Shipping container homes are becoming a popular alternative to traditional housing. Highly functional, portable, and customisable, container homes can be built to satisfy a wide variety of requirements for temporary housing.
For professionals, contractors, and tradies, shipping containers can be the perfect accommodation for short or long term stays. But where do you begin finding a shipping container to make into a temporary or portable home? This guide will help you determine what kind of shipping container is right for you, and how to make it into a home that suits your needs.
What is shipping container accommodation and why is it becoming so popular?
Shipping container accommodation is a home built from new or used shipping containers. These containers can be used as building materials to either create large, multi-level structures, or standalone dwellings.
Container homes often utilise new or “one-way” shipping containers that have only been used once. Hundreds of thousands of shipping containers go unused after one journey because it is cheaper to store or sell them than it is to ship them back to their place of origin.
These containers can be professionally modified with windows, doors, insulation, ventilation, flooring, electrical wiring, and other necessities to make them suitable for accommodation. Shipping container homes usually have a living space, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, and can have many more rooms depending on the design.
More and more people are choosing shipping containers as building materials because they are versatile, durable, and cost-effective. Containers are especially popular among workers in the mining industry looking for portable or temporary housing because they can be easily transported.
Benefits of using a shipping container as accommodation
Portability
One of the most appealing aspects of shipping container dwellings, particularly for tradies, contractors, and travelling workers is their portability. Single-container homes not built on a foundation can be transported easily to remote areas where other accommodations can be hard to come by. Portability also means container homes can be used at multiple locations for years to come.
Versatility
Shipping container dwellings can be customised to create any type of structure you need. From tiny-home style houses to multi-level compounds, shipping containers can be the building blocks for all kinds of homes. While they have a modern industrial aesthetic on their own, you can customise the interior and exterior to create your desired style. And, they can serve many different purposes – from temporary or permanent living space to a workshop, office, or communal lunch room for your team.
Durability and Security
Shipping containers are built to withstand high winds, rain, and extreme temperatures on trans-oceanic voyages aboard cargo ships. This extreme durability makes them well-suited for use as accommodation. Because they’re also built to keep pests and intruders out, they’re also extremely secure.
Cost
Depending on your circumstances, a portable shipping container home can be more cost effective than long-term rentals, hotel stays, and room-shares. Since shipping containers come prefabricated, they require less construction and less labour than traditional builds.
Construction Time
Shipping container accommodation can be constructed with a fast turnaround time. Unlike other construction projects, a shipping container accommodation can be move-in ready in a matter of weeks.
Sustainability
Shipping container accommodation repurposes unused containers and reduces the need for traditional building materials, making them more environmentally friendly.
Different types of shipping containers available
Shipping containers come in a variety of sizes and conditions. For the purpose of accommodation, it is better to purchase a new build or “one-way” container to ensure it will be in good condition.
Shipping containers that are approved for conversion into living spaces are 20-foot and 40-foot containers, with an 8-foot height. Twenty-foot containers provide room for one-to-two people, while a 40-foot container could provide space for three or four.
You may also want to consider high cube boxes which come in 20-foot and 40-foot lengths but have a more roomy 9.5ft height.
The most important thing when purchasing a shipping container is to buy from a reputable seller.
Gateway sources containers directly from the shipping companies so you can be sure you are buying the best. We can also advise you on the best container solutions for your project.
Tips for choosing the right size and features for your shipping container accommodation
Consider how many people will be using the accommodation – single workers, or families? Perhaps you’re planning shared accommodation, for tradies or co-workers?
Also consider how long the accommodation will be used. For shorter stays, a smaller space might do, while you might want more space if you plan to use the accommodation for a longer period of time.
Keep in mind the area where you’ll be staying. If you will be working in a hot climate, for example, you’ll want to be sure your accommodation is fitted with a cooling system. If you’ll be working in a dusty, sandy, or dirty environment, you may want to install flooring that is easy to clean.
Making your container house a home: Tips for interior design and furnishing
Shipping container accommodation can be customised to bring you all the comforts of home while you’re away at a worksite.
You can start with the basics: work with a shipping container modification team to install windows, doors, insulation, and painting before the container is delivered to your property. You can install different types of flooring, as well as electricity, plumbing, lighting, heating and cooling, and other necessities to make your container comfortable for living.
Because many container homes are limited on space, especially for travelling workers and contractors, you may want to consider furnishings that make the most of that space. You can install built-in seating, shelving, or cabinetry that is both practical and attractive. Maximise your use of space with furniture that doubles as storage. Consider sliding doors or barn doors that don’t take up as much room as a traditional swinging door.
One of the great things about shipping container accommodation is that they are essentially blank slates that you can design any way you wish. You can make use of natural light, or install LED lights that are cost effective and easy to customise to your liking. Plants, photos, and other small personal touches will help make your worksite accommodation feel more like a home away from home.
Factors to consider when choosing a location for your shipping container accommodation
Even if your container house is portable, you still should take care when selecting a place to set up your accommodation. When choosing a location for your container home, you’ll want to consider if the area is prone to high winds, flooding, or other potentially hazardous conditions.
Be mindful of the local council rules regarding shipping container homes. Different localities have different regulations regarding building codes and permits, so be sure to check your plans with the local governing authorities before you begin your build.
Where to find shipping containers
If you plan to use a shipping container for an accommodation, be sure to purchase your shipping container from a company that also performs container modifications. Gateway modifies shipping containers accommodation units for portable living spaces.
Final thoughts
Shipping containers can provide a fully self-contained living space for professionals, mining industry workers, and contractors. Container homes are a great alternative to motel and hotel lodging, and can be better investments than extended rentals. Their versatility and portability make them easy to customise for your needs and bring a comfortable living space wherever your work takes you.
For more than 20 years, Gateway Container Sales has provided a wide variety of top-quality shipping containers for all kinds of use. If we don’t have a container that suits your needs, our skilled team of engineers, technicians and designers can modify one to create a custom solution for you. We ensure that your container is delivered to your location quickly and ready to use. Contact our friendly team today to discuss your needs.
