In recent years we witnessed a growing trend of making houses out of shipping containers. These are strong structures made to withstand shipment, storage and handling. Shipping container used for housing are usually intermodal containers made out of steel, with plywood floors and they are 20 ft long, 8 ft wide and 8ft 6 in high. There are also longer versions that are twice as long (40 ft). These containers can be used in both rail and maritime transport.
In recent years container architecture is taking world by storm. The surplus of these steel boxes comes from the deficit of manufactured goods and they are one of the best recycled elements that can be used in construction. These have been extremely popular among innovative green building circles and they are used for making everything from vacation cabins to schools and skyscrapers.
Here are some of the prime benefits of using shipping containers in construction:
-
Availability- There are lot of retailers who sell or rent these containers. In Australia Kookaburra Shipping Containers is one of the biggest firms in that industry.
-
Strength- Since these cuboid steel boxes are strong enough to withhold all the maritime and rail transport, becoming a foundation of a home is going to be a piece of cake.
-
Durability- Containers are almost indestructible. There are containers that travel all around the world by boats and rail, for several decades and as the house foundations they can last even longer.
-
Cost- Deficit of manufactured goods made these boxes totally inexpensive. At the moment, there are containers that can be bought for as low as $900. Price varies depending on the state of the container.
Things to Have in Mind When Building Container House
Choosing the Right Container
The most important preparation for this construction adventure is buying one or a few containers that fit buyers needs. Companies should always let customers see the state in which containers are, before the purchase. One-trip containers are little bit more expensive, but sometimes they are more cost-effective, since these are much less used and they are in better state than regular ones.
Permits, Regulations and Hiring
Before starting any kind of construction works it is important to check local building regulations and rules and standards for containers construction in the country where the building is taking place. Owner should acquire all necessary permits for the future house. Good contractor can help a lot in this process and that’s why it’s important to choose the construction firm with good references. Owners can also choose multiple contractors; one can prepare and modify the containers, while the other can finish out the interior…
Cutting Holes
Open container houses have been exceptionally popular these days, mostly because their great look and more airflow. Structural integrity of container is very important in this kind of construction. Long walls are usually load barring and bracing and all holes that are cut in these, should be properly compensated.
Proper Insulation
Containers are simple steel structures and they are not made for housing, but for transporting goods across seas and wastelands. To make them appropriate for lodging containers need to be properly insulated. For this task owners can use different kinds of materials that go from fiberglass, to foam, cardboard, mineral wool etc.
Bottom Line
Decision to build your house, cabin or a shed with using containers, shouldn’t be driven only by financial reasons. Containers are certainly cheap, but they need lots of investments to become comfortable as a regular houses. Price differences in this case can be used for better adaptation and installing better quality windows, doors, insulation, pipes etc. This way for the price of a regular house you’ll get a top class cuboid-shaped villa.
