GRAPHĒ: A Shipping Container Penthouse Lists for $995K 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. — 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.

Photo courtesy of The Corcoran Group

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

Photo courtesy of The Corcoran Group

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.