Forum:

tiny house

Shipping container house?

Sue Cooper

Posts: 5

posted 4 years ago

2
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Hi all,
I am fairly new to this site, and can I just say, wow! I feel like I found my people. Haha.
Here’s where I’m at. House rich, cash poor. I would rather be debt free and house poor. That said, While I would be happy to live in a trailer in the woods solo, I have 4 children so (3 at home) so obviously I have some requirements that are necessary in my mind for their comfort and my sanity. That said, on my decent sized town lot, over the last 6-7 years, I have managed to grow upwards of 20 varieties of fruit as well as veggies in raised beds. But now, the market is amazing and I would like to cash out and buy 5 or so acres with the equity I draw from my house sale. Here’s the challenge; I can afford a nice little piece of land, but it will leave me with a (very) small build budget. So I started looking into some different building options (outside the box, if you will) I am considering a mobile (with the possibility of enclosing or surrounding it with a greenhouse. Well when I mention anything outside of a traditional build, I get some mighty strange looks. I feel like we are behind the times here in a sense, and no one shares my vision. I posted re greenhouse idea and I got some incredible feed back, so I figure this is a good place to ask if anyone has experience in building a home out of shipping containers?? Are there “plans” for this somewhere? My thought was to add a dome style roof with the containers on the inner side and using the large open area as extra living space (clearly I would have to modify to add doors and windows etc.) Ideally, I would like to use the “open” area as additional living space (living/dining/kitchen combo, with the bed and bathrooms tucked into the shipping containers. Eventually, I would like to use the area on top of the containers and below the dome as a deck.
Does anyone have first hand experience building a shipping container house? What are the disadvantages to this sort of build?
I expect building permit approval and occupancy certificates may be a sticking point. It’s worth noting that I live in an area with a significant snow fall and occasional hurricane/tropical storm risk.

R Scott

pollinator

Posts: 4022

Location: Kansas Zone 6a

284

posted 4 years ago

5
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

I have a friend that built one, pretty big, I forgot how many containers he welded together.

You are only limited by your imagination, I have even seen them stood on end to make a tower.

Two biggest issues I see:

1. Adding holes for windows and doors. You need someone to weld watertight frames and too many or too big of holes take away too much strength of the container.

2. CONDENSATION! The walls don't breathe and you always risk them sweating like your iced tea glass. Bad enough on the outside but catastrophic on the inside-black mold paradise. You probably need to use closed cell foam and every humidity control trick you can to prevent issues.

"You must be the change you want to see in the world." "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." --Mahatma Gandhi
"Preach the Gospel always, and if necessary, use words." --Francis of Assisi.
"Family farms work when the whole family works the farm." -- Adam Klaus

D Nikolls

pollinator

Posts: 1781

Location: Victoria BC

315

posted 4 years ago

3
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

R Scott wrote:I have a friend that built one, pretty big, I forgot how many containers he welded together.

You are only limited by your imagination, I have even seen them stood on end to make a tower.

Two biggest issues I see:

1. Adding holes for windows and doors. You need someone to weld watertight frames and too many or too big of holes take away too much strength of the container.

2. CONDENSATION! The walls don't breathe and you always risk them sweating like your iced tea glass. Bad enough on the outside but catastrophic on the inside-black mold paradise. You probably need to use closed cell foam and every humidity control trick you can to prevent issues.

Exactly. Issue #2 is what ultimately soured me on the idea.

External closed cell sprayfoam is a possibility, but at that point you've given up the heavy duty exterior... and you still have a COMPLETELY non-breathable structure.

Plus, the structure of a building is not such a terrible expense, if you can assemble it. All the other stuff, still needed for most container homes, is where the bulk of the money goes...

'Theoretically this level of creeping Orwellian dynamics should ramp up our awareness, but what happens instead is that each alert becomes less and less effective because we're incredibly stupid.' - Jerry Holkins

Rebecca Norman

gardener

Posts: 2514

Location: Ladakh, Indian Himalayas at 10,500 feet, zone 5

838

I like...

posted 4 years ago

7
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

You can add your location in your profile so it will show up with every post, which will help people make suggestions.

I grew up in the northeastern US, mostly in stick-frame houses. I've lived more than half my life in adobe houses now in the high desert, with a similar range of seasonal temperatures. I've come to love living in earthen houses, especially for two reasons -- they moderate the thermal swings fantastically, and they also moderate the humidity. In both of these ways, I find an earthen house more comfortable than a wooden insulated house. But containers are even more extreme -- they have no mass or insulation naturally to moderate the temperature. They neither adsorb nor give back any humidity, so as mentioned above there can be real problems with humidity, and with condensation in winter.

