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Container houses have become a popular alternative to traditional housing due to their affordability, sustainability, and versatility. They are constructed using shipping containers or prefabricated container modules, which can be customized to meet various needs and preferences.
This article will explore four main types of container houses: expandable prefab container houses, modular container homes, converted shipping containers, and flat pack container houses.
Expandable prefab container house are a type of residence that arrives at your location in a compact, shipping-container-sized form. The central section of this container house contains all the necessary components to unfold two expandable sections on either side, effectively tripling the available living space.
Space Efficiency: Expands to create more living or working space as needed.
Quick Assembly: Prefabricated components allow for faster setup.
Customizable: Can be tailored to specific needs and preferences.
Mobility: Often designed to be relocated easily
Complexity: Expansion mechanisms can complicate design and construction.
Cost: May be more expensive due to the engineering required for expandability.
Durability: Moving parts might require maintenance and could be less durable over time.
These expandable units provide exceptional value for their size. Typically available in lengths ranging from 20 to 40 feet, they offer floor plans ranging from 36 to 72 square meters. They come equipped with essential amenities such as a kitchen, bathroom, and two bedrooms, making them ideal for small families.
Constructed with a heavy-duty steel frame and walls made of steel plates combined with PU sandwich panels, these units are robust and durable. They are delivered with pre-installed electrical systems, lighting, plumbing, double-glazed windows, and a double sliding glass front door.
Modular container homes offer a flexible housing solution tailored to individual needs. They are constructed using multiple container modules assembled to create a larger, cohesive structure. These structures are usually built using PU or EPS sandwich panels and a galvanized steel frame, allowing for customization and scalability.
Quick Construction: Pre-manufactured modules can be assembled quickly on-site.
Flexibility: Easy to configure different layouts and designs.
Energy Efficiency: Often built with energy-efficient materials and practices.
Initial Cost: Higher upfront costs compared to traditional homes.
Transportation Challenges: Moving large modules can be logistically complicated.
Limited Customization: Depending on the manufacturer, customization options might be restricted.
One of the key advantages of these modular container homes is their ability to connect at any edge, enabling the expansion of the living space as desired. The interior layout is also adaptable, with the option to add or remove walls and rooms. Customization levels range from basic empty containers to luxurious fully-equipped spaces featuring premium finishes like tiled floors and high-end bathrooms and kitchens.
A standard modular unit typically measures 20 feet in length, providing approximately 14.2 square meters of usable space. This compact design makes them an attractive option for tiny home enthusiasts, offering affordability and versatility. Despite their small footprint, these units can comfortably accommodate essential living areas, including a bathroom, kitchen, dining area, and sleeping space, as demonstrated by numerous previous installations.
Converted shipping containers repurpose steel freight containers into habitable spaces. This type of container house is popular for its sustainability and cost-effectiveness. The robust structures are composed entirely of corrugated steel, resulting in a significantly heavier construction compared to alternative housing options.
Sustainability: Repurposes existing materials, reducing waste.
Affordability: Can be cheaper than building from scratch if containers are sourced well.
Durability: Built to withstand harsh conditions, providing strong structural integrity.
Insulation Issues: Containers can be difficult to insulate effectively.
Regulatory Hurdles: Zoning laws and building codes may complicate conversions.
Limited Space: Typically smaller than traditional homes, which can limit functionality.
Transforming these containers into living spaces requires extensive modifications. This process typically involves carefully measuring and cutting openings for windows and doors, installing insulation in floors, walls, and ceilings, and adding interior paneling. In some cases, walls may need to be cut to connect multiple units. Additional steps include weather sealing and potentially numerous other alterations to make the space suitable for living.
The conversion process shares similarities with custom container home construction, demanding considerable preparation time and specialized building knowledge. Given the complexity of the project, it may be advisable to consider hiring a team of experts to handle the conversion.
Flat pack container houses utilize standard 20-foot shipping containers and are designed for easy transport and assembly. These structures incorporate corner fittings that comply with ISO standards, ensuring stability during shipping. Their modular design allows for quick on-site assembly, making them an attractive option for various applications.
Easy Transport: Can be shipped flat-packed for easier transportation.
Quick Assembly: Designed for rapid construction, reducing time on-site.
Modularity: Can be combined with other units to create larger spaces.
Initial Setup: Requires careful planning and assembly to ensure stability and functionality.
Less Robust: May lack the same durability as fully assembled containers or traditional homes.
Cost Variability: Price can vary widely based on customization and materials used.
The construction process involves the production company fabricating the main components, including the top and bottom corner posts, windows, doors, and insulation panels. These elements are designed to fit together seamlessly, using the bottom as a load-bearing mechanism and the top as a protective cover. However, the assembly of flat pack container houses requires careful consideration of the waterway system, which must be designed and installed on-site. When multiple flat-pack units are combined, it becomes essential to address the waterproofing of joints and implement a unique drainage mechanism to prevent water ingress.
Electrical systems are typically arranged along the top and sides of the structure, with outlets and switches placed strategically on the walls. This design minimizes the need for extensive wall modifications, although the plug-in connection frame structure may result in reduced overall strength compared to traditional container homes.
Due to these characteristics, flat pack container houses are best suited for regions with less rain and fewer natural disasters, making them an excellent choice for temporary housing, remote work sites, or as affordable housing solutions.
Container houses offer a versatile and sustainable alternative to traditional housing. Whether you need a temporary shelter, a remote living space, or a customized luxury home, there is a container house type to suit your needs. By understanding the different types of container houses, you can make an informed decision that best meets your requirements and lifestyle.
