The Cheap Alternative to a House: Container House
The majority of Americans dream of owning their own home. However, the costs are beyond the financial means of some families, so for many, the dream of owning their own home is a distant one.
We looked for a cost-effective solution and found one. We're talking about container houses. Here in the United States, there are more and more followers of this trend. Some people may shake their heads, but we'll show you how comfortable these units can be using examples of living spaces.
How much does a container cost?
The cost of a used container can vary greatly. For a 40-foot (approximately 12-meter) long container, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000. For the conversion, you should budget between $7,500 and $10,000 per container. There are hardly any new containers available in the United States. They are typically categorized as used
or like new.
Does the container need to be insulated?
Shipping containers are designed as lightweight freight containers. They are mostly made of corrosion-resistant steel, which is coated with a protective varnish and a paint finish based on epoxy resin. Therefore, insulation and multiple glazing are required to achieve a comfortable temperature in the interior and to maintain it.
Where can the containers be placed?
In building regulations, there are different rules not only nationally but also in regional areas. Therefore, it is not possible to say uniformly whether it is permitted to set up the containers; rather, it has to be determined on a case-by-case basis. It is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the state building regulations of the respective state in advance or consult the local building authority. You also have to differentiate whether the container is planned for long-term use or is only temporary. If the container is only to be set up for a certain period, its size plays a decisive role. You may want to consult an architect in this context.
The container
The company Containerbasis, based in Hamburg, sells containers traditionally used for transporting goods or converted into housing units by some architects and designers. Containerbasis is a well-known point of contact for new and used containers worldwide.
Typically, very few container houses in the United States are built from old shipping containers but are instead manufactured as standardized units. There are long-standing containers that meet the energy standards of a passive house.
Increase as desired
This variant proves that container houses can be stylish and colourful. Standard shipping containers, which are almost 12 meters long and around two meters wide, were used to build this unusual house. The containers can be stacked on top of each other as desired, giving the builder great flexibility in the design. This variant is a clever alternative to conventional house construction, especially when it comes to adding more living space. Openings such as doors and windows can also be installed as desired.
The interior of this house is also a surprise. With a wooden floor and wooden furniture, this container house is in no way inferior to a modern single-family home.
Small but mighty
Anyone a little frightened at the sight of this container house because they think that one has to take care of one's personal hygiene outside can rest assured—it is just a washing area that is accessible from the outside. The house itself has a living room, a bedroom, a bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. The containers, which are placed one above the other, are connected to each other inside by a delicate staircase.
Furnished micro apartment
Living in a shipping container does not mean that you have to forego comfort. The developer of this microhouse managed to turn a 20-foot container into an ideally equipped home. In 13 square meters you will find a combined living room and bedroom, a bathroom and, if required, an integrated workspace. On the six-square-meter terrace, you can relax in the sunshine and let your gaze wander over the surroundings in which you have placed your micro house—wherever that may be!
Container village in Berlin
In Berlin Treptow-Köpenick, a very special project was started with disused containers: the container village. Here, students can find affordable and lovingly furnished apartments. In more than 200 containers, you can find small single apartments, shared apartments for two people or living spaces for up to three people.
The rust-coloured facade makes the apartments seem a little strange at first glance and not particularly cosy. But this material, namely Corten steel, is extremely resilient and durable. It also promises good insulation and thus ensures a pleasant indoor climate.
Holiday home with a difference
A container house has its charm, but you can't imagine living in one? Then a visit to this unusual holiday home might be the right thing for you. Here, in South Korea, you can carefully get to know the charm and advantages of a container house and decide at home in peace and quiet whether this style is something for you.
One of the advantages of this house is undoubtedly the large windows, which allow for a pleasant, natural living experience. The furnishings have been kept minimalistic and instead, allow the surroundings to have their effect.
Container houseboat with kitchen and view
Would you have expected something like this when you thought about a container house? The container manufacturer in Berlin stands for creative work with sea containers.
Customer requests are skillfully implemented through new ways of thinking and inventiveness. A functional and modern residential container with a kitchen and bathroom is no longer a dream. And in this case, the yellow houseboat with the container is setting sail again. A pretty cool idea, we think!
Do you want to buy a shipping container? Now you're wondering: How much does a container like this cost? A container house can be cheaper than other types of tiny houses, but this doesn't necessarily have to be the case. To get a specific quote that covers the equipment and workmanship, it's best to talk to an architect who specializes in this type of construction. If you're interested, you can also find suggestions for small houses for every budget here.
Do you know I Built my own house with 39,500 € ?
