Container houses - a variety of options and construction features. The magic of a sea container: interesting design options for houses and premises

This article discusses the features and specifics of such budget housing as a house from a sea container: the advantages and disadvantages of buildings, the technical parameters of the building material and the average prices for its purchase. The text contains information that will allow you to independently create a house from containers on the site: interesting ideas, photos and videos, tips on creating a layout and unusual projects, step by step construction technology.

If you want to acquire comfortable and practical housing in the shortest possible time, you should pay attention to the projects of houses from sea containers, the price of such structures in comparison with standard buildings is much lower and more affordable for most owners of suburban areas. This type of construction is only gaining popularity, due to the low awareness of the population. Abroad, housing made on the basis of containers has been actively used for several decades.

How container houses are arranged: photos and features of buildings

Container construction is rightfully considered the technology of the future, which will soon help many people solve their housing problem. AT European countries this approach is widespread, resulting in a new branch of business. This direction includes services for the design and construction of houses from turnkey containers, the so-called "semi-finished structures".

A semi-finished product is a model used as a basis for the construction of a building. This design is made at the factory, it has a rough floor and walls. In addition, the standard package of the semi-finished product includes additional systems and elements:

  • window structures;
  • electrical wiring;
  • doors;
  • heating system.

After choosing a specific project, the owner of the land will only have to buy cargo containers in the required quantity. They are delivered to construction site, where they will later be combined into one structure. The use of such models can significantly reduce the construction time of a house, which is one of the most significant advantages of this technology.

Helpful advice! In the course of the house, sea containers can be advantageously combined with other building modules, such as reinforced concrete or brick.

Why it is profitable to buy a house from sea containers: the advantages of buildings

Houses made from sea or cargo containers have a lot of advantages. They have a seismically stable design, so buildings of this type are often built in regions where various natural disasters are observed, such as hurricanes or earthquakes.

Blanks in the form of containers allow you to get a dwelling that is practically no different from capital-type buildings. From the outside, the modules can be trimmed with clapboard, with inside sheathing is carried out using plasterboard sheets. At the same time, the cost of container buildings is much lower than the price of capital housing. Choosing a sea container as a material for building a house, the owner can be sure that his home will not start harmful insects and rodents.

It takes no more than 2-3 months to build a building based on containers. If you minimize some types of work, for example, simplify the finishing, then 2-3 weeks will be enough to put the house into operation. Since container buildings are lightweight, there is no need for a massive foundation. Modules can be installed directly on a compacted earthen pad.

Blanks can be used not only for the construction of residential buildings. They are ideal for shipping container house projects with outbuildings and outbuildings.

This technology is not limited to certain climatic conditions. With appropriate thermal insulation, a container house can be built in almost any latitude. Since modular blanks are intended for sea transportation, such houses can be safely installed on frozen ground. They are resistant to low temperatures and adverse weather conditions. Container houses can be erected on sites with a large slope of the territory.

Interesting fact! Sea containers are widely used for housing construction in Antarctica and regions located in the Far North.

If the design of a house made of shipping containers does not involve the installation of stained glass throughout the wall, such a construction will provide residents with maximum protection from intruders.

Disadvantages of modular houses from block containers

Housing from cargo and sea containers does not have many disadvantages. The amazing resilience and durability of these designs includes a downside. To enable containers to withstand long-term operation under conditions of aggressive atmospheric action, they are pre-treated special formulations and dyes. These protective coatings contain toxic substances. Therefore, before you start building a house from containers, you should remove the paint.

The blank modules are made of metal, so in the summer the surface of the structure is very hot, and in the winter it cools. To ensure comfortable climatic conditions for living in the house, it will be necessary to take care of high-quality and effective thermal insulation.

Under the influence of moisture, the metal becomes rusty. In order to prevent premature destruction of the building, it is advisable to regularly inspect the building for corrosion and carefully care for it. Low ceilings are one of the most significant shortcomings. If the ceiling and floor are insulated, the maximum height of the room will be 2.35 m.

Dimensional parameters and photos of containers for building houses

Container dimensions are usually indicated in feet. For the construction of houses, structures designed for the transport of rail and sea cargo are suitable. Moreover, the dimensions may vary depending on the load capacity. For transportation by rail, containers with different capacities are used, but only large-capacity containers are used for housing construction.

The internal dimensions of a 20 t container are 2.33x5.86x2.19 m. Having similar dimensions, the design has 29.5 m³ of usable volume. Minus the space allotted for the installation of cladding and insulation, this will be the approximate size of the interior space of the room.

Typically, 40-foot long shipping containers are used for building construction. The internal dimensions of this design are 2.4x12x2.35 m. One container will be enough to create:

  • utility room;

  • spacious outbuilding;
  • vaults;
  • workshop.

Using 2-3 blocks, you can build a house with an area of ​​​​120 m². An interesting option will turn out if you install two containers opposite each other, connecting them stained glass and covered with one roof.

Interesting fact! In America and Europe, houses made of 40 foot containers are widespread. The first creator of such housing was the architect Adam Kalkin. The house appeared as a result of a creative experiment and consisted of 3 shipping containers.

Dimensions of container blocks:

Container size, ftExternal dimensions of the container, mContainer internal dimensions, mInternal volume, m³Doorway size, m
20 6.05x2.43x2.595.75x2.35x2.3933,1 2.34x2.28
40 12.19x2.43x2.5912.03x2.35x2.3867,5 2.34x2.28
45 13.71x2.43x2.8913.55x2.35x2.786,1 2.34x2.58

In most cases, the containers are rectangular, although there are also square options with increased height.

