5 Stories We’re Loving This Week

The Oakland home of architect Stephen Shoup of building Lab inc. includes an attached office space for the firm’s staff built from a 3- by 6-foot shipping container.

10 Houses Made from Shipping Containers –> Gardenista

“Here in the West, we’ve been graced by the Cargotecture movement: architects designing homes out of shipping containers. It’s thrilling to see that the ultimate in upcycling is making the rounds worldwide. Gardenista’s roundup features some true gems, including a pop-up shipping container-cum-hotel that travels the globe according to demand. How cool is that?!” — Jessica Mordo, senior editor, Sunset.com 

The Last Quiet Places –> On Being

“In the busy-ness and chatter of everyday life, it’s a relief to retreat to a place (like Washington’s Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach) where you can tune in to the quality of nature’s silence—even if only in your head. These soundscapes help you remember how to listen closely and be fully present.” — Trina Enriquez, copy editor 

If We Didn’t Have California, What Would We Eat? –> Slate

“When I lived in the Midwest, this very question—what would we eat if we couldn’t get food from California?–propelled me to the farmers’ market. Now that I live here, I eat my citrus and my broccoli guilt-free.” — Joanna Linberg, home editor 

The Best Airstream Rentals for Glampers, Urbanites, and Road-Trippers –> Pop Sugar Home

“Are you lured by the romance of an Airstream vacation, but admit to feeling dubious about the potential lack of amenities? Fear not. Pop Sugar Home has found Airstream holidays that are heavy on R&R and comfort, whether you want a charming base camp for exploring a scenic region or want to hit the open road.” — Jessica Mordo, senior editor, Sunset.com 

Two New Jazz Albums Recall The Wide Open Spaces of The West –> NPR’s Fresh Air

“Portland, Ore. tenor saxophonist Rich Halley’s quartet album Crossing the Passes on his Pine Eagle label commemorates a week-long trek over the Wallowa mountain range in Northeast Oregon.”  — Peter Fish, editor-at-large