Hawkes Bay design firm Architecture and Interiors has refurbished a shipping container into a luxury one-bedroom home. They now plan to auction the project off in March and donate all proceeds to the charity Look Good Feel Better, which benefits cancer patients around the country. 

The container, now dubbed the Life Box is a high-spec home featuring an open plan kitchen and lounge, bedroom, bathroom, laundry and plenty of storage. It comes furnished with products donated by Look Good Feel Better partner, Farmers. The home is fully compliant with the New Zealand Building Code and, though it was built with the help of donated products, it would cost about $127,000 to replicate according to Architecture and Interiors founder Melissa Burne.

Burne explains, “We took on the project as part of our professional development – we wanted to understand what was involved in creating a tiny house and see if they really are a cost-effective alternative to a new build. However, we also wanted it to benefit a worthy cause, and Look Good Feel Better is a national charity for anyone undergoing cancer treatment.”

General manager of the charity, Clare O’Higgins says, “We are so grateful to Melissa and all those who have played a part – through helping someone into a home, they will be helping men and women face their cancer with confidence.”

“For us as a business to be ‘on the tools’ has given us an insight into the work involved and provided valuable experience for all of the team,” Burne says. “It’s been a year of hard work, we’ve documented every hour and every dollar so we can truly educate clients on what they are committing to.”

The Life Box, which is being auctioned by Tremains Real Estate, will have open homes at 1980 Pakowhai Rd, Napier 4183, on February 24, and March 3, prior to auction on March 9. Click here for more information about the auction and viewings.