Tucked into the quiet woods of the Berkshires, this custom renovated container home balances modern design with its natural surroundings. Pamela Sandler Architect transformed the structure into a light-filled retreat, where expansive windows and clean lines frame sweeping forest views. Thoughtful outdoor connections—including tiered decks, a pool terrace, and a private balcony garden—extend the living spaces seamlessly into the landscape, creating a home that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to place.
The upper level enclosed porch with cedar toned floors and wide glass panels also has radiant ceiling heaters for year-round enjoyment.
Two quiet bedrooms are tucked into the ground level of the home, where the window opens directly onto the property’s striking rock face, bringing the raw landscape inside.
A light-filled primary suite with a serene, minimalist design, featuring prominent clerestory windows that maximize natural light and views of the surrounding Berkshire woods. A dark, upholstered bed is flanked by warm, slatted wood nightstands, while a soaring ceiling enhances the spaciousness. The double-sink primary bath has an entire window wall for full views of the mountains.
On the upper level of the home, the open kitchen, dining, and living space blends warm wood cabinetry, a stone backsplash and large island, and a custom Venetian plaster fireplace, creating a refined centerpiece for the living space. Overhead clerestory windows and exposed steel beams bring in light and texture, balancing modern design with the home’s grounded, organic character. A cozy modern breakfast nook looks directly out into the lush forest canopy.
Custom architectural details define the home’s interior. The open living space features expansive, built-in shelving, while a serene custom desk nook with warm wood integrates seamlessly into a window alcove.
Modern and functional ground-level entryway designed for practicality and warmth. The space features durable slate or bluestone floor tiles, which provide a cool, natural texture and contrast with the dominant light-colored wood of the built-in benches and storage. The entryway is equipped with a custom-built bench and paneling that extends up the wall, complete with hooks for coats and a shelf above. On the left side, a smaller version of this bench sits beneath a window, offering a cozy spot to sit. The space is well-lit with a series of black, bell-shaped pendant lights hanging from the ceiling. A tall, open shelving unit on the right side of the frame provides additional organization, with felt-like storage bins and a few decorative items.
This container home renovation distinctly features the original corrugated container volume on the upper level, contrasted by a newly constructed ground floor addition that significantly expanded the living space, incorporating a full entry. A striking two-story cantilevered window box punctuates the facade, offering expansive views and a contemporary architectural counterpoint to the structure’s industrial origins. Graceful, native landscaping and a recessed pool that follows the slope of the property, soften and highlight the many angles and facets of the finished house.
The integrated garage and carport structure cleverly utilizes a repurposed shipping container as a standalone storage or garage unit.
A spacious deck extends from the home, with a partial overhang for all-weather enjoyment. A modern fire pit and cable railing frame the outdoor living space, which flows seamlessly into the yard with an expansive hundred-mile view of the mountains. A fire pit is an extension of the deck out to the very edges of the landscape.
Photos: John Gruen
Styling: Gina Ciotti
