Brooklyn 40
The Project
The Brooklyn 40 [Refined 1 Bed] is designed as a fully self-contained home with a floor space of 29sqm. It includes a full kitchen with free-standing oven and cooktop, rangehood, pantry and cabinetry, laundry provisions, and bathroom. Added features include large format sliding doors and windows, with a large picture window behind the cargo doors. As with all of Manhattan Projects’ homes, the Brooklyn 40 Refined 1BED is fully insulated, fitted with a Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning Unit, and all lights, power points and safety switches are ready to go.
All of the container fit-outs are built according to New Zealand Building Code and there is free shipping included in the price if shipping to Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch.
Manhattan Projects also offers a selection of other sizes and styles for homes and offices, with standard and custom one-off designs. They also offer a DIY option where they provide containers with the wall framework, doors and windows installed but with the interior fit out left for the owner to complete.
LOW COST
What makes this project low cost is primarily its size. While shipping containers are relatively cheap, a reasonable amount of work is required to convert them into habitable and comfortable homes. Companies like Manhattan Projects are able to keep costs down for the home-owner by sticking to single shipping containers. Beyond the initial cost of the home, there are also cost savings to be made with shipping container homes due to their durability, as they are fairly low maintenance. The smaller space is also more efficient to heat, particularly if well insulated, leading to cost savings on power over time.
About Manhattan Projects
Manhattan Projects was born out of personal experience with shipping container homes. The founder’s son wanted to add a rental house to his property and came across a fitted-out shipping container house that was done well. When the son had to sell the property, the shipping container was snapped up in a heartbeat. It was clear that there was a market for affordable, good quality shipping container houses, and Manhattan Projects says that demand has continued ever since.
The founders’ aim was to do something affordable that was also good quality; something that people would find pleasant and enjoy living in. They say that what a lot of people don’t like about container homes is lack of quality in the fit-out. They have tried to find a middle ground, providing the best quality housing they can at the most affordable price they can. “There are a lot of people struggling to find affordable housing and this seemed like a good option, so we are going for it.”
While there are many ways to customize container homes, Manhattan Projects has sought to focus on the affordable housing market through building single container, self-contained homes with everything a standard house requires - full kitchen, laundry and bathroom, hooked-up or off-the-grid. If maintained, the company says that the containers will last a long time in all environmental conditions. “There are still some containers bobbing around in the ocean,” says Andrew. “Containers are built to weather.”
Manhattan Projects also emphasize the positive environmental impact of container homes. Thousands of kilograms of steel are saved when a shipping container is upcycled, and the amount of traditional building materials needed is reduced. Where possible, the company tries to use recyclable materials and construct its units in a way that allows natural sunlight to warm the space. They also have options to fit their units with solar panels and grey water recycling systems.
CONTACT
To get in contact with Manhattan Projects or to check out their other projects visit manhattanprojects.co.nz
