One 40ft or two 20ft containers
One standard 40ft offers 28.3 m² of bare-shell internal area. Two 20ft provide 27.8 m², slightly less than a single 40ft: placed end to end, they count the walls and end doors twice.
Container home · Layouts and floor areas
Container home designs and layout ideas
Compare container home designs by the rooms you need, the module size and the arrangement on your plot. These container home plans are layout studies, not approved building plans. Choose the number of containers and levels to calculate bare-shell internal area and ground footprint, then develop the finished rooms, insulation, services, stairs and access under the adopted code and local ordinances.
Once you have found your configuration, request quotes: describe your project and compare any quotations received. Supplier participation and the number of responses are not guaranteed. ContainerFox does not build or sell homes.
- A 40ft container: bare-shell internal area
- 28.3 m²
- For 100 m² of bare-shell internal area
- 4 × 40ft or 8 × 20ft
- 4 × 40ft on two levels
- 59.4 m² footprint
Bare-shell internal area before insulation; not a finished dwelling area or space-standard assessment.
Calculate the space for your container home plans
20ft or 40ft module, from 1 to 12 containers, single-storey or two-storey: the calculation gives bare-shell internal area, volume and footprint. It does not calculate a permission exemption, finished room layout or compliance with a dwelling space standard.
Calculated areas
4 containers of 40ft standard, single-storey, modules side by side. These dimensions do not establish zoning compliance or building-permit approval.
- Bare-shell internal area
- 113.2 m²
- Ground footprint
- 118.9 m²
- Internal volume
- 270.8 m³
Buy the 4 containersPrepare for installation and delivery
Request a free, no-obligation quote: the format and quantity are carried over into the form. ContainerFox does not build or sell container homes.
Planning and building checks
These figures describe container geometry before insulation and partitions. They do not determine permission. Check the site, intended use, design, adopted NCC provisions and local planning controls with the authorities responsible for zoning and building permits. Zoning and building permits
Your project, a clear brief.
Have a configuration in mind? Get competitive quotes.
Same number of modules, same floor area: the price of the containers, their conversion and installation differs from one professional to another. Compare any quotations received against the same scope, specification and exclusions.
Independent supplier matching service, free for the requester.
- One detailed project request.Describe your project once and compare any quotations received. Supplier participation and the number of responses are not guaranteed.
- Comparable prices, line by line.Containers, conversion, transport, lifting and installation priced separately: you see where the difference lies, and you can negotiate.
- Free and without obligation.You compare, then choose freely. ContainerFox neither builds nor sells homes.
How many containers for your target floor area?
For a home of 100 m² bare-shell internal area, you need 4 40ft containers (113.2 m²) or 8 20ft containers (111 m²), before insulation and partitions. The table shows the smallest number of modules that reaches each floor area.
| Target area | 40ft standard | 20ft standard |
|---|---|---|
| 40 m² | 2 containers56.6 m² bare-shell area | 3 containers41.6 m² bare-shell area |
| 60 m² | 3 containers84.9 m² bare-shell area | 5 containers69.4 m² bare-shell area |
| 80 m² | 3 containers84.9 m² bare-shell area | 6 containers83.3 m² bare-shell area |
| 100 m² | 4 containers113.2 m² bare-shell area | 8 containers111 m² bare-shell area |
| 150 m² | 6 containers169.8 m² bare-shell area | 11 containers152.6 m² bare-shell area |
The 40ft High Cube gives the same number of modules as the standard 40ft for each of these floor areas: its extra height does not create additional floor area (28.3 m² of bare-shell internal area per module).
And for a small container home of about 20 m²: 0.305 × 12.192 m container (28.3 m²) or 0.61 × 6.096 m containers (27.8 m²); a single 20ft offers 13.9 m².
Home of 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 containers: areas and footprints
| Configuration | Bare-shell internal area | Single-storey footprint | Two-storey footprint |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 × 40ft | 56.6 m² | 59.4 m² | 29.7 m² |
| 3 × 40ft | 84.9 m² | 89.2 m² | 59.4 m² |
| 4 × 40ft | 113.2 m² | 118.9 m² | 59.4 m² |
| 5 × 40ft | 141.5 m² | 148.6 m² | 89.2 m² |
| 6 × 40ft | 169.8 m² | 178.3 m² | 89.2 m² |
These are bare-shell internal areas: internal length × width of the containers, before insulation, partitions, cut-outs and reinforcements. The finished habitable area is calculated on the project plan. The number of bedrooms depends on that plan: this page does not state any.
20ft, 40ft or High Cube?
The dimensions of each size remain on their pages. Three comparisons are enough to choose the module for a home.
Standard or High Cube
Same bare-shell floor area per module (28.3 m²), but 30.5 cm more internal height on the reference models: 76.3 m³ instead of 67.7 m³ per module.
Fewer modules to install
For 100 m² of bare-shell internal area: 4 40ft modules or 8 20ft modules, i.e. 4 more modules to deliver, lift and connect together.