How much will it cost to buy building material for a house from containers: the price of blocks

The price of blocks for building a house from containers depends on various factors. To a greater extent, it is influenced by the configuration and size of the structure. In addition, the cost depends on whether the container is new or has been used before. If the product is used, then its price will depend on the condition. The cost of sea containers that are well preserved and have normal geometry will be significantly higher than that of defective products.

Average prices for 40ft containers:

container typeProduct Featuresprice, rub.
New containers
40 HCDhigh, double doors305000
40 D.V.standard330000
40HCtall360000
Used containers
40 D.V.standard120000
40HCtall125000

Building a house based on container blocks will cost about 30% less than the cost of stationary housing made of bricks.

Interesting projects and photos of houses from containers, prices for turnkey construction

Every year the architectural design of residential buildings becomes wider and more diverse. Some people, in an effort to emphasize their status, buy big houses with modern design, made of steel, concrete and glass, others prefer extravagant solutions, such as housing from shipping containers. And there are countless variations on this theme. Someone uses the container as an extension to the building, while for someone the whole house is limited to the walls of one container.

Design of houses from containers: photos, ideas, design options

Despite its simplicity, the projects of houses from 40-foot containers look quite interesting. Such structures can be used as guest or country houses. The buildings are small and at the same time very neat. This option is ideal for budget construction, if the land area is small.

Of course, the small dimensions and shape of the container significantly limit the owner in terms of design and decoration of the future home. However, this does not stop some people. You can improve the appearance of the building with the help of sliding doors and large stained glass windows, visually expanding inner space. Winning look at home, painted in bright colours, such as blue, green, or yellow.

Helpful advice! If a small canopy is arranged above the facade of the building, then during the summer rain it will be possible to keep the doors open without fear that water will enter the room. For these purposes, sheets of cellular polycarbonate are suitable. To support the overall exterior, you can buy colored polycarbonate for the house from containers, repeating the colors of the building.

To create warm and comfortable environment it is desirable to use wooden panels as an interior lining. Even the simplest design can be turned into a great place to relax and live by experimenting with colors and materials. Such a house will perfectly fit into the surrounding landscape, if you break flower beds around it. Bold designers can try to organize a flower garden right on the roof, using cacti and other light-loving plants for this purpose.

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Design features, advantages and disadvantages. Common projects of triangular buildings and photos. step by step technology construction.

Sea container houses: photos and designs of impressive buildings from the best architects

The design of houses designed by architect Adam Kalkin, who appreciated the advantages and durability of sea containers, looks quite impressive in the photo. If you want to acquire housing with a large area, you can use his projects of multi-level buildings.

According to the idea, a kind of "house in the house" is created. To do this, inside a massive structure are placed individual components smaller, which can be used as independent full-fledged buildings. Thanks to the great sliding doors from glass, you can harmoniously combine the living space with the outside world.

Despite all the unusual concept, in such a house you can place everything you need for comfortable living:

  • living room;
  • kitchen;
  • several bedrooms and bathrooms.

From an aesthetic point of view, a multi-level house with many container sections looks attractive and unique, and due to the presence of transparent glass doors its already large space is filled with lightness and light.

No less impressive are the photos of 2 storey building designed by architect Marcio Kogan. This project allows, on the basis of industrial elements, combined into one whole, to create a residential building in a limited period of time. At the same time, in order to give the house the required area, the containers are stacked on top of each other, and then the building expands. The result is a building with a large interior space. In the widest part, you can equip a comfortable living room.

Helpful advice! By using a smart retractable door system, the living room space can be extended outside, providing beautiful view from the room and quick access to the yard.

Sea containers of 40 feet can be used for construction. Through the use of vibrant colors and modern home ecosystems, simple blocks transformed into a functional home with a joyful and fun design.




Unusual examples of container houses: photos and projects of non-residential buildings

Cargo containers are used not only for the construction of residential buildings, but also for the creation of other projects. A perfect example of this approach is the Starbucks coffee house, which, according to the idea of ​​one businessman, was made from modular elements. This modern container cafe has an original and unusual design, unlike the usual design of these institutions.

For many people, shipping containers are associated with fast delivery and fresh products, so this concept can be safely used to build your own store or cafe. Compact containerized structure can accommodate everything you need to run own business. There will be enough space to install equipment and equip a small work area for staff.

Using the idea of ​​designer Steven Shoop, you can create a temporary office from containers for a young company. If there is no confidence in the stability of business development, modular buildings from cargo blocks will be an excellent solution to the problem. This method is unusual and does not require high costs. Stephen Shoop designed the L-shaped office building. However, this does not mean that other container placement options cannot be used.

The shipping container office building is a bit like a warehouse building, but it does not lack the appeal of an industrial style. The interior space can be effectively used for arranging office space. In this case, everything you need for work will always be at hand, and if you wish, there will be enough space for a small meeting or business meeting. It all depends on how many containers are used to build the office and what its internal layout is.

Interesting projects of houses from containers: design options

Two 40-foot long containers will suffice to create a beautiful modern home. Such projects are suitable for people who do not strive for excesses. Quality finishes and modern furniture help turn a container house into a housing that meets the basic requirements.


For people who prefer spacious housing, it is better to give preference to house projects consisting of several blocks. On the net you can find photos of houses made of sea containers, which do not always have a presentable appearance, but at the same time they are very practical and convenient inside. In a building consisting of 4 blocks, you can equip a large living room and a spacious kitchen, several bedrooms, etc.

Helpful advice! If the second level of the building is pushed forward above the first floor, you can get a kind of canopy. The space below it is ideal for arranging a terrace, which will be a great place to relax outdoors in the summer.

