Shipping Container Homes: What You Need to Know - Planner 5D

Shipping container homes are increasingly becoming popular for many due to their affordability and availability. In addition to being cost-effective, they are often also considered more sustainable. Quick assembly and customization also make them attractive to potential homeowners.

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But is container living the right choice for you? If the container chic aesthetic is calling your name, you're in the right place. In this post, we look at shipping container homes, what makes them popular and what you should consider before getting one for yourself.

What are shipping container homes?

Shipping container homes are made from a used shipping container or by combining multiple shipping containers. These homes can be either prefabricated or custom-built. Container homes are becoming increasingly popular as a more sustainable and affordable alternative to traditionally built homes.

Shipping containers are made from weathering steel, making them incredibly durable and low maintenance. They are also modular, so they can be easily transported and assembled on-site. Shipping container homes can be adapted to most climates and terrain, making them ideal for those who want to live off the grid.

Expandable container homes

If you want flexibility to expand your living space as your needs change, consider adding additional containers. Expandable container homes can be easily extended with prefabricated or custom-built containers to match the existing structure. This makes them ideal for growing families or if you want to incorporate other uses like a home office, an art studio or a home gym.

Prefab container homes

Prefab container homes are the way to go if you want a quick and easy way to build a new home. These homes are built off-site in a factory and then transported to the building site, where they are assembled.

This can save a significant amount of time and money, as well as reduce the amount of disruption to the surrounding area.  

Luxury container homes

Who said container homes can't be lavish? Luxury container homes can be customized to include various high-end features, such as gourmet kitchens, spa-like bathrooms, and home theaters.

They can also be designed to blend in with the surrounding environment, making them ideal for those who want to live in a more natural setting.  

Tiny container homes

Consider tiny container homes if you want to downsize your living space and live a more minimalist lifestyle. These homes are typically made from a single shipping container and can be as small as 160 square feet.

They are often very affordable and can be easily transported, making them ideal for those who want to live a more nomadic lifestyle.

Shipping container homes by size

Shipping container homes are made from intermodal steel containers. They come in two sizes that can be used as-is or configured to create larger space.

Most shipping containers are 20 feet by 8 feet or 40 feet by 8 feet. The smaller containers can offer 160 square feet of living space, while the larger ones provide 320 square feet.

Shipping containers can be stacked vertically or horizontally to create a more living space. You can also use shipping containers to create dwellings that house multiple independent units.

Creative uses for shipping containers

Shipping containers are versatile, durable, and modular, making them ideal for innovative repurposing beyond residential use. Here are a few creative, non-residential applications of shipping containers.

Example Use Benefits Examples Pop-up retail & cafes Convert containers into trendy shops, coffee houses, or food stalls. Portable, cost-effective, and eye-catching for urban areas or festivals. Starbucks’ drive-thru container cafés, seasonal holiday markets. Mobile art galleries Transform containers into traveling art exhibits or interactive installations. Weather-resistant, easy to transport, and customizable for lighting/display. The Container Art Festival (Taiwan), BOX PARK (London). Emergency shelters & medical clinics Rapid-deployment clinics, disaster relief housing, or mobile hospitals. Stackable, secure, and quickly modified for sanitation and utilities. Emergency COVID-19 testing units, refugee housing in conflict zones. Urban farming & hydroponics Create vertical farms or climate-controlled grow rooms for herbs, greens, or mushrooms. Efficient land use, insulation for temperature control, and pesticide-free crops. Freight Farms’ Leafy Green Machine, urban rooftop farms. Co-working spaces & offices Build portable offices, tech hubs, or startup incubators. Affordable, scalable, and ideal for remote or temporary worksites. Google’s container-based offices in Kenya, pop-up co-working hubs. Educational classrooms & libraries Deploy classrooms, STEM labs, or community libraries in underserved areas. Fast setup, low-cost alternative to brick-and-mortar buildings. Containers of Hope schools in Costa Rica, mobile STEM labs. Hospitality & eco-tourism Design boutique hotels, glamping pods, or eco-resort amenities. Unique aesthetic, minimal environmental footprint. CitizenM hotels, luxury safari lodges in Africa. Community and social hubs Build gyms, maker spaces, or youth centers in urban areas. Affordable community infrastructure with a modern vibe. Re:START Mall (Christchurch, NZ) post-earthquake retail hub.

