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Container house: How to build a house from a shipping container?
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Have you been thinking about your own home for some time, but a classic house or apartment is out of your budget? Shipping containers have been gaining increasing popularity in recent years as an unconventional, yet relatively inexpensive housing option. A shipping container house is a modern solution that stands out for its quick construction, lower costs, and original design.
However, keep in mind that even such a house requires thorough construction planning, permits, and thoughtful solutions. In the following lines, we will look at how to build a house from a shipping container step by step – from choosing a container to the final interior finishing.
A house from a shipping container and why choose it?
The main advantage of shipping containers is their durability, robustness, and the fact that they are designed for extreme conditions. Thanks to this, they can last approximately 50 to 60 years, and their lifespan can be compared, for example, to cheaper wooden buildings.
Another advantage is the speed of construction – a container house can be completed within a few weeks to months. Various buildings can be created from them, from simple to multi-storey. You can use classic roofs or green roofs. By using discarded shipping containers, you can contribute to environmental protection.
Planning and project of a container house
At the beginning of the whole processyou need a suitable plot. As everywhere, the same rules apply here as for classic construction. The plot must be intended for construction, you must haveaccess to utilities (electricity, water and sewage) or at least the possibility of their future connection (e.g. a construction project). Do you have a plot of land that you need to level? Read our article – How to level a plot of land? Flat, sloping and bumpy.
If you are planning to live permanently in a shipping container,you will need a building permit. A container house is still a building, even if it is not brick, it will definitely be firmly connected (anchored) to the ground. Prepare a project, have it checked and approved by a designer, and then submit it to the building authority. The latter will then issue a building permit and you can get to work.
If you are considering alternatives to using a container in other ways, read the article – Shipping containers as garages? We have an alternative for you.. If it is a small recreational facility up to 25 m², sometimes a minor construction report is sufficient, but it is better to check directly with the building office.
How to choose the right container and what to look out for?
The most commonly used are ISO ship containers, which are 6 meters wide, 12 meters long and 2.59 m high (standard) or 2.90 m (so-called High Cube).They are made of very strong steel, which must withstand extreme conditions at sea. If you want to create a comfortable and designer home, you should use approximately 5 shipping containers. By combining them, you will get more space and greater comfort. Be sure to focus on containers in good technical condition, ideally without rust or various deformations.
The standard price of one shipping container ranges from €2,500 to €5,000 depending on the condition and size. However, let’s look at the price of individual items, if we take into account that you are building a 4-room house for a 4-member family with a division into different zones (day/night).
How much does a shipping container house cost?
- 1 pc ship container: 2500 – 5000 € (5 pcs: 15,000 – 25,000 €)
- Foundations, installation and connection of containers: 7000 – 12,000 €
- Thermal insulation, electrical installation, water, sewage, heating: €15,000 – €25,000
- External facade, internal walls, floors, windows, doors and roof: €25,000 – €30,000
- Furniture, kitchen, bathroom and overall interior equipment: €15,000 – €20,000
The price of a container housecan range between €67,000 and €112,000,depending on whether you build it yourself or use the services of a turnkey contractor, and also depending on the chosen standard.
Container house construction, interior and design
Just like a regular house, a ship container needs strong and stable foundations. The most commonly used are concrete feet or strips, which evenly distribute the weight and ensure ventilation of the bottom.
Then comes the cutting of openings for windows and doors, insulation (mineral wool, sprayed PUR foam), external facade, electrical installation, water distribution and sewage. Insulation is a particularly important point when it is necessary to think aboutthermal bridge. Container steel conducts both heat and cold well. Without good insulation, you would lose heat in the winter and, conversely, the interior would overheat during the heat.
There are no limits to the interior, and especially the design, of a container house. Whether you prefer industrial style, cozy wooden living – everything is possible. It is important to use space wisely – use folding solutions, sliding doors, multi-level beds and custom-made furniture.
Container house – Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Fast construction– Much faster than a classic brick house, especially if you use ready-made modules and have everything planned.
- Lower construction costs– The material is much cheaper, it is a ready-made structure that is just adapted, no brickwork and complex concreting work.
- A more environmentally friendly solution– The containers used are a secondary material that would end up as waste. If you create a green roof, install solar panels, a heat pump, you will create very eco-friendly and sustainable housing.
- Flexible design– The containers can be connected, stacked next to each other, on top of each other (maximum 7 – 8 floors) and in various shapes (L, U, puzzle). Thanks to this, you can design a floor plan that suits you and if you need more space – simply add another container.
Disadvantages
- High-quality insulation required – Steel conducts both heat and cold, so investing in proper insulation should be a top priority. Don’t forget about vapor barrier and ventilation gaps, as condensation can occur.
- Sound insulation – The walls of the container are thin and without additional insulation every sound can be heard, you should invest in high-quality sound insulation.
- Higher demands on assembly precision – Although containers appear like modular building blocks, connecting them, cutting holes and ensuring statics requires extremely precise professional work. Errors in welds or crooked joints can cause problems with stability or leakage.
- Official permits and project documentation – Even though it is a modular building, it still falls under the Building Act. This means that you need a project, a static assessment, a building permit and often also permits for connection to engineering networks.
Conclusion
A house made of shipping containercan be an interesting way to fulfill your dream of owning your own home. However, it is important to plan, consult, and not skimp on important things (e.g. insulation, electrical installation). If you are looking for an unconventional project and want to customize your home, a container house may be the right choice! You can find more solutions at hagro.sk.
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