What points should be noted when customizing container houses?

Key Points for Customizing Container Houses

Customizing container houses requires balancing practical demand, structural safety, compliance norms, and cost control, with targeted adjustments based on usage scenarios (homestay, dormitory, office, etc.). Below are the core notes in a concise, actionable 280-word overview, covering all critical aspects:

Clarify Scenario & Functional Needs

First define the core use (residence/homestay/dormitory/office) to confirm layout, space size, and supporting facilities—e.g., homestays need washrooms with dry-wet separation and viewing windows; construction dormitories require multi-person sleeping areas and centralized water and electricity. Avoid over-customization to cut unnecessary costs.

Prioritize Structural Safety & Adaptability

For steel structure reinforcement: reinforce the frame if splicing/stacking (max 2-3 floors for non-professional bearing); raise the base 30-50cm (concrete piers/steel supports) to prevent moisture and ground damage. Adapt to the use environment—add anti-corrosion paint for coastal/humid areas, and thicken insulation for cold regions.

Optimize Comfort Upgrades (Core Renovation)

Solve inherent container flaws: fill interlayers with high-performance insulation (rock wool/polyurethane foam) + double-layer hollow glass for thermal/sound insulation; embed concealed water/electricity/sewage pipelines and do strict waterproofing for wet areas (kitchen/washroom). Equip with ventilation fans/skylights to avoid condensation and mildew.

Comply with Local Building & Planning Norms

Confirm land use type (residential/temporary/industrial) and apply for relevant approvals (planning/construction license) if needed. Follow fire safety rules—spray fire-retardant paint on steel frames, reserve escape channels, and install smoke alarms/fire extinguishers.

Control Cost & Ensure Construction Quality

Choose standard 20ft/40ft containers (lower cost than custom sizes); confirm factory prefabrication scope (prefab as much as possible to reduce on-site construction time). Check material quality (anti-corrosion paint, insulation, pipelines) and sign a contract with clear after-sales service (e.g., anti-rust maintenance, structural repair).

Reserve Flexibility for Future Adjustment

Reserve extra sockets, pipeline interfaces, and small expansion space for subsequent functional changes (e.g., adding a balcony for homestays, extra rest areas for dormitories).

References

GB/T 7714:Pereira-de-Oliveira L A, Bernardo L F A, Marques A R A. Architectural building design with refurbished shipping containers: A typological and modular approach[J]. Journal of Engineering Research, 2022, 10(1): 1-20.

MLA:Pereira-de-Oliveira, Luiz António, Luís Filipe Almeida Bernardo, and Ana Raquel Araujo Marques. "Architectural building design with refurbished shipping containers: A typological and modular approach." Journal of Engineering Research 10.1 (2022): 1-20.

APA:Pereira-de-Oliveira, L. A., Bernardo, L. F. A., & Marques, A. R. A. (2022). Architectural building design with refurbished shipping containers: A typological and modular approach. Journal of Engineering Research, 10(1), 1-20.