When Texas couple Lexi Newkirk, 24, and Diego, 25, decided to build their life together, they wanted to trade in their city life in Austin for something simpler.
So, they purchased two “single-use” shipping containers for $5,500 each to build their “dream home” on a $180,000 12.5-acre plot of land they purchased in 2023.
These costs, combined with an estimated $60,000 to construct the interior of their home, as well as the temporary $4,000 RV they’ve lived in throughout the build, are a hefty chunk of change in a housing market that is unaffordable for most millennials.
A 2024 report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University said that millions of potential homebuyers have been “priced out of the market by elevated home prices and interest rates.”
Lexi admits the cost is “more expensive than a traditional home build,” though she and Diego were able to pay for it without taking out a loan.
The pair gradually purchased necessities and built out the property using their incomes as a digital marketing agency owner and mold remediation specialist, respectively.
Although the price of the project has been more than they expected, the Newkirks told the U.S. Sun that being able to own their home was more cost-effective in the long run than paying rent or a mortgage.
“We didn’t want to put that money towards an apartment. Where my mom lives, it’s a lot of homes right on top of each other. They are all the same,” Lexi told the New York Post.
“We want to give people inspiration for different projects you can do.”
And with the virality of the couple’s TikTok videos, it’s clear people are interested in alternative ways to live.
A recent video garnered over 53 million views, with the couple’s account growing to nearly 300,000 followers.
With the new notoriety comes some speculation, particularly related to the high cost of the shipping containers.
“These are single-use shipping containers. Single-use shipping containers have only been used for one trip, whereas other shipping containers have maybe been used multiple times. If they’ve been used multiple times, there’s probably dents and holes. We wanted a blemish-free shipping container,” Lexi explained in a video.
“Do your research, and find what’s best for y’all,” she added.
In addition to using the containers, Lexi has also shared that the duo is in the process of installing solar panels and setting up a water system using dehumidifiers to bring down costs and carbon footprints associated with utilities.
The couple also plans to build a “barndominum” on their property, filling the area with gardens, chicken coops, and other farm animals like horses and cows.
Inside the 640-square-foot shipping container home are traditional characteristics of a normal home: A full kitchen, a small living room, a washer-dryer, a half-bathroom, and a basement under the house.
A spiral staircase leads to the upstairs area, which includes the couple’s bedroom, bathroom, and a sliding door that leads to an outside deck.
Huge windows also let in ample natural sunlight and even allow the couple to see the stars at night over an expanse of natural beauty, according to Lexi.
“We wanted something functional, cozy, and full of character — blending modern design with a rustic touch,” Lexi told Newsweek.
“It’s surreal to see it come to life just as we imagined.”
As for the practicality of building with these containers? The Newkirks are not the first to do it. In fact, many housing solutions for homelessness and affordable housing projects have been built with recycled shipping containers across the country.
“I highly recommend it,” Lexi told the U.S. Sun. “I totally think it is doable, and you can make some awesome homes out of shipping containers.”
Header images courtesy of Lexi Newkirk/Instagram
