BNIM Container Home

We are very excited today to have a guest author to the Saner Container.  This author not only lives in a container home, he has shown it to the world on MTV’s “Cribs”.  Sam Glassberg presented his home on “Cribs”, showing off the versatility and eco-friendly aspects of their shipping container home.  Now he has shared some of his experiences with the Saner Container.

As a film and television student, being on a real television show was probably one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire life. It was also created one of the most awkward experiences of my entire life when a complete stranger came up to me in my college’s dining hall and said “I saw you on Cribs. I really liked your house”. Awkward for me because, well, I think that would be pretty awkward for anybody, but also amazing because I realized that people I don’t even know and didn’t tell to watch (probably the most I’ve tweeted or facebooked in my entire life) appreciate what my mom created.

I live in a house made of shipping containers. Weird. It’s a bit like a circus at times with the amount of people stopping to look at it on the street, and the amount of tours I’ve had to give, but I really love it. At first the idea seemed a bit crazy, but now it’s bizarrely normal. The house is composed of concrete, 5 shipping containers, glass, and metal and is truly a work of modern architecture. With geothermal heating, passive solar heating and lighting, and other recycled materials it’s also a house that gives back to the environment. It’s a structure to be envied by all, and luckily for those who envy it, it will soon be available for everybody to have.

Living room dining room and hall

In collaboration with local Kansas City architecture firm BNIM, my mother has begun creating new living, working, and retail spaces that will be available and affordable for nearly anybody. While my house is perfect in my eyes, new designs and configurations of this prefab design are going to be released in many different forms. It’s bespoke living. Studio apartments, dorm rooms, vegan restaurants, and boutique hotels are all ideas my mom had that are about to become a reality. If you can dream it, Debbie Glassberg and BNIM can build it.

For pictures and more information on Sam’s house, check out some of these links, pictures – and of course the MTV video:

KMBC, Kansas City’s ABC affiliate, ran a series on the Glassberg’s home. Follow their home being built:

KMBC – 1st story
http://www.kmbc.com/news/18414304/detail.html

KMBC – 2nd story
http://www.kmbc.com/news/20004971/detail.html

KMBC – 3rd story
http://www.kmbc.com/news/23860045/detail.html

KMBC slideshow
http://www.kmbc.com/slideshow/news/23858878/detail.html

Exterior

Den

Kitchen

Bedroom

Camoflaged 20'

You have used containers at work or during building a home.  You love to hunt.  You don’t have a cabin on your land.  Enter – the connex box.  Drop a container on your land, add in a door and some windows and you have a perfect hunting retreat.  Whether it is just a basic spot to base camp, or a complete man-cave, conex boxes offer all the flexibility and ruggedness to be a perfect hunting cabin.

You can insulate them, add in heat (or cooling, or both), add in features that make the cabin perfect for you.  It might be the ultimate get-away cabin for the guys or it might be a snug, welcoming place to bring your kids and grandchildren to teach them how to hunt.

Here is a series of my new favorite hunting cabin.  I got these by email from a colleague.  If you know anything more about this cabin, please let me know!

It starts with 2 used containers

Seal up between the containers

Archway in the living room

Use cut outs as overhang

Interior work

More interior work

Living room and bedrooms

Living room and kitchen

Finished Exterior

Refrigerator 40' container

So you want a container.  You know it needs to be insulated, but what exactly will fit your needs?  Containers come in two styles – standard shipping container and refrigerator (reefer) containers.  Here are some general rules of thumb that might be helpful.

1)      Refrigerator containers are ideal when you need to store items at a particular temperature year round and you have a power source to run the container.  They are considerably more expensive than standard containers, which may play a role in your decision-making.

Inside refrigerator container

2)      If you are storing general items, the standard containers are great.  Standard containers are used around the world, year round for transporting the vast majority goods manufactured year round.

3)      If you are modifying the container, standard containers are much preferred to refrigerator containers.  Refrigerator containers have loose insulation between two walls, which makes modifications a huge headache.  Also, if you are using the container for living space, you will be very disappointed with a refrigerator container floor.  They are grooved to drain any liquid away from items being stored.  While that is great if the container isn’t plugged in and you are storing ice cream.  It is not as great if you want to live in the container.

