Today, the rapid development of technology and the change in social needs have led to the emergence of different solutions in the construction industry. One of these solutions is modular building units called containers. These types of buildings especially attract the attention of those looking for fast, economical and portable housing solutions. These types of buildings are generally modular housing units that resemble standard structures used in maritime transportation, but whose interior design is designed to suit residential needs. Made of steel, they are known for being durable and portable. These types of structures are versatile structures that can be used as homes, offices, warehouses or for other purposes.
Living container is also expressed as a type of modular structure designed to quickly solve the need for closed space. These structures, which have become very popular in recent years, are preferred because they are both ergonomic and economical. Living containers, which are frequently preferred due to their features, advantages and economy, offer the opportunity to be used in various areas.
They are modular structures that can be a solution in any geographical and climatic region with fast production and delivery to meet all kinds of short or long-term indoor space needs such as shelter needs, office space needs, toilet & shower needs, dormitory needs. Especially the natural disasters experienced in our country in recent years lead people to the need to purchase modular living spaces.
What are the features of Living Containers?
Living containers can be defined as modular structures that have become increasingly popular in recent years and meet the need for closed space quickly and easily. These containers, which are the first choice in many different areas as they do not require construction preparation, are also known for their nature-friendly features.
These structures, which offer people back the time lost by existing structures under construction, also bring ease of use and installation. These living spaces, which are specially designed against cold or heat, are designed to be user-friendly.
These structures, which have a very affordable price range compared to concrete structures, have easy transportation features, which makes them much more attractive. These living containers, which offer quick installation, offer great convenience to people, especially in emergencies or natural disasters.
Living containers, which contain all the features required in concrete structures, offer a comfortable living space at any time of the year. These equipment allow living containers to be used as offices, warehouses, construction sites, emergency shelters, summer houses and even permanent residences. A living container can be combined with one or more containers to create a larger space, if necessary.
Being easy to transport and portable provides a more mobile use opportunity. Living containers can be moved to different points and continue to be used if necessary. Being resistant to natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods makes living containers a safer option. Thus, living containers are also preferred in areas at risk of natural disasters.
This causes it to gain great importance, especially in emergency situations. Having various equipment such as thermal insulation, plumbing, electrical installation and so on, makes living containers a comfortable living space.
The fact that they are of high quality and can be used for many years makes living containers a more sustainable option. In this way, less damage is caused to the environment.
What is the Main Structure of Living Containers?
The main frame of living containers consists of steel construction made of rust-resistant galvanized sheet. The main structure of the container is formed by combining the steel construction in the main frame by welding or with a bolted system. The walls and roof of living containers are covered with high-density standard or decorative sandwich panels. The main carcass structure is produced in accordance with static calculations in international standards.
The walls and roof are covered with insulated sandwich panels. The sandwich panels used on the walls and roof of the containers are insulated in the most accurate way against rain, snow and other precipitation that may be encountered, and water ingress is prevented.
Fire and water resistant A1 class fiber cement board is used on the floor of the Living Container. As the final coat, a 2 mm thick water-resistant mineflo coating is applied on it. In wet volume WC-shower containers, the floor is covered with water-resistant materials such as epoxy, homogeneous PVC and sheet metal.
Advantages of Living Containers
These structures, which do not require a foundation and can be positioned on a flat area, are known for having all the equipment needed for living. These structures, which are specially produced in line with demand, have various features such as ready-made electrical installation, plumbing and thermal insulation. Moreover, it is frequently preferred because it is produced in a short time without any construction effort.
To give an example of a few of the living container features;
- Concrete use is almost negligible
- Can be obtained at much more affordable costs compared to reinforced concrete structures
- Can be produced as a new container in a short time
- It has various equipment such as thermal insulation, plumbing, electrical installation and so on.
- Being resistant to weather conditions
- Due to its modular structure, it can be enlarged or expanded when needed.
- Easy to transport and portable
- Being resistant to natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods
- Since it has high quality, it can be used for many years
- It does not require a foundation, it is sufficient to place it on a flat area.
- It can be lived in a single container and can be combined to produce larger living spaces.
- It can be used as 2, 3 or 4 floors by adding stairs or platforms.
