An introduction to steel structure container houses
A steel container house is any dwelling built from shipping containers, but the resulting structures can be very diverse. Some using these compact spaces as small, self-contained units, others combine containers to build larger homes, removing walls to create more spacious interiors, as well as using traditional building methods to add exterior cladding and/ or insulation aswell as extra rooms. Here are some points regarding container buildings.
Contents |
[edit] Where to buy containers
If you buy a brand new empty container, it is likely to come from a Chinese manufacturer; the Chinese company CIMC produces around 82% of the world's steel containers. A used container is a more environmentally friendly and budget-friendly option. Take note of the different certifications, as some are certified to be able to ship goods overseas, while more stringent certifications specify containers that are wind and water resistant.
[edit] Advantages of containers
[edit] Container sustainability
Reusable and safe containers are a good example of construction using recycled materials, and container houses can also encourage a smaller footprint and reduce the use of other building materials such as timber and masonry. Homeowners who are open to alternative living spaces such as container homes often use other environmentally friendly elements such as solar panels, wind power, water recycling systems and rainwater harvesting systems.
[edit] Affordability
Shipping container homes are not always cheaper to build than traditional timber-frame homes, but they can be. There are many variables that affect the cost of a project, such as location, size, design, interior decoration and climate.
Containers come with flat metal roofs, exterior walls and a metal frame that doubles as a foundation - elements that are often referred to as potential cost savings. However transportation costs can be higher as they ae large units, as well as the need for insulation and interior decoration. If you want an already built container house, then the smallest, most basic unit can cost as little as $30,000.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
OpenUSD possibilities: Look before you leap
Being ready for the OpenUSD solutions set to transform architecture and design.
Global Asbestos Awareness Week 2025
Highlighting the continuing threat to trades persons.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Now available in Arabic and Chinese aswell as English.
The context, schemes, standards, roles and relevance of the Building Safety Act.
Retrofit 25 – What's Stopping Us?
Exhibition Opens at The Building Centre.
Types of work to existing buildings
A simple circular economy wiki breakdown with further links.
A threat to the creativity that makes London special.
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
The smart construction dashboard, as-built data and site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill
An outline of the bill with a mix of reactions on potential impacts from IHBC, CIEEM, CIC, ACE and EIC.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.