Austin, Texas, USA
Designed by Rhode Partners, the Marfa Container Home is a unique residential project in Marfa, Texas, known for its blend of minimalism and connection to the surrounding artistic and natural landscape.
Built from a repurposed shipping container, this compact yet sophisticated home was designed and partially constructed by Brett Rhode, the firm’s founder, during the pandemic.
Initially fabricated in Austin, Texas, it was transported to Marfa, a town renowned for its vibrant arts community.
For its functional and sustainable design, the Marfa Container Project has won a 2024 Future House Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and Global Design News.
Inspired by its clean lines and artistic community, Brett Rhode has made regular trips to Marfa over the years before venturing into designing a home there.
During the pandemic’s shutdown and the years that followed, Rhode designed and built the modified container home that would ultimately be nestled among the dusty Marfa landscape.
Before its shipment across seven-hour drive to the small town, the shipping container sat next to his home in Austin where he finished out the construction himself.
The container is now situated across the street from the iconic Chinati Foundation, a modern art museum founded by Donald Judd in 1986 in which the art and surrounding landscape are inextricably linked.
Unassuming when closed, the storage unit looks like any other among the sprawling views. When the large metal panels are opened, full-height glazing is exposed.
Design details in the shipping container feature white oak paneling, travertine walls and chrome fixtures.
Garza Marfa furniture balances the neutral palette with its signature bold colors and warm leather finishes.
Project: Marfa Container Home
Architects: Rhode Partners
Lead Architect: Brett Rhode
Client: Brett Rhode
General Contractor: Brett Rhode
Photographers: Chase Daniel