Inside used 40'

One other consideration for those who are modifying containers – if you plan on adding electricity or plumbing, you will want to insulate the container once you have added those and done all your modifications.

If you still have questions about which is the right one for you, please call us and we can discuss your needs further.

Inside a Double-door 40'

Standard ISO shipping containers come with two swing doors on one short end of the container.  But that doesn’t work for everyone.  Today, we are going to cover some different options you have when purchasing containers.

1)      Double-door containers.  These are containers with standard swing doors on both ends of the container.  Because these are not as common and are so useful, they are generally only available as “one-trip” containers, meaning they are manufactured in Asia, make one trip to the US and then sold to you.  Since they are one-trip containers, they are freshly painted, have no markings and are a great option.  But they are also more expensive.

Open-roll-up door on container

2)     Roll-up doors.  If you want a used container and need the access, but not the price tag, consider adding a roll-up door on the opposite end.  Roll-ups can be added either to the end of the sides of containers to add extra access to the container.  The only place we do not recommend putting it is where the original doors are located.  Those doors are connected into the corner posts that support the container, so you do not want to mess with that.  You can have the door added on before it comes out to you, or use a kit to add the door on yourself.  You get the same access at usually half the price.

3)      Personnel –doors.  So you don’t need a full roll-up, or you just don’t want to deal with bigger doors.  Maybe a personnel door is the right option for you.  Like roll-up doors, these can be added on before you get it or by a kit where you add on the door yourself.  This is great option if you are going to be going in and out of the container often and want to have access just like you would to a building.

Man-door on container

4)      Open-side containers.  These great containers are only available in 20′ long, one-trip containers.  They feature doors that open on the 20′ side of the container.  These are a great option for retail containers, industrial applications and so much more.  But they also come with a pretty large price tag.

5)  Open-top containers.  These are a great option if you have to load the container from above.  They come with a tarp to function as the roof.  So these, are for those people who simply need to have this design, but it is not ideal for the person who wants a nice, basic container.

Containers are so flexible.  Even if they don’t come the way you want them, they can easily be changed to fit your needs.  We can help you add doors, windows, etc. so that it works for you, just the way you want, or we can help you to do it yourself.

20' Open side

Open-top 40' container

Cargotecture Studio 320 by hybridarc.com

Storage containers can be converted into stand-alone buildings, perfect for an artist studio or workshop.  Depending on how much space you have, containers come in 20’ and 40’ long, 8’ wide.  You can insulate them and modify them to allow natural light, insulation, electricity, easy access and anything else that helps you be more creative.

Containers can be placed on your land near your existing home.  Depending on how much of a do-it-yourself-er you are, you can either have a container modified to meet your needs or order a container and kits to modify it yourself.  Common medications include personnel door, roll-up door, windows, skylights, AC/heat, insulation.  If you do the modifications yourself,  you will need to be able to weld. You can have an electrician bring more light (and the possibility of the internet) to your studio.  Put your creative energies into planning out the perfect space for you.

Finish off the container inside and you have a great studio

Since this is not primary residence, you do not have to include plumbing unless you want to. And you can find creative lighting solutions that do not require an electrician. Many container modifications are DIY. Ask us for advice or installation kits.

Container artist studios get your supplies out of the way of your everyday living and into a space devoted just to your art.  No more packing them up and trying to get them out of the way, but rather leave projects out so you can come back to them again easily.  Start planning yours today!

La Boite cafe at sunset

Containers move.  Containers make great, green, building blocks.  But what about containers making great, gree building blocks that move?  Well, for those of you who want to take your container building on the road, we have some ideas for you!

La Boite's open design

Container Café

Austin, TX is known for doing things their own way and food trailers, enter a great combination of both – La Boite café.  It is a movable restaurant made from a 20’ container.  The café incorporates green practices, down to the spray insulation in the container.  Not only is it a fun, clean design, they have really maximized the space available to them to make an inviting café.  Check out these links for pictures of how they made the café, what it looks like now and more information on the spray insulation.  Spray insulation is a great option when using building with containers.  The insulation can get into the corrugation to provide extra insulation throughout and is also a great way to control the r-factor of the insulation without having to give up interior space in the container.

