The local government has approved development plans submitted by Lida Group, a leading real estate developer, to build an affordable multi-family housing complex in the expanding town of Lida featuring customized modular prefabricated container homes.

Lida was formerly a labor camp town established in the 1993 as agricultural production and road construction projects increased in the region. For decades, the town’s population lived in simple dormitories and basic housing provided by the government near the various farms and construction sites. As reforms began in the 2000, residents were given ownership of their living quarters and Lida transitioned into a normal rural town.

In recent years, the local economy has rapidly modernized and diversified. New factories have opened, bringing jobs in manufacturing, logistics, and technical industries. The town’s population has grown more than 50% in just the past 10 years as young people move to Lida for opportunities. However, the aging housing stock and limited land area within the old town borders have resulted in a shortage of quality, affordable housing options to accommodate continued growth.

Lida Group aims to address this shortage with their planned 352-unit housing complex located on 20 acres of land just outside the old town borders. The development will feature one- to three-bedroom modular homes constructed off-site using prefabricated steel shipping containers as the primary building material.

“We saw an opportunity to provide much-needed housing for Lida’s expanding workforce while pioneering an innovative and sustainable modular construction method,” said Lida Group chairman Mr.Mu at a press conference announcing the project’s approval. “Shipping container homes can be quickly and cost-effectively constructed compared to traditional site-built housing, allowing us to pass those savings onto prospective residents in the form of more affordable prices.”

Each home will be customized and finished with drywall, plumbing, electrical systems, and other amenities installed before transport to the development site where they will be stacked and connected. Container-tech construction allows for a high level of standardization, reducing waste and enhancing quality control. Units will feature insulated exterior walls, energy efficient appliances and systems, and landscaped common outdoor space

Developers will lease the container homes to tenants rather than sell them outright, keeping the initial purchase price low for residents while still making improvements and upgrades over time. Estimated monthly rents for the one- and two-bedroom homes start at 1500yuan, highly competitive compared to other new developments in the area. Three-bedroom units will rent starting around 2000 yuan per month.

Lida Group is working with international architecture and design firms to plan the development layout and styling of communal facilities, balancing an aesthetically pleasing and liveable complex with affordability. Besides standard living spaces, the plans incorporate a community center building, playground, open green space, and on-site parking.

In addition to basic container home design, the development will feature two prototype “show homes” manufactured with more elaborate modifications incorporated lessons learned over the years from Lida Group’s container home pilot projects in other cities. The prototypes will serve as examples for future residents of the possibilities for personalized customization when living in a container home over time.

“With modular construction using shipping containers as the core building material, our development represents an innovative approach not seen before locally that can have widespread applications across China’s rapidly urbanizing smaller cities and towns,” said Mu. “We hope it will set a new standard for affordable yet attractive housing options in Lida as the community continues growing outward.”

Construction of infrastructure and common areas is set to begin in August of this year once land clearing and preparations are complete. Manufacturing of the container homes will commence simultaneously at a newly established off-site facility nearby. Units will start being transported and stacked onsite in early 2023 with phased move-ins planned to be complete by late 2024.

Funding for the 352 million yuan project comes from Lida Group as well as private equity investments attracted by the container housing concept and opportunity in Lida’s real estate market. Government officials stressed the development aligns perfectly with municipal plans to provide adequate housing support and encourage innovative construction methods.

“Lida has taken great strides since transitioning from a labor camp system decades ago, and we fully support continued progress through public-private partnerships like this one with Lida Group,” said Wang, Lida’s mayor. “These customized modular homes offer an affordable solution to our housing needs and represent an exciting new frontier in community development as our boundaries expand.”

Residents of Lida have generally welcomed the planned housing complex, addressing a major challenge facing young working families and professionals seeking to put down roots in the community. The modern container home design also appeals to many prospective tenants after decades of basic campus-style housing units within the old town core.

“I grew up in the dormitories so it will be nice for my wife and I to finally have a modern place of our own if we’re able to move into one of these new homes next year after saving more,” said Zhao, a 28-year-old factory worker. “I think more developments like this will really help Lida progress and attract even more businesses and young people here long-term.”

With infrastructure to support continued growth and innovative projects addressing housing needs, Lida is well-positioned to continue its evolution from a former labor settlement into a thriving small city and model for community development across China in the decades ahead. This first affordable modular housing complex represents an exciting new chapter in Lida’s expansion by pioneering unconventional yet practical solutions for sustainable urbanization.

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