storage containers as housing?

[scgirl]

Okay, the thread on tiny homes has me wondering (due to some of the responses) if anyone has ever converted a metal storage container (like they use to transport things on trains) into a living space. They are available here pretty cheap and I've thought about it before. Biggest problem for me would have to be putting in windows. But, basically, how different would it be than living in a mobile home? I realize there are differences, though, just not sure what they would be. Any thoughts or suggestions. I'm definitely considering off grid, at least as much as possible.

[Jim S.]

I've seen them used as chemical storage for farms, as sheds or storage buildings. Never seen a house. The windows would be no prob, go get the type of cut-in casement style window they use on metal buildings. Use a sawzall to cut out the holes, and install the windows.

Your biggest problem would be insulation. You'd almost have to stud it out inside and put in 4x8 "rafters" on the inside overhead to get enough insulation in it to counter heat gain and loss. In shed, they just add a thermostatic fan to cool it off, and don't heat in winter.

Check this out!

http://www.fabprefab.com/fabfiles/containerbayhome.htm

[Cornhusker]

here's a barn made of one, and I know at least one member on here who lives in one

[CoonXpress]

Here's a few interesting ideas from Energistx.
http://www.energistx.com/spaces/8x20bunk.html

Will

[scgirl]

Very cool links. They give me lots of ideas. Thank you all.

[Windy in Kansas]

Originally Posted by Cornhusker

here's a barn made of one, and I know at least one member on here who lives in one

I have liked that barn every since you first posted the photo of it or someone else did. Looks great.

[james dilley]

There is A VERY BAD down side to useing A container for Houising, They have been used , For who knows What TOXIC chemicals. Remember these things come into the United States on Ships from Who knows where, And A lot of them Are from China Vietnam and other countries where Safety is NOT A priority. I would NOT use one for A house. ( I have loaded unloaded and Hauled these things. ) The Smell out of some of them can make you Sick.. So PLZ think long and hard .Is your Health worth it???

[scgirl]

I found this great link. Has LOTS of info.

http://www.escapeartist.com/OREQ4/No...using2000.html

[CGUARDSMAN]

they are converting these to near hurrican proof houses in Florida and from the outside you really can't tell they were shipping containers.

[logbuilder]

There is actually name for this - cargotecture. Do searches on it.

Also, here are some interesting links to get you started.

www.unusuallife.com/cargotecture/
www.hybridseattle.com/
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/visual...tecture04.html
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/home_b...920827,00.html

[rambler]

A _very_ cool thread on this, couple years old, but 100's of messages long, is on the 'Projects' section of www.tractorbynet.com

Might be worth the search to find that thread. Sorry I don't remember the exact thread name any more.

--->Paul

[scgirl]

Again, thanks for the links.

[Wolf mom]

After sleeping a few nights in a steel goose neck horse trailer in "almost snow" weather, and seeing how the steel conducts the cold, I'd be hard pressed to turn a shipping container into a home. I have one & it gets pretty hot in the summer, too.

I think by the time you build insullated walls & ceiling, you could just as easily build a "small house".

How about a passenger rail car that already has windows & is probably insulated??

[Esteban29304]

In my opinion, I would skip the idea & go with a mobile home.

[scgirl]

I don't want a mobile home or I would get one. That's why I'm looking at alternative forms of housing and asking questions, to see how feasible and cost effective it would be.
Besides, I want to be totally off grid, so why pay for wiring and electrical things I don't want or need.

[Gercarson]

How would it work to convert at least part of the cargo container to "underground" housing? Maybe three sides and the roof would be bermed or dug into a hillside. It might need to have a lot of dirt on top and the sides to create insulation.

[MTNwomanAR]

Scgirl, I have a friend that tells me I need one of these..and while I don't think they would be as bad as some say they are....look at this idea....I've lived in an old reefer[as in 18 wheeler] trailer for almost 12 years...they are already insulated, and the newer ones are 53 footers...the one that I live in is an old, old one, it is only 44 foot long....anyhoo...if you are willing to consider alternatives, you might look this direction..me, I'm thinking about finding a newer one, and putting them parallel to each other, with at least 8-10 feet between them, then putting a roof over both, and walling in the north[short] side of them. That way I could have a place to work on my cars/stuff out of the weathr, a place to cook outside in the heat, and a place for my plants, etc.....It's worth thinking about... I have a few pics of mine, if you are interested....

[fantasymaker]

I think MTN woman has the right Idea start with an Insulated container! Heck if ya really want off grid The reefer unit could be set up to generate electricity as well as its normal heating and cooling.

[durangoranch]

SCGirl,
I converted a Home Depot 16x24 storage building ino a cabin for next to nothing and it served us well for 2 yrs while we decided on a home.
If you can get the containers for a reasonable price GO FOR IT. We spent aprox. $ 8,000.00. It was 5,000.00 for the cabin and the rest for doing a bathroom and finishing the loft and installing heat and a/c etc...
If you and your friends can do all the work it will save you loads.
In Texas we have many of these for hunting lodges along with rail cars.
Spencer and Hope Petrofsky

[piglady]

Could you not glue (panel adhesive) thick sheets of styrafoam to the walls. I would think that would be as insulated as a cooler then and you would not need frameing.