Charming California cottage built from three shipping containers

Alongside his client, Mike McConkey, Chris Bittner of OBR Architecture repurposed three old shipping containers by turning them into a compact, environmentally conscious home. It also helped that McConkey has a degree in architectural engineering.

All the windows and doors have large shutters made from the original container, which can be left open when it's beautiful weather outside. And the kitchen has everything you need, including cost-effective appliances and many built-in cupboards and storage spaces, which add to the modern, open-concept design.

Although shipping containers tend to have a standard height, that didn’t stop these guys from including a high ceiling in the middle of the cabin. The generous floor plan leaves plenty of space for a living room and dining area, and a sliding door reveals one of the bedrooms.

The bathroom is completely modern with floor-to-ceiling tiles and a beautiful wooden countertop. The glass stall shower saves space, but also adds luxury with the addition of a waterfall shower head. Many of the bathroom features were bought from the nearby Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

The sliding garage-style door opens up the dining room to the back deck, creating even more space. This design not only allows for maximum daylight, but it's also adds to the architect’s goal of blurring the line between indoor and out.

Southern California's weather is the perfect climate for this indoor-outdoor design. The roof and windows are made of special, flame-resistant materials as a precaution (San Diego County is prone to wildfires) and the end result is a gorgeous 800-square-foot dwelling.