BBC3 'Guerilla Homes' & Shipping Container idea..

serotonin_sam

don't know if any of you saw this programme on BBC3 recently (Was on Tues. July 12th i think)?

Anyways, I was amazed with what could be done with a simple shipping container. I assumed that such an idea could only be mediocre in outcome but the living space they came up with was fabulous.

Might just snag one somewhere and make a special project out of converting it. At worst, I could end up with a pretty cool garden shed..lol.


Anyone got any thoughts on the feasability of conversion?

serotonin_sam

My research continues...


I don't know if I would be brave enough to tackle a container conversion. But my investigations have lead me to the Spacebox . More info here

Now I wonder what would be the planning implications of slapping one (or two) of these alongside the gable wall of an end of row semi in a 22 house development? Would these things even need planning in ireland given that they are 'temporary' structures?

MorningStar

I caught that show too. It was interesting but also kind of misleading. First off containers have been in heavy use as accomadation/offices/schools for a long time. Since the 60s if you look at from one view.
Taking on a conversion on your own is probably a lot of hard work but is possible and probably affordable if the planning departments allow it.
Insulation and soundproof would be a biggish problem but the most important.
Rather than research who makes them you may be better off looking at how the are fitted out. Caravan furniture specialists or boat specialists are really what you want.
Not sure but I guess there must be some kind of life span on a container. They are designed for lots of weight and abshing. Something at the end of it's working life may be cheaper for the purpose you have in mind and still good enough for construction.
I think there is a steel salvage down near the docks that might be worth checking out. I think a 40 ft container is €15k approx but I'll stand corrected.

serotonin_sam

I think there is a steel salvage down near the docks that might be worth checking out. I think a 40 ft container is €15k approx but I'll stand corrected.

Theyre 1-2k - and naturally enough theyve got plenty of strength. So the basic building block is cheap and strong.
The problem/opportunity is in transforming it aesthetically and in terms of functionality.

MorningStar

serotonin_sam wrote:

Theyre 1-2k - and naturally enough theyve got plenty of strength. So the basic building block is cheap and strong.
The problem/opportunity is in transforming it aesthetically and in terms of functionality.

That is cheap. I was told by a firend they were €15k and he bought one. It sounds like he got ripped off big time. Then again maybe he could have said €1500 and I am a dope.
The aesthetically wouldn't be a big problem at all it really easy to clad anything. Heat transfer is really a problem, have you have ever been in one during the summer or winter? Getting wiring and general services through them has got to be a problem too. In a normal property you have wall cavities and floor spacing.

They could be really conservative housing or very radical. They would all be very narrow rooms unless two were put together

serotonin_sam

Then again maybe he could have said €1500

Must have done. Theres one for sale on boards for 500 (although lifting it isnt straightforward).

Heat transfer is really a problem

Apparently, from what i've been reading, there are containers out there that are already insulated. What theyve been used for or how easy these are to come across, I dont know. The downside of these type is that it makes wiring difficult.

They would all be very narrow rooms unless two were put together

Yeah, thats a definite downside alright as container width is standard at 8ft. One of the pluses for the spacebox which has a width of ten feet - which would make a good bit of difference in terms of functionality.

The spacebox idea of having a full glass end could be borrowed - and I would imagine this could be fitted fairly snugly.

I just wouldnt have a clue how to go about fitting it out inside??


<EDIT> Some very useful basic info here</EDIT>

serotonin_sam

Heat transfer is really a problem, have you have ever been in one during the summer or winter?

Did a bit more digging and it seems the solution to this problem would be a coating of Ceramic Bead Paint

Getting wiring and general services through them has got to be a problem too.

Electrics/Services, etc could be worked in like this guy is doing here.

MorningStar

serotonin_sam wrote:

Did a bit more digging and it seems the solution to this problem would be a coating of
.

That seems to be really good for relfecting heat and not heat retention but it seems a little unsure on that part.

Here is something I meant to post

http://www.allspace.ie/index.html

If you had specific requirements these guys could do it I am sure. If you get a price let us know

antoinolachtnai

This is a broader point, but with the price of building here (and it's going to go even more crazy post-SSIA) it looks to me like pre-fabricated construction of different sorts is going to be more and more viable, even for quite small extensions. True, you need a crane, but the last time I hired one (5 or 6 years ago, long story) it was only a hundred quid or so an hour, and you'd only need it for half-a-day or so. Surely it would be viable to ship in prefab units, or a steel kit with SIPs or somethin'?

MorningStar

If it is viable to ship peas from Africa it has to be viable to ship prefab units or semi prepared units. In theory they must be using shipping containers anyway so modded ones could work? Or even using it with reduced holding for combined value.

serotonin_sam

Surely it would be viable to ship in prefab units, or a steel kit with SIPs or somethin'?

it has to be viable to ship prefab units or semi prepared units.