Unusual look in the photo interesting houses, where container blocks and open spaces are successfully combined. Using modern technologies and design solutions, you can create comfortable living conditions in such a building. Before you start building, you should think about adding elements such as:

  • operated roof with landscaping;
  • high-tech porous thermal insulation;
  • geothermal heating system.

All these innovations will create a real home suitable for permanent residence of the whole family.




Popular container house designs and construction prices

Most cheap option construction of housing consists in the purchase and implementation of the project of a country house, consisting of one container. If you need a place for permanent residence, you should think about the construction of several blocks. Thanks to the principle of three-dimensional construction of buildings consisting of separate rectangular cells, it becomes possible to obtain housing with an original design and different number of storeys, and in a limited space.

You can buy a house from containers with a total area of ​​​​about 90 m² for about 360-450 thousand rubles. Such a project involves the installation of three blocks in one plane. If you complete the superstructure of the second floor, using an additional 2-3 containers, the cost of housing will double.

Houses from one container are characterized by simplicity and practicality. In one room, you can combine a dining room and a bedroom, as well as organize a small bathroom behind a partition. This option is suitable for temporary residence of 1-2 people.

If you place 3 blocks in one plane, such housing is suitable for a comfortable stay for a family with two children. total area 85 m² will be enough to equip a kitchen (14 m²), a dining room (23 m²) and several bedrooms (36 m²), as well as a bathroom (12 m²).

Two-story buildings made of cargo blocks have the same conditions as modern buildings with a large area. In this case, it is advisable to divide the layout of the house from containers into zones according to their purpose. On the ground floor, it is better to equip a spacious living room, which can be used for receiving guests and family meetings. It is also desirable to organize a dining room and a kitchen nearby. The second floor can be used for recreation. It is better to equip the bedrooms here.


On each of the floors, it is desirable to locate general-purpose premises:

  • toilets;
  • bathrooms;
  • utility rooms (pantries, dressing rooms).

Important! Before proceeding with construction, the containers must be checked for the presence of radiation. The safe rate is 35 μR / h (micro-roentgen per hour).

Average price of a turnkey container house:

Work materialsprice, rub.
Used sea containers (2 pcs.)160000
Arrangement of strip foundation90000
Floor covering40000
Roof construction and insulation (tiled or bulk insulation)36000
Mounting external thermal insulation(slabs of mineral wool)30000
Construction wooden frame+ clapboard lining25000
Organization of the ceiling (chipboard and timber)12000

The cost of purchasing materials is 393 thousand rubles. If you hire a contractor to build a modular house from containers, then, taking into account the cost of services, the price of housing will approximately double and will amount to 786 thousand rubles. These figures are only approximate. The costs will depend on various factors, such as the quality and type of finish, the characteristics of the soil on the site and other conditions.




Features of baths from sea containers and average construction prices

Cargo containers can be used not only for the construction of residential buildings. Baths made of blocks are in high demand among consumers who are attracted by the mobility of these structures, affordable price and the ability to adjust settings to suit individual needs. Most often, 20-foot High Cube blocks are used to build baths from containers. The area of ​​such an element is 13.53 m².

This space is enough to organize the main components:

  • shower room;
  • steam room;
  • rest rooms.

Average prices for turnkey baths:

name of the projectEquipmentprice, rub.
StandardCleaning and preparation, foundation installation, flooring, sewerage and water supply, wall and floor finishing300000
OptimumStandard + glazing, fine finishing of walls and ceilings, installation of electrical wiring, installation of doors400000
MaximumStandard + optimum + installation of all elements of the lighting system, plumbing, heaters, ventilation, underfloor heating500000

Note! All the projects indicated in the table involve the arrangement of a steam room, plumbing and sewerage systems, electricity supply and cutting window openings. The cost of double-glazed windows is not included in the total price.

Consumer opinion about container houses: user reviews from the forums

Many owners of summer cottages have already taken advantage of the idea of ​​building residential containers and shared their opinions on the forums.

“If you follow all the requirements and perform full insulation, a house made of container blocks will be a good solution to the housing problem. I like that on erection load-bearing structure minimum time is spent. After that, you can choose the doors and windows, as well as the finishes, to your taste. There is no need to build a massive foundation, which greatly simplifies the work. Of course, the size and shape of modular elements are limited by standard frames, but with a creative streak, even this problem can be circumvented.”

Evgeny Dorosh, Moscow

“My dacha neighbor started with one block, gradually adding additional modules to it. Now it country house IK from containers looks no worse than a stationary building made of bricks. So I seriously thought about building such a house. The house looks interesting both inside and out. I never heard any complaints from a neighbor, so I think it's worth a try.

Igor Skripach, Yekaterinburg

“A container house is hardly comparable to a brick building. But taking into account the price, which is about 5 times less, such housing can be safely considered if the budgetary possibilities of the family are limited.”

Roman Lubko, Samara


How to build a house from containers: technology and recommendations

Housing construction on land plot carried out in stages. Since the building does not need a complex foundation, all work can be done independently. Main stages of construction:

  • project development;

  • arrangement of the foundation part of the building;
  • installation of containers;
  • roofing;
  • installation of a heater;
  • internal and external Finishing work.

Designing a 40ft Container House: Building Layout

The layout is developed taking into account the purpose of the building. Many companies offer standard projects for construction, but for the creation of modern housing from containers, it is better to use an individual approach. However, do not rely solely on your own intuition. Despite the obvious simplicity of the construction process, it is imperative to act within the framework of design work.

Before proceeding with the construction of a building from cargo containers, it is necessary to perform strength calculations. To do this, weight loads are calculated and, based on the data obtained, the optimal dimensions of the foundation are calculated. In addition to these calculations, the design documentation specifies the type and quantity building materials, as well as the appearance of the building.

