ᐅ Low-Budget House Project: Looking for Construction Guide for Container Home

Hello,

I’m still young but already roughly planning my future house on a low-budget basis.

I’m really into the idea of building a house from shipping containers. They are affordable, sturdy, nearly indestructible, and with some effort can also provide decent thermal insulation.

I think these containers have a unique style. I don’t want to build a “normal” house (with a red roof and white plastered walls), but rather use them in their bare form.

Now I’ve heard that you can’t design a house just any way you want, but have to follow certain design regulations.

Do I have a chance to build something like this in Germany? Where can I find these design regulations?

Greets!

Hello agib,

let me put it this way:
In theory, it might be possible to use shipping containers on a plot of land as living space.

First of all, local zoning plans regulate what types of development are allowed on a property. If the use of shipping containers falls within the permitted scope of the zoning plan, the question is whether the municipality approves of this type of construction. The municipality issues its opinion on the building application to the responsible building authority. A positive decision usually requires a very accommodating administration. Structures must not appear unsightly or negatively impact their surroundings.

If there is no zoning plan for the intended plot, one must adhere to the neighboring buildings, which very rarely consist of shipping containers.

Generally, residential buildings or apartments are made up of "habitable rooms."
Building codes specify certain requirements for these rooms. These include minimum ceiling heights, a sufficient number, size, and quality of windows, as well as specific safety standards.

Additionally, structures must meet certain static (structural) requirements to ensure the safety of their occupants.
There are also requirements for moisture control, thermal insulation, soundproofing, and fire protection.

For the reasons mentioned above, I see only a very slim chance of approval.
Unless you hire a so-called star architect who can design an architecturally sophisticated project from these “rusty containers” that complies with all regulations and is acceptable to the local authorities. However, this is likely to be a rather costly endeavor.

Uh, I find the idea quite interesting, but may I ask how you envisioned it working?

There are indeed examples of something like this

or something larger

Hello,

admittedly, the pictured red shipping container, which apparently has sections that can be extended, looks quite impressive.
The holiday home (Schmidt container), however, consists of two residential or office containers. These already meet certain minimum requirements for habitable rooms from the outset.

Nevertheless, if such a shipping container is intended for permanent residential use in Germany, the requirements and regulations mentioned in my previous post must be fulfilled.

The interesting examples of shipping containers converted into living spaces on the German Architecture Forum’s pages largely come from abroad for good reason. It seems that such projects are somewhat easier to implement there.

However, I can only wish success with such a plan, as it would bring much more variety to German housing culture.
Not always just the standard version: four walls, pitched roof, doghouse with an attached flat-roof garage or carport.

Greetings from Berlin.

I am also considering building a low-budget house.

However, my thoughts did not go towards shipping containers but rather to swap bodies from trucks. These used units can be found from as low as €750.

During my research, I came across a company that offers residential modules.

Best regards,
Christian