Hundreds of shipping containers lie idle on docks all over the world. Most of them can still make a few more trips while the rest already need to retire. Unfortunately, with their sheer size, there’s no space for shipping containers in most landfills, and so they are left to decompose in places where they shouldn’t be. Fortunately, there’s still a way to get rid of them without damaging the environment—repurpose them into buildings.
Shipping Container Architecture
Building with shipping containers has become a trend in the construction industry since the beginning of the 21st century. It started off as an alternative housing solution but is now regarded as an innovative approach to architecture. All kinds of building from small sheds to average size commercial structures can now be constructed with shipping containers as the base material. More and more builders are recommending and using this approach, and it’s not difficult to understand why.
Affordability
All major construction projects are expensive. Whether it’s a small barn or a two-story home, the materials and labor needed may cost a fortune. Using shipping containers, however, allows you to save huge sums of money, as each unit only costs between $1000 and $3000. A single unit is also big, too, so just a couple could already create sufficient living space. Since it has built-in walls and frame, the only thing left to do is to modify it by installing windows and doors, ventilation, and insulation. All in all, the cost can be several times lower than that of a concrete structure.
Quick and Easy
As mentioned before, a shipping container already has walls and frame. Unless you’re not adding a level to your building, there’s no need to install extra support. This means after mounting the container on the footing, it is half job done. Whereas, if you build using concrete, this part of the process could take weeks to a couple of months because concrete still needs to be cured. This is especially helpful if you’re building a commercial establishment since finishing the project quickly lets you open your store and start earning earlier, too.
Unique Beauty
People are constantly looking for something new and unique. Even when it comes to buildings, they easily get attracted to rare and cool architecture. Structures made of shipping containers are a good example of buildings that grab attention. It’s no wonder many entrepreneurs are considering this option. The metal boxes have a corrugated surface that makes a great façade or even interior wall, as it looks modern and stylish.
Eco-Friendly and Energy Efficient
By repurposing used cargo containers, you are saving vast lands from being turned into dumpsites. Most buildings made of these boxes have large single pane windows, too, which allow more natural light to come in during the day, consequently saving considerable amount of energy. Since it’s made of metal, it can also be painted white to reflect light and heat back into space to help reduce urban heating.
Movable
If there’s one thing that sets cargo containers for sale apart from other building materials, it’s that it allows builders to make their structure movable. In other words, when the time comes the land has to be abandoned, they can simply take the building with them, something that you cannot do with concrete structures. In fact, shipping container structures are popular in industrial and mining sites for this very reason.
Of course, to make all of these possible, you need to use high-quality shipping containers. Whether it’s pre-owned or brand new, you have to make sure that they come from a trusted supplier, such as Equipment Management Services. Operating the largest off-dock shipping container storage and maintenance facility in Houston, EMS can definitely provide you the units that will suit your project the most.
Source:
7 Benefits of Shipping Container Home Design, marineinsight.com
