Shipping Container Homes: UK Trends and Container House Ideas
Shipping Container Houses are seeing a rise in adoption across the UK, and especially in London for their inexpensive and flexible attributes. The fact that they are easily available makes them one of those unique housing solutions for those seeking affordable and flexible housing alternatives.
As they say, innovation rises from need, and today we see a plethora of them. In the context of housing, especially in the UK; spaces are at a premium. Not only are they quite limited in availability, but are expensive too. This has compelled people to think outside of the box, to devise unique housing solutions just that this time, the thinking is inside.
Yes, we are talking about the resurgent shipping container homes in the UK. According to a study from Google trends, about 240,000 searches were recorded for shipping containers as housing options in 2023. In 2024, more than half the number of those searches were conducted in the first half of the year already, hinting at the surge.
Why the Surge for Shipping Container Homes?
The plain reason for such a rise in popularity is for the fact that shipping container homes UK are affordable, sustainable and offer faster means of construction. They also allow for more flexibility to customize them as per one’s budget, design and need.
For example, if you desire more space inside, you can connect multiple containers, and add windows, doors and ventilation options for your containers. Such a form of extension is quite affordable when compared to traditional extension forms in the UK.
House prices in the UK are at an inflection point with the average cost of buying a house touching more than £270,000. On the contrary, the average cost of a 20-foot-long shipping container in the UK ranges between £1,400 to £3,500; with additional extensions or renovations leading up to a maximum of £50,000 to £60,000.
What does the Data Say?
With the housing crisis grappling the UK, shipping container homes have been on a commendable rise as housing alternatives year after year. While in 2021, the number was close to 212,000; in the next year i.e in 2022, the number increased to about 213,000. Though there is no data for 2023, as per the trend, we can expect a symmetrical rise in number for the following two years.
Does One Require Planning Permission to Acquire a Container?
If you plan to use a shipping container for temporary means, you may not require planning permission. For example, if you intend to use the container as a temporary storage unit for a certain period, you may then need not apply for planning permission.
However, if you plan to use it as a permanent housing choice, you may then require planning permission as it will be considered as a new building. Additionally, building regulations and other relevant adherence will also be necessary. At large, the intention, purpose, and the usage duration of the container holds key.
Trends & Ideas in Shipping Container Homes UK
The sheer built and nature of shipping container homes make them conducive options for a diverse set of usage. Because they are built of steel, they come off as sturdy and durable structures capable of withstanding extreme atmospheric conditions. There is more to these steel structures than being just a boxed dwelling. If one can ponder, shipping container houses can offer you an expansive canvas to explore and showcase aesthetic creativity at its best. Below are few ideas that can hopefully inspire you –
1: As a Co-working Space/Office Space
If you run or are planning to own an office space, you can acquire shipping containers to use as a co-working space in the land you are in. Because of their elongated size, and ample width, and more importantly with the lesser cost incurred, they perfectly fit the idea of an office space.
2: Studio
Dedicate a part of the container house to your dreams. If you really have the eye, and are an aspiring studio operator, then shipping containers can be the perfect makeshift studio option you can think of. With a plain and vast canvas as the backdrop, you can really explore and induce creativity at its best.
3: Guest House
A shipping container can be your perfect guest house detached or attached to your house. With the right choice of lighting equipment, furniture, and accessories, you can design a guest house at a very minimal cost instead of considering an expensive house extension.
4: A Morning Spare
Introduce railings to your shipping container house by welding them on top. By creating a boundary space, you can design an area for leisure and casual talks along with a sip of coffee in the mornings or evenings. Don’t forget to build a staircase to reach the top.
5: Colour it up
Paint your shipping container house with the colour of your choice. It doesn’t have to be that ordinary wear always. Use splashes of colour outside, or a striped painting pattern or a container draped with eclectic colours. An industrial look can also take form, with grey & blue, or white & blue colours adorning your container house.
6: Loft Space
Not all shipping container houses need to be plain and rectangular. By pre-fabricating it, you can raise it to a loft or an attic space to get that extra living space inside your house.
7: Garden Space
Which is the first place you would think of for installing a garden in your container house? The top plain area of shipping container houses can accommodate diverse options to do the extra things. A garden space is one such idea. By installing railings on all 4 sides atop the container, you can create a small garden space. This is not only ecologically friendly, but also helps with temperature regulation in an otherwise steel casing.
8: Two-storey Extensions
If you are planning for a permanent dwelling, then you can use multiple shipping containers by combining them to expand your living space. By installing casements and patios to the top container, you will always welcome natural light inside. Installation of skylights or roof lights can also be considered if necessary.
9: Sophistication
If you can afford a little more budget, of course not more than you plan for a single storey extension, then you can build a full-fledged luxury out of your shipping container house. For this, you may require installing multiple containers, maybe 3 or 4 of them. Consider large casements, patios and ample glazing options. The placement and positioning of all the containers will be crucial. Installation of lighting too will play a part in giving your house a grandeur look. You will need to hire a designer or a professional to help you weave the magic.
Steph Fanizza, Architectural Design & Team Manager
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Steph Fanizza, Architectural Design & Team Manager
