What is a shipping container apartment?

A shipping container apartment is a type of living space constructed out of upcycled shipping containers which can vary in look depending on how it is constructed. They are often used as an affordable, eco-friendly way to build living space or provide emergency housing.

Are apartments the next step for container construction?

After witnessing the advantages of building shipping container stadiums and office buildings, apartments seem like a logical next step for container construction, especially with the adoption of AC462 compliant containers.

Why are shipping container apartments more expensive than traditional apartments?

Traditional apartments tend to require more materials and labor, and thus are more expensive in terms of initial construction. Shipping container apartments are much simpler to construct due to their modular nature, meaning that they can be assembled quickly with minimal materials.

How many shipping containers does an apartment use?

Some apartments use a single shipping container as the footprint for a unit, while others have a floorplan that spans across multiple containers. Note that in many places, structures higher than three stories will fall under the commercial portion of the building code.

Can you build a container apartment complex?

If you’re building a container apartment complex that’s three floors or less, you can probably get approved under the residential code. Additionally, you have the purpose of the container apartments to consider. Some of them are built with containers purely as a way to get a lower price of construction.

Should you live in a shipping container apartment?

The containers offer many of the same amenities found in regular apartments with basic plumbing, electrical connections, insulation and other features to create a comfortable home. If living in a shipping container apartment is something you’re considering, here is a quick overview of the pros and cons.