The housing market in Australia and New Zealand has some issues, especially with affordability and a quicker turnaround. Container homes are a viable solution to the conventional housing solutions that are available on the market.
Expandable container homes are homes that are built from containers that are portable, modular, and prefabricated to offer a cheap and efficient means of housing. They are usually constructed from shipping containers that are transportable and can be easily adapted to fit the needs of the users.
Key Features of Expandable Container Homes:
- Modular Design
- Portability
- Customization
- Energy Efficiency:
- Affordability
These homes utilise recycled shipping containers as their core structure. Through innovative design and engineering, the containers expand to create functional living spaces. This expansion allows for the creation of bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas, all within a single container unit or by combining multiple units.
Types of Expandable Container Homes:
- 20-Expandable Container Homes: These homes are designed to be compact and portable, often used for temporary or transitional living situations.
- 40-Expandable Container Homes: These homes are larger and more spacious, often used for permanent living arrangements.
- Flat Pack Container Homes: These homes are designed to be easily assembled and disassembled, making them ideal for temporary or relocatable living situations
Benefits of Expandable Container Homes in Australia
- Cost-effectiveness: Compared to traditional builds, expandable container homes are significantly more affordable. This makes them an attractive option for first-time homebuyers, young families, or those seeking a budget-friendly living solution.
- Faster Construction: Construction times for expandable container homes are considerably shorter than traditional houses. This translates to quicker move-in dates and less disruption during the building process.
- Sustainability: By utilising recycled shipping containers, these homes contribute to a more sustainable building practice. This benefit appeals to environmentally conscious individuals.
- Adaptability: Expandable container homes offer a degree of flexibility. The modular design allows for expansion or contraction based on changing needs. This can be particularly useful for growing families or those anticipating lifestyle changes.
- Durability: The steel structure of shipping containers provides a robust foundation for these homes. This translates to resilience against harsh weather conditions, a crucial factor in the Australian climate.
Installation Time
Expandable container homes can be assembled quickly, with some models taking as little as 10 minutes to install. For example, the Huizhi Steel expandable container house can be assembled within 10 minutes using simple and common tools. Other models, like the one shown in the YouTube video, can be assembled in a day. Additionally, some models can be assembled in as little as 8 minutes, as seen in another YouTube video.
Comparison with Mobile Homes
Expandable container homes and mobile homes have different maintenance requirements due to their distinct designs and materials. Here are some key differences:
- Metal vs. Wood: Expandable container homes made of metal require more maintenance tasks related to rust and repainting, while mobile homes built with wood frames have fewer maintenance concerns.
- Customisation: Expandable container homes offer more customisation options, which can increase maintenance complexity. Mobile homes have standardised designs, making maintenance simpler.
- Zoning Laws: Expandable container homes may be subject to specific zoning laws and building codes, which can impact maintenance and upkeep. Mobile homes are generally designed to meet standard building codes, simplifying maintenance.
Expandable Container Homes
- Metal Construction: Expandable container homes are built using shipping containers made of metal, which can rust and require repainting. This can lead to additional maintenance tasks like sealing any cuts or holes made for windows, doors, or pipes to prevent water from seeping in and causing rust or mould.
- Insulation and Climate Control: Proper insulation is crucial to maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures. Inadequate insulation can lead to temperature extremes inside the container. This requires careful planning and installation to ensure effective insulation and climate control.
- Zoning Laws and Building Codes: Local zoning laws and building codes may limit the use of shipping containers for housing, which can impact maintenance and upkeep. For example, some areas may have specific regulations regarding the placement of containers or the materials used for exterior finishes.
Mobile Homes
- Traditional Construction: Mobile homes are built using traditional construction methods, which typically involve wood frames and vinyl siding. This means they have fewer maintenance concerns related to metal rust or repainting.
- Standardised Design: Mobile homes often have standardised designs and layouts, which can simplify maintenance tasks. They are also designed to meet specific building codes and regulations, ensuring a more streamlined maintenance process.
- Less Customisation: Mobile homes typically have fewer customisation options compared to expandable container homes, which can make maintenance easier since there are fewer unique features to manage.
Final Words
If cost, environmental friendliness, and shorter construction times are factors to consider, expandable container homes should be considered. Further research on the Australian manufacturers and their designs will help in understanding the available options and how they can be useful to clients. Although not suitable for all people, expandable container homes are a viable and unique housing option for a rising number of Australians.