Note! To find out the cost of housing from containers, you must take into account the delivery. This service may affect the final price.

Depending on how many containers will be used to build a house, and how they will be placed in relation to each other, you can get rooms with different layouts and areas. Most often, developers resort to the option where several containers are installed in a row under one roof. In this case, the modules are adjacent to each other with a long side. With this arrangement, the rooms are connected by organizing internal openings.

An interesting option is obtained if one of the walls will have a folding design. In this case, it can serve as a house adjoining space. Panoramic windows can be installed on the inside of the wall. Such a project will not only be successful in terms of ease of use, but also safe.

The layout of a country house from containers will be more diverse if you place modular blocks in a checkerboard pattern. The designer will have a chance to show imagination and achieve an interesting result. Variants of parallel placement of cargo containers are quite popular. Modules in this case are installed at a certain distance from each other.

Convenient and comfortable layouts are obtained in those projects where the containers are located one above the other. From the side, this design is similar to chest of drawers. If the blocks are placed with the letter P on the site, then it will be possible to equip patio. This area can be decorated and equipped for family holidays.


How to build a safe container house

Bacteria and rodents can cause serious damage to a building, but other factors, such as burglars, are also a source of danger. There are special design and technological techniques that allow you to avoid intrusion from the outside and provide your home with reliable protection.

The front door is one of the most vulnerable areas. To secure this section of the house, it is advisable to install immediately behind it frame wall where the opening is cut. During the absence of the owners, the property will be protected by two door structures at once: standard and burglar-resistant.

Another way to increase the security of a building against burglary is to install a wall with a lifting structure. This method is convenient and reliable, although it is expensive. Behind the lifting structure is installed glass wall which will provide the building with an additional amount of natural light.

Helpful advice! If the lifting wall will be used as a terrace, it is advisable to use wood for its manufacture.

Dimensions and shape of door and window structures do not affect the security level of the building. These elements are selected taking into account the design of the premises or the exterior of the house.

Do-it-yourself construction of a foundation for a house from shipping containers

The first phase of construction involves foundation works Location on. The house can be installed on piles, foundation blocks, tapes. The choice of base depends on the relief features of the site and the properties of the soil. It is not recommended to install blocks without a foundation, since the soil will sag under the weight of the building, and in winter the structure will freeze severely.

If it is planned to build a country house for temporary residence, they are suitable as a basis. The two-story building needs careful preparation. In most cases, experts advise using a reinforced tape-type foundation. For its construction, you will need to dig a pit, so you can not do without specialized equipment, for example, an excavator, as well as trucks that will take out the soil.

If the site is located on weak marshy soil, it is better to give preference pile foundation. For pouring monolithic foundation under a house from block containers with several floors, it is desirable to use cement grade 400, which is mixed with water and sand. By adding special hardeners to the resulting mixture, you can significantly increase the service life of the base.

Allowed use ready mix for concrete work. In this case, a reinforcing cage and a formwork structure are installed, which is poured with mortar. To get a quality result, concrete must be compacted. For this, a deep vibrating tool is used.


The structural part of building a house from cargo containers: installing blocks

The installation of cargo containers on the site can only be started after the concrete has completely dried. This requires at least 22 days. If sea containers 40 feet long are purchased for construction, then a truck crane will be required for their installation.

Helpful advice! While the concrete dries, you can perform anti-corrosion treatment of cargo containers. To do this, the blocks are painted with iron and lead minium. As a finishing layer, it is better to use a dye that is resistant to high temperatures.

When the concrete pour is completely frozen, you can install the modules on the foundation. Then they are tied and scalded. This is done in order to fix the structure of the house of two containers on the foundation and connect the modules to each other.

At the next stage, internal interior partitions. For these purposes, it is desirable to use drywall sheets. This material is easy to handle and works well. As an alternative, a profiled sheet can be used. To get the necessary elements, you need to remove the inner walls of the container, which do not fit into the requirements of the project. This procedure is performed immediately before the blocks are installed on the foundation.

At the same stage, openings for windows and doors are cut out. For this, a grinder can be used. After the operation is completed, you should carefully process the edge of the cut with special tools.

Since the design of the freight container is not designed for holes, the rigidity of the block as a result installation work will decrease significantly. To strengthen the supporting structure in weak places, namely in window and doorways, it is necessary to weld pipes or channels around the entire perimeter. This must be done so that the stiffeners run from the floor to the ceiling.

To connect all elements of the supporting structure, it is desirable to use a continuous seam. Fastening the container body with stiffeners is best done by spot welding. In the absence of skills in handling a welding machine, it is advisable to use the services of a professional, since it is very important to withstand the necessary slopes and angles.

How to do roofing work in a house from containers with your own hands

First, the frame part is formed attic floor. For these purposes, it is recommended to use a beam with a section size of 10x10 cm. The frame is fixed to the container using self-tapping screws. To fasten the bars together, it is desirable to use plumbing bolts.

When the frame part of the attic is ready, the truss system is installed. If the size of the boards is spelled out in the project documentation correctly, then in the process of work they will not have to be spliced, so that the structure will turn out to be more durable and reliable. Self-tapping screws should be used to connect the rafters. Next, a crate is formed, on top of which galvanized steel sheets are laid. When performing roofing work, one should not forget about vapor insulation. To do this, a vapor barrier film is laid between the crate and steel sheets.

There is another way to organize vapor insulation. To do this, pipes 40 cm long and 10 cm in diameter are installed under the roof itself from two sides of the house (3 pcs. on each side). They will provide ventilation of the space under the roof. Holes intended for pipe installation are made in advance.