Micro-living

Cargotecture in Menlo Park

HyBrid Architecture’s Cargotecture series is a wonderful example of micro-living.  Bringing designs down to smaller sized structures idea for remote areas such as cabins, backyard retreats or offices or anywhere you want to have a temporary or permanent structure.  They were recently in the news for partnering up with Sunset to become Sunset’s Cargotecture^® home.  HyBrid is really doing things right with these efficient designs that can are mobile, easy to install and come in a range of sizes to fit various budgets and needs.

Mobile Wildlife Clinic

Dwyer Technical Services designed a wildlife heath care for Massey University.  The unit is made from a 40’ container and is a mobile unit that can move to where oil spills affect wildlife.  The mobility allows experts to reach wildlife quickly and onsite, making it that much easier to help animals in need.  Dwyer Technical Services announced  their first international export – to Maritime New Zealand, where a similar unit will help Australian wildlife.

Inside a refrigerator/insulated container

1)      Standard or Insulated/refrigerated? Containers come in either standard steel box or insulated/refrigerated box.  In order to pick the best one for you, think about what you are going to do with it.  If you are going to modify it (add doors, windows, or any other cut outs), then steer clear of the refrigerated/insulated containers.  They are difficult to modify due to the loose insulation in between the container walls.  Standard steel containers can easily be framed and insulated to provide the necessary insulation once your other modifications are done.

Cargo-worthy containers can handle being stacked

2)      Shipping overseas or not? If you are shipping the container overseas, then you will want to plan your modifications accordingly.  Containers that are being shipped on cargo ships must be cargo-worthy or sea-worthy, meaning they are structurally sound enough to handle having other container stacked on top of them.  If you cut up a container, you reduce the structural integrity of the container, so you want to make sure you are keeping that in mind with your plans, or plan on modifying the container once it arrives at its destination.

Open-top 40' container has a tarp roof

3)      Is there a container already designed for your need? There are specialty containers – containers without a top or with removable steel top, 20’ containers with doors that open the full 20’ side of the container or flat-racks, containers that have no long walls or roofs.  While these containers are generally more expensive than standard containers, you may find that they fit your need so well; it is worth the extra money.  However, be warned that some of these containers are not all that plentiful, so you may also end up paying for shipping long distances.

20' open side container opens on one full 20' side of container

4)      How complicated is your design? If you are planning on creating a home or living quarters complete with electric and plumbing, stacked containers or other complications, be sure to get an architect or engineer involved.  Even though containers make great building blocks, you are still creating a living space that needs to be safe and up to code.  They may up with structural issues you have not considered which can save you headaches down the line.

5)      Are you doing to modify the container yourself or have it done? Containers are easy to modify yourself if you have the right tools.  Primarily, it requires a cutter and welding tools and the know-how to go with them.  Kits are available for adding on basic additions like doors, windows, AC/heat, skylights, etc.

40' office and storage

If you don’t want the hassle of doing the work, have it done for you by a qualified container shop.  Then your container can arrive ready to go (or at least part-way there) depending on what your plans entail.

Containers are incredibly flexible building blocks.  Let your imagination loose to come up with fun ideas.  Share them with us!  Or share pictures of projects you have already done to inspire others!

Modified container

Modifications. Containers are great building blocks.  You can use them as is, or you can simply cut a few holes and add a few modifications and you can drastically change the purpose of a container.  Extra doors and windows are the most common modifications, but some people get very fancy and will build homes out of them.

AC Heat Kit with cage

We can help you with your modifications in two ways:  1)  have your container provider modify them for you; or 2) purchase a kit so you can modify it yourself.  Modification costs and options will vary depending where in the country you are located.  In some locations you can get electric work installed, in others that has to be done after the purchase.  Kits are another great for adding doors, windows, AC/heat, skylights, partitions, etc.  Specialty kits are available as well if you already have a feature you want added on, but just need a frame to install it.

