Shipping-container homes: Weird, yes, but viable?

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The home at right, built largely of shipping containers in Redondo Beach by Manhattan Beach-based DeMaria Design, has created a fair amount of buzz. Fair enough, it’s kind of cool. But is it a gimmick or the basis for a commercially viable homebuilding business?

MSN.com Real Estate reports that architect Peter DeMaria will soon find out. He is launching Logical Homes, which, MSN reports, ‘will offer nine different models of container homes on lots around Southern California.’

More: ‘DeMaria says he has 10,000 people on the interest list for Logical Homes once it launches in coming weeks.... The price tag for all this eco-chic? DeMaria’s homes average around $150 to $200 per square foot, compared with about $220 to $250 for much of the traditional building in the area.’

My 2 cents: Some buyers are interested in a house with a history; but what if the history consists of shuttling back and forth between China and Long Beach carrying television sets one way and scrap cardboard the other?

-- Peter Viles

Your thoughts? Comments?
Photo Credit: DeMaria Design Associates