In the “old days” shipping containers were used to make quick inexpensive and mobile houses. But now Bamboo Groves (great name for a construction company – beats Jones Construction any day), a company in Costa Rica is using shipping containers as a structural element while complementing the design with locally harvested bamboo.

As the Inhabitat post points out the smart use of local bamboo along with passive techniques to shade the house from harsh sunlight and allow cool air to pass freely is a great way to minimize cost and build beautiful houses fit for the local environment.

Looking at the photos (below), who can’t love the open airy modern tropical look of these houses which can be constructed in five months (no doubt quicker in some environments). Read post in Inhabitat.com.