20 types of structures for business from a sea container

Most people associate container houses with a simple change house, a temporary country home. In fact, buildings can amaze with their unusual appearance, which directly depends on a correctly drawn up project and design concept. This type of construction has been actively used in European and American countries for several decades. In the post-Soviet space it is just beginning to gain momentum.

Multi-room, multi-story buildings can be built from reusable containers designed for storing and transporting various items. In conditions of constant growth in real estate prices, this option will become a worthy alternative to standard buildings built from familiar materials. With minimal expenditure of money on construction work, you can get a functional, comfortable, cozy residential building.

History - how long ago did container buildings appear?

Containers became popular after World War II. The first models, which could be transferred from vehicles to rail or sea without loading/unloading contents, were developed in the 1950s by Malcolm McLean. A trial shipment was carried out in April 1956, after which the container revolution began. It is unlikely that the entrepreneur imagined that his invention would be used as a home.

When and under what circumstances these structures began to be used for the construction of a residential building is impossible to determine; the founder is unknown. The first mention of the possibility of using products as temporary housing is found in the archives of the US Army, in a document from 1977. Later, in 1987, Philip Clarke applied for a patent, the American architect proposed to build housing from reusable containers.

However, Adam Kalkin popularized this type of construction and became the father of container architecture. He is one of the most orthodox practitioners of architecture and a self-described artist. A graduate of England's Vassar College, he studied architectural art in London. He began working with containers in 1992 in New Jersey, USA, and subsequently founded his own company and became known throughout the world.

Features of container houses

Anyone can build a structure from modules; this does not even require special education. It is enough to study the topic well and understand the technology. Containers provide endless possibilities for creating interesting projects. The finished structure has a block structure and can be welded or collapsible (transformable). Each element is replaceable, which is impossible to imagine in a standard house.

Container buildings can be used seasonally and year-round. When constructing temporary housing, no documents are required. For permanent residential buildings, you will have to obtain a construction permit.

Construction made from reusable containers is also called semi-finished housing. During construction, different blocks are selected according to the created sketch, from which the structure is formed. In a cottage built from separate parts, window and door openings are cut out, electricity, plumbing communications, gas are supplied to it, for which you also need to obtain permission from the relevant service, or use gas cylinders.

The main feature of any buildings made of this material is the fixed, rectangular size of the rooms. If the length can be adjusted by cutting the elements into individual components, then the value of the height and width is unchanged. Of course, using different sized models in your work, it is easy to achieve a good result, but their variety is small. And when constructing a permanent home, you will have to use only options that correspond in size to the current SNiPs and GOSTs, otherwise the project will not be registered with the BTI.

Advantages and disadvantages

Houses built from marine or cargo reusable containers are characterized by a number of significant advantages. One of the main advantages is the relatively low cost. For little money you can purchase a ready-made block that will become a small house, a separate room, or a floor. The building also has the following positive characteristics:

1. Strength. Thanks to this quality, they are used in seismically dangerous areas, in places where hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters are observed.
2. Light weight. The weight of the product is insignificant, so installation does not require a capital foundation.
3. Speed ​​of construction work. Construction of a house will not take much time; even complex structures can be completed within 2-3 months, including exterior and interior decoration.
4. Mobility. If necessary, the residential building can be disassembled and reassembled, and transported to another location.
5. Innovation and creativity. The original designs stand out due to their appearance.
6. Durability. With proper care and periodic maintenance, the house will last a long time.
7. Versatility and practicality. Blocks can be combined with other building elements and included in projects for concrete, brick, and wooden buildings.
8. Protection from unwanted fauna. Insects and rodents will not be able to enter the sealed container.
9. Possibility of expansion. At any time you can increase the living space or add a new module.

