Living in a container house has become an affordable housing option across the world. These ready-made shells provide a blank canvas for creativity. Homes built from shipping containers often follow a standard layout and design but some go outside the box, quite literally, to create something truly unique. This alternative den, known as the CNTNR, tucked neatly into the bush is a brilliant example. Its owner Dion Agius likens its sleek, dark exterior to a space odyssey monolith on its side, but on closer inspection, the detail and character of the home are revealed.
The dark, luxurious interior with its rich colours and textures intoxicates you the moment you enter the home. Deep red carpet, terrazzo tiles and rich black finishes draw you inward, creating an entirely different world from the raw wilderness outside. There are hints of retro-futurism in the decor and a maximalist approach that creates layers of intrigue, excess and excitement. Clashing styles and eclectic pieces that shouldn’t work together somehow seem to make perfect sense.
My personality is pretty all over the shop and quite eclectic.
Dion Agius
The experience this home delivers is at odds with its environment and offers a creative escape from its wild bush setting. The isolated property borders a river and is surrounded by the peace and quiet of an untouched forest. Located near a small coastal town known mostly for its beaches and popular surf spots, Dion was born and raised here before moving to the Gold Coast with his family.
A professional surfer, Dion has lived all over the world, but eventually, he realised that he wanted to experience the peace and tranquillity of his childhood again. He still spends much of his time on the road and the pace of his busy career, which includes his roles as co-founder of Epokhe eyewear and Standard Procedure sunscreen, makes the sanctuary of a personal retreat in his sleepy hometown even more important.
Dion allowed his instinctive creativity to take the lead when designing the container. His attention to detail is evident outside the home. Unique red grout encases the slate crazy paving, its colour was chosen to match fallen leaves from the surrounding trees. Black shou sugi ban (charred timber cladding) wraps the shipping container’s exterior. A retro recycled pink bathtub, salvaged from a friend’s bathroom renovation, also sits happily in place outside.
Once inside, you’re drawn towards the custom-made, carpet-encased bed. The design was dreamt up by Dion, much to the dismay of the carpet layer, who vowed never to do it again due to the intricate work involved in wrapping the entire frame in carpet. Not just a cosy bed, it doubles as seating, with a perfect angled backrest to lounge on next to the fire.
It’s Dion’s vision that makes this home so special and makes it so much more than a humble shipping container. He didn’t need an architect or an interior designer; he trusted his instincts and his own unique style to bring this home to life. While he admits his personality can be somewhat “all over the place”, he has come to embrace his unpredictable nature. Through accepting and harnessing his authentic self he has been able to create beauty among the chaos, resulting in a home that is an honest reflection of himself.
Dion loves having people come to visit and stay on his property. Given that he travels so much for work, he loves knowing that other people can enjoy the space while he’s away. Much more than just a shipping container, Dion’s home is a world that he invites you to step into, even just for a day, so that you can see what he sees – through rad-coloured glasses.
“My personality is pretty all over the shop and quite eclectic. In my older age, it seems to be getting more and more out of control and unpredictable, but I think I enjoy the madness.”
Q&A with Dion
How has your life changed since living here?
My appreciation of nature has increased dramatically. I think it has always been something ingrained in me since I was a child, and that never leaves. But moving back and exploring the area has reignited that. It’s made me much more aware of the fragility of our natural environment. It has really pushed me to want to do more to help protect it.
What’s your favourite thing about living where you do?
The peace and quiet, the bush, the river and the beaches. Most of my family has moved back to the area now as well. It’s nice to have them close by when I’m back home. I love exploring the surrounding area and going on a lot of bushwalks. I think the peace and calm that comes from immersing yourself in this area is what I love the most.
What changes have you made to your home?
The property had an original three-bedroom cabin house, a really tidy little house that I painted black as soon as I moved in. It was originally green, orange and yellow. Then I built the CNTNR about two years ago using an old shipping container that had sat on the property for a while.
What are some of the challenges of living where you do?
It’s rather remote and living by myself can sometimes get challenging in the middle of winter. It’s a three-hour drive to the nearest city if you want to go and get amongst a bit more of a scene, eat at some amazing restaurants, see live music, etc, so I make my way there a bit. The roominess of the area can get tough sometimes but it’s also what makes it beautiful.
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