Works at a residential alternative high school in the Himalayas SECMOL.org . "Back home" is Cape Cod, E Coast USA.

Joanna Petroni

Posts: 4

posted 4 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Hi Sue,
What would you like to make the dome out of? If you have heavy snowfall, good insulation is essential of course, but if the dome shell is insulated, the containers might not need to be.

I do permarchitecture.

John C Daley

pollinator

Posts: 5347

Location: Bendigo , Australia

477

I like...

posted 4 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Remember a prophet is always unwelcome in their homeland

In my experience it can be a lonely existence if you reject people who do think outside the square.
People seem to fear something different, I dont even argue with them, I present an idea and just keep
working with it. Sometimes others are surprised at the outcome and will come on board then.

Do you have any building skills?

John Daley Bendigo, Australia The Enemy of progress is the hope of a perfect plan
Benefits of rainfall collection https://permies.com/t/88043/benefits-rainfall-collection
GOOD DEBT/ BAD DEBT https://permies.com/t/179218/mortgages-good-debt-bad-debt

S Bengi

pollinator

Posts: 3827

Location: Massachusetts, Zone:6/7 AHS:4 GDD:3000 Rainfall:48in even Soil:SandyLoam pH6 Flat

555

I like...

posted 4 years ago

1
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Twin Shipping Containers
I recommend getting two shipping containers, I have seen them selling for $3,000 each.
One would have 3-4 bedroom and, the other shipping container would have:
-living room
-dinning room, and kitchen,
-bathroom, and mech/laundry room.

Single Shipping Container
If you wanted to just use 1 shipping container then any 40ft RV could be used as an inspiration

Insulation
I recommend adding the insulation on the outside. You can get 4ft x 40ft or even 8ft x 40ft slabs of insulation, but even regular 4x8 ones work just as well.
You could then easily lean those up on the north and south wall. Ditto for the roof and floor too. Then just add a bit of chicken wire and ferrocement/stucco it.

Iterations are fine, we don't have to be perfect
My 2nd Location:Florida HardinessZone:10 AHS:10 GDD:8500 Rainfall:2in/mth winter, 8in/mth summer, Soil:Sand pH8 Flat

Marco Banks

gardener

Posts: 1774

Location: Los Angeles, CA

562

I like...

posted 4 years ago

3
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

I've enjoyed watching this couple build their shipping container house for the past year or so: Life Uncontained.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-l69It3hxAY3tkBH_utLNQ

They put out a video a week and have chronicled the challenges and unique steps they've taken as they've transformed two containers into a home in Texas.

"The rule of no realm is mine. But all worthy things that are in peril as the world now stands, these are my care. And for my part, I shall not wholly fail in my task if anything that passes through this night can still grow fairer or bear fruit and flower again in days to come. For I too am a steward. Did you not know?" Gandolf

denise ra

pollinator

Posts: 574

Location: OK High Plains Prairie, 23" rain avg

I like...

posted 4 years ago

3
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Sue Cooper, I am building a single shipping container tiny house in Western Oklahoma. Why? Tornado missiles, wildfire, security, reduced building material chemical exposure. Insulation on the outside is the way to go to keep the heat out, I'm going to use InSoFast insulation in the corrugations and another four inches of rigid foam on top of that, with 6" on the roof, and probably a 'Perfect Wall' system. For the exterior cladding, I will use something fire and missile resistant, perhaps Hardi board. You must have proper air exchange so that condensation doesn't form. For me, that means solar to run a mini-split I believe. In Texas, you may burn up in summer in a greenhouse.

Permies is awesome!!!

John C Daley

pollinator

Posts: 5347

Location: Bendigo , Australia

477

I like...

posted 4 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

I have installed insulation to the outside of shipping containers by fastening horizontal beams along the container
and then fitting sarking and metal roofing vertically across the beams.
The beams are spaced to suit the container, IE top, middle and base of the container wall.
And have the sheet size of the insulation cut to suit.

denise ra

pollinator

Posts: 574

Location: OK High Plains Prairie, 23" rain avg

I like...

posted 4 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

John Daley, in windy Oklahoma metal roofing is a hazard and I will not use it if I can figure out other options. Lots of old barns and buildings around here are losing pieces of metal roofing in every little wind storm we have and they are flying around the countryside.

