D.C. Architecture Firm Launches Shipping Container ADU Firm

Over the past year, interest surrounding the topic of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) has skyrocketed. With their increased popularity, Washington, D.C.–based Travis Price Architects has launched Backyard Container, a firm that specializes in simplifying ADU installation. UrbanTurf’s Nena Perry-Brown says Backyard Container is offering three typologies: a 180-square-foot studio apartment or office, a 320-square-foot one-bedroom apartment, or a 640-square-foot unit that is a studio apartment above a one-car garage.

Each option has a standard layout and a ceiling height of just over 8 feet, and in addition to the price of the container itself, add-on services include permitting, site work, and installation and finishing, with the on-the-ground work completed by their construction firm KGP Build.

After permits are acquired, the installation process can take roughly 8-12 weeks. The units cannot be customized outside of a choice of exterior color (although one can also commission a custom ADU instead for a higher price), but you can have them uninstalled and relocated to your next home if you decide to move.

While Travis Price Architects has gotten a lot of interest in large-scale and single-family shipping container developments since their Brookland apartments delivered, Backyard Container is the firm's first foray into ADUs. Thus far, they have delivered a backyard gallery/studio space and are currently in the early contracting phase with a few ADU clients. The ADUs are available within a roughly 60-mile radius of D.C. proper.