When choosing this option, it is worth considering its inherent disadvantages. The main disadvantages include:

1. Toxicity. Elements intended for the transportation of goods are treated with chemicals that protect the surface from negative atmospheric influences. It is necessary to remove the toxic layer.
2. Fixed parameters. It is impossible to change the height of the ceilings or the width of the internal space.
3. Coefficient of thermal conductivity. The metal heats up very quickly and does not retain heat. Very good thermal insulation will be required.
4. Tightness. The material does not allow air to pass through, does not “breathe”. For a comfortable stay, you should organize high-quality ventilation.
5. Corrosion. To extend the service life, you will have to constantly inspect the condition of the surface and eliminate various defects.
6. Technical condition. It is difficult to find packaging on the secondary market that meets the requirements and does not have significant flaws.
7. Seasonality. Most projects are not designed for year-round living. Budget options are not suitable for the comfortable existence of a full-fledged family.

Cost and construction costs

The cost of constructing a semi-finished building is significantly cheaper than standard housing. It depends on various factors. Includes a number of points:

• purchase of land;
• drafting;
• obtaining a construction permit for the construction of a capital structure;
• area of ​​the planned housing, number of living rooms, number of floors;
• costs for construction materials and transportation;
• hiring special equipment for installation, a construction team;
• utility lines.

The price of the main element may vary. Purchasing a new product will require more money than purchasing a used model. The technical condition of the item and the place where it is sold are also taken into account; for example, in port cities it can be bought inexpensively. The price also depends on the type of product itself and its basic parameters.

The cost of transportation can be commensurate with the price of the container. But the largest investments fall on the purchase of finishing materials and wages of hired workers. When building a high-quality house suitable for permanent residence, you should not skimp on insulation; thermal insulation requires additional investments.

The costs of building a container building will be 30-50% less than building a house from traditional materials.

Dining room

A long service life and an unlimited number of installation/dismantling and transportation make dry cargo containers ideal for mobile canteens, which are in demand at construction sites and agricultural work, where it is necessary to provide food for people. Depending on the required throughput, the dining room can consist of one or two or several dozen blocks at once. In accordance with standards and certificates, the canteen includes a food preparation area, storage facilities, a hygiene room and a hall for visitors. This structure is erected very quickly and is immediately ready for use.

What containers are used to build houses?

For the construction of houses, any models designed for transporting goods are used. Some are suitable for organizing living rooms, others for arranging passages, hallways, and bathrooms. However, the choice is limited. Manufacturers produce a certain range of products regulated by the ISO 668 standard. Existing options are shown in the table:

ISO classification	1 EE	1 EEE	1A	1AA	1AAA	1B	1BB	1BBB	1C	1CC
Standard title, foot, Standard (S), High cub (hc)	45		40			30			20
	S	hc	S	hc	S	hc	S
External dimensions
Length, m	13.716		12.192			9.125			6.058
Length, inches	45’0”		40’ 0”			29’ 11.25”			19’ 10.5”
Width, m	2,438
Width, inches	8’ 0”
Height, m	2.591	2.896	2.438	2.591	2.896	2.438	2.591	2.896	2.438	2.591
Height, inches	8’ 6”	9’ 6”	8’ 0”	8’ 6”	9’ 6”	8’ 0”	8’ 6”	9’ 6”	8’ 0”	8’ 6”
Inner dimensions
Length, m	13.542		11.998			8.931			5.867
Length, inches	44’ 5.15”		39’ 4.375”			29’ 3.6”			19’ 3”
Width, m	2.330
Width, inches	7’ 73”
Height, m	2.350	2.655	2.197	2.350	2.655	2.197	2.350	2.655	2.197	2.350
Height, inches	7’ 8.5”	8’ 8.5”	7’ 2.5”	7’ 8.5”	8’ 8.5”	7’ 2.5”	7’ 8.5”	8’ 8.5”	7’ 2.5”	7’ 8.5”

House designs and types of layouts

Using containers, you can build a creative, unique house that will meet all the requirements set by the owner and cause surprise among neighbors and random passers-by. You can draw up a project, plan the rooms yourself, or turn to specialists for help, download ready-made diagrams on the Internet.

Depending on the functionality, purpose, and financial capabilities, you can build a residential building even from one module. When using several blocks, you will get a full-fledged home. From them you can build structures of one, two, three floors, which are suitable for both seasonal use and permanent residence. If desired, you can add a veranda.

