Container living: not just for boxcar hoppers anymore
So you’ve found that beautiful island, a few pristinely virginal acres of island paradise in an overlooked quadrant of the Pacific. Let’s say it’s undeveloped; the price has been paid and any possible logistical headache is behind you. All that remains is to hoist anchor, set your course for the horizon and settle into a life off the grid, past the edge of the world. It’s just that easy, right?
Well, yes and no. You still need to get there and keep yourself sheltered while building is underway.
Considering that your island is undeveloped, you’ve probably squared away everything you’ll need to get set up. Construction materials and irrigation are ready and your modular home is likely a few weeks away in its development. So, in the meantime, what’s an affordable, convenient way to keep yourself and your materials housed until your Xanadu is complete?
Our global trade-based economy has already come up with some pretty convenient options, and there are literally thousands of them priced to liquidate, stacked five-deep at harbours worldwide.
Shipping containers, designed to be conveniently transported, can be converted to ready-made temporary housing with relative ease. The cost per container normally runs between US $1500-1800, possibly even cheaper given the sheer number of them. Buying in groups of two or three drops that price to $1200-$1300, with the cost of disposing these containers for most shipping companies meaning it’s possible to haggle that price down further.
The steel or aluminum structure can be cut fairly easily using a torch or plasma cutter, permitting ease of installing doors or windows and all necessary ventilation. When stacked and locked in place, the addition of such features shouldn’t prevent a container from meeting rigorous inspection, provided they don’t obstruct the steel bracing used to stabilize cargo on trans-oceanic voyages. Upon arrival, your new temporary home may also serve as an ideal storage unit or utility shed once the main house is finished.
If your island is in a remote area, the addition of such a cost-effective housing option will mean ease in overseeing the development process, doing away with the expense of shuttling back and forth between your island and the mainland. However, for those intrigued by experimenting with unique modular architecture, multiple shipping containers can be used as the foundation for innovative and inexpensive home designs, a creative venture at a very economical price. Because of their design, shipping containers are like huge Lego blocks. Easily stacked in attractive arrangements, multiple large containers can provide permanent housing, minimally impacting both the environment and your wallet. Once connected, insulated and furnished, you’d never know you pulled your beautiful new home off a barge somewhere.
