Skip to contentSchedule A Meeting | +86 15601536652
A 2 story shipping container house is a smart way to maximize living space without expanding your footprint—perfect for small lots, urban areas, or anyone who wants more room without sacrificing outdoor space. But designing a two-story container home requires careful planning: you need to balance functionality, safety, and comfort while making the most of the vertical space. From dividing rooms between floors to choosing the right staircase, these design ideas and tips will help you create a 2 story shipping container house that works for your lifestyle.
Shipping container houses can feel dark and stuffy if not properly lit, so window design is crucial for a 2 story shipping container house. The second floor, in particular, benefits from large windows—they let in natural light, which makes the space feel larger and more open, and they provide views of the surrounding area. For the second floor bedrooms, consider installing floor-to-ceiling windows on one wall. These windows flood the room with light and create the illusion of more space, even in small bedrooms. You can add blinds or curtains for privacy, but keep them light-colored to avoid blocking light during the day.
On the first floor, a great option for the living room or kitchen. They connect the indoor space to the outdoors (like a deck or backyard) and let in plenty of light. For example, in the living room can overlook a garden, making the space feel more connected to nature. If you’re worried about security, choose impact-resistant glass or add a metal grille (painted to match the house) for protection.
Cross ventilation is another important factor for 2 story shipping container house— it keeps the home cool in summer and reduces the need for air conditioning. To achieve cross ventilation, install windows on opposite walls of each floor. For example, on the first floor, add a window in the kitchen and another in the living room (on opposite walls), and on the second floor, add windows in each bedroom (on opposite walls). When you open these windows, air flows through the house, keeping it cool and fresh. You can also add a skylight on the roof of the second floor—this lets in additional light and can be opened to release hot air (which rises to the top floor).
Finally, consider the direction your 2 story shipping container house faces when placing windows. South-facing windows get the most sunlight throughout the day, which is great for heating the home in winter (reducing energy costs). North-facing windows get less direct sunlight, making them ideal for bedrooms (where you don’t want morning sun waking you up). East-facing windows let in morning sun, which is perfect for the kitchen (brightening up breakfast time), while west-facing windows get afternoon sun—avoid placing large windows here if you live in a hot climate, as they can make the house too warm.
Functional Zoning for 2 Story Shipping Container House
The key to a successful 2 story shipping container house is clear functional zoning—assigning specific uses to each floor to avoid chaos and maximize efficiency. Most homeowners opt for “public” spaces on the first floor and “private” spaces on the second floor, which aligns with traditional home layouts and feels natural. On the first floor, you can place the living room, kitchen, and bathroom—areas where you entertain guests or spend time with family. For example, a 2 story shipping container house made from two 40ft containers (stacked vertically) can have an open-concept first floor: one end holds a compact kitchen with a countertop, mini-fridge, and induction cooktop, while the middle and other end serve as the living room (with a sofa, coffee table, and wall-mounted TV) and a small bathroom (with a shower, toilet, and vanity).
The second floor is ideal for bedrooms and a home office—spaces where you need privacy and quiet. In the same 40ft container example, the second floor can be divided into two small bedrooms (each 8ft x 10ft) and a tiny office nook (6ft x 8ft). The bedrooms can fit full-size beds with under-bed storage, and the office can have a wall-mounted desk and shelves. To keep the second floor from feeling cramped, use light colors for walls and flooring (like white or light gray) and add small windows to let in natural light. This zoning strategy keeps the first floor lively and the second floor calm, making the 2 story shipping container house feel balanced and spacious.
Another zoning option is to use the first floor for utility and storage, and the second floor for living spaces—great for those who need extra storage or work with bulky equipment. For example, the first floor can hold a garage, tool room, and laundry area, while the second floor has the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms. This works well for 2 story shipping container house on rural lots, where outdoor space is abundant but indoor storage is still a priority. Just make sure the first floor is reinforced to support the weight of the second floor and any heavy items stored below.
Staircase Placement Strategies for 2 Story Shipping Container House
Staircases are a critical part of a 2 story shipping container house—they connect the floors, but they also take up valuable space. Choosing the right placement and style can save space and improve flow. One of the best options is to place the staircase in a corner of the first floor. Corner staircases use dead space that would otherwise go unused, leaving more room for living areas. For example, a straight staircase in the back corner of the first floor takes up just 4ft x 8ft—small enough to fit without crowding the kitchen or living room. You can even add storage under the stairs (like pull-out drawers or cabinets) to maximize space further.
Spiral staircases are another space-saving choice for 2 story shipping container house. They take up just 3ft x 3ft of floor space, making them ideal for very small containers (like 20ft models). Spiral stairs are also visually interesting—they add a modern, sleek look to the home. However, they can be less practical for those with mobility issues (like young children or older adults) and may make moving large furniture up to the second floor difficult. If you choose a spiral staircase, opt for one with wide steps and a sturdy handrail to improve safety.
For larger 2 story shipping container house (like those made from multiple containers), you can place the staircase between two containers. This creates a “bridge” between the two parts of the house and keeps the staircase separate from living areas. For example, if you have two 40ft containers stacked side by side, the staircase can be placed in the gap between them—connecting the first floor of one container to the second floor of the other. This design adds architectural interest and keeps each floor’s living space open and unobstructed. Just make sure the staircase is covered to protect it from rain, snow, and other weather elements.
No matter where you place the staircase, safety is key. The staircase should have a handrail on both sides (for straight stairs) or one side (for spiral stairs), and the steps should be at least 10 inches deep and 7 inches tall (standard dimensions for safe climbing). Also, add lighting near the staircase—both on the first and second floors—to prevent trips and falls at night.
