The Man Who Built the Most Unusual House on McGowen Street
At first, neighbors had no idea what to make of the structure rising along McGowen Street. It didn’t look like a home at all—more like a stack of industrial crates arranged by an artist or an architect testing the limits of gravity. Three stories of steel shipping containers towered over the block, prompting wild speculation.
Was it an art project?
A survival bunker?
A secretive commercial build?
No one guessed the truth: one man was quietly bringing a deeply personal dream to life—one that would soon gain attention well beyond Houston.
A Vision Too Unconventional for Traditional Plans
For most people, building a dream home involves blueprints, contractors, and predictable materials. But Will Breaux wanted something different—something that reflected his identity, creativity, and willingness to break the mold.
He spent years searching for an architect who could capture the home he imagined. None of them quite understood his vision. Some tried to reshape it. Others dismissed it entirely.
Instead of compromising, Will chose a path few would dare to take:
He decided to design and build the home himself.
Without a construction background, he immersed himself in research, studying every unconventional building method he could find. One option stood out above the rest—shipping containers. Durable, modular, eco-friendly, and endlessly adaptable, they offered the freedom traditional construction never could.
Turning Containers Into a Living Space
The home that eventually rose on McGowen Street spans about 2,600 square feet, crafted from multiple shipping containers arranged in a striking, multi-level formation. Though industrial in origin, the interior is bright, modern, and unexpectedly warm.
This isn’t just a house—it’s a reclaimed set of global artifacts, once used to transport goods across oceans, now transformed into a sustainable, architectural landmark.
The design includes:
A three-story container configuration visible from the street
Large windows that flood the space with natural light
Open-concept rooms that feel spacious and inviting
Clean, modern interior finishes that counterbalance the steel exterior
A rooftop deck ideal for relaxing, entertaining, or enjoying Houston’s skyline
Inside, the completed first floor features a media room, bar, guest quarters, and a studio—a blend of comfort and personality that reflects Will’s style. The upper floors, still evolving, offer flexible space for offices, bedrooms, and future creative expansions.
A Home Built Through Determination, Not Convention
What makes Will’s project remarkable isn’t just the visual impact—it’s the philosophy behind it.
His home represents the power of:
Imagination, to envision something no one else could see
Perseverance, to push through skepticism and obstacles
Resourcefulness, to turn industrial scrap into architectural beauty
Autonomy, to trust one’s instincts even when the path seems unconventional
By taking control of every stage—from layout to construction—Will built far more than a residence. He built a statement of identity, independence, and innovation.
Conclusion
Will Breaux’s container home stands as a bold reminder that extraordinary results often begin with a single unconventional idea—and the courage to pursue it. His journey shows that when creativity meets determination, it can reshape not only a home but an entire perspective on what is possible.
As the upper floors continue to evolve, the house remains a living symbol of possibility: proof that sometimes the most remarkable achievements come from choosing a path only you can see.