Prince Road Container House

After Hurricane Irma uprooted a massive oak tree that destroyed the house that stood at 1369 Prince Road, the owner, a former art gallery owner and visual artist, embarked on what became a nearly three-year journey to build a new house out of shipping containers.

Designed by the owner Los Angeles native  Rob DePiazza and Gainesville architect Stephen Bender, the house was constructed out of nine containers, six of which are living spaces with two for a workshop/garage and a tilted container as an architectural element.

As a former gallerist and art collector, DePiazza contracted Cane, a Barcelona-based artist and friend, to paint a massive mural depicting that fateful day when Hurricane Irma destroyed his home. The hurricane appears as a blindfolded, pink-haired figure making the sign language symbol for “I Love You.” 

Flying bananas, a candle-wielding alligator, and the snake from the garden of Eden all make an appearance in the mural. As compelling as the exterior is, the interior is even more interesting with art-covered walls, mid-century furniture, a working 1950s era jukebox and television, along with a collection of kooky lamps and ephemera. If you catch the long-haired owner outside he may offer an impromptu tour of the house.