Menu
Shipping containers have become an increasingly popular choice for housing solutions for many reasons, including the fact that they are cheaper and quicker to erect than brick-and-mortar houses, and imaginatively designed, they can have an appealing contemporary industrial style. They may also be designed for a minimalistic lifestyle look. But, whatever the design and style you opt for, container homes must comply with local building regulations. So when you see advertisements for container homes for sale, you need to evaluate compliance as well as aesthetics and functionality.
Of course, if you buy a container home from an established company that offers a construction or installation service, they will usually ensure that the conversion to a house – or office – meets the relevant codes and regulations. But some companies only offer containers for sale, and then it will be up to you to employ knowledgeable professionals who can advise on design and procedure. In South Africa, for instance, container homes aren’t covered in the country’s National Building Regulations. Instead, erection of the “building” will need to be carried out in accordance with an approved agrément certificate that confirms “fitness-for-purpose” of products, materials, and components that aren’t standardized in terms of South African National Standards.
Containers, dubbed “the strongest box in the world”, have been used for shipping for more than six decades. First used in the USA, they were – and still are – extremely strong, stackable, quick and easy to load and unload onto trucks, trains, and ships; they are simple to store, theft resistant, and they keep cargo clean and dry. Ultimately they revolutionized the transport industry and saved companies a fortune since in 1956 loose cargo generally cost US $5.86 a ton to load and only 16 cents (US) when a shipping container was used.
Although transport entrepreneur, Malcolm McLean is widely considered to be the father of the container, the precursor of his shipping containers was the Conex Box that was used by the US military during the Korean and Vietnam wars in 1950-1953 and 1955-1975 respectively.
It was also the US military that first identified the possibility of using shipping containers as habitable buildings. In July 1977, long before anyone had tried marketing container homes for sale, the US Department of Defense released a report titled, Shipping Containers as Structural Systems. It considered the feasibility of using containers for logistics and shelter, and for theatre of operations facilities. The researchers found that four 20 foot or 6-metre containers joined end-to-end in a certain way could save US $2.3 million on facilities. Furthermore, the design proposed would meet both snow and wind design loads that might be encountered anywhere in the world.
In August 1989, US inventor, Phillip C. Clark was granted a patent for a method he devised to convert steel shipping containers into habitable building, he described as a “novel product”. The method described was short and sweet and required the use of weight-bearing foundations at the ends of the containers. If more than one container was used these could be abutted side-by-side with parts of the side walls removed, or placed on top of one another. At least one door and one window, as well as raised floors and dropped ceilings, were incorporated in the design.
Containers continue to be used for shipping all over the world, which has resulted in an increase in the availability of shipping containers. And their popularity for architectural use continues to grow.
The advantages of using container homes for sale for residential housing include:
Of course, any container homes for sale should be finished in terms of local building codes and regulations. This includes all elements that relate to ventilation, insulation, and heating, plumbing, and electrics. This compliance will ensure that your innovative new home is warm in winter, cool in summer, and will operate in an eco-friendly manner.
Almar Container Group operates in Africa and in the Middle East and has both new and old shipping containers for sale that may be used as a building solution for a wide range of uses including homes, offices, public facilities, and retail outlets.
Whether you need to ship belongings, need somewhere to store bulky items, or want to convert a shipping container into an office or even living quarters, old containers for sale provide a quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive option.
Most commonly made from non-corrosive “weathering” steel that is coated to protect it against rust, mould, and mildew, shipping containers are incredibly strong and will withstand extreme conditions. After all, they are made to protect and safely transport all kinds of cargo across the ocean where damp, heat, humidity, and salt water are consistently uncompromising. They are also designed for use by road or rail where heat, dirt, and vibration are all a potential threat to the contents.
While large businesses operating in the shipping industry, in fields of transportation and logistics, are more likely to purchase new shipping containers, there is a large demand for old containers for sale. Like new shipping containers, old ones are available in different sizes, and like secondhand cars, their age varies. Generally, the older the container, the lower the price.
Internationally, the standard sizes of general purpose containers used for dry freight and storage are reflected in their length:
Whatever the age or size of the container, and whatever the intended use, it is important to ensure it was manufactured according to strict international ISO standards for standard shipping containers. These specify materials, characteristics, components, and also both external and internal measurements.
Recycling and repurposing old shipping containers has become very popular in recent years, particularly for homes, offices, schools, and businesses. Intriguingly, their popularity ranges from the need for accommodation of various kinds in impoverished regions to ingenious high-end housing designs. Sometimes just one container is used on its own as an office, a classroom, or perhaps an ablution block. Alternatively, because they are modular, several shipping containers can be used alongside one another, or even on top of one another to create a multi-storey unit.
Where budget is an issue, or the container is being used temporarily, perhaps as a site office or even for emergency shelter, the exterior of the container is usually left as is. When converted into a classy home, both internal and external cladding are commonly used, although some architects like to leave sections of the characteristic corrugated steel visible, giving it a contemporary industrial style appeal. The interior is fitted like any other house, to meet the needs of the occupants, with plumbed bathrooms and kitchens, lighting and ventilation needs, and home comforts.
Of course, old containers for sale may also be used for temporary or permanent storage for just about anything. For instance, they may be used to store materials on a building site where it is essential to keep things like cement clean and dry, and fixtures and fittings safe and secure. They may be used on farms for storing animal feed or farming implements. They are invaluable in equestrian environments where there isn’t a secure tack room to store expensive items like saddles and bridles. They are great for storing equipment required by schools, or stock for shops or food outlets.
If you spot an ad for containers for sale, you might even consider converting it into a swimming pool, or a camper!
If you are based in Africa or the Middle East you will find that Almar can offer the full range of quality containers at a competitive price. You can buy one or a large volume, depending on your needs. Request a quote today.
Office 502, Al Moajil Centre
Building 8385, Al Amir Fahd Street, Al Suq District,
Dammam 32242 – 4332, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Tel: 013 814 7200
Mobile: +966 54 038 6209 - Eastern & Central Region
Mobile: +966 54 882 2253 - Western Region
Email: sales.me@almar.co.za