Important! Steel sheets are affordable, but they make too much noise during heavy rain and wind. Therefore, it is worth giving preference to soft roofing materials, for example, ondulin.

High-quality insulation of a modern container house

Any residential premises need thermal insulation. This is especially true for buildings made of shipping containers, which conduct well not only heat, but also sound. Therefore, it does not hurt to perform the installation of soundproof materials along with thermal insulation.

Can be used as a heater the following types materials:

  • polyurethane foam;
  • mineral wool;
  • Styrofoam.

The maximum service life of mineral wool is 10 years. After that, the material loses all its properties. Unlike mineral wool, polyurethane foam and polystyrene have a dense structure. Thanks to this, the installation of such thermal insulation is carried out quickly and easily. Service life of polyfoam and polyurethane foam reaches 20 years. These materials have not only heat, but also sound-proof properties, which mineral wool cannot boast of.

To fix the heaters, you can use plastic pins or a special adhesive composition. Plastic elements are screwed into the walls of the cargo container in advance. A polyethylene film is laid over the insulation. Then a decorative layer is installed, for example, chipboard or lining.

Floor insulation is carried out in a similar way. For this you should use polystyrene boards. The use of mineral wool on the floors is highly undesirable, because it is able to retain moisture. Additionally, you can perform a concrete screed.

In the process of insulation, it is very important not only to apply quality materials but also try to eliminate sources of heat loss as much as possible. As a rule, their role is played by design flaws, which include:

  • cracks;
  • cold bridges;
  • areas with high thermal conductivity.

Slots are the main source of heat loss. If the assembly of the structure is poor quality, all efforts to insulate will be in vain. Therefore, it is very important to carefully process all joints. Cargo containers are made of metal. This material has a high thermal conductivity, so the insulation is carried out not only from the inside, but also from outer side building.

Window and door openings can serve as a source of heat loss. In order to exclude the rapid cooling of the premises, it is necessary to select high-quality materials for thermal insulation. door structure, as well as double-glazed windows on windows of appropriate thickness.

Note! Don't skimp on insulation. If all the work is done with high quality, in the future it is possible to significantly reduce the cost of heating the container building. Therefore, the choice of materials must be approached very responsibly.

What materials are used for interior and exterior decoration of the house from block containers

After done internal insulation at home, wall surface close up OSB boards, drywall or plywood sheets. These materials are attached to a rigid frame, which is assembled from metal profiles.

Ceiling coverings can be very diverse:

  • drywall;
  • Armstrong system;
  • stretch ceiling;
  • painted wood.

For finishing wall surfaces, the same materials are used as in standard houses, for example: wallpaper, plastic panels, decorative plaster, dye. The floors are covered with tiles, parquet, linoleum. It all depends on the purpose of the premises, personal preferences and budget possibilities of the owner.

The following materials are used in outdoor finishing works:

  • natural stone;
  • block house;
  • siding;
  • decorative plaster;
  • fake diamond;
  • plastic panels.

Finishing material for outdoor work is selected taking into account climatic conditions and the design of the building.




Connecting the container house to communication systems and heating

Since container buildings do not need a massive foundation, the floors can be cold. The best option for modular houses there will be a "warm floor" heating system. In the presence of quality insulation on the walls and roof, it is able to create comfortable climatic conditions for living. An underfloor heating system cannot be used as the main source of heating, especially if the ceilings in the house are high. Additional heaters will be required.

Helpful advice! If installed on the roof of a building solar panels, you can organize a convenient and efficient heating system.

If the house will be used for permanent residence, care should be taken to have all the necessary communications. These include:

  • sewer system;
  • electricity;
  • water pipes;
  • gas supply.

If electricity and gas supply can be brought to the house at any time, then the calculation of sewerage and water supply is carried out even at the stage of design work. If there is no centralized water supply system, you will have to find alternative sources, for example, to build a well and connect pumping equipment. In the absence of conditions for the creation of a sewer system, this issue can be resolved using cesspool or septic. Also, the installation of a system that provides natural and forced ventilation will not interfere.

When all construction and finishing work is completed, you can begin to equip the house from sea containers. There are no restrictions regarding the style of decoration and furniture. The owner can independently make a decision by creating the design of the premises. The exceptions are styles such as baroque and classic, which are characterized by the use of massive furniture. In conditions of low ceilings, such a design would be inappropriate.


It is advisable to avoid gloomy and dark colors. White and pastel shades will visually increase the space inside the containers. A similar effect is created by mirrors and glossy surfaces. Container buildings are ideally combined with panoramic windows. This type of glazing will give the building a modern look.

Using your imagination, you can turn a modular building into a full-fledged and comfortable home, and the presence of sheds or verandas will give it extra comfort.

How to build a house from containers: technology video review

Sea container houses good decision for self-construction not only or, but also full-fledged housing. Some people build it using concrete and steel, glass as a basis, with the aim of emphasizing their wealth and position in society, while others choose non-standard solutions. There are also those who are building their own housing using sea containers, and recently their number has been increasing. It is possible to build such a building by making it part of the structure, or to build it completely by connecting several shipping containers together.

There are also a number of organizations that are engaged in the construction of houses from sea containers on a turnkey basis.

Sea container as a guest house

The most interesting is the project in which the container acts as a guest house. It turns out to be small in size, but has a very neat, compact and spectacular appearance. Although its dimensions and shape do not allow much fantasies with decorative elements, the result is a beautiful and functional mansion with its own individuality.

Competent and bold combination of materials, as well as different color solutions contribute to the creation of a simple design of an excellent place for housing and in particular recreation, which is harmonious.

