Hey there! I'm a supplier of living container houses, and one question I get asked a lot is, "How big can a living container house be?" Well, let's dive right into it.
First off, standard shipping containers, which are often used as the base for living container houses, come in a few common sizes. The most well - known are the 20 - foot and 40 - foot containers. A 20 - foot container is about 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high. That gives you a total interior volume of around 1,360 cubic feet. It's a decent size for a small, cozy living space, maybe for a single person or a couple. You could set up a small bedroom, a tiny kitchenette, and a compact bathroom in a 20 - foot living container house. Check out our Economic Living Container House for some great options in this size range.
On the other hand, a 40 - foot container is twice as long as a 20 - footer. It's 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and usually 8.5 or 9.5 feet high (the 9.5 - foot ones are called high - cube containers). With a 40 - foot container, you've got around 2,720 cubic feet of interior space if it's a standard height, or even more if it's a high - cube. This extra space allows for more room to spread out. You could create a larger living room, a proper kitchen, and a couple of bedrooms. Many of our customers who are looking for a bit more space opt for the 40 - foot Living Container Houses.
But the size of a living container house isn't limited to just these standard sizes. We can combine multiple containers to create much larger living spaces. For example, if you stack two 40 - foot containers on top of each other, you suddenly have a two - story living container house. And if you place them side by side, you can increase the width of your living area.
Let's talk about some of the practical limitations when it comes to size. One big factor is transportation. If you're using shipping containers, they need to be transported from the factory to your building site. The size and weight of the container can affect how easily it can be moved. Oversized containers might require special permits and transportation arrangements, which can add to the cost.
Another consideration is the foundation. A larger living container house will need a stronger and more stable foundation to support its weight. The type of soil at your building site also matters. If the soil is soft or unstable, you might need to do more extensive foundation work, like pouring a deep concrete slab or using piles.
Building codes and regulations also play a role. Different areas have different rules about the size, height, and design of buildings, including living container houses. Some places might have restrictions on the maximum height of a building or the amount of floor area you can have on a particular lot. So, before you start planning a really large living container house, it's important to check with your local building department.
Now, let's look at some examples of really big living container houses. There are some amazing projects out there where dozens of containers have been combined to create huge, multi - level, multi - room buildings. These can be used as large family homes, hotels, or even community centers.
For instance, imagine a three - story living container house made up of six 40 - foot containers arranged in a 2x3 grid on each floor. This would give you a large amount of living space, with plenty of room for multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, a big living room, a dining area, and a large kitchen. You could also add outdoor decks and balconies to make the most of the space and the view.
In terms of customizing the size, we at our company can work with you to design a living container house that meets your specific needs. Whether you want a small, single - container studio or a large, multi - container mansion, we've got the expertise to make it happen. Check out our Living Container House page to see some of the different options we offer.
So, to answer the question, "How big can a living container house be?" The sky's the limit, really. With the right planning, transportation arrangements, and compliance with building codes, you can create a living container house of almost any size.
If you're interested in building a living container house, no matter the size, we'd love to talk to you. We can help you figure out the best size and design for your needs, and guide you through the whole process from start to finish. Whether you're a first - time homebuilder or an experienced developer, we're here to assist. Just reach out to us, and let's start planning your dream living container house together.
References
- General knowledge about shipping container transportation and building codes.
- Past projects and customer experiences in the living container house industry.