Permies is awesome!!!

John C Daley

pollinator

Posts: 5347

Location: Bendigo , Australia

477

I like...

posted 4 years ago

2
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

It could be that people are not attaching the metal roofing properly.
I would like to see how its installed.
I use it extensively and it is the 'go to product' in Australia.

We screw it to battens which are screwed to the rood trusses, maybe nails are used where you are.
I build a 14m x 7M shed that just sat on the ground, I store trailers in it.
I never got around to creating foundations.
Last year I had a storm hit hard, it lifted this shed and dropped it 5 feet away and not a single sheet came off.
We dont normally get winds like that.
Are cyclones prevalent at your place?

John C Daley

pollinator

Posts: 5347

Location: Bendigo , Australia

477

I like...

posted 4 years ago

2
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Out of interest I searched for info and found some interesting points;

Oklahoma weather conditions create many difficulties for Oklahoma roofs. The suns harsh rays wear down the integrity of asphalt shingles over time.
With hail damage, ice damage and wind damage, the average lifetime of an asphalt roof in Oklahoma is 7 years.
Metal roofs have many benefits over asphalt roofing.

I found that metal roofs of corrugated iron, which we use here, are screwed to the battens on every ridge of the iron sheet to hold it down in Oklahoma.
We do it every 4th ridge in Australia below the tropics.

I imagine flying roofs have not been screwed down properly.

I can understand your concern, but it seems done properly, metal roofing works in windy areas. I saw a note somewhere that done to code in USA, it can withstand hurricanes!!
This brand makes this statement

The Varitile metal roofing system uses interlocking roof panels and batten-mounting. This interlocking system provides structural integrity.
The Varitile interlocking system creates an effective solution for freeze/thaw cycles, eliminating ice dams.
The design provides superior resistance to wind uplift. Most manufacturers categorize wind as an “Act of God” and do not warranty damage by wind. Varitile provides homeowners with a wind warranty.

Of course, Oklahoma roofs must withstand hail damage and the Varitile metal roofing system has been laboratory tested and shown to withstand 2 1/2″ simulated hailstones, while other roofs showed severe hail damage.
These truly are Storm Proof Roofs.

John C Daley

pollinator

Posts: 5347

Location: Bendigo , Australia

477

I like...

posted 4 years ago

1
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

I suggest that there is good debt and bad debt.
Many just think any debt is BAD.
Trailers are very expensive starter points for building a house.
With a small debt and your own resources you may be able to start a small home that may be expanded later.
With 3 children, heating costs etc in a trailer I am sure would be a lot higher than in a small house well insulated.

denise ra

pollinator

Posts: 574

Location: OK High Plains Prairie, 23" rain avg

I like...

posted 4 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

John C Daley, thanks for the Varilite roof info, I will check it out.

Permies is awesome!!!

Douglas Alpenstock

master pollinator

Posts: 4988

Location: Canadian Prairies - Zone 3b

1351

posted 4 years ago

4
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

One option worth mentioning: it's possible to buy a modest, structurally sound house for a dollar and pay the cost of moving it. This often happens when mature neighbourhoods are going upscale -- it's cheaper to give away the old, small houses than to demolish and landfill them.

Mike Roberts

Posts: 1

posted 2 years ago

1
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Container homes are really nice and I live in one myself. The thing is living in one may seem great now, but few years down the line, you may find that the novelty wears off. So before you put the money down into building one, you really need to be 100% sure you're gonna be pleased with your potential living situation. Sure, a container home is a smart, eco-friendly alternative to living in a traditional home, after a while however, you may find yourself hankering for the comforts of the latter. If you're 100% set on it, then awesome. Don't forget to take into account your space requirements before commencing with construction. If you have a large family, or you're simply interested in having a lot of individual rooms, you'll likely need multiple shipping containers, which means a ton more work and customization compared to a house made out of a single cargo container. They are many other considerations of course. As for me personally, I tremendously enjoy living in a container home. In general, container homes are inexpensive, efficient, and their environmentally friendly structures make for a truly unique place of residence. Still, like very much all major projects, it's absolutely vital to anticipate every single snag that could get in your way. So be sure to plan ahead to ensure that your shipping container home project gets done right. The reference materials presented here will help you plan ahead, figure out the snags, and get pretty much everything in your potential project done properly.

