# Sustainable Shipping Container Homes The Rhino Cubed Homes Are Elegant and Highly Energy-Efficient By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-06-12 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rhino-cubed References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/zulu-queen-rhino-cubed/32326/) & [rhinocubed](http://rhinocubed.com/) Rhino Cubed, a Boulder, Colorad-based company that specializes in constructing [small-sized homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hirondelle-tiny-house), has launched a range of micro-homes that are based on shipping containers. The most advanced and fully-fitted home in the range is called the Rhino Cube. This ingenious dwelling can operate both on or off the grid, and costs $60,000. The first fully completed Rhino Cube unit is built from a 6m-long shipping container, and offers 15 square meters of floorspace. Both the interior and exterior of this unit have elegantly artistic touches such as a steel rhino horn sculpture and beautiful hand-drawn patterns. The homes produced by Rhino Cubed are certified lead-free and offer energy-efficient windows as well as insulated floors, walls and ceilings. Both on-the-grid and [off-the-grid models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sea-chord) are available, while rainwater catchment systems collect rainwater while a grey water system sustainably takes care of waste water. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 56% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Sustainable Shipping Container Homes:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Expanding the market for eco-friendly and energy-efficient housing by repurposing shipping containers. - **Micro-homes:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Meeting the growing demand for compact, affordable and customizable living spaces. - **Off-the-grid Living:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing sustainable and self-sufficient housing solutions for individuals seeking greater independence from traditional infrastructure. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Construction:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating shipping containers into the construction industry to create cost-effective and environmentally-friendly housing options. - **Home Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Redefining traditional concepts of home design by focusing on compact and sustainable living spaces. - **Renewable Energy:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introducing renewable energy solutions such as solar power and rainwater harvesting systems into the housing industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Triple Shipping Container Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modhouse-tiny-home.md) - [Miniature Insulated Home Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ark-tiny-homes.md) - [Cost-Effective Shipping Container Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/custom-container-living-nook.md) - [Shipping Container-Built Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kennedy-model.md) - [Modern Mobile Futuristic Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nestron.md) - [Solar Powered Compact Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e55000.md) - [Senior-Friendly Single-Floor Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mark-vi-vic.md) - [Compact Sustainable Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-cabana.md) - [Versatile Compact Modern Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/augustine-tiny-home.md)