Introduction
Fitted containers have captured the hearts of many people looking for sustainable, modular alternatives for their living, working or leisure space. Transforming a shipping container into a home combines aesthetics, durability and functionality, opening up a new horizon in residential architecture.
In this article, we'll explore the various aspects of converted containers, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the different uses and layouts possible. Here you'll find a wealth of information and testimonials to guide you through your converted container project. So dive into this captivating world and discover how containers can transform your daily life!
Advantages and disadvantages of a converted container
Advantages of a converted container :
- Lower cost than traditional construction
Converted containers are less expensive than traditional construction, as they require less materials and labor. A container home can cost up to 20% less than a conventional house, saving on the overall construction budget.
- Rapid construction and installation
Building a container home is much faster than building a traditional house. In fact, a converted container can be installed in just a few days, or even less than 24 hours, compared with several months for a conventional house.
- Resistance and durability
Sea containers are built to withstand extreme transport and stacking conditions. This makes them extremely strong and durable, with a lifespan that can exceed 40 years.
- Easy to install
The containers are modular and easy to assemble, allowing you to create customized spaces to suit your needs. What's more, they can be dismantled and relocated in the event of a move or a change of layout.
- Environmentally-friendly (container recycling)
Using a sea container to build a house means recycling an object at the end of its life, thus limiting its environmental impact. What's more, the use of recycled materials and the reduction of construction waste help to make this type of construction more environmentally friendly.
- Modular and customizable
Converted containers are highly modular and customizable, offering great freedom in the design of interior space. They can be combined to create larger spaces, open up bay windows, or even add mezzanines. Think of a container as an extension of your living space, a perfect solution for adding an extra room to your home quickly and efficiently.
- Travel possibilities
One of the major advantages of converted containers is their ability to be moved. If you're moving house, or want to change the location of your home, you can simply dismantle the container and transport it elsewhere.
Disadvantages of the converted container :
- Landscape integration sometimes difficult
Finished containers can be difficult to integrate into certain landscapes, particularly in rural areas or traditional residential neighborhoods. It is sometimes necessary to find solutions to better integrate them, such as the use of a suitable exterior cladding.
- Limited dimensions (especially width)
Shipping container dimensions are standardized and can limit the width of the interior space. It's important to plan your layout carefully to optimize the available space and avoid the constraints associated with these dimensions.
- Need for anti-corrosion treatment
CORTEN steel shipping containers are robust and durable. This self-patinated, forced-corrosion steel reacts by oxidation-reduction on contact with air when a scratch appears on the paint, forming a protective film of rust. However, when a shipping container at the end of its life, after 20 years at sea, is exposed to sea salts, the rust eventually perforates the structure. It is therefore crucial to apply an anti-rust treatment to extend its lifespan. Rust maintenance is simple: a cleaning or bleaching agent will remove traces of rust and dirt. To prevent rust, we recommend sanding the container and applying a commercially available anti-rust paint.
Various finishes for converted containers
Dressing a converted container enhances its appearance and blends harmoniously into its surroundings. There are a number of trim options to choose from, depending on individual tastes and needs.
Painting and graffiti
Painting is a simple and affordable way to personalize the appearance of a container. Graffiti is also an artistic and original option for adding character to your converted container. Photo idea: A container painted with bright colors and original motifs, or a container covered with a graffiti fresco by a local artist.
Wood cladding
Wood cladding is a natural, aesthetic option for a converted container. It lends a warm touch and blends perfectly into a green environment. Photo idea: A container fitted out with wood cladding, surrounded by trees and plants, blends into the landscape.
Metal panels
Metal panels are a modern, designer alternative for covering containers. They offer a wide variety of finishes and colors, creating a unique, contemporary look. Photo idea: A container fitted out with elegant, modern metal panels, reflecting the sun and playing with light.
Vegetation
Green roofing is an environmentally-friendly and aesthetically pleasing way to dress a converted container. It creates a green space on the roofs and facades of containers, improving their integration into the environment and their energy efficiency. Photo idea: A converted container with a green roof and climbing plants on the sides, creating a green oasis in an urban space.
Where to find a professional to move in your container?
To begin with, do you have to move in your container yourself or call in a professional?
It's not an easy decision. Every year, thousands of people are faced with this dilemma. Here are just a few of the reasons to call on specialist builders:
- Technical expertise : A professional ensures that the container is both aesthetically pleasing and complies with safety standards.
