But... This homeowner, Patrick Bradley, is an architect. He probably liked spending inordinate amounts of time figuring out the most effective and beautiful details. Is a shipping container home the right choice for a normal homeowner?
Sustainability. By reusing old shipping containers, you're giving a huge box of metal a brand new life.
Cost. Shipping container homes can be affordable. Based on the case studies I've read, if you keep the design VERY simple, you'll save some money compared to normal construction. Many container homes are comprised of a simple foundation, one or two containers, a thick layer of paint, and some insulation. These are the bargain buildings.
Security. If you're like this guy and are thinking of a container for your vacation home, it can provide a superior level of security. The walls are almost impenetrable and you can keep the metal doors!
Weather Resistance. These containers are built to withstand weather on the high seas. Standing alone, it can handle 100 mph winds. Attached to the ground it can handle 175 mph. This thing can withstand hurricanes, tornados, or earthquakes. They're perfect for storm shelters.
Movability. If you bolt (rather than weld) your container to the ground, you can move it! Obviously this is only possible with homes where each separate container is relatively intact.
Architectural Statement. Shipping containers alone are pretty ugly. But seeing them repurposed as homes can be strikingly beautiful. If nothing else, they certainly draw people's attention. (Don't worry, I'll show you some gorgeous container homes in my next article.)
Un-Sustainability. Some homeowners opt for brand new containers rather than reusing older ones. This means that containers are being manufactured to be "reused" as homes. It has way more metal than normal home requires and it's probably structurally reinforced in all the wrong places. That's some serious waste.
Cost. Container homes can get expensive quickly. If you want any unusual finishes or a building that resembles a traditional home, you're not going to save much money. THE CONTAINER ONLY PROVIDES THE STRUCTURE. You still need a foundation, interior walls and finishes, structural reinforcing where there are holes in the container, and a roof to keep the sun off the metal.... You might save some money if you DIY like this guy. But even he admits that shipping containers aren't all they're cracked up to be.
Building Codes. Local building departments will be wary of this project. It's unique, you can't blame them! It will likely require extensive communication with your building officials as well as extensive documentation of the proposed plan.
Restrictive Sizing. The most popular containers are only 8' (2.43m) wide. They are 20' (6.06m) or 40' (12.19m) long. You can buy a standard height cube of 8'-6" (2.39m) or "high cube" of 9'-6" (2.69m) on the inside. NOT a lot of options for sizing. Most designers should find these restrictions a fun exercise in modular design. But make no mistake, it will be challenging for the designer to come up with a floor plan that fulfills the homeowner's program like a normal house could.
Restrictive Structure. Containers are structurally supported by their long sides. Meaning, if you want to cut into that, you have to add structure elsewhere. All of a sudden construction is getting more cumbersome.
Metal Walls Don't Like Cold... or Hot. Insulation is a huge factor when you have metal walls. Additionally, very cold climates make the walls cry. Literally, they form condensation! Many container homes build a substructure inside the container to hold insulation as well as utilities (plumbing, electric, gas). This is getting more expensive by the bullet point...
Scarcity of Builders. Have you ever tried to find a smart, capable, trustworthy contractor for a normal home? It's tough and time consuming. Now imagine doing that for a very unusual type of construction. THAT's gonna be a huge pain in the A!
You could always use specialty builders like Tim Steele Design. I don't think it's cheap but it will be quick and easy. (This video is only 3 minutes long and it's SUPER cool.)
Nov. 27,
Container homes are residences crafted from steel shipping containers commonly spotted transporting goods via trains, trucks, and ships. These robust containers serve as the building blocks for homes of varying dimensions and configurations.
Typically offered in sizes of 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft, these shipping containers offer diverse options for home construction. Even the smallest container, with roughly 100 square feet of floor space, can form the foundation of a shipping container home. Larger structures can be fashioned by combining eight or more containers, resulting in two-story houses encompassing approximately square feet. On a larger scale, assembling numerous container units can create expansive apartment buildings, comprising numerous micro-apartments.
