Shipping container design or commonly identified as shipping container architecture refers to using shipping containers as the modular building elements when designing a building.
Mainly, the designer creates larger structures by combining the container modules. Another thing to note is that shipping containers give endless opportunities.
A shipping container can turn into a pop-up bar, stage, garage, workshop, pool, office, and more. Generally, you can turn a shipping container into anything you want or your customer/client needs.
Besides this, they are environmentally friendly. Also, these containers’ durability and strength rely on their structural integrity. Moreover, shipping containers eliminate expensive labor because it’s easier to design their shape and dimensions.
But, what are the main factors for designing a shipping container? Let’s see!
New Vs. Used
Shipping containers don’t feature standardized categorization/labeling because the manufacturing process of a significant percentage of them takes place overseas before getting shipped to different countries.
Therefore, a “new” shipping container may not be exactly new. New shipping containers have been used at least in one trip.
These containers are referred to as single-trip shipping containers or one-way shipping containers. You’ll find these containers featuring pristine shapes with a few scratches and scuffs.
A used shipping container has circulated for ten to fifteen years. As a result, small rust does not need to bother you because you’re only converting/modifying the container.
History of Shipping Containers
If your project entails modifying a shipping container and you plan to buy a used one, never forget to check its history. Because the shipping container has been in use for years, it may have been applied on projects that could have interfered with its condition.
For example, the shipping container could have been acting as a store for dangerous materials and toxic chemicals. If this is the case, then that shipping container is not the perfect option for container offices, container homes, or projects involving many individuals.
Design Limitation
Shipper containers feature extremely long ends, but their roofs cannot withstand a lot of weight. You should not deviate far away from the standard/normal 20 inches and 40 inches size of each container space. Expect your costing to start skyrocketing if you deviate far away from those measurements.
Besides this, the best shipping container is the one capable of accommodating your design needs. For example, a significant percentage of shipping containers feature roofs that can accommodate only 300 kilograms. Therefore, these shipping containers are not the best if you plan to carry something that weighs more than 300kg.
Sensitivity to weather is another crucial thing to consider when choosing a shipping container. Also, consider ventilation and insulation design elements to ensure the container matches your project needs.
Modification Options
Your project purpose also plays a crucial role when purchasing a shipping container. As a result, you have to know the container’s goals to plan your modification.
If you want to turn the shipping container into an office or a home, then you can consider adding working doors, foundations, windows, flooring, and more. Other considerations to make include plumbing, electricity, and insulation.
Structural Integrity
The best shipping container must be in working condition and remain safe from thieves and elements. Therefore, you should check if the container’s door hinges are in working condition, and it’s watertight. Also, check the wooden floors for being in place and fairly intact, and its door locking bar handles for moving freely.
Also, ensure any rust available cannot affect the shipping container’s structural integrity negatively. It’s good to do a little maintenance for the container, like rust removal and applying a fresh coat.
Final Thoughts on Shipping Containers!
Hesitate no more! Consider the above factors when designing any shipping container and ensure two or one extra decades out of your item.
If you have any questions or need assistance with designing them, just contact us!