Due to the versatility of these elements, they are sometimes combined with standard building materials and used as components of a traditional house. By showing imagination and carefully thinking through the design, even with minimal investments it will be possible to erect a building that will be quite functional and attractive. For clarity, let's look at a few examples of finished buildings.

Large container house

You can build a small house from one large 40 or 45 foot container. However, it must be taken into account that its internal area, excluding finishing, will be 31.55 m² and 27.95 m², respectively. Such a structure is more suitable for a summer residence, as a guest option. Single people, families without children, and pensioners will be able to live there permanently.

The area is comparable to a one-room apartment. When planning the interior space, you can use examples of arranging studio apartments. Here you can place a kitchen, a combined bathroom, and equip a place to relax. With proper planning and the use of zoning, within one room you can organize different functional areas, allocate space for a living room, work area, and bedroom.

Small container house

By installing 20, 30-foot blocks on your site, you can get tiny housing with an area of ​​13.67 m² and 20.81 m². Organizing a living space in this case is much more difficult. You will have to save on everything - use a shower in the combined bathroom, the kitchen also needs to be made smaller, allocate space for it near the bathroom, as close as possible to the plumbing communications.

When organizing a room, you should consider using transformable furniture. Install a bed that can be hidden in a niche. You can place shelves and cabinets on the walls to store various items. It is better to combine the living room with a dining area, a bedroom with an office. To visually increase the space, place mirrors on the partitions and ceiling.

Container house with external staircase

The option with an external staircase is often used when organizing change houses stacked on top of each other. In the same way, you can build a country house exclusively for seasonal use, since in winter it will be problematic to move between floors and constantly go down to the kitchen. This method saves internal space and reduces construction costs.

There are two ways to place containers: in one direction, perpendicular. The second technique is more practical. With this arrangement, a small terrace is installed below and a balcony above. Some owners of such structures even manage to use the roof, extending the flight of stairs to the very top. Here they set up a place to relax and eat in the fresh air.

Country house made from containers

A compact country house is used to store gardening tools, a comfortable place to relax in the summer. The main feature is the combination of compactness and functionality. You can save a lot on construction, since in most cases such construction does not require high-quality insulation or the organization of a serious heating system. It is enough to carry out engineering communications and create an attractive finish.

To build a dacha option, one container is enough. With proper planning, it can provide an area for relaxation, cooking and eating, and a separate area for arranging utensils necessary for caring for a small garden or vegetable garden. Some people, accustomed to comfort and using a garden plot for leisure, can easily build a more functional structure from two or more modules.

House with workshop made from shipping containers

With a little imagination, you can use reusable packaging to organize a small workshop equipped for specific tasks. This model is suitable for people involved in shoemaking, sewing, carpentry, and plumbing. For these purposes, both the whole block and its separate part are allocated. The main thing is that all the tools should be carefully stored in one designated place, and there should be free space for carrying out activities.

The simplest project consists of two separate modules. One of them is used as residential, the second – for household needs. When organizing a workplace, one part is allocated for racks and shelves, a corner is provided for cleaning tools, and a waste box is placed in it. Carefully think through and select an area for storing blanks, finished, repaired products. Wall cabinets are hung on the walls along the perimeter. Particular attention is paid to the work area.

One-story container house

The main feature of such a structure is that all living rooms will be rectangular. And this cannot be changed in any way if you rely on regulatory documents when organizing the internal space. According to 02/31/2001, SNiP 2.08.01-89 and their later editions, the kitchen area should be 6 m², bedroom – 8 m², living room – 12 m², therefore, with an internal width of 2.33 m, square rooms are unacceptable .

You can build a one-story building of different sizes. When several blocks are connected, a fairly large building is obtained, suitable for a full-fledged family. A huge disadvantage when dividing one container into several functional rooms will be their walk-through arrangement, with the exception of compartments, the entrance to which will be located in the center of the long side.

Two-story container house

With proper planning and quality finishing, you can create an attractive and functional two-story home. Families consisting of different generations will be able to live there. However, it all depends on its size and the number of blocks used in construction. Separately, it is necessary to take care of the organization of the flight of stairs, according to SNiP 2.08.01-89 clause 1.24 table. 3, it must be at least 1.05 m in width, and the corridor - 1.4 m.

