Rehabilitation

Houses in industrial containers

01 JAN 0001
READING TIME:  2  Minutes

Houses in industrial containers

Shipping Container Architecture is a construction trend that has become fashionable in recent years. It involves houses made from industrial containers or ISO Containers and is becoming increasingly popular among people who want to build their own home. In addition, construction from shipping containers has also spread to commercial premises, hotels and even domestic swimming pools.

Houses in industrial containers

Although, a priori, the idea of living in a house made from a metal container may seem unattractive or remind us of a "construction shed", this belief must be banished since its final appearance is very different. This type of modular houses can have the same finishes as a traditional home in terms of exterior cladding (wood, concrete, etc.) and interior (floors, walls, ...) since metal containers only function as a structure.

Houses in industrial containers

Advantages of houses made with industrial containers

One of the main advantages of these modular homes is their versatility, as ISO Containers allow for numerous construction options, as these modules can be combined with each other to obtain the look or size of the house and height that we want.

Another advantage is the price , as we can find containers at a reduced cost, between €1,000 for used ones and €5,000 for new ones. In addition, their foundations are also cheaper than traditional house construction.

Another of the strengths of this construction solution is its low environmental impact, as it is a recyclable, ecological and sustainable building system. In addition, the materials used do not produce waste or consume energy and do not require excessive maintenance.

Among its advantages we could also mention the speed of construction work, as it could be ready in approximately 3 months, or its mobility, as it allows us to relocate the structure to another site.

Can I use any shipping container for my home?

Although it may seem that any container will be ideal for converting into a home, not all containers allow this. According to the Technical Building Code (CTE), in Spain only the so-called High Cube containers are valid, since they offer a minimum interior height of 2.70 m, which means a margin of 20 cm to be able to install ceilings and floors inside.

Furthermore, in order to be able to use a shipping container as a home, it must meet a series of requirements established by the CTE regulations: resistance to stresses that meet the requirements established by the building regulations, that they can withstand seismic loads without deforming, impermeability to water, etc.

If you have a plot of land or are thinking of buying one to install your own modular home, houses made from industrial containers may be the best alternative. However, before you get down to work, remember to consult an expert for advice on permits, land preparation or foundations that you must carry out before installing the containers.

Sources: Alario Arquitectura and Customhome.es

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