Shipping containers (also called “cargo containers”) make an ideal building material because they are plentiful, weather-proofed, and built to last. With the tons of freight moved every year across the oceans, there is a massive surplus of cargo containers around the world. Both used and new containers can be purchased very inexpensively due to this surplus. And, since they are already built to withstand the rigors of sea travel, they can endure any type of weather in any location.

These containers can be easily modified in a variety of ways. All they require are some minor welding and metalwork, and they can be reworked into architecturally viable shapes. And, due to the uniform and modular nature of rectangular shipping containers, they come pre-constructed in the shape of rooms.

Architects are exploring the endless possibilities of construction using shipping containers. In Berkeley, California, an art group constructed The Shipyard, a collaborative art studio and gallery space constructed entirely out of cargo containers. Twenty-seven shipping containers surround an 11,000 square foot outdoor lot. Each artist in residence is assigned a studio within a container. At this site, artists create large scale mechanical, metal, and kinetic artwork. These works would be impossible to construct in a more confined gallery space, but thanks to the spaciousness, durability, and cheapness of cargo containers, creativity thrives in this unique community of artists.

Another art-related building project that uses shipping containers is the Nomadic Museum. This museum, designed by architect Shigeru Ban and artist Gregory Colbert, is constructed entirely out of cargo containers. Due to its modular nature, it is easily deconstructed, transported, and reassembled in various locations. So far, the Nomadic Museum has hosted exhibitions in New York, Santa Monica, Venice, Tokyo, and Mexico City. There seems to be no restriction on where it might end up next, thanks to the versatility of shipping container architecture.

Shipping container houses are also a very popular building project using this handy material. These kinds of houses are an ideal building project because all of their architectural materials can be shipped to site, then modified to meet the particular specifications of the project. You can create a small cargo container cabin in the woods, or an extensive apartment complex in an urban setting. Containers can be used alone for a small residence, or combined in a modular fashion to create more complex, multi-story project. Architects are also finding cargo container housing to be an excellent solution for low-income housing since the building materials are so cheap and plentiful. Low-income shipping container housing projects have already been created in London, England, Karratha, Australia, and Amsterdam, Holland.

In the future, we will likely see more and more cargo container building projects as the practice gains popularity. But for now, cargo containers are still cheap and readily available. Some companies even sell kits to create your own custom container home. So if you are considering a creative building project in the near future, think about how you can incorporate this special kind of eco-friendly architecture in your plan. It’s a great way to be unique, and reusing materials is great for the environment as well.

Hank Steele writes for Shipping Containers Sale, a website specializing in information about the sale, purchase, and creative uses of shipping containers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hank_Steele

But before you make the choice to construct your very own container home, there are a few things you should consider. Just because container homes are becoming very popular with the green building set doesn’t necessarily mean that you should make the plunge yourself. You need to think about your personal needs, your financial situation, and local building codes before you make the investment of building your own container home.

First, you need to realize that a shipping container home is definitely not a traditional house. This may seem obvious, but it’s an important factor to consider. Even though homes built out of cargo containers seem really cool now, you may find that the novelty wears off after a few years. Any home is a long-term investment, so you need to be absolutely sure that you are happy with your potential living situation before you invest thousands of dollars into it. Even though container homes are a smart, eco-friendly choice, you may find yourself yearning for the comforts of a traditional home after a while. Also, consider your space needs before you start construction. If you have a big family, or just want a lot of bedrooms, you may need multiple shipping containers to have the house of your dreams. This requires a lot more work and customization than homes that only use one cargo container.

Next, think about the total costs associated with building a cargo container home. Shipping containers by themselves are relatively cheap, but it takes a lot of time and labor to transform it into a cozy home. You will also need to ship the container to your building site, which might be more expensive than you think. Foundation work also needs to be done, which tacks on extra cost. Before you purchase a shipping container for your new home, consult with a knowledgeable building contractor who can accurately calculate your total cost. An even better option is to work with a company that specializes in cargo container architecture. They will have an expert opinion on everything you will need to do, and they might even be able to sell you a container for your home and make all of the modifications you need ahead of time. By dealing with one company, you can be sure of what all of your costs will be, since you will not need to reconcile quotes from different vendors and contractors.

And most importantly, you will need to consult with local authorities to make sure your new container home meets all local building codes. Some communities simply won’t allow homes constructed out of shipping containers. If this is the case, you may be out of luck, but it’s much better to find out before you invest money or begin construction. Check all applicable state and local building codes before you buy materials or hire contractors. Pay special attention to building codes related to building homes using steel, since this is the most likely restriction you will find on shipping container homes. Also, when you consult your local building office, make sure that you have a specific house plan in mind before you ask for approval. If you just say that you want to build a cargo container home, you might get a quick rejection. However, if you prove that you have a specific, well thought out plan for a home, you are more likely to convince local authorities that your proposed project is up to code.

These considerations should not dissuade you from building a shipping container home. They are cheap, efficient, and environmentally friendly structures that can make a unique home. But, as in all major projects, it’s very important to take into account all of the snags that could come your way. By planning ahead, you can make sure that your cargo container home project gets done right.

Hank Steele writes for Shipping Containers Sale, a website specializing in information about the sale, purchase, and creative uses of shipping containers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hank_Steele