In the United States we import a much higher volume of manufactured good than we export. Those goods come in steel shipping containers stacked high on cargo ships containers that go unused in America. The construction industry is now using these containers as prefabricated building modules.

In this two part article we will look first at the myths and advantages of container homes. In part two we will look at how containers have been used to create quality residences.

Debunking some myths:
Here are a few popular myths about container homes:

Building with shipping containers is cheap
The containers themselves are not cheap because they still have value as containers or as scrap. Even after buying the containers, additional costs can add up very quickly. Container homes require additional engineering to ensure structural stability after cutting holes for doors, windows and larger interior spaces.

Container homes are expensive to cool
It’s true that if you put a metal box out in the sun the temperatures would rise to unbearable levels. However, the metal in a container house is protected from overheating by isolative coatings and exterior cladding.

The steel containers will rust and crumble over time
Most containers today are constructed of a stronger steel alloy, commonly known as Corten Steel. This steel weathers, or oxidizes, to a state that retards rusting.

Container homes are box-like and won't fit in with other homes
The modular nature of the shipping container does predispose container homes to being more box-like. Overlapping, cantilevers and more varied designs are possible, but the cost of engineering and reinforcement may make such designs too expensive.

The benefits of the container home:
Container homes can have tighter tolerances, less disturbance to the site and quicker on-site construction times. The assembly line nature of factory-built modules can also reduce the overall project duration as well. As a result, you end up with a higher quality home in less time.

Another advantage of container homes is the structural stability inherent in a steel shipping container. To get these advantages, container homes require the oversight of professional engineers to ensure that the home will stand up to the loads and environmental conditions of your region.

Transportation of shipping container modules is made easier by the fact that shipping containers conform to shipping standards, allowing them to be shipped by rail, ship or truck without overly specialized equipment. Installation on site will require a crane in most cases, but with smaller modules, there are specialized forklifts that can manage the task up to two floors high. Some people get scared away by the use of a crane in residential construction, but it is commonplace to see a crane on any prefabricated residential application, especially for roof trusses. The time and labor saved through pre-fabrication more than justifies the use of a crane for these applications.

Of course, one of the biggest advantages to using containers to the environment is that you are reusing a product that otherwise will be melted back down to raw steel. This reduction in energy consumption is good for our environment and also reduces the number of trees that need to be cut down for traditional wood, stick built construction.

Furthermore, a container built home will outperform and outlast most wood construction. In areas that are subject to powerful storms such as tornadoes and hurricanes, the intact structural module of the container can also withstand higher forces.

Conclusion:
As more local building codes recognize that these structures can exceed the code requirements, builders and owners are taking increasing advantage of containers for home construction. If you are interested in building your next home, be sure to work with designers and engineers who understand those issues.