Alyssa Chen 12/6/17

Container House Design Process Architecture

Define the problem:

Purpose: Create an alternative home design by repurposing shipping containers.

Location: 2432 Savannah Hwy,

Charleston, South Carolina I chose
this location because it has a nice
temperature range (~50 degrees to 89
degrees) and fair weather year-round

Target audience: Individuals or

families interested in alternative
housing solutions.
Size limitations: Up to four containers, 40 feet x 8 feet each
Materials to be used: Containers and recycled materials.

Budget constraints: $30,000.00 including the cost of the shipping containers, which cost
about $6,000 each

Pre-Test

1. Why do you think there is an increasing interest in using recycled and repurposed
materials to create new structures?
I think there is an increasing interest in using recycled and repurposed materials to create
new structures because people want to find more environmentally friendly methods to
construct things. The world is facing a lot of problems concerning the environment, such
as global warming, so reusing things would be a step to helping preserve the Earths
environment. Also, it is probably cheaper to reuse old materials than to process
completely new materials.
2. What factors are causing the increasing global demand for affordable housing?
Some issues that are causing the increasing global demand for affordable housing are
gentrification, which is causing the prices of houses and apartments to rise,
unemployment, which makes it harder for people to live in a more luxurious home, and
population growth, which makes the demand for houses higher and in turn increases the
demand for affordable housing.
 3. What are some of the primary properties and features of a shipping container that might
make it attractive as a primary structure for an affordable house?
Some primary properties and features of a shipping container that might make it an
attractive structure for an affordable house are that it is eco-friendly, meaning it does not
harm the environment while it is being built; it can be moved around due to it being
composed of separate parts that can be taken apart and put back together; and it is quick
to build because the walls, floors, and ceilings of the houses are already there and all
thats left to do is to decorate and arrange.
4. What are some of the limitations that come from using a shipping container as the
primary structure for your housing unit?
Some limitations from using a shipping container as the primary structure for your
housing unit are that a building permit is still required to create one and insulation is a
huge issue because every surface of the container home must be insulated.
Survey
To what extent would you agree or disagree with the following statements:
1 strongly disagree, 2 somewhat disagree, 3 neutral, 4 somewhat agree, 5 strongly agree

Based on the discussion and my own experience 1 2 3 4 5

I know a lot about the principles of green building and the use of
X
recycled and repurposed materials
I know a lot about affordable housing and the global demand for
X
housing
I understand the value of affordable housing units and the need they
X
fulfill.
I know a lot about the design requirements of affordable housing and
X
small housing units.
I have a solid understanding of the seven phases of design thinking
X

What do you picture?

Either one of
these two ideas
would work for
me. I think Im
leaning towards
the one at the
right.
Design Criteria

WHO
Who will occupy the container home?

People who are interested in living in a simple, yet affordable house with all the bare necessities
required to survive will occupy the container home.
Who will interact with the container home and its occupants?

People who are there to help repair parts of the container home, close friends of the occupants,
neighbors, or any person called in for technical needs or difficulties will interact with the
container home and its occupants.
Who will own the house and pay for its construction and upkeep?
The person who wants to live in the container home will own the house and pay for its
construction and upkeep.
Who will live or work in close proximity to the dwelling?

Others who are looking for affordable housing will live or work in close proximity to the
dwelling, but the dwelling will not be in a very busy area.
Who might threaten the safety of the homes occupants?

Any thief or robber might threaten the safety of the homes occupants and anyone who wants the
home taken down or moved might also threaten the safety of the homes occupants.
Who has influence over the housing codes and regulations?

The people living in the home will have influence over the housing codes and regulations, as
well as the people who built the home.

WHERE
Where will the container home be located?

The container home will be located in a relatively empty area where the temperatures are
consistent and the weather is fair year-round, so as to deal with the issue of insulation.
Where will the container home be converted into a living structure?

The container home will be converted into a living structure at the location chosen by the homes
future occupants.
Where will the parts used for the container home eventually end up?
The parts used for the container home will eventually end up in the chosen spot for the home.
WHAT
What other materials will you need to convert the shipping container into a living space?

Other materials that will be needed to convert the shipping container into a living space would be
a crane, a form of measurement, cement or some type of fastening product, trucks to move the
components, and add-ons that may be requested or preferred.

What types of designs and construction methods are best suited for converting a shipping
container?

Design and construction methods best suited for converting a shipping container include designs
that are easy to build and construction involving cranes or a way to move the containers into the
desired arrangement.
What features will the building have to accommodate the needs of vehicles and riders?

The building will need to have a parking area or a garage somewhere off to the side for vehicles
and riders.

WHY
Why are you building a dwelling?

I am building a dwelling because I am looking into affordable housing, and the container home is
one type.
Why use a shipping container as a primary structure in a living space?

A shipping container can be used as a primary structure in a living space because they can easily
fit together into different designs; they can be easily moved and modified (with the help of
machines); and they are cheap and affordable.
Why do you see a demand for these dwellings?

I see a demand for these dwellings due to their affordability and their eco-friendly nature, as well
as their ability to provide for the basic needs of their occupants.