Cargo containers are becoming an architectural staple nowadays, especially among home builders who are looking for a greener alternative with their buildings. Before their rise to architectural fame, these containers were used for shipping heavy materials from one side of the globe to another. And because a lot of these containers are just left to rust, architects have turned these empty shells into living dwellings, schools, emergency shelters, and even coffee shops.
Image source: 24hplans.com
Making a building out of a container is not just eco-friendly, but it’s also cost-effective. A lot of new homeowners choose to live in a container home because it is way cheaper than having to build a home from scratch.
Another reason people make the container switch is the convenience it offers. Container homes can be constructed offsite and delivered to the land after the construction has been finished. Building it is also a lot faster compared to other home styles because the walls and ceilings are already present. It just needs some cleaning and decorating before the move in.
Image source: niftyhomestead.com
Affordability and other pros aside, building homes with containers also has its cons. Some cargo containers are filled with hazardous substances. This is why it is necessary to have containers sandblasted before they are converted to a home. Cargo containers also have limited dimensions, and turning them into a home might end up looking cramped.
Despite the negatives, containers are a great option for innovative home builders. For those who are considering building something out of the box, a container home sounds like a good idea.
I’m Joe Cianciotto, an architect based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Read more about architectural innovations on this blog.
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