Container buildings made using flat-packed metal shipping containers are becoming an increasingly popular construction option, particularly for temporary or long-term affordable housing. Instead of being scrapped at the end of their useful lives transporting goods, the sturdy steel containers are transformed into everything from garden sheds and pool houses to multi-story residences and commercial buildings.

Flat pack container building comes with numerous advantages for contractors, builders, and homeowners looking for an affordable yet durable construction option. The standardized and reusable shipping containers offer a low cost, sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials.

Cost Effective Construction

The cost of materials for container buildings ranges from only a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per container unit, representing significant savings compared to conventional construction costs. The rigid steel structures require little additional reinforcement, needing only some insulation, interior finishing touches, and exteriors cladding. By re-purposing what would otherwise be scrap metal into functional buildings, flat pack containers provide a cost-effective, resource-efficient solution.

Rapid Assembly

The flat-packed shipping containers are designed to easily stack and interconnect, streamlining the construction process. Contractors can assemble container structures quickly, often in just a few days, meaning less time and labor costs. The uniform shape, size and reinforcement of the containers simplify engineering and planning of the building, further speeding up the construction process.

Sustainable Materials

Not only are flat pack shipping containers an eco-friendly alternative to lumber and other raw materials, they can also meet sustainable building certifications. The rigid steel structures are designed to withstand harsh conditions for decades, offering a durable building material with a considerably longer lifespan than traditional options. Container buildings also achieve a high recycled content rating since the containers are already manufactured.

Versatility

Flatpack containers come in standard sizes up to 40 feet long and 8 feet wide, with heights up to 9.5 feet. Contractors and homeowners can customize structures by combining multiple containers in creative orientations both horizontally and vertically. Container buildings can mimic traditional architectural designs or feature more modern, angular aesthetics suitable for industrial and commercial projects.

Possible Uses

Living Container Houses- Minimalist yet spacious compact container homes and tiny houses provide an affordable yet charming housing option, particularly for those downsizing or looking for low maintenance accommodation.

Container Living Camps- Campgrounds, festivals and student or worker housing complexes can utilize interconnected flat pack containers for relatively low-cost temporary or long-term accommodations.

Low Cost Prefab Buildings- Contractors are re-purposing shipping containers into multi-functional commercial and industrial structures like offices, workshops, retail stores, restaurants and hotels.

Construction Accessories- Accessory buildings like backyard sheds, pool houses, garages and garden studios provide inexpensive solutions for extra storage and functional spaces.

Future Outlook

As population growth drives demand for innovative, affordable housing options while concerns over environmental sustainability increase, flat pack container buildings will likely continue growing in popularity. Improvements to insulation, finishes, and aesthetic options will further expand the viable uses for container structures. Contractors able to offer fast, low cost yet durable flat pack container solutions will find an advantageous niche in the construction market. With proper planning, engineering and customization, flat pack shipping containers can provide versatile, eco-friendly, cost-effective buildings for a wide range of residential and commercial projects.

Contact us, please click here!