Hi, With the Internet and international shipping, getting samples of a tile you see on Houzz sent to you is a viable option. Then having it matched would be easier. Though. Come to think of it, is international shipping and ordering on line cheaper than custom manufacture? Look into both!

I've been designing with shipping containers since 2004. There are a lot of possibilities with this type of construction method. Shipping containers are durable, and provide all the structure you need. There are some modifications that need to be done once you cut openings and a foundation under them is a good idea for longevity. Depending on your location, there may be some hurdles to get over in regards to permitting with your municipality. In the United States, most will require that the plans are completed by an architect and a structural engineer licensed in your state. A great place for ideas is Fabprefab.com (http://www.fabprefab.com/fabfiles/containerbayhome.htm).

You can arrange the containers in any arrangement you can think of. They can stack up to 7 containers high. You can cantilever them. Think of them as giant LEGO blocks. Multiple levels will require structural calculations. So yes, you can arrange them in a semicircular plan.

Anita Vitrified tiles by themselves do not particularly allow the walls to breathe, and hence are prone to cracking. That being said they do not collect moss either. If you are however set on using these tiles, I suggest you use them in a mosaic fashion, where smaller tiles or broken pieces are used. This will allow the wall to breathe, though the moss collection might be more due to the greater amount of grating.