Simpleng Buhay: Family Of 7 Lives In This P500K Container-Like House

When the first pandemic lockdown was implemented in 2020, Shirley Joy Martir and her family found themselves stuck at her parents' home in Bukidnon.

"Umabot ng two [to] three months na hindi kami nakalabas," she recalls.

As a family of seven, it was difficult for them to not have a space of their own. "Medyo nagsisiksikan kami sa house ng parents ko, kaya we [decided] to build a house while we're [staying] here [in Bukidnon]."

Nestled in Shirley's dad's coconut farm, the family's home away from home is one of a kind.

Inspired by the unique houses they would see online, the couple designed it in such a way that it looks like a shipping container. They used roofing materials for the walls to get that container-van look.

Inspired by a shipping container

"Our home is in the middle of nowhere," Shirley says. "Malapit [naman] sa town, pero ang daan [ay] lubak-lubak talaga." A truck needed to haul a shipping container couldn't make it to the lot.

"[We customized this house] kasi when we [calculated] the costs, mas expensive [gumawa ng tunay na] container house," Shirley says. Measuring 12 feet wide and 20 feet long, with a height of 14 feet, the Martir house is much bigger than an actual shipping container.

READ ALSO: Single Mom DIYs Dream Container House! Here's How She Did It

They spent around P500,000 on the structure alone. Being fans of the rustic, country style, they made use of coco lumber for the foundation and the frame. Shirley's dad donated some of his coconut trees.

He also took the lead in the construction, further increasing their savings. It also helps that the house stands on land owned by Shirley's father, who did not charge them anything.

Multi-purpose porch

Their favorite part of the house is the porch. "It's very comfy, very airy," says Jong, Shirley's husband. "Naririnig namin ang huni ng mga ibon. Naririnig namin ang sound ng river.

"At dito namin ginagawa ang lahat. We eat together, watch TV, [and] entertain guests [here]."

READ ALSO: The Amazing Benefits Your Kids Get Just by Eating Together as a Family

Enjoying the simple life

They've been told to turn their home into a vacation house or have it rented via Airbnb. "Pero saan naman kami titira? Enjoy na muna namin ang moments we have here," Shirley says.

"We feel so relaxed [here]," says Jong. "Napaka-comfy kasi iba talaga when you have your own space."

"We chose to live the simple life for His glory," Shirley says. "We know that this is what God wants for us: na mamuhay nang simple, tahimik, at kuntento."

READ ALSO: The Key to Happier, Calmer and More Successful Kids? A Simple Life

For the Martir family, this isn't just a temporary home—it has become their sanctuary during these trying times, and most importantly, it has helped them rediscover the joy of living simply.

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This article is originally published in Real Living as part of its KakaiBahay series, with revisions by the Smart Parenting team.

Featuring unique homes with unique stories, KakaiBahay goes beyond design and highlights the personal histories of those who live in them. In KakaiBahay, homeowners take us through their spaces, going down memory lane as we get to know their favorite corners, interesting furniture, and sentimental pieces.