Conversion of Shipping Containers into Homes

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Abstract

There is the latest trend: Shipping container homes. Many Architects, Constructors, and Engineers have actually found a way to convert and re-purpose used shipping containers and join them together to build fine-looking and fully functional homes. With proper planning, you can be able to build a comfortable house for half the budget of a normal house. In this article, we will discuss the conversion of shipping containers into homes.

Introduction

Shipping container architecture is also referred to as “cargotecture” that uses shipping containers as structural elements. Many Engineers and Designers, by using their clever engineering work, has found a way to transform shipping containers into well-furnished and luxurious houses. Many families deciding to opt for small houses as a more reasonable and more supportable alternative to a normal house. The conversion of shipping containers into small houses is an ideal approach, and people can re-purpose used shipping containers and stick them to build a tiny house for their residence.

Base cost to build per Container

There are two regular sizes of shipping containers.

1. Size: 20x8x8 ft. covers a surface of 160 sq. ft.
2. Size: 40x8x8 covers a surface of 320 sq. ft.

The cost for the used container of 20 square ft. is between $1,500 and $3,000, whereas the cost for the 40 square ft. container is between $3,500 and $4,500. Along with this budget, you will also require to pay the cost for labor (around $75-$150 per hour) and for the variations and adjustments needed to make the container comfortable and livable. There are some ready-made shipping container houses. They can be sold at comparatively low prices i.e. $15,000. The cost for the big, lavish, and comfortable houses is significantly high (more than $250,000).

Re-using Shipping Containers

The idea of converting the shipping container into the home had evolved over 10 years ago. Peter DeMaria fabricated the first shipping container home in the United States (US). So, despite the fact that shipping container homes look like a trend, it has essentially been an incredible path for carriers and container yards to dispose of used containers. The outstanding way to recycle these used containers is to sell them so they might be refabricated and transformed into warm and comfortable homes.

Types of Shipping Containers

There are two different types of containers:

1. High Cube Container.
2. Regular Container.

High Cube Container

High Cube Containers is an expensive type of container. They are a foot taller than regular containers and are harder to find. They are perfect for those people who want high roofs, stairs, or extra illumination, but they are costly during construction.

Regular Containers

 Regular Containers are the most common type and can be 20 ft. or 40 ft. long and are the most common containers in ocean freight. They are frequently used for the transportation of Less Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL) shipments so they are easier to find as compared to High Cube Containers.

How Architects and Engineers help convert Shipping Containers into homes

To design a warm and cozy house by recycling used shipping containers is an ideal approach for those families who can’t afford to purchase regular houses. Here, we will discuss the services of architects and engineers.

• Discover the Construction Rules

The foremost step is to take permission from the local government because it is not allowed to design the structure of a home or a building wherever you like. It is mandatory to follow the construction rules with the local building codes.

• Put Together a Design

There are two types of shipping containers i.e. High Cube Containers and Regular Containers. The typical Shipping containers are usually 20 ft. or 40 ft. long with a standard height of 8 ft., whereas High Cube Containers have a standard height of 9 ft.

By considering the above factors, Designers can design a rough sketch of all the gathered information. The next step is to draw a sketch by using different software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit to elucidate your ideas.

• Establish a Solid Base

It is compulsory to develop a robust, solid foundation for building a structure. Without a strong and well-established base, the whole structure will break down.

• Develop a Tough Skeleton

Once they established a solid base, the next significant step is to build a tough skeleton to guarantee that the home is capable to deal with most natural calamities and nasty climates.

 Final Texture

The final step is to apply the proper finishing texture to make the container house weather-proof. Dampness and heavy rain can make metal rust so the container must be adequately covered or coated. Additionally, insulators or other suitable resources need to be fitted in the interior of the shipping container home so that you can be able to live a luxurious life when the climate gets challenging.

Why Shipping Containers are Preferable for Tiny Houses?

Shipping Container homes are perfect for those people who want to have a tiny house. They are more durable as they are constructed to protect the load or cargo that they carry when traveling across the ocean. They are relatively inexpensive and affordable than regular houses. In comparison to regular houses, the biggest advantage of container houses is they can be transported easily from place to place.

Conclusion

By concluding this article, the transformation of used shipping containers into tiny houses is an ideal approach. By utilizing their bit clever engineering, architects and engineers have made it possible to recycle old containers and convert them into luxurious and cozy homes that are available.