Container Office

Storm shelters/root cellars. This is a very common use for containers.  People either bury them completely in the ground or put them into a hill.  There are pros and cons to either option.  Not the least of which is if you have a hill handy!  Some things to keep in mind when creating your storm shelter/root cellar is 1) to protect the container from the elements, 2) to protect the container structurally,3) to follow local zoning.

Protect your container from the elements.  This can be adding a protective moisture barrier and providing proper drainage so your container isn’t sitting in an underground puddle.  Also, protect your container structurally.  They are designed to bear enormous weight on the four corners of the container, not directly into the wall and roof of the container.  Please keep in mind local zoning rules may also dictate how you install your storm shelter/root celler.
For a video of how one person solved these issues, watch this video:

For more detailed information on both of these topics, also see our previous posts:

Do It Yourself Container Modifications

5 Tips for Planning Your Container Root Cellar or Storm Shelter

Camouflage your container

The weather is starting to change and hunters’ thoughts turn to opening day.  But what does the hunter who has everything really need?  More storage!  From basic storage for hunting gear and ATV’s to complete cabins, containers offer a wide variety of solutions.

A lockbox and tab are welded to the doors of your container for additional security.

Containers all-steel construction makes them a wind- and water-tight, insect- and rodent-proof, secure solution for storage.  Your ATV’s, boats, snowmobiles, hunting gear and other supplies will be dry and safe in a container.  Your stuff will be safe from pests large and small since insects, rodents, menacing teenagers and potential thieves can’t get past the steel, water-tight construction.  For additional security from potential intruders, add a lockbox for additional protection.  They protect your padlock from being cut off.

Make your container into a cabin

Take things one step further by modifying your container to act as a cabin.  Doors, windows, skylights, AC/heating units can all be added either before it is delivered or by you.  You can turn your container into your perfect hunting getaway.  You can go rustic with just the basics, or frame it in with electricity to make a snug retreat for all weather.  If you keep adding containers and/or kits, your container cabin can grow over time as well.

Skip over building or assembling a shed or cabin.  Have a container delivered right to your property and start using it right away.

Exploded view of container

Basic Frame

Design - Containers are designed to filled, then stacked on ships, then removed.  Containers hold all their weight in the floor of the container and the four corner posts.  Those corner posts are what the cranes connect to when moving full containers around.  These corner posts are slightly higher than the roof and slightly lower than the floor of the container.

What this means for you – When you stack containers, make sure that you always have corner posts resting on corner posts.  If you can’t do this, make sure those corner posts have extra support.  Also, do not remove these corner posts unless you have designed to support the container in another way.

Corrugated walls and roof

Walls and Roofs

Design – Containers are made of corrugated steel.  The walls and roofs are made of the same material.  The walls support the roof of the container.

What this means for you – You can cut holes for doors and windows in the side of containers.  But just make sure you don’t remove the whole side of a container without providing support for the roof.  Also, the roof is not strong enough to handle heavy loads.  If you are planning on burying the container or making a balcony on top of a container, make sure you create a platform that distributes the weight back to the four corner posts.

Container doors

Doors

Design – Container doors are attached to corner posts.

What this means to you – They work well they way they are designed.  If you want a different type of entry, add extra doors on the other 3 sides of the container.

Insulation

Design – Standard containers are made of corten steel and are not insulated.  Refrigerator containers are steel containers with insulation and an interior wall added onto the container.  The insulation used is loose between the walls.  Also, refrigerated/insulated containers are generally sold with cooling units still included.

Inside refrigerated container

What this means to you – If you are looking for a container that is insulated, the first big question to ask yourself is if you are going to modify the container further.  If you are, the standard containers will be much easier to work with.  Once you cut into an insulated container, you will have a mess on your hands and the insulation will be reduced.  Instead, go with a standard container, make your modifications to suit your needs and then frame the container like you would a traditional home.  You will lose the same amount of container width as you would with a refrigerated container, but will skip a large headache.

For more questions on do-it-yourself modifications, please call us!