What's Wrong With Shipping Container Housing? One ...

Shipping containers have become so popular that in Denmark, they are even being displayed in glass cases. My relationship with shipping containers started early, around the age of ten, when my dad entered the container business. Back then, they were manufactured in the USA and Canada and were quite costly; the idea of living in one was far-fetched. Occasionally, we would receive photos of shipping containers in Africa that had fallen off trucks and been transformed with windows and doors.

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 Lloyd Alter

During my university days, I designed a summer camp that unfolded from a forty-foot container. This was fun because an empty container is impractical for living; the dimensions are unsuitable for people, the flooring is treated with insecticides, and the industrial-grade paints are meant to last ten years at sea. Although I considered a career centered around containers, I instead ventured into modular construction and tiny homes, which also turned out to be less successful.

The Issue With Shipping Container Housing

The fundamental problem with housing isn’t always technology. Watching various shipping container schemes, I pondered whether Shipping Container Architecture makes sense. Architect Mark Hogan from OpenScope Studio, in response to an architectural competition, posed his own questions.

Mark has hands-on experience, having successfully completed a container project. He notes, "For sites where on-site construction isn't feasible or desirable, fitting a container out in the factory can be a sensible option." But is it suitable for housing? On his website, Mark presents compelling points. Here are some of his most interesting insights.

Shipping Containers Have Structural Problems

Housing is usually not a technology problem. All parts of the world have vernacular housing, and it usually works quite well for the local climate. There are certainly places with material shortages, or situations where factory-built housing might be appropriate- especially in post-disaster recovery. In this case, prefab buildings make sense- but using containers does not.

The real genius of shipping containers is in the handling systems—ships, cranes, trucks, and trains are all designed for them. Shipping containers are excellent for fast delivery after a disaster, but they have fundamental issues when used for housing: width, insufficient insulation, and structural concerns.

 Ganti & Associates

You’ve seen the proposals with cantilevers and containers stacked like Lego blocks or arranged perpendicularly. Architects love this, often using phrases like "kit of parts." The problem begins when containers aren't stacked on their corners. The built-in structure needs heavy steel reinforcing. The top rails and roof are not structural (the roof is light gauge steel and dents easily). Opening the walls causes structural deflection, necessitating expensive reinforcement. This is the only way to build a "double-wide."

They Present Challenges for Utilities

Another important point to consider:

In a large building, you'll need ample space for utilities. The insulation problems mean a robust HVAC system is necessary for heating and cooling. Maintaining the container aesthetic prevents passive strategies like thermal mass. Additionally, high cube containers are 9-’6” (2.9 m) in height, so any ductwork or utilities encroach on headroom.

OpenScope Studio

They Waste Space

Lastly, Mark addresses recycling. I examined the Upcycle House project, which aimed to be the first house built exclusively from upcycled materials. I calculated whether using two shipping containers was the highest and best use:

An empty 40' shipping container weighs 8,380 pounds. A galvanized steel stud weighs a pound per linear foot. These two containers, melted down, could be upcycled into 2,095 8' long steel studs. To frame the walls, you'd need about 144 of these. Using containers as structural elements for a single-story building is downcycling and wastes a resource.

There’s more steel in a shipping container than necessary for a building. It's designed to be stacked high and withstand oceanic and terrestrial transport. Using it in a house is wasteful. Mark also notes that constructing a house without welding and crane rental can be faster and cheaper.

Relatively untrained individuals can construct a room with wood framing in a day without needing a crane or welding skills, at a similar or lower cost than a used container.

Shipping Containers Don't Make Good Homes

Don’t get me wrong; shipping container architecture that is movable and utilizes existing infrastructure is fantastic, especially for temporary or emergency uses. However, it doesn’t make good housing. I agree with Mark that it doesn’t serve well for permanent living solutions.

There are many factors to consider when deciding to live in a shipping container home. They offer benefits such as cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and quick construction. However, they can also be cramped, uncomfortable, and may not comply with local building codes.

So, what’s the verdict? Are shipping container homes suitable for you? Let's examine the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of Living in a Shipping Container Home:

1. They’re Inexpensive

One of the biggest advantages is their relative affordability. Compared to traditional homes, shipping container homes cost a fraction due to recycled materials and possible DIY construction.

2. They’re Eco-Friendly

Shipping container homes are also eco-friendly. They use recycled materials, which means a smaller carbon footprint. They can also be outfitted with green features like solar panels.

3. They Can Be Built Quickly

These homes can be constructed quickly since materials are pre-fabricated and only need assembly on-site. This is an excellent option for those seeking a fast and affordable home-building solution.

Cons of Living in a Shipping Container Home:

1. They Can Be Cramped and Uncomfortable

Shipping container homes can be narrow, leading to a claustrophobic feeling. Metal walls can also make them hot in summer and cold in winter, affecting comfort.

2. They Might Not Be Up to Code

Due to their newness in the construction world, clear guidelines may be lacking, which can result in non-compliance with local building codes. Ensure your home meets local regulations before committing.

3. They Might Not Appreciate in Value

The long-term value of shipping container homes is uncertain. They might not increase in value like traditional homes, so consider this factor in your decision-making process.

If you’re contemplating living in a shipping container home, weigh these pros and cons carefully.

Contact Us for Expert Advice to Make an Informed Decision

At Port Shipping Containers, we have extensive experience in modifying shipping containers for various purposes, including accommodation. Container homes can be built in various sizes, configurations, and finishes, from cozy cottages to luxurious modern homes.

Our team can help you maximize the benefits and mitigate the drawbacks of living in a shipping container home. Contact us to discuss your project ideas and requirements.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Foldable Shipping Container Home. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.