Hello, I’d like to share my experience with a self-built, converted shipping container.
One of its key features is that it uses natural insulation. In fact, I built it as if I were constructing a timber-frame house inside a container. I live in it year-round and I’m not connected to any utilities. The container is located in a mid-mountain area in France at an altitude of 1,000 meters, and it sits directly on the ground without foundations.
The container I chose is a 20-foot High Cube dry container, which gives me an interior height of 2.55 m once the ceiling is finished. The interior width is 2.08 m and the length is 5.70 m.
The inner wall thickness is 13 cm. The walls and ceiling are made of a timber frame using 45 × 95 mm sections and 13 mm OSB panels. The insulation is Biofib Trio, a natural insulating material made from cotton, hemp, and flax fibers.
The steel walls of the container were left exposed, and there is a 2.5 cm air gap between the steel and the timber frame. Roof vents allow air from this cavity to escape outside. A small mechanical ventilation system helps remove interior's moisture. Heating is provided by a wood stove.
Since humidity is a key issue in container homes, I immediately installed a thermometer/hygrometer.
Currently, winter is the easiest season, with indoor temperatures ranging between 13 and 25°C and humidity levels between 40% and 60%. Summer causes more problems because I can’t use the stove, and humidity rises to around 70%. The location in the middle of a forest is a critical factor that significantly increases humidity. I’m considering using a professional dehumidifier in summer, as my solar panels should provide enough power.
After inspection by removing some panels, the walls have never shown any signs of condensation. The critical area is the ceiling, where condensation can occur. I would recommend applying 1 to 2 cm of sprayed insulation, such as cork, on the inner surface. Proper ventilation in the kitchen and shower areas is essential to expel moisture outside before it migrates into the walls.
I built my own ventilation system using an electrical cabinet fan with a capacity of 90 m³/h.
This is a broad topic, and I will add more details in future posts. Thank you for your patience.
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