Shipping Container Home

Ogre · Post by **Ogre** » Fri Oct 21, 2011 10:27 am

I've seen one of these on the instructables web site where the maker had welded some at right angles to make towers etc to the main unit. Big Ugly uncomfortable looking thing... and the building was a bit of an eyesore as well. Still, full marks for trying.

silverrider · Post by **silverrider** » Sat Oct 22, 2011 1:10 am

preppingsu wrote:Interesting idea. I've seen the same sort of thing buried underground as a BOL. However, if you want something overland would it not be better to look at getting a 2nd hand static caravan? It wouldn't look so suspicious when siting it. You could then repaint to camoflague it. IMO

How does a converted shipping container look more 'suspicious' than a static caravan?

preppingsu · Post by **preppingsu** » Sat Oct 22, 2011 5:42 am

silverrider wrote:
preppingsu wrote:Interesting idea. I've seen the same sort of thing buried underground as a BOL. However, if you want something overland would it not be better to look at getting a 2nd hand static caravan? It wouldn't look so suspicious when siting it. You could then repaint to camoflague it. IMO
How does a converted shipping container look more 'suspicious' than a static caravan?

A static caravan is a common sight where people are self building, farm labouring, holidaying etc. A container placed in a woodland etc is a bit out of the usual and may arouse the suspicions of other people. However, I agree that a container would be more robost.

Red Doe · Post by **Red Doe** » Sat Oct 22, 2011 6:17 am

Talking of builders..what about those portacabin thingummies? Like statics, without wheels.

Post by **diamond lil** » Sat Oct 22, 2011 7:43 am

I don't like it at all, it's much too visible and odd looking if it was plonked in the middle of the countryside . If I had the money I'd far rather do up an old ruined farm or cottage I think. Do it up invisibly if you follow

bulldogeagle · Post by **bulldogeagle** » Sat Oct 22, 2011 8:17 am

i would much prefer an old disused cottage too, but funds arent available. a container would be more robust than a caravan, i have lived in a caravan over winter and its not a nice thing, also caravans are too easy to break into.

the-gnole · Post by **the-gnole** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 8:18 am

I saw this on another site, it looks a good idea, but we have the usual building regs and planning permission probs in this country.

Even building site static vans have to get permission to be on some sites (friends had three on site whilst their cottage was re-constructed) .

I built a "garden shed" which is 16ft X 9ft X 9ft high (approx) but it needed to be built on "runners" so that in theory it could be moved.

Everything needed to be "disconnected" so gas is in bottles, electric is genny and solar panels, water comes in jerry cans and waste water goes into another, a porta-potti in the corner covers that need, and with the right chemicals it can all go on the compost heap afterwards, a sink, a hob and a gas fridge means the kitchen is "functional" and a bed/settee covers sleeping and sitting.

It cost a few thousand to create, has good insulation and is cool in summer, warm in winter, and can be used as a "Sleep-out" for a few weeks a year without the need for "permissions".