What are the pros of container homes?

There are many benefits to reusing shipping containers for housing. Here are a few things to consider if you're looking into the pros of container homes.

More affordable than traditional homes

While the cost of a container home will vary depending on size, design and layout, this option is generally a more cost-effective housing option. Shipping container homes are smaller and often come pre-fabricated, making them more affordable and accessible.

Fast and easy assembly

Pre-assembled homes are often built offsite and inside large hangers that make construction faster. If you have all the necessary materials on hand, it is possible to construct a shipping container home in just a few days.

This is a significant benefit if you need to move into your new home quickly or live in an area where housing is in high demand.

A more environmentally friendly option

Container homes are made from repurposed shipping containers that are no longer used to carry cargo. Therefore, buying them and converting them into living spaces is considered more sustainable as they use fewer land resources and raw materials.

Durable and low-maintenance

Shipping containers are made of durable corten steel that can withstand different temperatures and weather conditions. This construction material also requires less maintenance and can be used in different climates.

What are the cons of container homes?

As with many things, there are a few cons of shipping container homes that can impact your decision. Make sure to explore them all before committing to a container home.

Issues with permits and building permits

The downside of shipping container homes is that they are not recognized as valid forms of housing by many local municipal authorities. This might make it challenging to obtain the necessary permits and might not be permissible in your area.

Always do your research and work with a shipping container home builder who is familiar with the permitting process in your area.

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Costs can add up

The modular nature of shipping containers means they can often be sourced and used at a lower price. However, they will likely require additional costs for insulation, finishes, appliances and other features to make them livable.

You might also have to factor in structural integrity risks when cutting openings and additional reinforcement costs.

Not great for all climates

Another downside of shipping container homes is that they can be difficult to insulate. This is because shipping containers are made from metal.

As a result, shipping container homes can be sweltering in the summer and very cold in the winter. Insulation options are available for shipping container homes, but they can be expensive to install.

Not always eco-friendly

Containers that have been damaged or were treated with chemicals can be dangerous if not cleaned properly. Using new containers that can still be used for shipping instead of ones that have reached their retirement age is not the same as repurposing old ones.

Tips for choosing container homes

Although shipping containers are less expensive than other construction materials, they must be properly insulated and outfitted with electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.

This can add up quickly, so be sure to factor in the cost of these materials and services when budgeting for your shipping container home.

Consider a container home if: Avoid it if: You prioritize sustainability and innovative design. You seek guaranteed low costs or traditional aesthetics. You have budget flexibility and enjoy DIY projects. Local codes are restrictive, or you lack time/resources for complex modifications. Local regulations are favorable, and you can secure experienced contractors.

Another thing to consider is the design of your shipping container home. You can customize these homes to meet your specific needs, but it's important to work with a qualified architect or engineer to ensure that your home is safe and up to code.

Conclusion

Shipping container homes offer a unique, eco-conscious housing solution with notable design potential. However, success hinges on thorough planning, awareness of hidden costs, and compliance with regulations.

Evaluate personal priorities, location, and budget carefully before committing. Do your research and work with a shipping container home builder familiar with the permitting process in your area to make sure that your shipping container home is up to code.

NapCap is a container home created by a team who have spent years working in field operations in challenging locations. After much time spent in flimsy prefabs or tents – neither comfortable or safe considering the high-risk environments – they saw a gap in the market that needed to be filled.

This lead them to create NapCap: a full turnkey solution offering a secure, comfortable, custom-made accommodation container that could be ‘home away from home’ for those spending long stints operating remotely. They were created with the likes of Military, Private Security, NGO’s, O&G, Mining Exploration and Logistical service support organisations in mind. Ideal for challenging locations, the beauty of NapCap is that they can be used anywhere in the world.

