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Container Homes

By Sofia Lin-Liang

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Table of Contents:

Problem……………………………………………………. 3

Pre-Test……………………………………………………..4

Collecting Information……………………………………...5

Area Information……………………………………...…….6-7

Samples……………………………………………………. 8-11

Preliminary Sketch………………………………………….12

Bibliography………………………………………………...13

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Problem: How can we use containers homes in order to create environmentally safe and affordable housing? Defining the Problem: Container Home: Using shipping containers as a structural element to build a home. Affordable Housing: Housing that is affordable to a low income family. The national or local government will decide the index for which families can qualify for this type of housing.

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Pre-Test:

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Collecting Information: Who will live in this house? 1-2 young adults (preferably a couple) who have a steady job and an easy access into the city. Who are the neighbors? What area will the house be in? The house will be also be in a community of other container homes. The area would be in the suburbs, preferably about 1 mile away from the highway. Why are you building this dwelling out of shipping containers? Shipping containers are being reused to build these tiny homes. Since they are already built to keep shipments safe, the material is pretty stable. The metal can last longer and is environmentally safe. Furthermore, the cheapness of building these homes can relieve owners of the constant worrying of putting aside money for expensive rent. Who will live or work in close proximity to the dwelling? The plot of land will by big enough for about 5-6 tiny homes, which is just off the edge of a town. The owners will have easy access to the highway and the stores in the town. What other materials will you need to convert the shipping container into a living space? The metal of the shipping container is thin, so isolation needs to be added. Wood, other metals and glass will also be added to the exterior of the house in order to reinforce the original metal used. Size: Shipping containers come in 8ft by 8.5ft by 20ft or 8ft by 8.5ft by 40ft. Cost: Each shipping container should cost 2000 USD each.

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Area Information:

Although this town is ideal, there really is no space for a community of container homes. Also, since this is still New

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York, renting the lab is very expensive. (Brewster, New York)

This area is ideal because it is very close to a town and a highway. A 924 square feet of land is being sold for $19,900. It must be cleared before any building of the container home community. (Marcelona, Michigan)

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Samples:

This container home is beautiful and can allow for a lot of light, but the amount of containers needed to build it would exceed the total amount of that we need for this project.

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This house seems a little boring, and the large overhang of the second floor over the first floor might be unstable. If the overhang can be stabilized, it can be used as space to park a car. The windows are great and allow for natural light to enter, but privacy can be a problem if shades/ curtains are not used. The stairs are convenient and can be used as a great way to store things (shoes, extra light bulbs, tools).

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This container home only uses one shipping container. Although the neutral and soft colors seem comforting, the house is very small and will not be suitable for two people. The house is movable, which is very convenient for getting around. The doors were inspired by the old ones, and can open wide. The amount of windows are just right.

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This house only uses one shipping container, which makes the interior features of the house cramped and is limiting in space. The sliding doors are great for a relaxed summer beach home. The stairs and rooftop are made out of wood, which could be a problem in the long term since wood is a natural material and can decay.

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Preliminary Sketch:

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Bibliography:

“23 Container Home Owners Tell Us ‘What I Wish I'd Known.’” Discover Containers Is Your Online Resource for All Things Related to Shipping Container Construction, Including Plans, How to Guides, and Helpful Articles!, 4 Jan. 2019, www.discovercontainers.com/what-i-wish-id-known-before-building-my-shipping-container-home/.

“924 Sq.Ft. for Sale in Pinconning, MI - Land Century.” LandCentury, www.landcentury.com/houses-and-buildings/michigan/924-sq-ft-for-sale-in-pinconning-mi-21751.