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I have looked at this several times, and found it is really area specific as to whether it is feasible. The container is basically acting as a shell. The stud walls are the same as is the insulation. In a cold climate it just is not feasible, even if the containers are $4000 as thay are here. It does provide a well sealed house, which is a big part of the energy equation.
A moisture barrier underneath should have been done. Building codes require it even under a cement slab on grade. The Apatong floor will deteriorate in time, and the steel will rust. Code requires pressure treated wood that is exposed to the earth, and for a reason. For what the OP wants and his needs I think it will probably serve him well.
There was a lot of thought and work involved and looks like a good job.
It appears that the Solar air heater does not have a fan? If so a small fan and Snap disc switch will greatly improve output. I have one and it puts out 120 degree air, when it is below zero outside and costs about 4 cents per day to operate. www.homesolar.webs.com
I was assumming he studded the walls out and there is insulation behind the wooden walls. Am I wrong?
Yes, it is framed like a typical house inside with R-13 and also a plastic vapor barrier between the warm side and insulation, it is all here on my blog. Sea, Shipping Container Cabin, Shelter, Home: Interior Insulation and putting up walls
Also the solar heater does have a 120cfm fan to circulate the air. And the floors in containers are treated as is the whole underside of containers with a water proofing substance, sort of like the used on basement walls.
Yes, it is framed like a typical house inside with R-13 and also a plastic vapor barrier between the warm side and insulation, it is all here on my blog. Sea, Shipping Container Cabin, Shelter, Home: Interior Insulation and putting up walls
Also the solar heater does have a 120cfm fan to circulate the air. And the floors in containers are treated as is the whole underside of containers with a water proofing substance, sort of like the used on basement walls.
Then you should be fine. and pat yourself on the back for building a "recycled house"
If we all liked the same beer or partner then life would be dull indeed. That said, You have no right to complain just stop looking at it will ya!
I agree, his taste is not for everyone but these posters are missing the point. This is just how this particular builder wanted his house to look but there are many ways to make them more awesome .
You could not get me to ever consider living in one, no matter how nice for one simple reason:
I spent 28 years working for Sea-Land Service in the container maintenance garage and eventually came to hate the job so it would be like a nightmare that you can't wake up from for me personally, but I do think they can be a great choice for some folks.
I agree this required a lot of sweat and effort.... no simple feat. Not sure that this was answered in one of the posts... I think that being able to build a house like this is heavily dependent on where you live... Where I live now, no problem, but when I was in New England, the inspectors would have forbidden it (the approved septic for a house was almost $25K, and not negotiable. Plan B would have had to be a storage tank, occasionally pumped and shipped away). Arcane code requirements, a-retentive inspectors, and an insurance company that would have touched it would have instigated years of building delays for me. (Here's a hint: in one town the building inspector walked around with a tall L-shaped stick, and if any doorway or stairwell would not pass the stick, the floors/walls/ceilings had to be modified. In another town, sprinkler systems were required by law in any residence). Even qualifying it as a seasonal 'cabin' would probably not have flown with the local guv'ment. I do think that building something (a little smaller than this) would make an idea amateur radio shack in a remote area to do contesting off-the-grid, with all the amenities of a home.
There have been a lot of updates since this thread first began. A mini split ac system has been installed along with rock work around the wood burning stove. a link to the blog with updates. Sea, Shipping Container Cabin, Shelter, Home
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Container cabin updates