Here are the Enigma Smart Site Services team’s tips on what to look for when choosing your container accommodation:

1. Modular Options

Does your provider have options that fit your field operation? NapCap is our Executive Model and is our standard offering, a bespoke built certified high-end container designed for living and working. This is built standard in a 40ft container format split into two 20ft living units. This allows for a rapid build process and reduction of costs with logistics. NapCap does not stop there: we provide modular solutions from containerised kitchens, laundry units, water and waste water units, multiple design sleeping and accommodation options. NapCap also produce a mobile plug-and-play transformer container that provides clients with expandable working space from offices, schools, Command and Control centres and disaster relief mobile offices.

2. Strength Of Steel

Many container homes are shipped as flat packs and then put up on site. There are benefits to this model but Prefabs can be flimsy, and we wanted our containers to withstand the test of time. NapCap was designed with remote field operations in mind: locations which often come with challenges, from extreme weather to security risks. They’re made out of welded steel by skilled shipbuilders and are certified to ISO :. Unlike some accommodation containers on the market they are built new.

3. Life Cycle

Some field operations last for years – but what happens when your project is complete and it’s time to move on to the next? Ideally, you want the investment of your accommodation to move with you. The container element, combined with the quality of the build, means that NapCap can be moved multiple times without being compromised.

4. The Right Design

Container homes have many benefits but it’s still a confined space, so look for a unit that has maximised the space through design. NapCap offers a steel protected shell with a double bed, sofa, desk, fixed data Internet connections and cupboard space, as well as an en-suite bathroom all in a 20-foot container. Nifty storage design, including under bed-drawers and extra storage within the sofa, shows the level of thought that has gone into the design.

5.  Put It To The Test

You like the look of the container but has it been trialled successfully in a challenging location? NapCap was designed by a team who have also spent many months living in the product in Mogadishu – a high-risk location that is hot, windy and has very corrosive nature due to being close to the ocean. At Chelsea Village (our hotel that hosts 150 guests from the humanitarian and development communities, security industries and Tier 1 service support companies) NapCap has been a great success.

6. Get Connected

Working far from home doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be disconnected. The Executive NapCap model comes with flat-screen tvs and is set up to be connected to WiFi.

7. Whatever The Weather

Working in Africa where the temperatures soar? Or perhaps, you’re in a location where you battle with strong winds or high humidity? Wherever your based, your container home should be comfortable all year round. Check your unit is properly insulated and sealed. NapCap is built to withstand a variety of weather conditions as well as extreme temperature differences (ranging from -25°C to 50°C) and comes with air-conditioning units.

8. Safety/Security

What are your safety requirements and have these been taken into consideration you’re your choice of container? NapCap has been designed with safety and security paramount to its functionality, due to the location of our camp in Mogadishu. This is not a shipping container but a steel container that is built from new. Windows have blast curtains, air-conditioning is one single unit fitted internally to prevent blast projectiles. All fixtures and fittings are ergonomically designed to be both functional and safe. Security is paramount to the design with portholes in the doors and double locks on all doors. The design is compliant with UN-MOSS standards, making them ideal for hostile environments, remote working camps, disaster relief and refugee camps.

9. Plug & Play

How easy is your chosen container accommodation to install? NapCap was designed with speed of installation in mind, with simple water and waste water connections with a central control panel for access, to electrical and plumbing operations.  With the capability of being stacked two high, NapCaps come with interlocks to provide a quick and fast installation process. With pre-work civils completed, an experienced construction team would have a facility rapidly erected in days.

10. Logistical Support

You’ve got your container home to your required location – but what do you do if an element needs to be replaced? It’s important that your product is supported. NapCap has been designed to ensure that products can be supported in the field. All equipment is European Specification, spare packs can be supported and shipped globally. Our units meet ISO certification standards inclusive of European build standards.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Container House. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.