A Cargotecture Homestead in Maine (organic, heating, climate, containers)

[Submariner]

A Cargotecture Homestead in Maine

A Cargotecture Homestead in Maine

"... construction of a house using two shipping containers, a type of architecture – called "cargotecture" – that is gaining currency in Maine and can be seen to a greater extent elsewhere in the world"

"It's a freestanding, windproof and watertight box that's modular, fireproof, universally transportable and pest-resistant," Seip says. "You can't find another type of shelter that you feel safer in. A storm will be blasting up here. You step in and shut the door, and you feel that solid, monolithic security."

Cargotecture is a growing architectural trend for creating efficient, modular space. According to the architectural website archdaily.com, benefits include strength, durability, availability and cost.

"The abundance and relative cheapness (some sell for as little as $900) of these containers during the last decade comes from the deficit in manufactured goods coming from North America," archdaily.com says. "These manufactured goods come to North America, from Asia and Europe, in containers that often have to be shipped back empty at a considerable expense. Therefore, new applications are sought for the used containers that have reached their final destination."

There is also a nearby company that specializes in making prefab homes form cargo containers.

[plwhit]

I wonder after one puts in a door, skylights, windows, a fireplace etc just how waterproof these structures would be? After reading the OP I found this:

10 Things to Consider Before Using Shipping Containers For Your Project

Being an avid watcher of House Hunters I've seen some really nice homes in Alaska made from old train cars.

[whirnot]

I looked into this extensively. They now are way closer to $4000 than the article says $900. That used to be the case, not anymore. By the time you add insulation and then some furring to hold interior sheathing or sheetrock, and then add chases for utilities, it just doesn't pencil out. About the only time I see them working from a cost standpoint is in a climate that takes very little heating and cooling. For utility buildings the shape does not work well unless modified. Then the modifications quickly equal the cost of building a different type building.

[joe moving]

i think they are cool but yes by the time you get 4 of them moved you could probably just build a proper shell to a home.