Projects of houses from sea containers

The very idea and uniqueness of using a sea container as a base for future housing is unusual and individual. There are craftsmen who create houses from shipping containers with their own hands due to the fact that it is possible to create a drawing for this yourself or order it from specialized organizations.

Due to the growing interest and demand for projects similar houses the number of people showing interest in this type of housing is also increasing. Many people think about the construction of such a structure on their own. It is quite possible to build this type of house with your own hands, and this will significantly reduce costs, especially in comparison with. It has excellent seismic resistance and is very fast to build. The main advantage of such a structure is its low cost.

Myths about container designs

Some opponents of the construction of such buildings are mistaken in that:

  • a container house is useful only in warm countries and cannot be used in our cold winter climates due to the container;
  • created houses cannot have an aesthetic appearance;
  • built housing will not be able to have large rooms and will consist only of, as in trams;
  • fragility of operation due to the susceptibility of the metal to corrosion, which leads to the rapid destruction of structures.

All of the above is not true. Below we will look at the process of creating container housing and dispel these myths.

Containers make it possible to build a fairly large building (the only drawback is that this method of construction is not widespread in our country). In the case when you want to move away from the established stereotypes and the mentality of the majority, you can safely engage in the development of the project and its further implementation. This will give you the opportunity to stand out from the gray mass, embody all the desires in your home and save the family budget due to the cheaper cost of materials and work.

What does your imagination draw for you when you hear - a house from a container? Many, obviously, seem to be a change house - a simple, inexpensive, small-sized country house.

This is partly true, indeed housing is relatively inexpensive, but the rest can be argued.

From containers it is possible to build a multi-room, multi-storey, comfortable residential or office building.

This type of construction has long become popular in many countries of Europe and America, and now it is gaining momentum in the CIS.

We invite you to consider the topic in more detail, perhaps in the near future you will become the owner of budget housing, thereby solving the housing problem, or equip country cottage area, building on it a cozy modular home.

The history of container houses

Perhaps the idea of ​​​​building a house from an ordinary sea container belongs to an unknown author, but actively popularize this species construction was the American architect Kalkin Adam. The first well-known residential building from containers appeared thanks to this particular person. It was created from three shipping containers as a creative experiment.

It turned out to be easy and cheap to buy used, decommissioned shipping containers. The construction of the house did not require large financial investments, and in areas with frequent tornadoes, container houses became in demand.

Today, many architects and designers continue to create structures from shipping containers, embodying their creative ambitions in residential and public buildings.

Buildings made of containers are known, which serve not only as residential buildings, but are also hotel complexes, office and commercial buildings, restaurants. Such a structure is not difficult to dismantle and transport to another place, which is also not unimportant.

In the world, there are many buildings made from used shipping containers that are environmentally friendly, simple, but not without comfort and attractiveness. The design of the buildings is creative and attracts visitors.

Building a house from containers

Where to start building? Everyone can build a house from containers with their own hands. The terms for the construction of such a house are reduced several times compared to traditional methods of construction, and the savings are in the face.

A standard 40-foot shipping container has the following internal dimensions:

  • length 12,032 mm;
  • width 2352 mm;
  • height 2393 mm.

Cargo 20 feet:

  • length 5 898 mm;
  • width 2352 mm;
  • height 2393 mm.

The height of the High Cube is 2,698 mm.

You can buy a cargo 20-foot container at a price of 47 thousand rubles, a 40-foot container from 70 thousand rubles.

It is not difficult to build an inexpensive country house from containers. Buy one or two blocks. Place two containers side by side or at an angle to each other, such as the letter "L" or "T", or stack each other.

The facade will be more complex and interesting if the two containers are moved relative to each other. And you can move the containers apart, building between them a spacious living room with maximum glazing.

In one of the blocks to plan two bedrooms, and in the other - on the contrary - a kitchen and a bathroom. Combine the entire structure with a pitched roof, while the height of the ceilings in the living area will be higher due to the slopes of the roof.

If your family consists of several generations, and you like to gather in the country all together, then the country house can consist of two or three containers installed in a circle, united in the center by a covered terrace, where family dinners and various holidays.

The glazed ceiling in the form of a dome will resemble a tent and protect from bad weather. Build pergolas between the block containers and plant climbing plants. Vertical gardening will give the whole structure elegance.

Due to the fact that the weight of the containers is only 2.3 - 4.0 tons, the load on the foundation is not large. For a container house, a columnar foundation is suitable. By the way, this is the most acceptable option for building a house on heaving soils.

If living in the house is planned to be permanent, then the walls must be insulated. You can perform insulation with any heat-insulating material(expanded polystyrene, mineral wool, basalt wool, etc.).

If desired, the outer walls are sheathed with siding. And you can just paint them with paint for metal in a juicy bright or discreet color with a spray gun or paint the facade.

Interior decoration depends on your taste and preferences.. The walls can be sheathed with drywall or clapboard. But avoid dark shades because the rooms are not big. White color and light pastel shades will visually expand the space.

In order to expand the space, designers often use mirrors in interior decoration. Use the already known techniques, create a pleasant, cozy atmosphere of a country dwelling, then your stay in the country will be pleasant and desirable.

The design of the container is quite rigid, which allows you to cut windows in the walls where necessary. One of the end walls can be made fully glazed.

What else is convenient for a country house made of containers? One of the walls of the box can be hinged. When closed, the full-wall glazing of the house protects against vandals, and when folded out, it serves as a terrace. The floor of the terrace is lined with boards. On the terrace, you can install portable garden furniture, flower pots, which will give it comfort.

Due large area glazing, your home will seem to merge with the surrounding nature, and the house will be filled with light and fresh air. The terrace can also be attached, covered with a common roof with the house.

With proper decoration, a container house will be difficult to distinguish from a building made of familiar materials if the appearance of the cargo boxes is not too pleasant for you.

You can also build a fairly large, comfortable house from containers. True, there are not very many such daredevils in our country. The mentality of our person hardly allows us to move away from the prevailing stereotypes that a residential building is a solid building made of wood, stone or concrete, although at all times there were “kulibins” who were not afraid of experiments.

And if you decide to move away from the prevailing stereotypes in the field of housing construction, save on construction, surprise your friends, then this version of a residential building is quite suitable for you. Dare!

29.01.2016

Sea containers, originally used for the transportation of goods, due to their versatility, over the years have found a wider, and sometimes unexpected, application for their properties. Due to a very significant margin of safety, which is laid down during the design, as well as standardized dimensions and fastenings, today shipping containers are successfully converted into various structures.

We have compiled a list of the most useful and functional ideas. So, what can be done from a sea container?

1. Change house

Temporary living quarters or, in short, very often converted from shipping containers. Such a structure can be effectively used both in warm climates and in cold northern latitudes - depending on the climatic zone, materials and technologies are selected that provide a comfortable indoor microclimate at an outside temperature of plus 40 to minus 50 ̊С. Change houses are compact and can be repeatedly transported, like ordinary dry cargo containers. However, it can always be retrofitted or re-equipped.

Such options are ideal for construction crews and agricultural work - in short, in those areas where work and place of residence depend on the season or the current project.

2. Workshop

Workshops based on sea containers are mainly equipped for the repair of scooters, motorcycles, ATVs and similar small equipment. Depending on the scale of activity, the module can consist of one container, representing a kind of garage-workshop for personal needs (where, by the way, a car can easily fit), or several, being a full-fledged workshop serving customers' vehicles.

3. Laboratory

Very practical option is a mobile or stationary laboratory. The undoubted advantage of the mobile module is the ability to conduct research directly at the facility and, if necessary, quickly move the laboratory to another facility. This type of converted sea containers is widely used in the construction industry (for example, for quality control of concrete, cement mortar and other components), oil and gas and petrochemical industries, where the objects are geographically distant from each other.

4. Warehouse

Warehouses converted from dry cargo containers are popular with both product manufacturers and retail outlets. They are sealed and it is possible to maintain a certain temperature regime, required according to the conditions of storage of products. In addition, such a warehouse is very difficult to break into or otherwise damage, and in the event of a decrease in turnover or a business exit, it is much easier to sell than a conventional warehouse tied to a specific location.

5. Mini production

This option allows you to significantly reduce capital costs for the construction or purchase of premises, which is especially important for starting a business. At the same time, modern technologies and materials make it possible to make the container fully meet all the requirements of a particular production. When expanding the activity or changing its specifics, the modules can be retrofitted with the necessary equipment or an additional workplace. This option, paradoxically, is used with equal success by novice entrepreneurial businessmen and fairly large firms that carefully consider their benefits.

6. Point of sale

A practical anti-vandal kiosk or concept showroom can also be converted from a shipping container. Sometimes the appearance of a simple module can be transformed beyond recognition, and interior decoration match the decor of a designer boutique. Fragments of the walls of the block in this case are often replaced with glazing, and the showcases located in them are effectively illuminated. This format of retail outlets is still not very popular among entrepreneurs, but it is impossible to deny that its novelty attracts visitors, distinguishing the kiosk from others.

7. Rental point for bicycles and goods for outdoor activities

Dry cargo containers are ideal for arranging rental. Moreover, enterprising owners very successfully offer bicycles, scooters, skateboards, children's cars and special seats for bicycles for rent in summer, and skates, skis, buns and sleds in winter. Such modules are located, as a rule, near a park, square, embankment or on the territory of recreation centers, where they are very popular with citizens and guests of the city.

8. Gym

Sports enthusiasts and businessmen often use sea containers to organize a gym. High-quality thermal insulation and a ventilation system allow you to comfortably train at any time of the year and not be afraid for the simulators located in the block - a well-equipped module will not leak and will serve as reliable protection against hacking attempts. In addition, the gym can be additionally equipped with security systems and security and fire alarm especially for commercial premises.

9. Fish farm

Re-equipment of a dry-cargo container for a fish farm involves the installation of special technical equipment (the so-called fish tanks, pumps, a pipe system and a number of devices for creating and maintaining the necessary water parameters), thermal insulation of the foundation and communications. In such conditions, sturgeon, trout and some other fish species are successfully grown. Expand production either by installing additional fish tanks, if design allows, or by purchasing another converted unit.

10. Mobile sales office

On the basis of sea containers, they are in demand in the field of microfinance of the population, the provision of tourism and other services. At the same time, they can be designed in such a way that they do not require connection to external water supply and sewerage, which sometimes becomes an important decisive factor. High-quality thermal insulation, in turn, allows employees to feel comfortable in hot and cold weather, and design variability helps to re-equip or retrofit in a timely manner, depending on changes in staffing. Thus, the mobile sales office grows and changes with the business.

11. Post on duty

Dry cargo containers are also quite often converted. In this case, one or more combined units are equipped with a door and necessary quantity windows, and can be zoned for working and residential area. If this is the post of the duty officer for the crossing, then the necessary equipment is installed inside to manage the crossing, similarly, it happens at security posts with automatic gate or a barrier. If necessary, emergency lighting and alarms are additionally mounted.

12. Office

The trend to retrofit is gaining momentum around the world. Such offices, which originally emerged as a more budget-friendly alternative to classic fixed premises, in last years have become an object of interest for well-known architectural firms and companies wishing to keep up with the times and remain mobile. There are a huge number of options - ranging from small one-component premises to buildings of bizarre shapes, completely made of block containers. Internal and exterior finish such premises can have absolutely any, which attracts creative architectural companies to create new projects in this market.

