Rhino Cubed – Shipping Container Tiny Homes

Guest Post by Nicole Brooks

If you are looking for a sustainable, secure tiny dwelling with artistic flair, check out what Rhino Cubed has to offer. Rhino Cubed builds tiny structures from re-purposed shipping containers, up-cycling a product that would otherwise become the planet’s waste. Made of Corten steel, a shipping container is virtually indestructible…wind proof, waterproof, rodent proof, and fire-resistent. Sam Austin, chief architect and designer says, “A shipping container is the perfect building envelope and can truly be an heirloom product due to its long lifespan and low maintenance.” A shipping container Cube can be used as a tiny home, cabin or studio. The uses are unlimited.

Rhino Cubes range in size from 160 square feet up to 640 square feet, depending on the plan. Size is the biggest factor in sustainability and cost. A small home uses fewer building materials and requires fewer resources to function. This means less water, electricity, and fuel usage, so the environmental impact is much lower, and the user’s annual cost decreases significantly.

These units can be purchased in an “on-grid” or “off-grid” configuration. On-grid would mean being hooked up to local water and sewer, electricity, and having normal appliances. “Off-grid” options include solar-powered appliances, composting toilet, self-contained water tanks, and various energy-efficient heating and cooking appliances.

But, small doesn’t have to mean ugly. The design element that Rhino Cubed brings to each Cube is a key differentiator within the industry. Steel window bucks strengthen both the integral design and artistic interest. Designer wooden timbers and a cedar trellis add warmth. A 4-foot Rhino horn juts up from one end, holding a flag of choice.

The inside is insulated with closed-cell foam insulation, providing R59 on the roof and R22 on the walls- exceeding the most stringent American requirements for wind, heat and cold. The inside is also finished with hickory floors, paneling, and options for a kitchen, bathroom, and appliances. All Rhino Cubes are built to code.

Unlike most tiny homes that are built on wheels, Rhino Cubed offers a more stable and secure home option. A Cube can be attached to a foundation but also can be easily detached and transported to a new location if needed. Best of all, there are no building hassles or architectural fees to deal with.

You can find a Cube on exhibit at the Tiny House Jamboree in Colorado Springs, August 7-9, 2015. For those in the Denver, Colorado area, Rhino Cubed will be holding an open house July 24 and July 25 in Louisville, Colorado, offering tours of two Cubes. Email info@rhinocubed.com to RSVP for the open house location address.

Discover the Rhino Cubed difference!
www.rhinocubed.com

Jan Burton. Jan was an executive in the high tech industry before starting her own consulting practice in Boulder. She has recently been traveling to the National Parks with her 1961 Airstream, “Stella Rose”, and blogging about the experience of camping, hiking, and spending time in nature (www.janandstella.wordpress.com). She is an avid music lover and is actively involved in several non-profit music organizations. She also loves hosting musicians and holding house concerts. She is a pilot and aircraft owner and supports the Kansas State Aviation program through her foundation, the Connor Burton Aviation Foundation.

Sam Austin. Sam holds a Master’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Colorado-Denver and has been practicing architecture since 1992. He specializes in residential design and has completed more than 200 homes in the Boulder area and beyond. For 17 years, he has designed beautiful modern custom homes and is renowned for his use of reclaimed materials. His passion for architecture extends across many disciplines, including fine art, poetry and music, and he has been painting for more than 30 years. Sam is also an avid outdoorsman and loves camping and riding his Surley bike. He became interested in building tiny structures from shipping containers three years ago, and he has designed several plans, constantly thinking about design elements and concepts.

Together. Jan’s love of art and design brought her in closer contact with Sam Austin when she purchased a house that had been designed by Sam. She invited him over so she could learn more about his design ideas and materials. They discovered a mutual love of art, music, and the outdoors, and together they collaborated on the Colorado Music Festival Mash-up series where Sam generously donated his paintings. Their friendship and mutual respect has grown through the start of this company and brainstorming the possibilities of tiny homes. On April 22, 2014, Sam’s vision became reality. One sweet Rhino is now roaming the plains of Colorado.