- Work guarantee : Most professionals offer a guarantee, assuring you that any post-project problems will be taken care of.
- Design consulting : Benefit from optimized space and a design that matches your needs and style.
- Long-term savings : Avoid costly mistakes and extend the life of your container.
Instead of spending hours researching and contacting different service providers, our service allows you to request a quote from several professionals in a single step.
We've built relationships with the best professionals in the business. Don't waste another minute and fill in our form from now on.
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Examples of container layouts
20m2 container house (tiny house)
Tiny houses are an alternative to traditional houses. They offer a compact and functional living space, while respecting the environment.
Containerized studios offer a compact, designer solution, ideal for artists or freelancers looking for their own space.
Garage container
Container garages are a practical and economical solution for housing vehicles and equipment. They can be customized to suit individual needs and tastes.
Container office layout
Sea containers can be transformed into functional, aesthetic offices. They offer a modular, transportable solution for creating a workspace adapted to the needs of each company.
Container workshops
Container workshops are ideal for artists and craftsmen who need a dedicated, modular workspace. They can be customized to meet the specific needs of each trade.
Containerized bar
Container bars are an innovative concept that is winning over more and more entrepreneurs. They enable the creation of unique, convivial spaces, while respecting the environment. Photo idea: A lively, well-decorated container bar, with customers enjoying drinks on a landscaped terrace.
A container transformed into a bicycle shelter
Containers fitted out as bicycle shelters are an excellent solution for encouraging bicycle use by providing a secure and practical parking space. Thanks to their sturdiness and modularity, containers can be adapted to accommodate a large number of bicycles, while providing effective protection against the elements and theft.
ByCommute: Transforming Containers into Innovative Bicycle Shelters
At ByCommute, we're redefining the use of shipping containers, transforming them into secure, sustainable bicycle parking solutions. Our innovative approach to recycling and fitting out containers is part of our commitment to greener, more responsible urban mobility.
Why choose ByCommute bike shelters?
- Durability and safety: Our bike shelters are made from recycled shipping containers, renowned for their robustness and longevity. They offer optimum protection against the elements and attempted theft, guaranteeing the safety of your bicycles.
- Ecology and Innovation: By recycling shipping containers, we contribute to the reduction of industrial waste. What's more, our bike shelters can be fitted with solar panels, making them even more environmentally-friendly.
- Customization and flexibility: Every ByCommute bike shelter can be customized to meet the specific needs of our customers. Whether in terms of size, design or additional features, we adapt our solutions to fit perfectly into the urban environment.
- Quick and easy to install: Thanks to the modular design of the containers, our bike shelters are easy to install and can be moved or modified as required.
A Commitment to the Cities of Tomorrow
ByCommute is your ideal partner for integrating sustainable and secure parking solutions into your urban project. Discover our Secure Bike Rack and how we can transform your urban space.
A few testimonials
FAQ
You can request a quote from our partners here
The permits required to fit out a container depend on local regulations and the specifics of the project. It's essential to check with the local authorities to find out what is required in terms of building permits, zoning and compliance with building standards.
The lifespan of a converted container depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the container, the materials used and regular maintenance. In general, a well-maintained container fitted out with quality materials can last more than 25 years.
Fitted containers can be considered an ecological solution, as they use existing structures and limit the consumption of natural resources. However, it is important to consider insulation, choice of materials and energy systems to minimize the environmental impact of the project.
To fit out a container, start by planning the design and use of the spaces. Next, insulate the internal walls, install electrical wiring and plumbing, and finish off with interior and exterior cladding according to your preferences.
The cost of a converted container varies according to the size, materials used and complexity of the project. Prices can range from 3,000 euros for a small DIY container to 250,000 euros for a custom container built by a professional.
To insulate a container, use insulating materials such as rock wool, expanding foam or rigid insulating panels. Insulation must be installed inside the walls, floor and ceiling to ensure optimum thermal and acoustic performance.
Installing a container on land that cannot be built on depends on local regulations and the permits required. Consult the town-planning regulations of your commune and contact the town hall to find out about the specifics of your plot.
To install wood cladding on a container, first fix a wooden frame to the outer surface of the container. Then install the wood cladding strips on this framework, respecting the spacing and joints necessary to ensure adequate ventilation and protection from the elements.
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