Shipping container architecture is a form of architecture which uses steel intermodal containers (shipping containers/Cargo Containers) as structural element. It is also referred to as cargotecture.

The use of containers as a building material has grown in popularity over the past several years due to their inherent strength, wide availability, and relatively low expense. Homes have also been built with containers because they are more eco-friendly than traditional building materials such as brick and cement.

Advantages

• Affordable: The biggest incentive and advantage for all those thinking about ship container houses is that they are quite cheap.
• Easy to Build: it is extremely easy to execute a shipping container home design.
• Takes Less time: On an average, a shipping container takes a total of couple of months to be up and standing and ready to be moved into
• Transportable : Another amazing thing about ship container houses is that you can get them exactly where you need them
• Environment friendly: If you choose to reuse a container, you are actually saving the environment as in case of no better use of such containers, their steel is retrieved to be used again and that process takes a lot of energy.
• Personal style statement: container architecture is so designed that if you choose, you can make it reflect exactly who you are. And also, stand out from the lot. After all, a container ship home design is sure to get you noticed.

Disadvantages

• Insulation and Heat Control:Shipping containers are steel boxes meaning that they absorb and transmit heat and cold very well. This can be solved by using the correct type of insulation and paint but it can also lead to non-environmentally friendly solutions like energy consuming ACs.
• Refurbishing: Used containers tend to rust quickly because they have been scratched or dented while serving their primary function. If the container is re-painted every few years, it can last a minimum of 20 years and much more. 
• Structural issues: Anywhere you cut out a large window or door opening requires new reinforcement. And when they are stacked together to make larger homes, welded reinforcement is needed wherever two containers join at a spot that is not a corner. Any later renovations require significant engineering and welding.

Conclusion

One of the biggest advantages of building your home using shipping containers it the cost saving aspects and their mobility.

Also, they can be built with incredible speed. Not only are they cheap and quick to build, but they are also environmentally friendly; for every shipping container up-cycled we are saving around 3500KG of steel.

However, just like with conventional home building, one should make sure they have the right knowledge & information before building out of a shipping container.