Exactly. In order to really save on costs, I reckon units need to be sourced that are half preped - say with wiring/sip finish & and any inner walls in place. Otherwise, if you struggle with a diy job from scratch - a sparks will still have to be brought in to wire it (never cheap) - and after all the other work is done, your left with as big a pricetag as a conventional build.

Problem is sourcing such an outfit abroad that could do the work.


Wonder how much it costs to move containers across europe? Anyone here work in shipping?

RuggieBear

serotonin_sam wrote:

Theyre 1-2k - and naturally enough theyve got plenty of strength. So the basic building block is cheap and strong.
The problem/opportunity is in transforming it aesthetically and in terms of functionality.

i think cormie was trying to sell/give away a container on here a little bit back...not sure if he is still is. Just thought you might be interested

syconerd

hava a butchers at these web sites

http://www.fabprefab.com/fabfiles/containerbayhome.htm

http://www.undergroundcontainer.com/

Victor

serotonin_sam wrote:

Now I wonder what would be the planning implications of slapping one (or two) of these alongside the gable wall of an end of row semi in a 22 house development? Would these things even need planning in ireland given that they are 'temporary' structures?

Back gardens are probably not zoned for container storage

You would need either to have things small enoung to be exempt or get PP

jman0

i'm really interested in this idea also.
I think PP would be necessary however, becuase how do you plan on plumbing it (with sewer) without?
As for insulation i have my doubts about a coat of spacepaint or whatever that stuff is. Personally i envision affixing joices (maybe not the normal 4x2 variety, but someting smaller) to the walls to create a cavity.
How this is accomplished is another question, but i don't see why i couldn't use a welder to affix braces that hold the joice onto the wall for instance.
Also, not all shipping containers are the same dimensions.
I believe the usual ones are 8'6" x 8'6", but there are some that are 9'6" or so i've read.

MorningStar

syconerd wrote:

hava a butchers at these web sites

Excellent links. Some forward planning and political backing could allow a great modern estates.

Meant to post this yesterday

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4155798.stm

serotonin_sam

hava a butchers at these web sites

http://www.fabprefab.com/fabfiles/containerbayhome.htm

http://www.undergroundcontainer.com/

Yeah - great sites on the subject. Had been meaning to post them. Also, the fabprefab site has a message board which specifically addresses the subject.

Back gardens are probably not zoned for container storage.
You would need either to have things small enoung to be exempt or get PP

Well due to the nature of containers, they are effectively 'temporary structures'. I can't find the link I had to info on this (for the UK) but it suggested that its possible to get such projects through without planning. I would imagine that provided it was cladded and fitted in well (ie. dont upset the neighbours), then chances are there would be no hassle on this front. Someone once led me to believe that if a structure is in place for 5 years without planning, its unlikely that you could be made take it away? Anyone else any opinions on this?

I think PP would be necessary however, becuase how do you plan on plumbing it (with sewer) without?

In my case, it would be well close to the house - so I dont see this being a major problem. In other circumstances, I'd imagine you would have a point there unless theres anyone who knows otherwise?

As for insulation i have my doubts about a coat of spacepaint or whatever that stuff is.

You would use both - no-ones suggesting using the coating alone. The ceramic bead paints function is to tackle thermal transfer and condensation - without it, the insulation material and plasterboard finish would get damp/damaged.

Personally i envision affixing joices (maybe not the normal 4x2 variety, but someting smaller) to the walls to create a cavity.

Yeah, its a wastage of more precious space but very much a necessity nonetheless. Check out the pics via the link on one of my previous postings. He doesnt seem to have done any welding to get that up though?

Victor

serotonin_sam wrote:

Someone once led me to believe that if a structure is in place for 5 years without planning, its unlikely that you could be made take it away?

That has been upped, to I think 10 years.

8 years later - did anyone on this thread attempt anything with Shipping containers?
I`m quite interested - PM me or post on the thread please

shanekbeary

Hi All,

Am new to the forum, and to Ireland (been away 50+ years) and am interested in constructing an ISBU Shipping Container based complex in the Cork area. Main use would be education based accommodation and supporting facilities.

Designed and secured approval for similar project in northern Thailand without problem, but am not familiar with the PP process here or if:
1. PP is more likely to be given is some areas rather than others.
2. PP is generally restricted to non-permanent structures (what constitutes a non-permanent structure?)
3. If there are any others (individuals/architects) who have built such container based projects in Ireland and can offer advice.
4. Have basic design plans - replica of project done in Thailand - but would presumably need to modify them to comply with local rules/regs.

Grateful for any feedback.

Thanks
Shane

williambean100

Hey Shane I've been looking into it recently myself as alternative housing. A friend of mine got her business kitchen made from a container (Crunch Foods) by a company in Cork called Covospod. Search them on Facebook as they don't have a website.

I'm sure they'd be more than happy to talk to you about your project.

Will

Guinness69

Old tread but have a look at this one. http://bestofshippingcontainers.com/31-shipping-container-home/