For builders, designers, and remodelers, the 2 bedroom container home offers an innovative and alternative housing solution. Imagine offering clients sustainable living solutions built faster than traditional housing! 

But how do you design a functional two bedroom layout when working with the unique dimensions of cargo containers? 

In this guide, we’ll explore key design considerations like costs to layouts. Plus, we’ll show how modern design tools help you visualize and confidently present these designs to clients.

Why trust us? Here at Cedreo, we’ve got 20+ years of experience working with housing pros in the home design space. We know what it takes for home builders, contractors, and designers to create large shipping container homes that land them more jobs!

How Many Shipping Containers for Two Bedroom Container Homes?

The number of containers you need for a two bedroom container home depends on design, space needs, and container size. 

Common Shipping Container Sizes

• 20 ft Standard: (20’ x 8’ x 8.5’) – Cost-effective, versatile for multi-container designs.
• 40 ft Standard: (40’ x 8’ x 8.5’) – The standard, doubles the length of a 20-foot.
• 40 ft High Cube: (40’ x 8’ x 9.5’) – Extra ceiling height is nice for interior space and comfort.
• 53 ft: (53’ x 8.5’ x 8.5’ or 9.5’) – Maximum length for spacious designs. These are often available in high-cube versions.

So, how many of these shipping containers are typically needed for comfortable 2 bedroom container homes? 

Shipping Containers Needed for Two Bedroom Container House

• Single 40-ft High Cube: Compact, efficient, affordable for small two bedroom layouts like guest houses or rental units.
• Single 53ft Container: Extended length for a streamlined two bedroom with a longer living area. Balances space and container count.
• Two 40-ft Containers: Popular for 2 bedroom layouts. Provides versatile layout options. Ample space for bedrooms, bathroom, open concept kitchen and living area.
• One 40-ft + One 20-ft: Cost-effective way to create distinct areas in a two bedroom floor plan.
• Three 20-ft Containers: Budget-friendly entry point that allows for creative layouts.

Want to see what kind of 2-bedroom layouts you can create? Check out the next section.

Best Layouts for Container Homes with 2 Bedrooms

Here are four smart layout concepts that maximize functionality, privacy, and interior comfort for two bedroom container homes.

1. Single 40-ft Container: The Compact & Affordable Option

Suitable for: Solo living, couples, guest accommodations, or rental properties.
Design Highlights:

• Bedrooms at opposite ends ensure privacy within a smaller space.
• Central bathroom optimizes space and plumbing efficiency.
• Seamless open-concept kitchen and living area for modern living.

A single 40-ft high cube container provides a surprisingly comfortable and efficient two bedroom space, perfect for efficient living. Smart design is key here: think built-in storage solutions, multi-functional furniture, and sliding doors to maximize every inch. 

However, keep in mind that bedrooms will be small. Including 2 bedrooms in a single 40-foot container also doesn’t leave much room for closets and storage. That’s why this type of 2-bedroom home is best for rentals or short-term stays.

Pro Tip: Leverage Cedreo’s 3D design tools to experiment with space-saving furniture and layout options. The 3D views make it easy for you and your clients to visualize the flow of the tiny space.

2. Side-by-Side 40-ft Containers: Spaciousness & Practicality Combined

Ideal for: Small families or those desiring more generous space for entertaining.
Design Highlights:

• Two containers joined to double the width, creating a more traditional space.
• Bedrooms remain at opposite ends for enhanced privacy.
• Central, expansive shared living zone encompassing open kitchen, dining, and lounge areas.

This popular layout delivers a comfortable, airy ambiance often associated with traditional homes, while maintaining distinct bedroom zones. The increased width allows for larger furniture, ample storage, and full-sized appliances – a significant step up in luxury and everyday comfort.

3. L-Shaped Layout: Balancing Privacy & Open Flow

Best Suited for: Families or homeowners prioritizing separation between bedrooms and living areas.
Design Highlights:

• Dedicated wing for bedrooms ensures a quiet, private zone.
• Separate wing for kitchen and entertaining/living areas creates a natural flow between social and private spaces.
• The ‘L’ shape naturally forms an outdoor courtyard, which is nice for clients who prioritize an outdoor lifestyle.

The L-shape intelligently divides the home into distinct zones. One zone offers the 2 bedrooms a peaceful retreat while maintaining a spacious, welcoming living area.

Pro Tip: Incorporate large sliding glass doors facing the courtyard. This blurs the lines between interior and exterior, maximizes natural light, and creates an indoor-outdoor lifestyle connection.

4. Stacked Containers: The Two-Story Solution for Smaller Lots

Excellent For: Urban environments or maximizing outdoor space on compact properties.
Design Highlights:

• Bedrooms located upstairs. 
• Another option is to have the master bedroom upstairs for more privacy and a guest bedroom downstairs.
• Compact footprint maximizes yard or patio space on smaller lots.
• Place a small 20 foot container on top of a 40 foot and use the extra roof space as a rooftop deck or balcony.

