Shipping container construction

[pugilato]

Anybody familiar with converting shipping containers into homes? A friend suggested that, to insulate the metal, I might be able to glue foam sheets to the corrugated sides, then put on a coat of stucco over some sort of mesh. Anyone familiar with this technique? Good things, bad off the top of your head?

I am in a tropical environment. The house will be on a hill exposed to the prevailing winds (trades). Don't need a lot of insulation, just enough to not heat up the container walls.

 

[andyman]

Anybody familiar with converting shipping containers into homes? A friend suggested that, to insulate the metal, I might be able to glue foam sheets to the corrugated sides, then put on a coat of stucco over some sort of mesh. Anyone familiar with this technique? Good things, bad off the top of your head?

I am in a tropical environment. The house will be on a hill exposed to the prevailing winds (trades). Don't need a lot of insulation, just enough to not heat up the container walls.

Google Channel 4 4od and then Grand Designs from 2 weeks ago an irish guy converted 4 x 40' containers into a stunning home

 

[tbellemare]

How cold does it get?

On the worst day, worst 10 days, or normally? I wouldn't think you'd have too much to do but perhaps I'm wrong?

Tom

 

[peter halle]

I am going to guess that a spray foam insulation will be the best approach.  You are in a tropical area but humidity and condensation will be your enemy if you allow airspace between your insulation and the walls and roofs.

I really hope that as this project goes forward you keep us up to date and even do some images.  I am fascinated with shipping container homes and also the tiny home movement.

Peter

 

[Wooden Skye]

I would agree with Peter about using spray foam.  An added benefit, would be that some containers are treated and this might help encapsulate any pesticides or chemicals used.

 

[Kev]

I love watching all of the container conversions people post on YouTube ... Along with the tiny home projects. Awesome space utilisation ideas.

My thinking would be to reflect radiant heat before it hits the structure ... Any form of weatherproof cladding with insulation should suffice.

Please post as you build [smile]

 

[pugilato]

Here is a rendering of what I am thinking of. Two 40-ft containers with a 14-ft space in between, filled with concrete and concrete block. Common roof. The tails of the trailers are outside the common roof, using the original container roof, and are used for laundry room and storage. Gives me 900 sq ft of living space, nice ktchen, adequate rooms.

I have been researching this for a while and there are many limitations of building using these things, but I believe you can make a semi-conventional looking house for less money (I hope).

[attachthumb=1]

 

[RGundersen]

I have seen a couple projects locally with a similar design.

They used what is called EIFS Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems, or a modern stucco of insulation panels.

Solved problems of different surfaces and transitions on the same exterior wall.

On the inside the used 2x4 framing and spray foam on the exterior walls, to net out a very air tight home for the cost.

 

[Sparktrician]

This is not a new concept.  Check out some of these. 

 

[englert123]

In the coastal areas of America most of the houses are build by using shipping containers , infect the houses are the shipping container actually. The metal roofing design of such houses are very strong as they are used for the shipping purpose. But there was disadvantage as it becomes hotter in summer and colder in winter.

 

[Stone Message]

Try Gizmag for some ideas - not sure if they go into construction detail but there may be links from their site:

http://www.gizmag.com/shipping-container-house/22129/

Peter

 

[Dane]

The Building Science Corporation, which is the go-to organization for building science in the States, created a best practice document for shipping container homes: http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi078-ship-shape .  Full detail drawings of workable insulation systems and an reasons why.