Shipping containers in Australia are being used more and more as people get creative and recognise their versatility. Recently, shipping containers were used for emergency housing in the aftermath of the Victorian bush fires. Second hand Shipping containers can often be found on rural properties used for storing farm equipment and in urban centres as mobile offices for construction companies.
Uses for Shipping Containers in Australia
Second hand shipping containers are widely available and are now being sold through brokers for a range of purposes including:
- storage
- mobile offices
- emergency housing
- student accommodation
- home construction
- retail space
- warehousing
- workshops
In the past couple of years the ways in which second hand containers are being put to use has expanded. In Australia, indeed all around the world, the containers are beginning to be assimilated into building designs for homes and offices.
Environmental groups have welcomed the reuse of shipping containers in construction since it reduces the need for other raw materials such as timber and makes use of the containers, which are otherwise left to rust in ports globally.
There are architects in Australia who are working to incorporate shipping containers into their designs. These designs fall to both sides of the home design spectrum being found in low income accommodation and ultra modern residences.
Architects and builders who are using the shipping containers in home construction report that they are very easy to work with and increase the speed of construction manifold.
They do not have problems with getting council approval for the use of shipping containers in Australia as they have a five star energy rating, which appeals to local councils. Insulating the homes requires only a tiny amount of energy as they are air tight reducing the chance of drafts or warm air leakage.
Some of the smaller homes made from shipping containers cost as little as $30,000 – so in the future they may present a very real alternative for lower income families who struggle to afford the current building prices.
If you are interested in exploring the building possibilities that are represented by shipping containers in Australia, you should first talk to a local architect and your council about building requirements. To find out more about shipping containers in Australia for home construction, contact our team of experts who will discuss the many possibilities of construction with shipping containers.