The simplest option for constructing a two-story structure is two containers stacked on top of each other. At the same time, on the first tier there is a kitchen and dining room, a bathroom, a boiler room, and on the second there is a living space. When using more than two blocks, it is possible to provide several bedrooms, an office, a nursery, and other functional areas.

House with terrace made from two containers

You can organize a structure with a terrace from two containers in several ways: make a one-story structure with an L-shaped arrangement of elements, place two modules perpendicular to each other. In the first case, you will get an open area, supported by the building on both sides, in the second - partially or completely located under the roof, adjacent to only one side.

A traditional outbuilding is made of wood and has wooden decking and fencing. To finish the floor, it is better to use a special decking board, which is characterized by a long service life. It is recommended to place the structure on the south, south-west side; its size directly depends on the dimensions of the residential building itself. The design should match the decoration of the house.

Change house

Temporary living quarters, or, in short, cabins, are very often converted from sea containers. Such a structure can be effectively used both in warm climates and in cold northern latitudes - depending on the climatic zone, materials and technologies are selected that provide a comfortable indoor microclimate at an external temperature from plus 40 to minus 50 ̊C. The cabins are compact and can be transported many times, just like regular dry cargo containers. At the same time, it can always be retrofitted or re-equipped.

Such options are ideal for construction crews and agricultural work - in short, in those areas where work and place of residence depend on the season or the current project.

Construction stages

First of all, you need to purchase one or more containers. They should definitely be checked for radiation, since it is in such containers that the remains of harmful radiation are collected. They must be free of dents and other defects. Before starting the installation of a house from containers, it is necessary to draw up a detailed project with a plan for the main work. You should decide in advance on the size and number of modules if a large family will live.

Foundation

Laying out the foundation is the very first and most important stage in construction. Installation on plain soil is impossible, since a heavy container will cause severe subsidence of the ground. In winter, the floors will be cold and the finishing materials will freeze.

When choosing a foundation option, it is necessary to take into account the size of the future house and the terrain. If this is an ordinary shed for temporary residence in the summer, a few foundation blocks will be enough. A residential building of several floors requires preliminary preparation of the foundation. For this purpose, a reinforced strip foundation is usually used. In regions with marshy soil, piles cannot be avoided.

Only a monolithic foundation can perform the functions of a reliable foundation. For it, a pit is first dug and filled with a mixture of cement, sand and water. For greater strength, various hardeners are added.

To fill the foundation, you can use a ready-made mixture. In this case, you will need to make a reinforcement frame according to the drawing, install formwork, and pour mortar. Special vibrating tools will help compact the concrete.

Corrosion and weather protection

Any metal structure (small cabin, two-story house) is susceptible to corrosion. It is in constant contact with the external environment - sun, water, wind. Inaction at the first appearance of signs of illness will lead to disastrous consequences.

The problem area will grow, gradually worsening the functional characteristics of the entire structure. A damaged structure will lose its attractive appearance and become dangerous for residents. You can protect it in several ways:

1. Padding. All external surfaces are treated with special enamel, which fills cracks, chips and reliably protects the metal;
2. Correct choice of installation location. It is better to erect the structure on a hill or an artificial rampart to minimize contact with the ground;
3. Polymer coating. Doubles the service life of the container, repels moisture;
4. Galvanization. The outer walls and roof are sheathed with galvanized sheets to reliably protect the structure.

Installing modules

After pouring the foundation, you must wait at least 25 days. When the concrete has matured, you can begin installing the containers. To do this you will need to resort to the help of a truck crane. The installed modules must be fastened together with iron corners, rectangular pipes using a welding machine or a gas generator.

The container space is divided into zones using plasterboard sheets in accordance with the layout. At the same stage, windows and doors are cut. Using modular blocks of different sizes, you can build a custom building with an unusual design.