The utilization of shipping containers in constructing homes, studios, cabins, and offices stems from several reasons. Primarily, the abundance of approximately 14 million 'out-of-service' containers worldwide presents a surplus of available materials. Additionally, the appeal of working with large blocks contributes to their popularity.
Beyond their trendy allure, the interest in container homes aligns with a broader inclination toward cost-effective solutions via prefabricated and modular housing. Prospective homeowners seek reduced construction and maintenance expenses. Moreover, there's a perception that these container-based homes contribute to recycling efforts, adding an environmental facet to their appeal.
Could a container home be a good choice for you? Here are some pros and cons to consider.
With competitive price and timely delivery, Xindian Construction sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
Numerous shipping container houses are available as prefabricated modular structures, reducing construction time significantly. Some companies promise delivery within just 10 weeks! The majority of building code inspections are conducted at the factory, streamlining and expediting the process. If designing a custom home or embarking on a DIY project, utilizing a container provides a prebuilt structure, adding an enjoyable element to the process.
A global system facilitates the movement of containers worldwide. Upon arrival at the site, placing them onto a prepared foundation is relatively straightforward.
Most work is completed within a fixed price framework on the factory floor. Costs mainly revolve around delivery, site preparation, foundation, assembly, and utility connections, making them fairly predictable. However, it's worth noting that while container homes might not always be cheaper, estimated savings can vary, typically ranging from 5-10%, depending on the comparison.
The environmental allure of container homes lies in repurposing leftover shipping industry products to create residences. While this concept holds merit, it doesn't universally apply or signify the ideal choice in all cases.
Some advantages, such as reduced construction time and predictable pricing, are common among all prefabricated and modular homes, not solely limited to those using shipping containers. Nevertheless, container homes uniquely benefit from the global infrastructure designed for container transportation. Even skeptics acknowledge their usefulness in areas lacking local building expertise or for easily transportable emergency shelters. Here, the adaptability of container transport stands out as a significant advantage.
Container homes are often promoted as environmentally friendly due to their use of used containers, presenting an avenue for conserving metal resources. With numerous old shipping containers available, no longer in active circulation, repurposing them for homes holds significant appeal. However, is a container home truly the most sustainable use of these containers? Many argue otherwise.
Most factory-built container homes are constructed from 'one-use' containers that have only been used for a single trip. These containers, typically in good condition without dents or rust, are favored for building purposes. Yet, taking containers with extensive shipping life out of service after just one use doesn't constitute effective recycling. Moreover, a single container holds more steel than required to construct a house. If recycled as steel, it could yield enough material to create steel studs for 14 similarly sized framed houses.
While shipping containers boast strength at their corners, their roofs often lack comparable durability, necessitating additional roofing, particularly in snowy regions. The corrugated steel walls play a crucial role in structural integrity. Any sizable cutouts for windows or doors demand new reinforcement. When containers are stacked to create larger homes, welding (an expensive process) is necessary for reinforcement at junctions that aren't corners. Subsequent renovations often call for significant engineering and welding work.
Is it possible to add a roof to a shipping container home? While these containers are structurally reinforced at their corners, the existing roof might lack the necessary strength to support weight, especially against weather conditions. Individuals seeking container homes capable of withstanding external elements should consider the viability of adding a roof. Apart from functionality, a roof can enhance the visual and architectural appeal commonly seen in North American homes. Various roof styles can be incorporated into a shipping container home, with flat roofs, pitched roofs, roof terraces, and living roofs being the most prevalent options.
Flat roofs, known for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness in construction, are relatively quick to build but may require higher maintenance costs. Ensuring proper drainage by incorporating a slight pitch is crucial to manage rainfall.
Living roofs, also referred to as green roofs, feature planted vegetation. These roofs offer both aesthetic charm and natural benefits like insulation and cooling.
Pitched roofs, characterized by a downward slope, are prevalent in areas with heavy rainfall or snow. Examples include gables, hip, mansard, gambrel, and skillion roofs.
Roof terraces, creative flat spaces constructed atop the roof, expand usable or occupiable space. They often serve as small outdoor gardens or areas for dining and relaxation.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Expandable Container House Manufacturers. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.