37 Comments so far:

Have you had to deal with any type of building code there?  If so, what have you run across in using the ISO's?

I've been researching and trying to design a permanent structure/home for my vacant land her in AZ for 2-years now and still can't seem to get it right, affordable or approvalable, KUDOS to you.

Fortunately, building code has basically been a non-issue for us.  Since this is technically a "hunting shack" (ie - no running water or permanent electricity) the only restriction for the local building codes was that it be no less than 35 feet from any property line.  So, I guess that's the good part about bein' out in the sticks, less bureaucracy, cooler buildings!

By the way, thanks for the positive comments.

Just when I thought I had exhausted the web of container projects I find out about you guys! Fantastic work. I plan on beginning work on a cabin/off the grid retreat in the spring using just 1 20 foot container. I have heard that the wood flooring used in these containers is often heavily treated with pesticides to prevent infestation during transport internationally. Are you familiar with this? Was it an issue for you and if so what steps did you take to help avoid future exposure to these chemicals?  Also, I gathered from a previous posting that you aren't using a foam or fiberglass insulation, I assume then that you don't plan on using the cabin in the winter months? I guess that's all for now :) I look forward to seeing updates on the progress in the future and have added your project to my list of inspirations when it comes time for my own project to take physical form. Take care!

We have not figured out what we are doing with the floors yet.  We may cover them or we may sand them?  We will be insulating them, far too cold up here not to.  We will fur out the walls and use rigid foam then cover with birch ply...  That is the plan, at least for now...

Thanks for the kind thoughts... 

Chad,

The loft is framed out of simple 2x4's on a welded steel angle w/ anchor bolts.  The roof is constructed of (3) 4 1/2" X 11 1/4" fir beams made up of (3) 2X12's thru bolted and glued.  Above that are fir 2x8 purlins @ 16" o.c.  Above that are 2x4 sub-purlins w/ insulation between.

Hope this helps... 

Fascinating project and interesting building/design process. I can't wait to see more pics of how it progressed since you last posted pics. Any chance we could all see how the abode looks inside and out at this point?

really would like to thank you for posting your progress. now i know i am not alone and that my dream of a house can actually come true. i am a recently divorced 35 year old woman determined to have my own house. i have purchased 2 offshore living quarters containers 10 by 40 each . and am trying to configure a way to arrange them so i can have myself a nice home. thanks for your time any suggestions greatly appreciated jennifer  - louisiana

Great looking build guys!!!! I have played around with a few container builds for relocatable office/relief housing for construction projects. After making a few mistakes along the way, strapping the walls and having sprayed on insulation takes care of R value and vapour barrier all in one. I understand with the remote location having an applicator come out to spray may be challenging. For others tuning in. Laying  out the walls and spraying before transport was a time and $$ saver and the added weight was not an issue.Again congrats

Chris- Ontario Canada

Hey guys,

Great job!

My family is currently building a Shipping Container House in Coastal Mississippi, as we speak. I only wish I had your lack of "zoning" problems! One of the biggest issues I talk about on my blog (we're documenting the build) is the politics involved with building a home out of a container.

Thanks for sharing this with us!

Have you thought about using a ceramic coating to combat heat gain, and temp loss?

Looking forward to seeing the finish!

Ronin

Hello from germany,

we are plan to builed also with containers.

So , if i have  photos , I let you now.

Great House  Michael Abraham

I would love to see what you do!  Please share as progress is made.

Cheers,

Paul 

Hi Paul and Scott,

I really liked what you have done and I am insprired.  I want to do a house using containers in the UP Michigan area. When I get started I will contact you. 

Thanks for the kind thoughts.  We poured 24" dia. footings below the frost line at the bottom of each concrete pillar.  We connected the footings to the pillars with steel rebar.  We then ran the rebar. up the pillar and connected it to plate steel placed at the top of each pillar flush with the top of the concrete.  We then welded 2"x2" sq. steel tube along the length spanning the tubes themselves.  Once secure we then welded the containers to the top of the sq. tube.  Hope this makes some sense.

 Cheers,

 Paul 

Paul,

For "shallow sets" I've always just poured 18" - 2' diameter (rebar reinforced) pilings, (below the frost line) with j-bolts embedded in the top of the piling to attach a 1'x1' steel plate to (flush with the piling top). Once the steel plate is attached, you just weld all the little connective bits. :)

Then once we dropped the box onto the piling (using a Lull at each end), we just welded it in place, right onto those steel plates.

You took a few more steps, so I'm thinking that I missed something when I've been building mine in this manner. I've never had one fail, but your method makes me think that you're seeing something that I'm not.

Does your two piece footing/piling just save on concrete material usage?

What does the square tubing do? Isn't the connection to the steel plate solid enough?

Are you just increasing weld surface area?

Thanks for sharing your expertise.

Ronin

the two piece footing/column was a cost and material deal.  we did not want to use bell type systems as they get a little pricey and use a fair bit of conc.  going the way we did took longer but resulted in a similar ending.  again it was really driven by $.

the square tubing gave us just that, more weldable surface area.  since our containers were a little old and a bit rusty we wanted to make certain there were no point loads that could possibly lead to issues down the road.  i think if i were building with a new container i would not be so fussy... 

Hi Paul,

I'd also forgotten that you also had to carry your own water, et all to the site via "manpower."

I thought perhaps you had some "Obie Wan" trick that some old Jedi taught you...

But I see that you were just using plain old common sense...

Thanks for clarifying...  

Ronin

I'm Clara Masotti and I'm researcher at the Department of Architecture at the Faculty of Engineering (University of Bologna, Italy). I'm interested to your holyoke cabin to insert in my publication on temporary architecture. I'd be very glad if you can send me some picture in 300dpi definition. Thank you very much and best wishes for your job!!!

Kind regards

Clara

Clara,

Please send me your email address and I will gladly forward any images you like.

Thanks,

Paul 

Fantabulous, thanx for posting details of progress but now  I am really keen to see your layout, eg where you will put the beds, kitchen etc

You have given us all great inspiration, muito obrigada

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