13. Dining room

Long service life and an unlimited number of assembly/dismantling and transportation make dry cargo containers ideal for mobile canteens, in demand at construction sites, agricultural works where people need to be fed. Depending on the required bandwidth, it may consist of one or two or several dozen blocks at once. In accordance with the standards and certificates, a cooking area is organized in the dining room, warehouses, a hygiene room and a hall for visitors. This design is built very quickly and is immediately ready for operation.

14. Substation, generator

In this case, the converted container plays a protective role in relation to the expensive equipment that is installed in it. The module protects against atmospheric precipitation, dirt, dust, aggressive UV radiation, as well as from hacking, shock and other mechanical influences. At the same time, in addition to protection, the equipment also acquires mobility, since the converted unit still retains the ability to be transported by all modes of transport.

15. Hygiene room

Sea containers effectively solve such a very delicate issue as the organization of a hygiene room. At the same time, depending on the needs in each specific case, it can include not only toilets and sinks, but also showers with changing rooms. An important feature such structures become internal coating, resistant to high level humidity - depending on the budget, these can be MDF panels or, for example, ceramic tiles.

16. Bar

The low cost of dry-cargo modules allows redirecting the released funds to the development and implementation of a unique design, which is essential for bars where people come for a special atmosphere. Such structures are very popular in America and have every chance of finding their fans in Russia, in the coming years, embodied in bold creative solutions, which, first of all, will take place in large cities with a population of over a million.

17. Cafe

Massive dry cargo container at the will of the customer and under skillful hands professionals can turn into a stylish and attractive cafe, in which, after such transformations, it will be impossible to make out a simple transport module. Depending on the idea of ​​the project, it can be a classic closed cafe or a mobile summer cafe with folding walls, which can also be successfully used for large outdoor events and luxurious open-air weddings.

18. Sauna

Unusual at first glance, the use of a converted container is a sauna or bath. However, this option, nevertheless, can be increasingly found on a private land plot or near a guest cottage for rent, since the presence of a sauna for many vacationers serves important criterion choosing a place to stay. In the arrangement of the bath, thermal insulation is very important, only in this case its task is not to release heat from the steam room. External and internal decoration, as a rule, is decorated with wood, imitating a log house, typical for log buildings.

19. Creative studio

Creative workshop from block containers on this moment is an original and unhackneyed architectural move. This option is chosen, as a rule, by young creative agencies and creative associations who want to demonstrate to clients their willingness to experiment and change. The modules are arranged in several rows or floors, creating spectacular transitions and dividing the interior space into zones of various stylistic design. Such a creative studio serves as a living calling card that says more than a dozen videos and hundreds of flyers.

20. Hotel

The holding of various concerts, festivals, sports competitions has led to the emergence of another interesting type of structures based on sea ​​block containers– mobile hotel. Instead of building stationary hotels, the number of which will be half empty after the end of the event, practical Europeans are actively using the services of such “hotels on wheels”, which help to accommodate participants, attendants and guests of the event. The owners of mobile hotels promise that their facilities will be ready for use in just 48 hours from the moment the car arrives, which, of course, captivates with speed and moderate costs.

Practice shows that dry cargo containers still have a huge potential, which will be realized for decades. Today on different stages projects all over the world: spas, bridges, hostels, forest houses, beach cafes, etc. And maybe soon we will talk about new ideas for structures made of shipping containers, which just recently simply transported goods, and now have become an integral part of the vibrant architecture of world capitals, a practical choice for small cities and a godsend for enterprising people.

Find out more about the conversion of shipping containers on our service page.

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You ask about why it is impossible to build more floors. The answer is simple: because the more floors, the more expensive the reinforcement work during this construction will cost.

It is worth taking into account that in addition to the standard forms, you can create any other type of design as you wish.

Modular houses are very popular. The very word "module" indicates that this is a separate room, and houses consist of separate modules that are attached to each other.

Market value of shipping containers in Russia

Although the container itself is not a cheap purchase in today's time, however, it is popular. The price of a container is approximately equal to 5-7 thousand dollars. To build a full-fledged house, you need at least 2 such blocks. Delivery of the container is carried out quickly, and its cost reaches 80 thousand rubles. On average, the market price of a house from a sea container ranges from 300 thousand to 1 million rubles.

The price of a container also depends on whether it will be a new container or you will purchase a secondary one. Study the market, compare prices and quality.

Building a house from a container will save up to 30% of the cost of a brick house.

As for the decoration of the house, then on modern market There are a variety of products that can be used to finish a metal surface. And if you correctly carry out these works, then the house from the container cannot be distinguished from the decoration from the usual materials.

Construction stages of a container house

Before starting work, it is imperative to carry out anti-corrosion treatment of the metal structure.

Then you should think about the land where your future home or building.

Building a house includes:

  • project development;
  • foundation installation;
  • fastening of containers;
  • strengthening of load-bearing structures;
  • mandatory insulation of the structure;
  • internal and external finishing works.

To do all this, you need to spend a little time and make quite a bit of effort.

How to make a home project plan

To draw up a project plan for a house, you need to decide for yourself where the future rooms will be:

The size of each room will depend on the number of containers and the people living in the house.

Container houses are considered one of the best projects in construction, photos of them are displayed on most sites, and in terms of price they are inferior to ordinary houses.

For many people, it is not enough to live in a house that is 2 m wide, so they prefer to connect 2 or more containers to increase the area.

An example of a house project from sea containers is shown below in the photo.

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