Transport and unloadingContainer home designs: single-storey, L-shaped, U-shaped or two-storey
The bare-shell internal floor area depends only on the size and number of modules. The footprint depends on how they are placed. Compare each arrangement with the rooms, circulation and outdoor space you want; these diagrams show module positions rather than a finished room plan.
Side by side
Footprint: 118.9 m²
L-shaped
Footprint: 118.9 m²
U-shaped
Footprint: 118.9 m²
Two-storey
Footprint: 59.4 m²
To help you visualise each shape: the top views above are the calculated plans; the illustrations below give an idea of the appearance, without plan value.
Single-storey, L-shaped or U-shaped
Placed on the ground without overlapping, 4 40ft containers occupy 118.9 m², in a line, L-shape or U-shape. The shape changes the site footprint (courtyard, passageways), the light and the number of walls to cut out to connect the modules. The builder's quote must describe these cut-outs and the planned reinforcements.
Two-storey
Stacked in pairs, the same 4 modules keep 113.2 m² of bare-shell internal area for 59.4 m² of footprint. With an odd number, one extra module stays at the bottom: 3 containers on two levels occupy also 59.4 m². Stacking requires checking the structure, supports and staircase.
Allow for the space lost inside the steel shell
Internal insulation, linings and services reduce clear width, area and headroom. The example below uses a rectangular 40ft shell and the same assumed build-up on each of its four walls; these thicknesses are geometric examples, not an insulation specification.
| Build-up at each wall | Clear internal width | Remaining rectangle |
|---|---|---|
| Bare shell | 2.352 m | 28.3 m² |
| 100 mm | 2.152 m | 25.5 m² |
| 150 mm | 2.052 m | 24.1 m² |
| 200 mm | 1.952 m | 22.7 m² |
External insulation changes these geometry assumptions, but its thickness, roof detailing, boundaries and cladding still need to appear on the design and application drawings. A High Cube gives more initial height; it does not establish compliant finished headroom by itself.
Australian design check: use the NCC provisions adopted for the project for the intended occupancy. Allow for clear room sizes, headroom, exits, stairs and access after insulation. Bare-shell dimensions cannot establish that a dwelling is approvable.
- Draw clear routes from the entrance to the living space, bathroom and other required facilities; account for raised floor level and external approach.
- Position sleeping rooms, exits and any stair with the fire strategy. Large side-wall openings and stacked modules need an engineered structural scheme.
- Reserve space for ventilation ducts, heating and hot-water equipment, drainage falls, service access and storage before declaring the room count.
- Assess daylight, solar gain, overheating, privacy and noise together. More glazing is not automatically a better home.
Zoning and building requirements
Container size alone does not determine permission. Ask the local authority about the actual site, proposed use, duration, access and protected status.
New South Wales
Planning. Ask council whether the residential use is permitted. Establish the development application, complying development or other pathway, zoning and site constraints. Container size does not establish eligibility.
Building approval. Agree certification, construction and occupation requirements with the certifier. Check applicable NSW provisions, including BASIX where relevant.
Applicable edition. Reviewed 2 October 2026: NSW currently uses NCC 2022 Amendment 2. NCC 2025 adoption is announced for 1 May 2027. Check the application date and specific transition exceptions.
Planning and code contacts
Victoria
Planning. Check the planning scheme, proposed residential use and overlays with council. A planning permit and a building permit serve separate purposes.
Building approval. Appoint the relevant building surveyor and establish building permit, inspections and completion or occupancy requirements. Planning guidance for commercial container stacks does not approve a home.
Applicable edition. Reviewed 2 October 2026: Victoria adopted NCC 2025 on 1 May 2026. Confirm Victorian variations, project transitions and the edition of each referenced standard with the surveyor.
Planning and code contacts
Queensland
Planning. Check the council planning scheme, intended use, siting, services and overlays. A council's temporary-storage conditions cannot be transferred to other land or to residential use.
Building approval. Discuss building development approval, classification, plumbing and inspections with the certifier and council. Resolve supports and anchorage before fabrication.
Applicable edition. Reviewed 2 October 2026: Queensland retains NCC 2022, with applicable amendments and Queensland requirements. Adoption of all three NCC 2025 volumes is delayed until 1 May 2027.
Planning and code contacts
Western Australia
Planning. Ask the local government about the current planning scheme, R-Codes where applicable, local container policy and proposed residential use. Confirm development approval separately.
Building approval. Establish the certified or uncertified building permit pathway, building surveyor's evidence and completion requirements with the local government permit authority.
Applicable edition. Reviewed 2 October 2026: WA adopted BCA 2025 on 1 May 2026 with a transition allowing earlier BCA editions for eligible applications until 30 April 2027. Ask the permit authority to confirm eligibility and exceptions; new private swimming pools have different rules.
Planning and code contacts
South Australia
Planning. Use PlanSA and the relevant authority to establish planning consent under the Planning and Design Code. Land use, overlays and proposed services affect the assessment.
Building approval. Establish building consent and obtain full development approval before starting work. Planning consent alone is not full development approval. Agree completion and occupancy requirements.
Applicable edition. Reviewed 2 October 2026: the BCA uses NCC 2022 Amendment 2 until 30 April 2027, with BCA 2025 planned from 1 May 2027. The Plumbing Code 2025 already applies from 1 May 2026. Check SA variations, Ministerial Building Standards and concessions.
Planning and code contacts
Tasmania
Planning. Confirm planning requirements with council before ordering. A low-risk or notifiable building category does not establish a planning exemption.
Building approval. Ask the building surveyor and council permit authority to classify the actual work under the Director's Determination. Low-risk, notifiable and permit work follow different processes; confirm inspections and completion documents.
Applicable edition. Reviewed 2 October 2026: NCC 2022 was reinstated on 5 June 2026 after a short NCC 2025 commencement. NCC 2025 is delayed until 1 May 2027. Ask the surveyor about certificates and designs covered by Building Act transition provisions.
Planning and code contacts
Australian Capital Territory
Planning. Check development approval with the territory planning authority. An exemption from development approval does not automatically exempt the building work.
Building approval. Appoint a building certifier and establish building approval, commencement, inspections and completion requirements. Any claimed exemption must meet its specific criteria and general conditions.
Applicable edition. Reviewed 3 October 2026: NCC 2025 commenced on 1 May 2026. Until 30 April 2027, eligible projects can nominate the complete BCA 2022 or BCA 2025 with its matching ACT Appendix, without mixing editions. For development or works approval applications lodged before 1 November 2026, the BCA 2022 pathway may continue until the development approval expires. For this transition, lodged means the completeness check is finalised to ACT satisfaction and all relevant application fees are paid. Have the certifier confirm the branch for the project.
Planning and code contacts
Northern Territory
Planning. Confirm the land-use and development consent pathway with the relevant planning authority, including outside building control areas. Remote land arrangements need their own assessment.
Building approval. In building control areas, establish the building permit and completion or occupancy process with the certifier. Outside those areas, check remaining planning, servicing, contractual and safety responsibilities; do not assume unrestricted residential use.
Applicable edition. Reviewed 2 October 2026: the NT retains NCC 2022 with NT variations. Gazette S31 of 29 April 2026 prevents NCC 2025 taking effect from 1 May 2026. Confirm the applicable amendments and project requirements with the certifier.
Planning and code contacts
Obtain a local building-code compliance schedule for the finished design. The detailed guide distinguishes published model codes from adopted editions and describes the evidence needed for completion.
Check local permit rules before finalizing your layoutUse the right area for the drawing and application
The calculator describes container geometry. The designer must measure the finished proposal using the definitions required for its planning application, applicable building calculations and any applicable space standard.
- Bare-shell internal area
- What this page calculates: internal length × width of each container, added together, before insulation, partitions, cut-outs and reinforcements. It is used to compare configurations.
- Ground footprint
- Calculated here from the external dimensions of modules placed without clearance or overhang. A canopy, a covered terrace or an offset between modules changes the actual footprint.
- Finished dwelling area
- Use the measurement method required by the permit authority and energy assessment. Distinguish overall module area, gross building area and the clear floor area remaining after insulation, partitions, structure and services.
Ask for dimensioned finished drawings, the area measurement method and room-by-room usable dimensions. Keep the bare-shell calculation separate from the zoning and permit area schedules.
Questions about container home floor plans
How many containers for a home of 100 m²?
For a home of 100 m² bare-shell internal area, you need 4 40ft containers (113.2 m²) or 8 20ft containers (111 m²), before insulation and partitions. The 40ft High Cube gives the same number of modules as the standard 40ft. This is an area before insulation, partitions and cut-outs: the floor area and the living area are calculated from the project plan, prepared and checked by the project designer.
Single-storey or two-storey container home: what changes?
The bare-shell internal area does not change: 113.2 m² for 4 40ft containers. The ground footprint changes from 118.9 m² on one level to 59.4 m² on two levels. Have the structure, supports and upper-floor access designed and checked by the qualified professionals required for the project. A manufacturer's sales layout does not replace the professional drawings and calculations required for approval. Zoning and permit requirements should be confirmed with the local planning authority.
Do you need High Cube or standard containers for a home?
On the reference models, a 40ft High Cube offers the same bare-shell floor area as a standard 40ft (28.3 m² before insulation) and 30.5 cm of extra internal height, i.e. 76.3 m³ instead of 67.7 m³. This height leaves room to insulate the floor and ceiling. It does not change the number of modules needed for a given area.
The container home guide
Shipping container homes in Australia
Plan the plot, design team, construction scope and budget for a complete dwelling project.
ReadZoning, permits and site conditions
Check land-use approval, any required development approval and site conditions with the local planning authority.
ReadDelivering and lifting several modules
Truck access, lifting and drop-off point: what you need to get quoted.
Read40ft container
Dimensions, standard or High Cube, new or used.
ReadConverted shipping containers
Define the shell, openings, insulation and fit-out before requesting a project quote.
ReadUpdated · Guidance reviewed · No prices, no planning conclusions