Roof structure

All types of containers have ceilings, but they cannot be considered a full roof. The roofing is installed according to the standard scheme. The roof can be made of metal sheets, ondulin, wood. The material is chosen depending on the idea and overall design of the house. Installation takes place in several stages:

1. Assembling a timber frame. Wide boards are fastened together using plumbing bolts and screwed to the container with self-tapping screws;
2. Installation of rafters. The length of the boards should be sufficient to eliminate the need for splicing. The rafters are also attached with self-tapping screws;
3. Installation of sheathing. For work, six-meter boards are used, which are then covered with a vapor barrier film;
4. Laying galvanized sheets. It is imperative to provide space for ventilation.

External insulation of the building

Due to their structure and type of material, sea containers transmit sound well and do not retain heat. A house made from such modules must be insulated from the outside. External insulation is much more effective than internal insulation, since it completely eliminates heating of the metal. You can achieve better results if you use both options simultaneously.

Wall cladding from the street is done using corrugated sheets, siding, wood and other methods. Board materials are attached to the wooden sheathing with self-tapping screws. The space between the container wall and the decorative trim can be filled with mineral wool and filled with foam.

Utilities: electricity, gas, water and heating

The comfort of living directly depends on the availability and features of utilities. Competent design and high-quality installation will help extend the life of the house and reduce the number of emergency situations.

Engineering systems are one of the most important and costly components of any building. At the planning stage, the methods of laying pipes and cables, the necessary equipment, and the type of installation are taken into account. A certain amount is allocated for the work, which is 25-50% of the total planned construction costs. For the normal functioning of the house, the following communications will be required:

• Electricity. The wires are laid through special channels that run along the internal walls.
• Gas. Carrying out is possible if the gas pipeline is close.
• Water pipes. You will need to make your own well or connect to the system of the nearest settlement;
• Heating. More often they use a fireplace or a metal stove.

Home ventilation

Usually two ventilation holes are made, located opposite each other. A pipe is cut into the end of the container and led above the roof. This will ensure air flow. On the other side we make an outlet, install a fan and an exhaust hood.

For the area of ​​one trailer, a device with a diameter of 100 mm will be sufficient. Control valves should also be installed. You can make two inflows at the ends, and an exhaust in the middle. The choice of option depends on the temperature outside, the number of residents and other factors.

Internal insulation and finishing

At the initial stage of finishing, the walls are thermally insulated. Then decorative surfaces are installed, plastered and painted. There are several ways to insulate a container from the inside:

• Thermal insulation with polyurethane foam. The sprayed material protects the metal from corrosion. A dense layer of polyurethane foam does not allow air to pass through and protects against noise;
• Polystyrene foam boards. Polystyrene foam with a dense structure can be mounted directly to metal walls or placed in the cells of the sheathing;
• Insulation with mineral wool. The material is laid on polyurethane foam. Then the sheathing is filled for further installation of gypsum boards and plywood.

The frame with insulation can be covered with any material. Lining and drywall will do. The joints of the sheets are glued with a construction bandage, then the entire surface is painted with latex-based water-based paint.

Workshop

Workshops based on sea containers are mainly equipped for the repair of scooters, motorcycles, ATVs and similar small equipment. Depending on the scale of the activity, the module can consist of one container, representing a kind of garage-workshop for personal needs (where, by the way, a car can easily fit), or several, being a full-fledged workshop servicing clients’ vehicles.

Design ideas - what styles are best to use?

Houses made from containers do not limit their owners in the choice of style and architectural solutions. This design is more suitable for modern design - high-tech, modern, loft. Houses with large windows and sliding glass doors will look interesting.

Country houses in rustic style look original. External and internal wooden decoration fills the rooms with warmth and comfort, plus brings you closer to nature. Wood siding hides any hint of metal framing.

Non-residential buildings made from shipping containers

Perhaps many did not know, but not only houses, but also infrastructure facilities are built from containers. They are very popular among owners of roadside cafes and small restaurants. Often this structure becomes a kind of “home on wheels”, moving to new places every day.

Stephen Shoup created an entire mini office from such a structure, which was intended for a small start-up company. The dimensions of the container made it possible to place all the necessary equipment in it, and even divide the interior into several zones. The office was designed from 2 containers arranged in an L-shape: