University of Guelph grad designs and constructs container home in downtown Guelph
This is a story about the joys of simplicity, about wanting less, not more.
Since childhood, and especially through adolescence, most of us are primed to strive for more than our material needs, never allowing ourselves to wonder whether all of these things we acquire will really lead us to a higher, happier existence, and never allowing ourselves to think that we already have enough. After years of following this overindulgent doctrine, many come to realize that it is not truly leading to a significant, sustainable increase in happiness. Breaking free from this cycle of consumption can be daunting, but is not impossible.
Christoph Kesting, a 32-year old University of Guelph grad, has invested the better part of the past six years of his life advocating simple living. Kesting’s most recent project is a shipping container nestled behind the community workshop, DIYode Makers Club, on Wyndham Street, south of Wellington in Guelph. Kesting purchased the container in Kitchener/Waterloo for the reasonable price of $1,500 but has since invested a considerable amount more in time and energy. The container is 20 feet long by 8 feet wide, and now houses what Kesting believes are all the necessary amenities for life in our modern world. The home is solar-powered and can easily be equipped with power outlets for appliances, charging phones or running laptop computers.
Other features include a composting toilet with a urine-diversion system, recycled insulation which surpasses city code, a full second storey with living space, a green-roof patio and a Rocket Mass heater.
Heating even a small space like the container home can be a challenge, but Kesting stands by his choice to use the 6,000 pound Rocket Mass thermal heating system.
“It’s the most efficient way to go. It uses the least amount of wood, and since it’s so hyper-efficient it burns off all the smoke,” said Kesting. The heater is made of Cobb, a mixture of clay, sand, straw and water, doubles as a self-warming bench/bed, is equipped with a stovetop, is about four to five times more efficient than a conventional wood-burning heater and creates almost zero exhaust.
Apart from a few naturally inspired design elements such as Georgian Bay rocks, and faux-support Birch trees, there are very few unnecessary features in the home. However, as in all projects, there are some things that Kesting said he would do differently if he were to begin the process over again. Generally he says, “I would make it simpler.” One thing he would not change about this particular home is the location.
“Downtown Guelph has been really important because it has furthered the conversation on [the container home]. That’s what it’s about. It’s not about a box, or me having something that I can sell, it’s about the idea – the idea of simple living,” said Kesting.
Guelph bylaws require Kesting to remove the container home from city property by Sept. 27 and, as of now, there are no plans for its future. Kesting is not bitter about this nor does he blame the city. For him it was about the journey, and getting his message across. He is still excited for the next step, whatever that may be.