Building Codes...Building a shipping container home?

Why not a nice pre constructed house?

I had often thought of shipping containers for property storage rental and also double as a perimeter fence. Yet I saw a youtube video where they had built a compound in the desert out of stacked containers as you described. A prepper might also like the security of 1/8" plate walls for the bullet proof aspect(of up to 45 caliber or so). 40' Containers go for about $4000 up north and would be impractical in the cold compared to most other options. A log cabin stops anything if logs are squared for even 4" of flat joint and is far cheaper, warmer and practical.

I would consider it though if I had to build quickly and I'd bury it on a hill. Drainage would be good due to lower land so little rusting qould occur. Weightload would likely be tolerable at 8 ' spans, and I'd attach 5 containers side by side and cut various large arches between the walls when joining them together for an open look concept while retaining wall strength . Ground temperature would help maintain affordable temperature equivent so insulation is less of a factor other than the outer facing wall and most of that would likely be windows. Yet if I had more time, I'd prefer to build joining concrete igloos underground(each with a skylight) for less gloomy well lit rooms and a more permanent longer lasting home.

I just found this on You tube and it's quite nice I think... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6ShrYIBMmU

Shipping container homes are optimal for Ontario. They exceed building codes for structural integrity and can be had most places for fairly cheap ... around 2500-3000 per unit. Anyone thinking of using a 1000.00 shipping container might want to think twice, there is a reason it is only a 1000.00 bucks. The most efficient way to insulate them is by using spray foam, this method allows you to reach a higher R value. Lighting systems should always be done in LED to help reduce your electrical use and footprint. Anyone who say's they aren't good for cold climates is simply uneducated about them. I have used them from desert to arctic climates with no complaints what so ever. I am currently designing my new house using shipping containers and will be building once we find a suitable property that meets our needs. To the OP by all means continue with your design plans, start with just building the dwelling before going onto surrounding it with containers. If you run into bylaw issues as far as them considering it a fence then remember that the work around for that bylaw is to just attach the wall to the main dwelling. It then becomes part of the house and as long as you are within the legal set backs for property lines and building then you are good to go. Good luck with your build.

I have noticed that homes built out of shipping containers is becoming more popular in the prepping community, and was wondering if Ontario building codes would allow us here to actually get a piece of land, buy about a dozen 40ft shipping containers and build a staggered type of 2 containers high square, with a central courtyard that would be protected (surrounded by containers). I think a design in a square with a drive thru 10ft wide opening(with a container overlapping & suspened above the ten ft wide opening), and build strong gate at the opening that can be closed and keep your court yard totally surrounded & secure.

Obviously, there would be much work needed to be done on the inside of the containers to cut/open/connect the containers, then add wiring, plumbing, stairs to second floor, doors, windows, and cosmetic work such as drywall in the main living quarters.
There would be many interesting things that could be done such building corner towers on the roof top of the second floor that can be security/look out towers. Also building a solid outside facing rail/fence/wall with port holes (which could be built from remnants of the main square building with steel removed from doors taken off & openings cut out), and just a simple safety railing on inside facing walls....Then build stairs from the rooftop down to the enclosed court yard and use most of the courtyard as a garden & a possible pond with fish & edible water plants....The sky would be the limit for possibilities for security, and different self sustaining food to be in the court yard...(you could even dig & make a cold room/bunker in the courtyard eventually.

But, would some type of shipping container home be possible in ontario, and with in building codes ?

Hi Blueflash,

I've been studying this type of construction myself and relate to what you're saying. I feel this type of home construction, with all of its complications and pitfalls, still has a value both economically, environmentally, and aesthetically. For me, the shipping container is just one more design element (albeit a very dominant one) to incorporate into the design of a house. Building further north - outside of urban and suburban areas - can grant a greater degree of leeway when designing a home, cottage, retreat, castle....

I personally want to utilize containers, railway sleepers, rock basket gabions (the kind used in railway retaining walls), recycled wood pallets, and natural stone into the design of my 'cabin in the woods'. Think 50s mid-century atomic house (the kind Steve Jobs grew up in) but made of recycled (and fire-proof materials). Yes, I mentioned pallets and railway ties but I'm still 'at the drawing board'. Concrete, rebar, and cinderblock also have some design appeal. Just look up Clifford May and you'll see the type of place I'm thinking of.

The best advice I can give you would be to talk to an architect and get their advice. That their field and they'll tell you what can and can not be done. Different areas have different rules so plan ahead with picking out a location first. Location, location, location... I'm looking for lots of wooded land at a decent price. ATVs, snowmobiles, XC skiing are all factors in deciding where I want to buy.

Feel free to reply.

M - Hamilton

I like how they used the Doors to create a balcony(I think) in this design. &iw=1280&ih=960&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia4.picsearch.com%2Fis%3FK6_DYia86b3is3sVp-5E9Un0R_VLXgfrVT5ZTHRhU-o&tw=128&th=96

Always wish they'd show more of the idea though...

This is such open air concept that all I think is there doesn't appear to be any insulation factor to this plan http://www.busyboo.com/2011/06/23/shipping-container-home-et/?PageSpeed=noscript

sure is purdy though!