There’s a thin line between insanity and genius.
Some might think building a container house, far in the desert, is a crazy scheme waiting for disaster. Others might be believers and support the silliness that borders the genius and think a home away from home in the desert is a great idea.
I belong to the other group. Maybe it’s because I’m getting tired of city living and I’m looking for a retreat myself.
Ah, if only one of these containers would drop down from the sky…
Things didn’t fall from the sky for Neil Chin, but his idea did. In an outburst of creativity, Neil figured out he could make not one, but three shipping containers into a big family getaway.
The modular home that was assembled in Joshua Tree, California, even got a cool name: Box on the Rox.
Well, it basically is a box on the rocks, three of them to be precise. Modular homes built from containers are usually relatively small, but that’s not the case with the Box. Neil drew the old go big or go home card and the end result is a spacious modular home.
You could never tell three shipping containers were used to put together this incredible desert getaway.
It took them three years to get the Box done, a lot of hard work, and a budget no one thought would be that high, but in the end, it was worth the while.
After a lot of searching for the ideal container that didn’t ship toxic materials, three boxes measuring 40 feet had finally been placed on foundations in Joshua Tree. A total of 960 feet hides three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a living room.
As you enter the living space, you find yourself in a nice shade, hidden from the blazing hot desert sun, with two ACs circulating the air in the house. You immediately step into a lounge area with a sofa, armchairs, and a TV, so you don’t completely lose touch with the outside world.
What I love the most about this modular home, even after spending only a few seconds, is the color palette. The dusty shades of brown, orange, beige, and light blue remind me of sunrise in the desert. The whole area has such peaceful vibes and I can already feel my eyes getting the much-needed rest.
From the living room, you can step into the west wing of the house which contains a closet area and a bedroom. One of the coolest things in this area is the floating bed, with lots of storage space underneath. I know I’d toss my luggage straight underneath it!
You can access the patio from this bedroom through a private entrance, so you don’t have to go all the way around just to get out. This adds up to bonus points for the Box.
And then, there’s a door that leads into the ensuite bathroom, one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen.
I know you’ll probably think it’s a bathroom like any other, but I can’t help myself; I could live in that stylish bathtub! Throughout the entire house, including the bathroom, is a concrete floor that was covered with epoxy for a nice finish and simpler cleaning.
One minute here and you’ll be thinking: am I in a spa or in a bathroom inside a container?
On your way to the east wing of the house, you’ll pass through the kitchen and dining room area. Unlike most container homes that have teensy tiny kitchens, the Box has a full kitchen with all the appliances you could need, including a big fridge with a freezer!
And, to make things even better, the combination of floating shelves and the deep blue bottom cabinets shows off the tendency of this home to stay trendy for a long time.
Right next to the fridge is a dining area that can seat four people with no fuss. Basically, you have no limitations to cook a nice meal, serve it, and eat it the way it’s supposed to without feeling uncomfortable.
The east wing of the house is reserved for guests, maybe even kids. It’s got a nice, bright and white bedroom with the same splash of colors.
Next to it is a smaller bathroom with the same rain shower and features such as the waterfall faucet as in the first bathroom.
Of course, I can’t forget the washer and dryer unit hidden in a closet in a hallway. See, you could really live here!
The inside of the Box on the Rox is simple, clean, and minimalistic, emphasizing functionality and simple beauty.
What makes it so special, other than its location and the way it was built, is the outside area, aka the fun zone.
Neil’s dream was a huge patio with a lounge area, a pool, and enough space to fit all his friends. It’s a 40 ft. wide and 40 ft. deep area with a dining set that seats six people, comfortable patio furniture, lounges, and a special something… the pool!
The pool was also a container back in the day, but Neil thought he should keep the same vibe of the container home and even make the pool out of one too. It’s 20 ft. big and a drop of refreshment in the desert. And it definitely helps with the feeling this container home is an oasis.
Finally, the best for last: the view.
When you climb upstairs, on the roof deck that’s the same size as the main part of the modular home, you get the best view in the area, the signature look of the desert with all its cacti and rocks.
At night, the rooftop deck transforms into an observatory where you can gaze into the stars, make a wish, and breathe deep while you simply enjoy your life.
The Box on the Rox is a box full of surprises. You just have to open it.