This two-story approach maximizes livable area while preserving valuable yard space or creating room for a driveway or garden. You can even get creative with container positioning to leave space for rooftop decks or ground floor covered patios.

How to Include Two Bathrooms in a 2 Bedroom Shipping Container House

Adding two bathrooms in small two bedroom container homes is possible, but requires careful planning and space management.

Best Layout Options for Two Bathrooms

• Ensuite + Shared Bath – This layout includes a private bathroom attached to the master bedroom and a separate shared bathroom accessible from the living area. 
• Two Compact Bathrooms – To save space, both bathrooms can be small but functional, with a toilet, shower, and compact vanity. 
• Powder Room – Include a half bath (powder room with toilet and sink) near the main living area for guests to use. Then include a full bath with a shower near the 2 bedrooms. 

Plumbing Considerations

• Centralized Plumbing – Position bathrooms next to each other or near the kitchen to reduce costs on plumbing installation.
• Shared Plumbing Walls – Installing bathrooms on opposite sides of a shared wall helps streamline water and drainage connections for more efficient construction.

How to Maintain Comfort & Privacy in a 2 Bedroom Container Home

Comfort and privacy can be hard to maintain in such a small space. Here are a few simple tips for dealing with those challenges. 

• Spray foam and rigid foam made to fit the corrugated shape of shipping container walls are top choices for temperature regulation.
• Position bedrooms on opposite ends of the home for privacy.
• Buffer bedroom zones with functional spaces like closets and bathrooms to create effective acoustic and visual privacy.
• Maximize acoustic privacy by incorporating sound-absorbing materials and textured surfaces throughout the container home interior.
• Large windows & ventilation: These maximize airflow, increase natural light, reduce AC use, and promote eco friendly living.

• High cube containers (9.5 ft ceilings) feel much more spacious compared to standard height containers. They also provide more space for running utilities without affecting floor space.
• Use light colors, mirrors, and vertical shelving to visually expand smaller spaces.

How Much Does a 2 Bedroom Container Home Cost?

The cost of a 2-bedroom container home varies significantly, but generally offers a more affordable path to homeownership compared to traditional construction. Expect to budget, on average, between $60,000 to $180,000 USD for a completed 2-bedroom container home. This range encompasses basic DIY builds to professionally finished, move-in ready homes with mid-range finishes.

Key Factors Influencing Cost:

• Container Choice: Quantity and size affect the overall cost. Using multiple containers always means you need to make more custom modifications to the containers to join them together.
• Design Complexity & Modifications: Intricate designs, extensive cuts for windows/doors, and complex structural modifications increase expenses.
• Finishes & Fixtures: Basic, builder-grade finishes are more budget-friendly than high-end, custom materials and fixtures.
• Location & Labor: Shipping costs to remote locations, local labor rates, and permit fees all contribute to the final price. DIY labor can reduce costs significantly.
• Insulation & Climate Control: More insulation and larger HVAC systems for extreme climates and harsh conditions add to the budget but are essential for comfort and energy efficiency.

Simplified Cost Breakdown (Approximate):

• Containers: 10-25%
• Modifications & Structure (cutting, welding, reinforcement): 20-30%
• Insulation, Walls & Interior Finishes: 25-35%
• Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC Systems: 15-20%
• Site Work & Foundation: 5-10%

One-Trip Containers: While used containers are often cited for cost savings, opting for “one-trip” containers is a recommended balance. These containers have only been shipped once from the factory. They have better structural integrity and less potential for rust or damage compared to multi-trip used containers. 

Why Use Cedreo to Design a 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Container Home?

Designing efficient and client-ready container house plans for sustainable living requires precise planning in order to make use of every single inch of available space. Modern design tools make doing that so much easier.

Cedreo empowers home builders and contractors to create stunning 2D & 3D designs, fast. Here’s how.

• Rapid 2D Layouts & 3D Floor Plans: Cedreo’s intuitive floor plan software lets you quickly draft and modify house plans, adding walls, doors, and windows. Instantly visualize in 3D, no advanced skills needed.
• Professional Design Visualization: Realistic 3D renderings let clients explore and fully grasp the finished container homes before construction. Showcase different container configurations, interior design, and exterior finishes for confident client presentations.
• Fast Client Revisions: Client changes are simple with Cedreo. Easily adjust walls, room sizes, or layouts, keeping projects on schedule and client approvals quick. Cedreo helps you accommodate client needs efficiently.
• Create Client-Winning Presentation Documents: Generate professional presentation documents directly within Cedreo to impress clients. Showcase floor plans, 3D renderings, exterior views, and project details in a polished, client-ready format that secures approvals faster.
• Draw Accurate Container Shapes with Ease: Ensure design precision by drawing exact shipping container home shapes using Cedreo’s tools. Click here to see how. 

Unlock the Potential of 2 Bedroom Container Homes

A 2 bedroom container home is a smart alternative to the housing challenges in many areas. Designing them can be a challenge. But fortunately, Cedreo simplifies the process for builders, remodelers, and designers working on container homes.Ready to bring your sustainable container designs to life? Get started for FREE and design your next container home with Cedreo today!