Mike Rivera felt love and first sight when he visited the land where his container van house now stands in Calamba, Laguna."Raw land. As in, it's farm, e. Farmland. As in no roads, no water, no electricity," Mike described in the Summit OG interview.Even though his house is in the middle of the farm, the view from the third-floor deck is a beautiful view of Mount Makiling.“But when I saw the place, when I saw the view, I fell in love.Wow, nice.I guess I seem to have found what I want. ”Before he decided to build a container van house at the foot of the mountain, "700 feet above sea level," Mike lived in Makati City.He said he does not wonder why, of their four siblings, three live in Calamba.“Between living there [city] and living here [Calamba], it's a world of difference.“Because it's hot there.Pure cement.Not fresh air, "he said of the city.“Unlike here, it's cold.So far away, and then super quiet. ”So they sold their properties in the city and Mike decided to live in the province as well.As early as 2014, Mike was already thinking of house design.He was then obsessed with container vans used to build housing.He studied it and made his own design.“It’s easier for him to do.I drew designs what I wanted, ”he said.His home was used by three container vans: one 40-footer for the high ceiling and two 20-footer for the two rooms.Apart from container vans, the house is made using glass and cement."I just really want the house to be small, eh."He explained that his total living area is 70 square meters, but the usable area has a total of 150-180 square meters, including the second and third floor decks and front deck.He also expanded the living room space, which can be turned into a dining area and sleeping area when there are guests.Mike declined to mention how much he spent on building his container van house."Basically, the same as building a regular house," he said."Your only advantage is that when a container van is used, construction is faster."In Mike's case, it took him a year because he added a lot.“But supposed to be only six to eight months, it's complete.That's how fast the house is built. ”Mike admitted that the maintenance of his house is also more expensive because the majority is made of steel.When it comes to electricity, Mike uses solar panels, which he also makes rain catchers.Excess rainwater flows straight into his water cistern.“Under him is my water cistern.Suppose, that is my water tank.So when the tank overflows, it will go to the cistern. ”He said he had requested a water line, but he still had to wait another year.Currently, he delivers water at a cost of PHP1,500 per delivery.Although there are still adjustments, Mike is said to be tired of the location of his house.It is said to be a “relaxing place” especially when he climbs on the third-floor deck and has a breathtaking view of Mount Makiling.For those who are inspired by his container van house, Mike advises, set aside the money for the right investment."If you dream and you have the resources, go for it," said Mike."You don't have to think twice, especially when buying properties — land, apart from the house."He said the value of land will continue to increase.If you don't like the house you are building, you can sell it.He reminded, "It pays to have a plan."We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on PEP.ph.By continued use, you agree to our privacy policy and accept our use of such cookies.Find out more here.