You Can Customize These Prefab Shipping Container Homes—and Order One Online

“Custom prefab” doesn’t have to be an oxymoron. Mexico-based firm STUDIOROCA has a solution that simplifies the design process but gives a personalized touch with their sleek prefabricated dwellings that can be ordered online.

The structure—called VMD (Vivienda Minima de Descanso or Minimum Rest Housing)—is available as a one or two-bedroom home. The buyer has a hands-on role in the creative process by customizing their design before placing an online order.

Launched by Mexican architects Carlos Acosta and Rodrigo Alegre, VMD’s design simultaneously prioritizes sustainability as well as the comfort of its occupants. Described by its creators as “an invitation to find a balance between daily life and weekend escapes, coming into contact with nature,” the home is made from shipping containers and environmentally responsible materials through a non-invasive construction process. Manufactured in a climate-controlled factory in Mexico, VMD can be erected and move-in ready in 99 days. Homes are easy to assemble and transport; the construction process takes approximately one week and requires fewer procedures and permits than a standard dwelling.

In addition to choosing from bedroom options, customers can also select flooring, countertops, walls and bathroom finishing to suit their personal design aesthetic.  The interior is also outfitted with Mexican furniture from STUIOROCA. Customers can also expand upon sustainable elements by adding solar panels to generate energy, thermal and acoustic wall and ceiling insulation to maintain a comfortable interior temperature, incinerating toilets to reduce environmental impact, or a rainwater harvesting system for showering. Additionally, the home is as smart as it is sustainable, with systems like lighting and surveillance that can be controlled remotely.

VMD homes will begin shipping this year. For more information, check out their website here.