Designing a Unique Container House at Giants Hall Farm – A Retirement Home Project by Melrose Designs

Container House Design Wigan

When most people picture a retirement home, they imagine a cosy bungalow or a traditional cottage. But at Melrose Designs, we love working with clients who think differently and want something truly unique.

Recently, we were approached by a client at Giants Hall Farm, Wigan, with a fascinating brief: to design a modern retirement home built from shipping containers.

This project showcases how container housing can be sustainable, stylish, and practical, and why more homeowners across the UK are exploring container house design as a real option.

Why Choose a Container House?

Container homes are becoming increasingly popular in the UK thanks to their affordability, versatility, and eco-friendly credentials. By reusing 40ft high-cube freight containers, we can create striking homes with reduced environmental impact compared to traditional builds.

For this project, the client wanted something very different: a two-storey container home with a slate roof, balconies overlooking the water, and flexible options for future expansion.

At Melrose Designs, we take even the simplest sketch or rough idea and develop it into professional planning drawings, 3D models, and architectural designs ready for local authority submission.

Learn more about UK planning requirements at the Planning Portal

The Ground Floor Layout

The design begins with two 40ft containers placed side by side, giving a footprint of 40ft x 16ft (approx. 12m x 5m) and an internal height of 8’6”.

The layout includes:

Entrance hall
Stairs and lift access
Downstairs toilet and cloakroom
Kitchen and utility space
Rear entrance for practicality

All utilities, including water, electricity, and drainage, are routed underground into the kitchen. A 4ft x 4ft lift is incorporated, requiring only a shallow pit, a great addition to ensure accessibility for years to come.

The Upper Living Area

The upper level transforms this home into something special. The client requested five 40ft containers, projecting out over the water and supported by three steel pillars. This creates a bold cantilevered design with incredible visual impact.

The living area upstairs will feature:

Open-plan lounge and dining areas
A pitched slate roof covering the containers
A balcony extending over the water
Large sliding glass doors to maximise views
The balcony overhang provides a unique outdoor retreat, perfect for enjoying retirement in a peaceful setting.

See similar innovative builds on Dezeen

Flexible Future Expansion

Our client also wanted the option to expand later. The design makes space for three additional containers set at 90 degrees to the main living block.

This creates an extra 40ft x 24ft area, suitable for guest bedrooms, a hobby studio, or a private office. To future-proof the build, both the stairs and lift have been positioned so they can easily connect to this extra level.

This approach shows how container house design can be adaptable and scalable, growing with the homeowner’s lifestyle.

Sustainability and Structural Design

Container homes are not only innovative but also environmentally conscious. By repurposing steel containers, the project reduces reliance on traditional brick and concrete, lowering its carbon footprint.

Of course, cantilevered structures require careful structural engineering. This design uses three steel pillars and a heavy timber-and-steel beam to ensure strength and stability.

Why This Project Stands Out

This project highlights what Melrose Designs is all about:

Creative problem solving – turning bold ideas into workable architectural drawings

Personalised design – adapting layouts for retirement living needs

Future planning – designing today while leaving room for tomorrow

Local expertise – as a Wigan-based company, we know how to navigate planning permission in Greater Manchester

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Thinking About Your Own Container Home or Extension?

Whether you’re dreaming of a shipping container home, a modern open-plan extension, or a completely new build, Melrose Designs can help.

We create designs that are visually stunning, structurally sound, and compliant with all UK building regulations. From house extensions in Wigan to sustainable housing design across the North West, we’ve got you covered.

Find eco-living advice at the Energy Saving Trust

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Contact Melrose Designs

If you’re inspired by this project and want to explore your own design ideas, get in touch with us today.

📍 Based in Wigan, Greater Manchester

📞 07715 886489

📧kieran@melrosedesign.co.uk

👉 Let’s turn your ideas into reality.