Whether for use as a vacation home, a rental property, or a permanent residence, a shipping container cabin can offer a unique and functional living space. However, converting a shipping container into a liveable space requires careful planning and execution.
In this article, we will provide a guide for creating the perfect shipping container cabin, including tips for layout, insulation, ventilation, and customisation.
By examining the key considerations and challenges involved in building a shipping container cabin, we can help you create a comfortable and functional living space that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Create comfortable cabins with shipping containers
Shipping containers can easily be converted into the perfect cabin to use as a permanent home, a holiday escape, or a rental property for some extra income. Many people around the world have already realised that shipping containers are the ideal choice for building a simple home in nature.
Shipping containers have become increasingly popular in recent years for a number of reasons. For those looking to live a more low-waste lifestyle, shipping container houses are an attractive option because they reduce the need for conventional building materials like wood and concrete. They are also typically much less expensive than building or buying a standard house or apartment.
Shipping containers are also extremely versatile. They can be modified and converted into all kinds of structures and styles. You can outfit your container with all the modern amenities and create virtually any layout and design you can dream of. Containers can even be stacked one on top of the other to build multilevel homes.
If you’ve always wanted your very own cabin as a year-round home, granny flat or a holiday escape, consider shipping containers.
Choosing the right shipping container
The first step is to choose the appropriate size container for your project. Shipping containers typically come in a wide range of standard sizes: 10-foot, 20-foot, and 40-foot containers. But, they are also available in high-cube and extra large sizes. Standard size containers are roughly eight feet wide.
The other decision to make is the condition of the container you purchase. Shipping containers are available to buy in a variety of conditions or grades.
Gateway Containers works directly with the shipping lines to offer you the widest selection of containers at the best price. Most of our containers are classified as New, A-Grade, or Cargo Worthy. New containers often come to Australia from the Asian shipping lines loaded with cargo to reduce delivery costs.
The sales team at Gateway can work with you to help you choose the right container for your container home project.
Planning the layout and design of the cabin
For any container home design, maximising small spaces is crucial. Part of the appeal of a cabin is the simplicity – you should have everything you need, and nothing you don’t. But, you’ll still need some smart storage solutions and efficient use of space.
In an open floor plan, you can use curtains or movable partitions to designate separate spaces or offer privacy.
Opt for multifunctional pieces, like seating that doubles as storage. Convertible pieces like Murphy beds or a dining table that can fold into the wall when not in use will also help save on space. Pocket doors and sliding doors also allow for better space saving than swinging doors.
Don’t forget to utilise vertical space in your shipping container cabin. Vertical space can be used for shelving or storage. Or, you can build a loft sleeping area above your main living space.
Another important element to consider is your cabin’s windows and doors. You can bring the outdoors inside with extra large windows to let in natural light.
Insulating and sealing the container
In order to make a steel container fit for human occupation, it will need proper insulation. Steel shipping containers can get very hot inside, but they also lose heat quickly. To maintain temperature control, your container home will need adequate insulation. In addition to insulating your cabin, Gateway can install efficient heating and air conditioning so you can stay comfortable in all seasons.
Options for insulation include foam board and spray foam. Gateway can help you make the best choice for your container project.
Ventilating the cabin
Along with insulation, your container home will need ventilation to keep the air in your cabin healthy. Gateway can install natural ventilation like windows, doors, and vents to let in the fresh air. We also have several options for mechanical ventilation including roof-mounted turbines and fans.
Proper ventilation will not only improve your air quality but will help with climate control and inhibit excess humidity that can lead to mould problems.
Customising the interior and exterior of the cabin
The options for personalising the design of your container cabin are virtually limitless. Whatever your personal style is, you can bring it to life in your container cabin.
While some container homeowners prefer to leave the corrugated steel walls and / or ceiling visible, others cover it with drywall, shiplap, or wood panels. Flooring options are equally varied. You can choose sleek lines and quartz countertops for a modern minimalist look, or go with vintage-inspired details for a cosy cottage vibe.
A cabin is designed to bring people closer to nature. In your cabin, you can bring elements of the outdoors inside with houseplants and earthy colours. Better yet, you can extend the square footage of your container cabin into your natural surroundings.
Build a covered porch or patio for outdoor dining, cooking, or relaxing in nature. You can even utilise the roof of your container as a rooftop deck or rooftop garden.
For more inspiration, see the examples below of container cabins each with a unique look and feel.
Case Studies: Shipping Container Cabins
People all over the world have transformed shipping containers into cabins to be used as vacation homes, rental properties, even permanent residences. From cosy tiny houses to multi-level family homes, the possibilities are boundless. Check out these examples of shipping container cabins in Australia.
Northern Territories Hideaway
This cabin in Litchfield is constructed from a 40-foot shipping container. The industrial exterior gives way to an ultra-luxe, modern interior space perfect for a peaceful getaway in nature. Attached to the cabin is a covered patio for outdoor dining and grilling.
Sunshine Coast Tiny Home
This “treetop escape” is a dreamy retreat made of a converted shipping container. Wood panels on the exterior entrance give this carbon-neutral property a cosy cabin feel. It is equipped with all the amenities and comforts you’d expect from a holiday rental home.
The cabin makes use of vertical space with the sleeping area lofted above the main living space. And, for an especially unique touch, a clawfoot hot tub sits outside on the private balcony surrounded by trees.
Container Cottage in South Grafton
This converted shipping container has been painted blue and fitted with traditional-style windows and shutters to give it the look of a country cabin. The attached front porch provides some additional living space and a vantage point from which to enjoy the natural surroundings of the property.
Multi-Level Container Cabin in New South Wales
Not every container cabin is a tiny house! This converted shipping container home uses multiple containers to create an open floor plan with three bedrooms, and a fourth on the upper level mezzanine. Ample windows let in fresh air and plenty of natural light. Bohemian decor stands out against the simple white and natural wood design.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer modern luxury, traditional country cottages, or bohemian aesthetics, you can create your own perfect cabin from converted shipping containers. In addition to being highly versatile, containers are cost-effective, and extremely durable, which makes them a smart investment if they’re built well.
To build the perfect cabin for your permanent home, vacation getaway, or rental property, Gateway can guide you through the entire process of selecting a container, drawing up plans, installing container modifications, and more. Gateway are industry leaders in engineering, modification, and customisation of shipping containers for accommodation.
There are a few other considerations you’ll need to take into account. Of course, you’ll need land to build on. And, you’ll need to secure the proper building code permits from your local council in order to put a shipping container cabin on that land.
The team of experts at Gateway have decades of experience supplying shipping containers for storage and conversion into homes of all sizes. They work directly with the shipping lines to give you the best inventory selection and the best prices. Gateway even guarantees delivery to Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales.
Contact Gateway today to get started on your building project. Fill out the online enquiry form to get a free quote and one of the team members will reply within 24 hours. Or, for immediate assistance, you can give Gateway a call directly.
