Ep 7. Missouri Modern Container

As the name suggests, Building Off the Grid is a show about building homes or structures without access to traditional utilities or infrastructure. From remote mountain cabins to beachside retreats, each episode focuses on different stories of people trying to create their dream home off the grid.

Season 12 Episode 7 takes us to Missouri where a couple has decided to build their dream home using shipping containers. The episode titled "Missouri Modern Container" follows the journey of a couple who are planning to build a beautiful and energy-efficient home using shipping containers. The builders hope to find a modern and trendy solution to their dream home in this unlikely shipping material.

The episode starts with an introduction of the couple who have recently bought a piece of land outside of Kansas City. The couple lives in the city and has always wanted a weekend retreat where they can escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, they were not interested in a traditional cabin in the woods – they wanted something unique, modern, and most importantly, off the grid. They describe their container home as a perfect sanctuary where they can focus on work, relax, and enjoy their natural surroundings. The couple has hired a team of designers and builders to turn their dream into a reality.

The builders for this project are TJ and Steve, who run a construction company that specializes in container homes. They have several projects behind them and have done extensive research into the latest and innovative technologies. Their plan for the Missouri Container Home is to make it completely self-sustainable; the home will have solar panels to generate energy, a methane digester for recycling waste, and a graywater system for cleaning clothes and dishes.

The builders first start by positioning the shipping containers on the plot. The objective is to create a modern design that the client has envisioned. The containers purchased for this project are conventional and don't have any insulation, which is an important factor for achieving energy-efficiency. The builders address this by installing a spray foam insulation. This kind of insulation can form an airtight seal that prevents hot and cold air from escaping. It provides a warm and cozy environment indoors. The installation takes a lot of effort and requires a team of experts to ensure the quality standard is met.

After the insulation is done, the team moves on to installing the windows. The goal here is to create large windows that help the house feel like it is part of the site rather than a detached element sitting on it. They choose aluminum windows that have double glazed glass, which is essential in the insulation process. The large windows provide stunning views of the woods while also allowing natural light to fill the home. Both elements help the couple to connect with nature in a way that they had not been able to do before.

The next step involves installing the roof. The builders use a technique called "living roof" where they cover the flat roof of the shipping containers with plants and flowers. It helps to absorb stormwater and reduce heat loss that is usual with traditional roofing materials. The green roof also creates a welcoming atmosphere that connects the home back to the surrounding nature. This part of the project takes extra care to ensure the roots can thrive in the soil.

Next comes the most crucial element of the house: electricity. The home will use a solar panel system to generate electricity. Since the home is designed to be energy-efficient, they are not installing any AC units or furnaces. They use a special kind of heat pump that fetches energy from the outside air to keep the house warm. The grid-tie system guarantees the home will have power all year round.

Finally, the finishing touches are put in place, from the floors, tiling, and furniture. The home is complete, and it is stunning. It has a clean and minimalistic design, and the combination of the containers' industrial feel and the natural surroundings is a perfect fit. It's easy to see why the homeowners are thrilled with the outcome.

Summary - Building Off the Grid season 12 episode 7 Missouri Modern Container - follows a couple's journey as they build their dream home using shipping containers in rural Missouri. The episode is a testament to how modern technologies can make sustainable living achievable. It's a must-watch for anyone looking to build off the grid or has an interest in green design.