CONTAINER SELECTION
CAUTION!!!
You should thoroughly confirm the origin and cargo the container has been used to transport. You SHOULD NOT use containers that have been used to transport any organic type product as the container would have been treated with pesticides and other chemicals which could be harmful to you health.
'A' Grade or One trip
These are the best containers to use, as there will be minimal damage and less exposure to the elements.
'B' Grade
If budget is an issue then 'B' Grade containers are a good option but have the container thoroughly checked for structural integrity and damage and as detailed above in the Cautionary Note.
Size Does Matter
There are several different size containers. From 3.0M to 13.5M in length and are 2 different heights 2.4M to 2.7M.
We generally specify the 2.7M (High Cube) containers in our designs to allow for that extra height internally.
The optimun cost effective container is a 12M high cube. These are easly sourced and are usually not much more than a 6M container in cost.
We have not shown designs with the 13.5M High Cube containers as they can be hard to source and can be expensive. But if you can find some in good condition and at a good price than these can easily replace the 12M ones in our designs. That is the beauty of container housing.
FOOTINGS
Slab on Ground
A cast In situ, slab on ground is the most stable of footings and is best suited to flat surface. Construction does have a substantial impact on the surrounding ground.
It should be noted that a slab on ground does restrict under floor services , water storage and ventilation.
The slab is cast and mounting bolts or brackets can be embedded into the slab. Using these mounts the Containers can be bolted directly to the slab.
For easy removal of the container home container locks can be bolted to the slab.
Below are some example of Container Locks.
Screw Piles
Screw Piles can be a quick and cost effective mounting system.
This system can be used for flat or slopping ground and has minimal impact to the surrounding surface.
There are several different styles of Screw Piles but the best have an adjustable head. This can make it easier to get and keep the container level.
This system can be used in a post and beam framing sub floor.
For easy removal of the container home, container locks can be bolted or welded to the head of the Screw Pile.
Below are some example of Container Locks.
Strip Footings
Strip footings are similar to slab footing for their stability but during construction they do have a substantial impact on the surrounding ground.
Strip footings do allow for some site fall and under floor services and access.
Mounting bolts or brackets can be embedded into the footing. Using these mounts the Containers can be bolted directly to the footings.
For easy removal of the container home container locks can be bolted to the slab.
Below are some example of Container Locks.
Post and Beam
If customers can’t find it, it doesn’t exist. Clearly list and describe the services you offer. Also, be sure to showcase a premium service.
Face Mounted Lock
This has a standard container twist lock with a flange base which can be bolted on most styles of footings.
Cast in Lock
This has a standard container twist lock mounted on a post which can cast into a concrete footing.
Corner face Lock
This has a standard container twist lock with a wide flange base with offset bolt holes which can be bolted on most styles of footings.
End Face Lock
This has a standard container twist lock with a flange base with offset bolt holes which can be bolted on most styles of footings.
Side Mount Lock
This has a side mounted container twist lock with a 90 DEG flange base with offset bolt holes which can be bolted on most styles of footings.
Twist Lock on a Post
This has a standard container twist lock mounted on a post which can be welded onto a steel footing or frame.
Bridging Clamp
A bridging clamp is used to connect containers either horizontally or vertically.
Double Twist Locks
Double twist lock can be used to connect containers either horizontally or vertically.
Screw Pile
A screw pile footing is one of the most versatile and simplest footing to install.
Adjustable Head Pile
If steel footing are use it is recommended to use a post with a an adjustable head to allow for easy adjustment and leveling of the containers.
Multi Directional 'Surefoot" footing
The 'Surefoot' footing is a new design of footing and which uses opposing steel rods to maintain stability.
Cast Concrete Footing
A concrete pile footing is one of the most stable and is good for sloping sites. It can be used in conjunction with any of the post type or flange fittings
MODIFICATIONS
Essentials
Modifications to a container should be kept to a minimum. The End posts and top and bottom rails should not be cut. These are the support structure of the container and if these are to be altered in any way an engineer should be consulted to alleviate any problem this might cause.
All window-door openings and added extensions should be framed and strengthened to prevent any adverse effect on the structural integrity of the container.
Disclaimer
ALL RECOMENDATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS SHOWN ON THESE DRAWINGS ARE EXAMPLES ONLY.
ALL MODIFICATIONS CARRIED OUT BY THE OWNER-BUILDER SHOULD BE CHECKED AND CERTIFIED BY A QUALIFIED ENGINEER.
FINISHES
Essentials
The Internal and External finishes are not just for looks. As stated previously a container home is a steel box open to the extremes of the climate and the internal areas are subject to these extremes as well. To make the container home habitable you have to control these extremes with insulation and surface treatments.
This does not mean it has to be ugly.
Some regulatory authority's may require surface treatments the home to meet local character requirements and to softer the 'industrial' look of the container home.
This should be confirmed prior to an construction.
Insulation
Depending on the location of the container home the level of insulation will have to be determined. The first priority is the homes orientation to minimises the effects summer sun and enhance the winter sun while gaining any advantage of prevailing breezes.
There are many different types and variations of the types on the market today. Some of the more common ones are.
Spray on foam: which can be used internally or externally and covered with a wall treatment to look good.
Thermal Panel: Which again can be used internally or externally having a finished face on both sides and is the option for the roof used in our designs with a 125mm Metal Deck top face roof panel with an air gap to the container home as most of the effect of the climate is felt from the roof.
Thermal Board: These are used internally and can minimise the extent the insulation intrudes into the internal area.
Fibreglass Batt: These can be used internally and require a internal frame and wall lining.t required a internal frame an wall lining.
Depending on the location of the container home the level of insulation will have to be determined. The first priority is the homes orientation to minimises the effects summer sun and enhance the winter sun wile gaining any advantage of prevailing breezes.
There are many other which are specific to local manufactures all over the world.
External Facade.
When it comes to the external façade remember if you want a 'normal' house then you are better off building a normal house in the traditional way.
With the external façade it is best to follow the 'KISS' philosophy (keep it simple stupid).
Just by adding some recycled materials such as sheeting or weather boards also battens or a green wall. A green wall or green roof can serve two purposes, a garden and a thermal covering.
These can add to the character and beauty of the home.
Internal Finishes.
Taking into account of the insulation requirements to make a home comfortable and inviting adding recycled materials such as lining, bathroom-kitchen fixtures and fittings can enhance it comfort and livability. This is also where the costs can quickly rise. Again follow the 'KISS' philosophy.