What Size Container for a 3 Bedroom House in Kenya? (2026 Guide)

Container Space: What You're Working With

Before choosing how many containers to use, understand the space each provides:

• 20ft Standard: 6m long, approximately 12 sq.m usable internal space
• 40ft Standard: 12m long, approximately 25 sq.m usable internal space
• 40ft High Cube: Same floor area as 40ft Standard but 30cm taller — much better for homes

For a comfortable 3-bedroom home, you need at least 60–80 square metres. A single 40ft container (25 sq.m) is too small. You need multiple containers.

Option 1: Two 40ft High Cube Containers (Recommended)

Two 40ft High Cube containers placed side by side or end to end give you approximately 50–56 square metres of internal space — the most popular configuration for a 3-bedroom family home in Kenya.

Typical layout: - Container 1: Master bedroom + 2 standard bedrooms - Container 2: Open-plan living room + dining + kitchen + bathroom

This is our most recommended option. Comfortable, practical, and relatively affordable.

Estimated cost: Containers Kshs 700,000–840,000 + Fabrication Kshs 800,000–1,500,000 + Delivery Kshs 60,000–120,000 + Foundation Kshs 100,000–300,000 = Total approximately Kshs 1,700,000–2,800,000

Option 2: Three 40ft High Cube Containers (Spacious)

Three 40ft containers give you 75–84 square metres — a generously-sized 3-bedroom home with room for a study, pantry, guest bathroom, and larger bedrooms.

Perfect for families wanting a premium, permanent container home. You can arrange containers in an L-shape or U-shape for interesting architecture and courtyard space.

Estimated cost: Containers Kshs 1,050,000–1,260,000 + Fabrication Kshs 1,200,000–2,000,000 + Delivery + Foundation = Total approximately Kshs 2,500,000–4,000,000

Option 3: One 40ft + Two 20ft Containers

This combination provides approximately 50–56 square metres with more design flexibility. The 40ft container handles living areas and master bedroom; the two 20ft containers become additional bedrooms and bathrooms.

This layout can create interesting L-shapes or staggered designs that look architecturally striking.

Estimated cost: Containers Kshs 670,000–920,000 + Fabrication + Delivery + Foundation = Total approximately Kshs 1,800,000–3,000,000

Why Use 40ft High Cube Containers for Homes?

The High Cube variant (2.9m external height) gives 2.5–2.6m internal ceiling height after insulation and a ceiling board — comparable to a conventional house. Standard height containers (2.59m external) can feel low after fit-out.

High Cube containers are also easier to resell and command premium prices as homes. Always use High Cube for any residential project.

Total Cost Breakdown for a 3-Bedroom Container Home

Beyond the containers themselves, budget for:

Foundation: Concrete piers or a slab — Kshs 100,000–300,000 depending on soil and design Fabrication: Insulation, electrical, plumbing, windows, doors, kitchen, bathrooms — Kshs 800,000–1,800,000 Delivery: Crane transport to your site — Kshs 60,000–150,000 depending on location Interior finishing: Flooring, painting, fixtures — Kshs 200,000–500,000

Total project range: Kshs 1,700,000–4,000,000 depending on configuration and finish level.

3-Bedroom Container Home Cost Summary

These are broad ranges. Exact costs depend on location, design complexity, and finish level. Call us for a detailed quote.

💡 These are indicative ranges. Call us for your exact quote: 0715 557 559

Frequently Asked Questions