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Australia is in its infancy as far as design work with containerized accommodation is concerned. Internationally it is used for density accommodation for motels, student accommodation and tourism thru to quite unique housing solutions. Due to the structural integrity, modular nature and universal standardized transport methods, containers are an ideal component to develop internal spatial uses within and in particular to service the resource sector.

 We have been at the forefront of assess overseas solutions and transforming these ideas into an Australian answer. We have peculiar requirements in Australia due to remoteness, heat, intense sun, cyclonic conditions plus many others that demanded a localized solution.

 

Due to the incorporation of added container doors externally, the designers have been able to encompass a fold out external private deck and roof shelter to each unit therefore enabling the use of a glass into doors and windows. Why is this so great, the internal ambience of each unit is enhanced, a private space is created and in the event of cyclones etc the deck and roof are folded back in and the doors are closed. Total protection. We have gone further. One of the great failings of container use in accommodation has been in insulation. This has been principally due to exposing the steel shell to the direct sun and heat. An instant sauna, the heat is dissipated by the use principally of air-conditioning.The added advantage of using recycled containers (which is environmentally credit worthy) in Australia is the constraints of transport can be extended marginally without incurring transport cost penalties. Due to this we have added an external insulation barrier to the container which has two obvious impacts a) direct sun and heat does not strike the steel fabric of the container b) the external appearance is altered and the perception of living in a container is alleviated.

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Shipping container architecture

Shipping container architecture is a form of architecture using steel intermodal containers (shipping containers) as structural element, because of their inherent strength, wide availability and relatively low cost.

Advantages

Strength and durability

Shipping containers are in many ways an ideal building material. They are designed to carry heavy loads and support heavy loads when they are stacked in high columns. They are also designed to resist harsh environments - they are transported globally on ocean going vessels or can be covered in road salt when transported on roads.

Modular

All shipping containers are made to the same standard measurements and as such they provide modular elements that can be combined into larger structures. This simplifies design, planning and transport. As they are already designed to interlock for ease of mobility during transportation, structural construction is completed by simply emplacing them. Due to the containers' modular design additional construction is as easy as stacking more containers. They can be stacked up to 12 high when empty.

Advantages Continued

Transport

Pre-fabricated modules can also be easily transported by ship, truck or rail, because they already conform to standard shipping sizes.

Availability

Used shipping containers are available across the globe. In cases where a company or country receives more containers than it can use to ship in the return directions these containers have no real use, since it is not cost effective to return empty containers to their origin.

Cost

Many used containers are available at a cost that is low compared to a finished structure built by other labor-intensive means such as bricks and mortar — which also require larger more expensive foundations.