John C Daley

pollinator

Posts: 5347

Location: Bendigo , Australia

477

I like...

posted 2 years ago

4
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

I think there are limits to the great use of containers.
They are great because;
- they have integral strength
- transport easily
- in North America insulation that is the same shape of the walls is available.
etc, etc.
The downfalls I think are;
- multiple units means different trades need to be involved and the costs may blow out.
- Self build is possible with 2 or 3 units.
- A single 20 ft unit is small, and a 40ft needs holes cut to let in light.
- 2 / 20 footers maybe better than one 40 footer, particularly if placed apart to create a courtyard.
- They need insulation etc.

I like small homes, where I live the weather is temperate, and I spend a lot of time outside, on the veranda or fiddling in sheds.
We dont have snow and hot weather can be hot, 46deg. C, but I fitted a swampy cooler and it is great.
Both detracters and true believers will drive you made because they may have only read about them.
I use them a bit like a shearers hut, very simple, not insulated but shaded.

Casey Dowell

Posts: 5

posted 2 years ago

3
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

John C Daley wrote:I think there are limits to the great use of containers.
They are great because;
- they have integral strength
- transport easily
- in North America insulation that is the same shape of the walls is available.
etc, etc.
The downfalls I think are;
- multiple units means different trades need to be involved and the costs may blow out.
- Self build is possible with 2 or 3 units.
- A single 20 ft unit is small, and a 40ft needs holes cut to let in light.
- 2 / 20 footers maybe better than one 40 footer, particularly if placed apart to create a courtyard.
- They need insulation etc.

I like small homes, where I live the weather is temperate, and I spend a lot of time outside, on the veranda or fiddling in sheds.
We dont have snow and hot weather can be hot, 46deg. C, but I fitted a swampy cooler and it is great.
Both detracters and true believers will drive you made because they may have only read about them.
I use them a bit like a shearers hut, very simple, not insulated but shaded.

I have a shipping container house. It's about 1,500 sq ft with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The living space is about 330 sq ft. The kitchen is about 300 sq ft. There are also two car parking spots on the property.
With my container home, I can store all of our belongings in one location without having to move around. This is appropriate for those looking for inexpensive housing. To those who are looking for a home and have a sufficient budget, I do not advise this.

John C Daley

pollinator

Posts: 5347

Location: Bendigo , Australia

477

I like...

posted 2 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

How many containers do you have and how are they set out?

Aimee Lee

Posts: 4

posted 1 year ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Shipping Container homes require a lot of skills to build, My sister bought a tiny prefab home that requires minor installation. It can be a good alternative. Its the one in the video.

"Life isn't about finding yourself; it's about creating yourself." - George Bernard Shaw

Mike Mayer

Posts: 1

posted 1 year ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Hey there,
my name is Michael Mayer, and I'm currently pursuing my studies at the University of Innsbruck.

I would like to present you a project I've been working on for a university course (Innovation diffusion).
Before I delve into the details, I want to make it clear that this project is purely a mockup and does not have any commercial intentions. The primary goal is to conduct market research and gather valuable insights from this community. Your feedback will play a crucial role in refining and enhancing the platform, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the needs and preferences of those passionate about tiny house living.
I am not seeking any financial transactions or commitments through this post. Instead, I am eager to engage in discussions, hear your thoughts, and address any suggestions or concerns you may have regarding the concept of a shipping container marketplace for tiny houses.

I've developed an online marketplace that focuses on buying and selling shipping containers, for different purposes such as building tiny houses. The idea behind this project is to create a convenient platform where enthusiasts, builders, and individuals interested in the tiny house movement can easily connect to procure the perfect shipping container for their unique housing project.

I sincerely appreciate your time and look forward to your input on this exciting project!
The link to the marketplace is: http://mycontainer24.rf.gd/

Thanks and best regards,
Michael (Mike)

Lina Rus

Posts: 2

posted 6 months ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

I've been intrigued by the idea of converting a shipping container https://www.vivacontainers.com/blog/do-shipping-containers-rust into a house. It seems like a durable and cost-effective option, but I'm curious about a few things. How well do they insulate against extreme temperatures? What modifications are necessary to make it comfortable for living? Has anyone here gone through this process?

Message for you sir! I think it is a tiny ad:

the permaculture bootcamp in winter (plus half-assed holidays)

https://permies.com/t/149839/permaculture-projects/permaculture-bootcamp-winter-assed-holidays