhere. I plan to stay right where we are – in our “celery green” home in New Two St. Charles. That’s a little bit different, too, dontcha think?
Chambers on the Road 
Thank you for your interesting ideas about different houses. If you are interested in photography and George Eastman, you could look up my today’s post in the Scientific Discoveries series, part 6.
Joanna
naturetails.blog
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. I will check that out! Enjoy your day!
LikeLike
Interesting for sure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Phil! I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! You also! Raining all day today! Hope weather gets nicer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope it does, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the idea of container homes. Our daughter looked into building one, but the building code hurdles discouraged her.
Also, I have thought they would be a good option for urban housing for the homeless and/or low income housing. Either way, I think the possibilities are endless.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the idea of container homes, too. I know there were a lot of issues with the city when this house was built. Dan and I visited a restaurant in Gulf Shores (called The Gulf) which was made out of shipping containers. It was a happening place. I hope you enjoy the holiday weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those windows look like old style flip phones to me! I’m with you on this. The shipping container is fine with me but not the windows or the stripes. Don’t know if I’d enjoy all the media attention if it was in my neighborhood.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I just can’t get used to those windows. Or the stripes. The media attention isn’t an issue, I don’t believe. My understanding is the media visit, film and then leave. I do think the home lends itself to displaying artwork. Thanks for your comment, and I hope you enjoy your day!
LikeLike
At one ti, hubs and I were thinking about buying a farm quonset package and converting it into a home. We had the entire thing designed on paper and that’s as far as we got. I love unique homes and certainly wouldn’t mind them in my neighborhood. Our style preference for ourselves is simple and uncluttered with big open spaces.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the spirit! Dan and I have often discussed things which we don’t end up doing, but there is much value in the dreaming and the discussions. I had to look up what a “farm quonset” was. Did you keep your design? I’m surprised JoAnna Gaines hasn’t done one yet. 🙂 I like your style. I would say I like comfort and inviting, and I like to incorporate nature/outdoors. Enjoy your day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We didn’t keep our design. That was when we were first married (“many” moons ago!) Since that time, we’ve seen Quonset homes. They’re pretty amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow very interesting. The inside is a surprising eclectic mix of antique, modern, artist, and everything in between but it really works! I am also not sure about the upside down windows and the stripes on the outside, but generally the concept of using shipping containers is cool. I have seen other houses made out of just 1 or 2 shipping containers. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have described his style very well. It works! As far as the outside, I do like the back of the home- with the patio and entertaining/relaxing areas. I haven’t seen any other homes made from shipping containers. I would like to see more, just for fun. Hope you have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe the idea of using shipping containers is great. But it would not be for me. Same for the upside down windows and stripes. But when you think about it, why are there so many varieties of RV’s with so many different floorplans? Different strokes for different folks. Have a great weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! Life would be very dull if we were all the same. Think of how many places we visit because someone dared to be different. Hope you have a great weekend, too!
LikeLike
I say a couple’s home is their castle. Don’t like it? Then look the other way. Would I want Zach and his wife next door? Sure. Every neighborhood should have a free-thinking 👨🎨 artist. A good neighbor is a good neighbor—even if their house has zebra stripes.
LikeLiked by 2 people
David, I totally agree! Good neighbors are a joy in life. Thanks for your comment, and I hope you enjoy the holiday weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have a colony of small homes near us in Florida. I wanted to view the homes but they are very private. I believe I could also live in a small place, so could my husband. If they live in a neighborhood, yes, then they might be subject to fees and restrictions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would like to see more of these types of homes, too. I can’t blame people for wanting privacy. I do like how sometimes tours of homes are offered with the proceeds going to a charity. Thanks for reading, and enjoy the weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, well an article had been published saying the public was welcome to come and visit. Perhaps this was false as some of the homes were offered for sale but I am good with my home. Enjoy your weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved the house the first time I saw it posted in a magazine, especially those upside down windows. I thought that was the coolest thing I had ever seen, and the entire house amazed me. I ripped it out of the magazine and stored it in my “I’m going to do something like this” decorating file. Another favorite is a South African artist who has built an amazing artistic home that is extremely creative as well. I would live in a house like this and he can be my neighbor any time he wants!
LikeLiked by 2 people
So, you actually saw this house featured in a magazine? Wow. I do know the home was featured on a “HGTV type show” at some point. I’ll let you know if the house next to him goes up for sale. 😉 Maybe some time you can write a post about the home in South Africa. No pressure though. I do love creativity. Enjoy your day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is creative and not really hideously ugly, but just not your traditional home. Perhaps he should consider starting a neighborhood of just container homes and see how many creative interpretations people would find. My concern is that if the original owner left it then the successive owners might not keep it so tidy. No, not for my neighborhood, but still think it interesting. People convert barns into homes, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read shortly after finishing his home, he was hired by the director of St. Louis City Library to build her a shipping container home. He may have built others, but to my knowledge – not in one concentrated area. I think any time there are new owners, there is a possibility the property would be kept up the same. That can even happen with existing owners! My impression is he is much more the artist than a builder. But that’s just my impression. I think it is interesting, too. Thanks for reading, and have a great day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! I love this! The interior decoration is a fascinating mix of styles and though “busy” would be comfortable living. I like the upside down windows- the light they let in is just magic – and don’t mind the stripes. My concerns are more practical : where are the downpipes?are there curtains for privacy?
