Building a home from scratch is a challenge in itself, but doing it with recycled shipping containers in the mountains of Colombia is a whole new level of ambitious.
For Fiona Rivadeneira, a 43-year-old mum from Surrey, and her husband, Juan Carlos, 46, this dream became a reality when they constructed their family home for the remarkable cost of just £52,000—equivalent to the price of a single parking space in London’s Islington district.
This innovative and eco-friendly project wasn’t just about creating a place to live but also about reusing materials and fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Here’s the story of how they turned an unconventional idea into a dream home.
(Fiona Horsey/CATERS NEWS)
Dreaming Big: A Vision for a Unique Home
Fiona Rivadeneira had long harbored dreams of building her own home. With a passion for recycling and a fascination with shipping containers, she envisioned constructing a house that would not only be functional but also sustainable.
Alongside her husband, Juan Carlos, she embarked on a journey to create a home in the scenic mountains of Colombia, far removed from their life in Surrey.
The decision to use recycled shipping containers wasn’t just a random choice—it was driven by Fiona’s deep-rooted interest in upcycling and sustainability.
By using materials that would otherwise go to waste, the couple hoped to craft a home that reflected both their eco-conscious values and Fiona’s creative vision.
Their children, Sofia, 11, and Sebastian, 10, also played a role in the decision, as Fiona wanted to teach them the importance of reusing and recycling in a world increasingly dominated by consumerism.
(Fiona Horsey/CATERS NEWS)
Overcoming Challenges: Building in the Mountains
Building a house in the mountains comes with its own set of unique challenges, but transporting shipping containers to a remote location adds an entirely new layer of complexity.
Fiona and Juan Carlos had to figure out how to get the heavy containers up a winding mountain road to their chosen build site.
It wasn’t an easy task, and many people questioned their decision.
“People thought we were crazy,” Fiona admits. “They couldn’t understand why we would want to build with shipping containers, especially in such a difficult location.”
However, Fiona and Juan Carlos remained undeterred. With the help of a skilled builder and his team, they managed to transport the containers and begin work on what would eventually become their family home.
The couple had to take down old chimneys and walls from a previous structure that had collapsed due to flooding.
This allowed them to place the shipping containers on the existing foundations, which saved time and resources.
Despite the initial struggles, they completed the basic structure in just 12 months—an impressive feat for such a unique and complex project.
The Build: A Labor of Love
Fiona didn’t just leave the construction to the professionals—she was heavily involved in the entire building process.
As the project manager, she was in charge of purchasing materials, organizing the builders, and overseeing the daily progress.
For her, this wasn’t just another DIY project; it was a chance to bring her dream to life.
“I was in my element,” she says. “I loved learning so much about the process and being hands-on with every aspect of the build.”
The project, which cost approximately 250 million Colombian pesos—equivalent to £52,000—was a financial investment, but also an emotional one.
The family had to deal with the typical stresses of building a home, but Fiona remained confident throughout.
“The stress was normal, but I had absolute faith that we could do it. I never doubted that this dream would become a reality.”
Designing with Sustainability in Mind
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Rivadeneira family’s home is its commitment to sustainability.
Fiona’s fascination with shipping containers played a huge role in the design, as she loved the idea of transforming these industrial objects into something beautiful and livable.
“I love seeing something transform into something else that’s useful,” she explains.
The containers’ shape and adaptability allowed the family to make creative design choices, such as reusing old window frames from a previous apartment and incorporating them into the new structure.
Fiona notes that while the containers offered a unique building material, they weren’t without their challenges.
For instance, the family had to add extra foundation columns to support one of the containers that had slightly buckled.
“Some mistakes were made,” she admits. “But everything can be fixed with money and effort.”
These minor setbacks didn’t dampen their spirits, and Fiona remains proud of the sustainable choices they made throughout the build.
From reusing old materials to adapting the containers to fit their needs, the house is a testament to what can be achieved with creativity and a commitment to reducing waste.
A Work in Progress: The Final Touches
While the main structure of the house is complete, the Rivadeneira family’s home is still very much a work in progress.
Fiona is excited to continue adding the finishing touches that will make the space truly feel like home.
“We still have more terrace roofs to put up, glass coverings, curtains, closets, and of course, beautiful gardens to surround the container,” she shares.
Despite the ongoing work, the family is already in love with their new home.
Fiona and Juan Carlos have created a unique space that reflects their values and lifestyle, and their children have learned valuable lessons about sustainability, creativity, and perseverance along the way.
A New Trend: Shipping Container Homes on the Rise
Fiona’s story is not just a personal triumph; it also highlights a growing trend in the world of architecture and home building.
Shipping container homes are becoming increasingly popular as people look for more sustainable, affordable, and eco-friendly ways to build.
These homes offer flexibility, as they can be adapted to fit various styles and needs, and they make use of materials that would otherwise go to waste.
For those considering building their own shipping container home, Fiona has some advice: “Take as many precautions as possible, and be prepared for some mistakes along the way. But if you’re passionate about it, the end result is worth every challenge.”
Summary
What started as a dream for Fiona and her family has turned into a beautiful, sustainable home in the Colombian mountains.
By using recycled shipping containers, they were able to build a stunning property for just £52,000—proving that with creativity, determination, and a commitment to sustainability, anything is possible.
Their story serves as an inspiration to others who are looking to build their own homes in an eco-friendly and cost-effective way, and it demonstrates that sometimes, the most unconventional ideas can lead to the most rewarding outcomes.