- It withstands cold, heat, snow and rain by applying insulation according to the climate of the region where it will be used.
- A modern and aesthetic appearance can be achieved by applying different coating materials such as composite and fiber cement to the outer body.
What are the Usage Areas of Containers?
Living container usage areas are quite numerous. Some of the usage areas of these buildings, which are generally preferred by those who want to escape from the noise of the city, relax and create a new space for themselves without having to spend much, are as follows:
- Construction site mobilization buildings
- Disaster camps
- Military camps
- Refugee camps
- Housing
- Office
- Hobby garden
- Holiday town/village
- Training center
- Health center
Living Container Dimensions
Standard living container dimensions are 2.40×6.00 mt or 3.00×7.00 mt. Containers can be designed in desired sizes other than standard container sizes.
2,40 mt – Container Dimensions 3,00 mt – Container Dimensions
2,40x3,00 mt 3,00x3,00 mt
2,40x4,00 mt 3,00x4,00 mt
2,40x5,00 mt 3,00x5,00 mt
2,40x6,00 mt 3,00x6,00 mt
2,40x7,00 mt 3,00x7,00 mt
2,40x8,00 mt 3,00x8,00 mt
2,40x9,00 mt 3,00x9,00 mt
2,40x10,00 mt 3,00x10,00 mt
2,40x11,00 mt 3,00x11,00 mt
2,40x12,00 mt 3,00x12,00 mt
How to Transport a Container?
There are special eye bolts on the upper chassis of the containers that allow transportation by crane. In this way, it can be easily lifted with a crane and loaded onto the transport vehicle, and it can also be easily lowered to the area where it will be used with the help of a crane. If desired, it can also be transported by forklift with the help of forklift blade pockets that will be created on the bottom chassis. Thanks to their easy transportability, containers can be transported to every point in Türkiye and the world.
Living Container Designs
These types of structures generally have standard dimensions and can be easily added and assembled together. Thanks to this feature, it is possible to create a modular structure when desired. Building designs vary depending on interior arrangements and intended use. It can be preferred as an alternative to traditional residences with its modern, stylish and ergonomic interior designs. These types of structures offer a more economical option than traditional construction methods. These modular structures, which are produced in the factory and transported to the field, save time and labor costs and allow easy transportation to different locations. This feature is especially ideal for temporary accommodation, construction sites and emergency housing. It's an environmentally friendly option because it's often made from recycled steel. Additionally, less waste is produced during the construction process and energy is saved.
The construction process of traditional houses is long and complex. However, since these structures are produced in the factory, they can be assembled quickly. This makes it ideal for meeting urgent housing needs or for rapid rollout. These types of buildings offer economical, portable and environmentally friendly housing solutions that meet the needs of the modern world. With developing technology, designs will further develop and evolve to meet different needs. These modular buildings may gain an important place in the housing sector in the future and may become preferred by more people.
Mobile Housing Trend of the Future
Nowadays, housing needs are changing and solutions suitable for this change are being sought. In recent years, there has been a notable trend among innovative and sustainable housing options. These structures are portable structures. As a matter of fact, their prices are more economical and these structures, also called mobile housing, offer solutions suitable for the dynamic needs of modern life with their fast assembly, portability and environmentally friendly structure. These types of buildings offer a more economical option compared to traditional residences. Once manufactured in the factory and brought to the site, they can be installed quickly. This property is ideal for meeting urgent housing needs or providing temporary accommodation. Thanks to their portability, such structures can be easily moved to different locations when desired. This feature provides a practical solution for job sites, events or emergency housing.
Such structures can be designed to suit different needs and preferences, thanks to their modular structure. Flexibility in interior arrangements allows users to personalize their living spaces. Structures produced using steel materials are known for their resistance to weather conditions and various external factors. This feature provides long-lasting and durable living spaces. These types of structures have become attractive not only for temporary living spaces, but also for many people looking for sustainable, economical and flexible living space options. The mobile housing trend seems to have opened the doors to a new era in the construction industry. Such buildings may be adopted more in the future as a housing alternative that meets the demands of modern life and is satisfactory in terms of aesthetics and functionality.