I ave always lived in conventional homes which I have made my own with colour. I like colour. One house I painted to work in with my garden theme : it was white with jacaranda guttering. Neighbours hated it. Too bad – it worked.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would guess the home has gutters. I will look next time we go by. I would also guess there are curtains/blinds for privacy. I don’t recall ever driving by at night. We go by this house every time we go to the library, so fairly often, but not at night. I love color, too. Our home is celery green – kind of like a tennis ball – with white vertical edges. I love it! Why be boring? The upside down windows on the shipping container home do “bother” me, but isn’t that what artists do? Makes you question the conventional? I had to look up what jacaranda meant. I think white with jacaranda guttering sounds cheerful and would give the house a nice accent! I am glad that you love this post! Thanks for being so fun and your comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Small houses and container homes have always fascinated me. I know I could not adjust to such a small space — at least not at this time of my life. You’ve featured a truly unique container cottage. I’m sure the owners love living in a twork of art!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They fascinate me, too. I am quite happy in our 1500 square foot home – and in our travel trailer. But they are fun to look at, and I enjoy see the creativity of others. Thanks for your comment, and have a great day!
LikeLike
I actually like the upside down windows. Not a fan of the stripes though. We lived in a 35ft Winnebago for almost a year. I loved it and I’d totally do it again! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
The stripes look like a circus to me. 🙂 The windows still throw me and probably always will. I believe I started following your blog at the trail end of your Winnebago adventures. You made lemonade out of some really bad lemons. The nice thing is you are still having adventures! Enjoy your Day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very cool!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Betty.
Such an interesting place. I had seen a piece on the Smithey’s container home years ago. It was shortly after they had finished it. They had said that Zach Smithey is a professional artist. It is his art that is displayed in their home. At the time when I first saw the presentation the Smithey’s had a shop in downtown St. Charles. And after doing some research I did find ‘Brie’s Protein Bars + Fit Treats’, located on First Capitol Drive in St. Charles, MO.
On a side note, which Talia may have told you I am a faithful stalker of your blog. It is so much fun learning history through your explorations and observations and noticing your quest for knowledge. I hope you and Dan have a wonderful weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Maggie! I am so glad you commented! You are right. There was a shop/restaurant on First Capitol. It was in an older historic home. Talia and I ate breakfast there one time. We ate outside in the garden. It was really quaint and charming, and the food was delectable! However, it closed right about the time they built the home – or maybe right after. Too bad. I was kind of surprised the home was featured recently since it was built in 2016. Now. . . blogs don’t have stalkers; they have readers. And that is why we we blog – for readers and comments! I am so glad you read my blog and stay in touch. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, too.
LikeLike
This is such an interesting piece, Betty. Our three pods are between 200-300 sq ft each, so I love seeing how people decorate their small spaces. The upside-down windows and stripes are their claim to fame- I’ve never seen that done before! Thanks for writing this one, and for the link! Have a beautiful Memorial Day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome! I couldn’t help but think of you when I wrote this post. I never heard of such a house as the one you have built. You and your husband are listed in the book of “Cool!”, too! I hope you have a beautiful Memorial Day, too!
LikeLike
I never miss Sunday Morning, and I loved that profile of the house. I agree that I don’t think I could live in it either, but I sure think it’s cool — a great use of something old. – Marty
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am kind of surprised that they featured that house since it was built in 2016. I hope the original segment was better edited than what they put on their website. But it is a cool house, and I agree with you – a great use of something old. Thanks for your comment, and enjoy your day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have friends who build container homes and transport them to your site. I can definitely see it as a vacation destination accommodation, but I don’t think I could live in one year-round. Honestly, with the pace of real estate prices right now, it might be all I can afford. The home you have featured is a work of art, for sure. Fun read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Do your friends have a website? I would enjoy looking at it. 🙂 Have a great week ahead.
LikeLike
Not yet Betty, but when they do I will share it on my blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great! Thanks!
LikeLike
Kenn has always been fascinated by the idea of building a home out of shipping containers. I would love to live in a tiny home, although it would have to be on the larger end of the tiny home spectrum at 400-500 square feet. (I like “different” so I like the upside down windows.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am fascinated by the idea of a shipping container home, too. I could go small house, but I don’t think I could go tiny. Dan and I looked at a tiny home at a home show once, and going in, Dan hit his head! 🙂 End of that idea. Interesting that you like the upside down windows! You are cool, like Zack!
LikeLike