7 Must-Have Features to Create Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Container Homes

These days, there are several ways to build new homes, and one of these methods is to build houses out of containers. But how can you make it sustainable? Explore some of the innovative approaches that can be used to create sustainable container homes.

(Photo : Unsplash/Hama Haki )

1. Use a Secondhand Container

The search for a box that is ready to be stepped aside is the first step in the process of constructing a home out of green containers. Purchasing a container that has been used repeatedly means that you will prevent it from being thrown away in a landfill. As mentioned, when you employ a brand-new container or even one that has only been used for a couple of trips at sea, you are putting in a shipping crate that is perfectly capable of being used from service. Since metal is considerably more challenging to acquire than wood, it is only the most environmentally favorable construction material if it is intended for disposal.

2. Install Sustainable Sourced Insulation

Unlike conventional structures, modular construction projects, such as the union of two or more cargo containers to form a larger structure, can be finished as much as 50% faster. Adding insulation will be one of the most significant changes you will need to make. Steel is highly conductive, and shipping containers have very thin walls. Spray foam is the material most contractors use to insulate the walls and roof; however, it is not an exceptionally eco-friendly option. Choose insulation made of cotton or straw bales instead.

3. Use a Non-Toxic Sealing Primer

Those who manufacture containers for shipping do so to use them for ocean transport. Heavy metal paint frequently contains chromate and phosphorus, both carcinogenic to the lungs, to safeguard the containers against corrosion brought on by salinity.

Also Read: Why Do Architects Hesitate to Use Stone in Construction Projects?

4. Use Local Materials and Labor

Assisting in reducing the environmental impact of constructing a shipping container home is obtaining building supplies from local vendors. If you use locally sourced materials, you will not be influencing the supply system that transports materials such as brick, wood, and other materials across the country. Doing so saves you from contributing to the emission of greenhouse gases produced by trucks traveling vast distances.

5. Install Energy-Efficient Appliances

The appliances you put in your shipping container home will significantly impact how efficiently they function. Each appliance in your home contributes to its overall energy requirements, from the furnace and water heater to your television and computer. Installing the most energy-efficient appliances is essential to create a home that is not harmful to the environment. Whenever possible, refrain from installing a furnace or air conditioner that substantially surpasses the requirements of a compact dwelling.

6. Moisture Control and Corrosion Prevention

Moisture control is an essential element of residential architecture due to the susceptibility of steel, the material of shipping containers, to rust and corrosion. Choosing the appropriate paint and rust treatment for your home's exterior and ensuring that your home is appropriately sealed are all necessary steps in this process. The architectural design of your residence should also prevent water from accumulating around it.

7. Install Photovoltaic Solar Panels

The conventional solar panel system has the potential to reduce your annual electricity bill by a sizable amount, although this amount may vary depending on where you reside. For optimal solar panel performance, a location that confronts the sun and has little shade is required. Accordingly, a reputable installation company can obtain an informed knowledge base regarding the solar energy potential in your region and the corresponding power generation capacities of various system sizes.

Related Article: 6 Sustainable Building Practices in Construction Industry