Beautiful Virgin Islands

Thursday, Jul 03, 2025

A Shipping Container Penthouse in New York City

A Shipping Container Penthouse in New York City

Formerly a mechanical room and overhauled by LOT-EK, the Manhattan pad recasts a 20-foot shipping container as an upstairs bedroom.

It’s not everyday that a shipping container home appears on the market-and much less so in New York City, which makes this two-story penthouse particularly noteworthy. Set above West 31st Street in Midtown, Manhattan, it was designed by local firm LOT-EK, lauded for their use of upcycled materials-in this case, a 20-foot shipping container turned into the main bedroom.



The living areas, located on the lower level, seamlessly merge by way of the open floor plan. Details such as the concrete walls, exposed pipes, and steel doors pay tribute to the home's former past as the building's mechanical room.

"This home is the most unique space I’ve seen in all the years I’ve worked in real estate," says listing agent Joe Pellegrino. "Creative and groundbreaking architecture like this makes New York what it is: the greatest city in the world, and a hub for art and design."



Floor-to-ceiling glazing illuminates the double-height living room while framing picturesque skyline views.

Measuring 860 square feet, the hybrid apartment is comprises two sections. The main living area, which is located on the lower level, was converted from a former mechanical room and presents a sleek industrial aesthetic with expansive glazing, including a large bay window on the southern wall.



Glass doors provide direct access to the home’s leafy terrace.

Working with limited square footage, LOT-EK expanded the property by installing a shipping container on top of the lower level. The new volume serves as the primary sleeping quarters and includes a multifunctional loft area.



Another view of the terrace showcases its close proximity to the Empire State Building.

Clever space-spacing solutions can be found throughout the flat, such as integrated appliances and shelving made from newspaper dispensers. Yet out of the home’s many highlights, the most notable is arguably its up-close view of the Empire State Building.



The kitchen is brightly lit by a central skylight and fitted with all new, stainless-steel appliances.

"Not only does this space offer a chance for you to feel like you’re living in a piece of modern art, but it is also perfectly positioned around terraces that enable you to walk out to your own little slice of heaven and stare up at the Empire State Building in all of its grandeur," says Pellegrino. Keep scrolling to see more of the property, currently listed for $995,000.



A repurposed fire escape ladder serves as the staircase to the upper-level bedroom.



A custom-built wardrobe and shelving unit helps create a cozy, warm aesthetic in the bedroom.



An oversized soaking tub awaits in the bathroom.



A peek at another outdoor area included with the property. Perched in a pre-war building, the penthouse is a part of a live/work co-op comprised of floor-through loft apartments.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
DJI Launches Heavy-Duty Coaxial Quadcopter with 80 kg Lift Capacity
U.S. Senate Approves Major Legislation Dubbed the 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown in U.S. History Announced by DOJ
Poland Implements Border Checks Amid Growing Migration Tensions
Political Dispute Escalates Between Trump and Musk
Emirates Airline Expands Market Share with New $20 Million Campaign
Amazon Reaches Milestone with Deployment of One Millionth Robot
US Senate Votes to Remove AI Regulation Moratorium from Domestic Policy Bill
Yulia Putintseva Calls for Spectator Ejection at Wimbledon Over Safety Concerns
Jury Deliberations in Diddy Trial Yield Partial Verdict in Serious Criminal Charges
House Oversight Committee Subpoenas Former Jill Biden Aide Amid Investigation into Alleged Concealment of President Biden's Cognitive Health
King Charles Plans Significant Role for Prince Harry in Coronation
Two Chinese Nationals Arrested for Espionage Activities Against U.S. Navy
Amazon Reaches Major Automation Milestone with Over One Million Robots
Extreme Heat Wave Sweeps Across Europe, Hitting Record Temperatures
Meta Announces Formation of Ambitious AI Unit, Meta Superintelligence Labs
Robots Compete in Football Tournament in China Amid Injuries
Trump Administration Considers Withdrawal of Funding for Hospitals Providing Gender Treatment to Minors
Texas Enacts Law Allowing Gold and Silver Transactions
China Unveils Miniature Insect-Like Surveillance Drone
OpenAI Secures Multimillion-Dollar AI Contracts with Pentagon, India, and Grab
Marc Marquez Claims Victory at Dutch Grand Prix Amidst Family Misfortune
Germany Votes to Suspend Family Reunification for Asylum Seekers
Elon Musk Critiques Senate Budget Proposal Over Job Losses and Strategic Risks
Los Angeles Riots ended with Federal Investigations into Funding
Budapest Pride Parade Draws 200,000 Participants Amid Government Ban
Southern Europe Experiences Extreme Heat
Xiaomi's YU7 SUV Launch Garners Record Pre-Orders Amid Market Challenges
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Lavish Wedding in Venice
Russia Launches Largest Air Assault on Ukraine Since Invasion
Education Secretary Announces Overhaul of Complaints System Amid Rising Parental Grievances
Massive Anti-Government Protests Erupt in Belgrade
Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada Over Digital Services Tax
UK Government Softens Welfare Reform Plans Amid Labour Party Rebellion
Labour Faces Rebellion Over Disability Benefit Reforms Ahead of Key Vote
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Host Lavish Wedding in Venice Amid Protests
Trump Asserts Readiness for Further Strikes on Iran Amid Nuclear Tensions
North Korea to Open New Beach Resort to Boost Tourism Economy
UK Labour Party Faces Internal Tensions Over Welfare Reforms
Andrew Cuomo Hints at Potential November Comeback Amid Democratic Primary Results
Curtis Sliwa Champions His Vision for New York City Amid Rising Crime Concerns
Federal Reserve Proposes Changes to Capital Rule Affecting Major Banks
EU TO HUNGARY: LET THEM PRIDE OR PREP FOR SHADE. ORBÁN TO EU: STAY IN YOUR LANE AND FIX YOUR OWN MESS.
Trump Escalates Criticism of Media Over Iran Strike Coverage
Trump Announces Upcoming US-Iran Meeting Amid Controversial Airstrikes
Trump Moves to Reshape Middle East Following Israel-Iran Conflict
Big Four Accounting Firms Fined in Exam Cheating Scandal
NATO Members Agree to 5% Defense Spending Target by 2035
Australia's Star Casino Secures $195 Million Rescue Package Amid Challenges
UK to Enhance Nuclear Capabilities with Acquisition of F-35A Fighter Jets
×