Shipping Container Homes: Designing, Costs & Inspiration

08 Jan.,2024

 

Do shipping container homes need planning permission?

If you are planning on building a container home in Australia, you will need to check the planning requirements of your local council. Now that the disclaimer is out the way, let’s dive into planning permissions in general. 

Most Australian councils treat containers like any other permanent building on your property. Whether it is being used as a permanent backyard shed, or an architecturally designed container home, you will need engineering, plans, inspections and all other associated approvals in place before you start building your home with containers. 

This can become more complicated if you intend to modify or fabricate the containers on site to fit your design. The structural integrity of a container is what makes them so popular for shipping and transport. As soon as any modification is made, the structural integrity can be compromised. This can be overcome by having a structurally certified welder complete the work. 

What are the container home regulations in Australia?

Container homes in Australia are treated like any other home. They are a standalone structure and must comply with the same regulations that govern a traditionally built home. These can differ based on location, so you should speak with your architect or local council before you begin your container home journey.

How to convert a shipping container into a home?

No matter what design you settle on, you will need to convert shipping containers to suit your home design. Whilst they come with walls and end doors (or side doors if you choose), they do not come with windows or internal doors. Your plans will need to clearly detail these conversions.

You will also need to consider footing and foundations, ventilation, insulation, plaster, plumbing, electrical and flooring, as these additions are not included in the container cost and cannot be excluded. 

Shipping containers do a fantastic job of keeping goods protected from wind and water. They can also heat up very quickly, if there is nothing to allow the warm air inside to escape. This change in temperature can cause condensation.

Once you settle on plans from an architect and engineer, you will need to have them approved by your local council or shire.

The good thing about containers is that you have a lot of freedom with modifications. This includes sliding doors, windows, insulation and, internal and external doors.

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