Stacked cargo containers in New Haven's "LEGO" apartments

Christian Salvati of Marengo Structures thinks shipping containers make great building blocks, and in time, he hopes it will become an affordable and quick method of building homes.
As full-scale R&D, in 2012, he built Connecticut’s first shipping container homes: a two-story duplex built from six containers. Two years later, he stacked higher using 27 containers to build a 6-unit apartment complex he hopes to rent to students in the New Haven area (the building is wedged between Yale and University of New Haven).
While containers are uniform, modular and easily sourced (Salivati buys from a depot in Newark, NJ), the building process is still slower and more expensive than it should be given the lack of codes for this type of building.
Salvati thinks that by sharing information, architects and builders can help improve both zoning issues and the currently steep learning curve that prevents containers from becoming a more universal modular alternative.
Marengo Structures: / 222829527734059

[@TheBull3745]

As a building code official for almost 30 years, I can tell you there should be no issue with this type of building complying with the Building and Fire Codes. Clearly it is Type I (non combustible) and fire ratings of the various components (as constructed) can be shown to comply with the requirements for most uses the height and area of such structures can be unlimited. Residential apartments are required to be sprinklered in any event, so there should be no regulatory concerns with life safety. I would add that a fire inside such a structure would only extend from the windows (no matter how long it burned) and so would be much less likely to affect neighboring homes than standard construction.

[@marusak72]

TheBull3745 As to my knowledge US firemen are scared of buildings where they aren't capable to make "another exit" just by using a sledge hammer. On contrary firefighters from Europe would never go into a wood frame building in flames. Houses in Europe, made of bricks or concrete maid be a trap but there are far less flammable items.

[@YouTubeBlueButterflies]

TheBull3745 thank you sir!!!

[@usafa1993]

I think the "issue" is really with (1) engineering, and (2) building knowledge. For any traditional building, you don't even need an engineer. The framer, who has been doing the job for 20 years straight out of high school, knows the code intuitively by this point. But ask that framer what happens if you put stress on the roof of a container. Or what happens if you remove 50% of a sidewall. What happens if you remove 50% of a sidewall BEFORE welding it in place? ISBU building is cool, but not nearly as easy as people like to imagine.

[@thearchitect817]

Building a 4x40’ herringbone design. Where all four ends meet most of the structure will be cut away leaving a large great room. The pines we have on lot will be furred and used as support beams which is necessary. You can’t cut away walls and not reinforce another way. Very easy to work with these containers but getting everybody else to do it right and in sequence of one another is the real issue. I will need to be on site for most the build. It all has to be done exactly correct.

[@thatlovelydancerIlao]

So why did the building burn down so head on with 911. Def was a demolition set up. I agree with you.

[@gasser5001]

this will change construction of 'lower cost' housing in florida and other states with hurricane issues. these things would be unscathed by hurricane winds. simple, easy, genius.

[@marcw2604]

If I had the money id use bulletproof glass on a container home if I lived near tornado or hurricane.

[@spacecorp2000]

but will never be cheap to renters, the profit mongers will always get max profit making them apartments for slaves !!

[@dlsdyer9071]

-lower cost- umm more like cost effective 😊

[@welcometolife4237]

@@spacecorp2000 truetrue

[@InvincibleAkuma]

if this prevails, the container price will go up haha

[@douggottlieb]

"By all of us sharing information, we can start getting over these municipal issues." Great video on container building.

[@jesseblanquel9233]

Nice idea

[@genjii931]

For those complaining about the lack of insulation, try actually watching the video. They show the insulation being installed, and he says it's R-30 to R-32 in value.

[@tinderinc]

Thanks so much to the builder for building this and thank you Kirsten for filming it.

[@Empresslockness]

I like the fact that he is using them to build homes that don't look like the typical shipping container home. He is cleverly blending their designs into the existing neignborhoods.

[@MZHARDBODYENT]

Yes

[@MosnoAlMoseeki]

That is actually really cool, to recycle old containers into living spaces! Very nice, thank you for sharing!

[@TheProrage509]

They use containers cause lots and lots of containers are sitting around and unused

[@MosnoAlMoseeki]

Its a fantastic idea! I love it :)

[@ermaabrazado5145]

Nice!

[@lancemiesbauer2064]

Erma Abrazado hi

[@stiepanholkien605]

First serious material shot in 60fps I found, cool

[@loveiswhatsetsmefreeelamor7560]

I pass through here to go to the New Haven, Connecticut Flea Market. Always wondered what they looked like inside and now I can see how they were built as well amazing..😀

[@jesseperez5186]

I'm really considering going into this route, I really like the fact the homes can look modern & not like every other cookie cutter home

[@VRtechman]

Did ya ever do it?!

[@chrisstravoskufis9385]

there making very strong cheap buildings there bullet proof at least for small arms there faraday cages protects from emps i dont think these building will fail those containers were build to take a hell of a beating

[@robgc1111]

they look like they would do great in hurricanes and earthquakes

[@j.d.mtuners3630]

well imagine you had a big night at the local pub only to wake up the next day in the middle of the open ocean cause there was a tsunami HAPPY SAILING

[@MSgtSlaughter]

Yeah, I think they would do well but I believe I would prefer a monolithic dome.

[@thatlovelydancerIlao]

That's what I believe too

[@Mxxjzz]

robgc1 1 but what about lightning

[@johndevenny3454]

In an earthquake, they would slip and slide and tumble, and you would be like a raw egg in a metal box

[@katrinaclinton7368]

I love that you’re reusing material, repurposing. They look great. Keep up the fight.

[@rustedcompass]

These are great. They don't look overly industrial with the outside design, and the inside looks comfortable.

[@AfrikQ10]

This is a very practical design for Liberia. The fact that it can be built strongly and quickly makes it ideal for low income housing planned communities. These communities can also have single homes 🏡 all planned into them. As for how high, it depends on where the areas are. But this is nice very nice President George Weah 👏.

[@rohangarje5886]

George Weah is going to build these types of homes in Liberia?

[@ojofars1442]

Im gonna talk to my dad to see if this is allowed in Bangladesh. This is so awesome. We already have land.

[@dlysele]

+Saqi S I think all you need to do is look up on land regulations online and see the definition of what "housing" means by law. Most of the time, if something is permanently resting or with intention to permanently rest on land, it is a house. Then building regulation applies - that's more about tax and fire safety etc. Different country have a variety of rules but generally along those lines.

[@diljotshoker1]

+Saqi S pretty sure the government wouldnt care in bangladesh

[@ojofars1442]

+Flora Flora which part?

[@prantiksamaddar1667]

Don't care bangladeshi's are too poor to afford even 1 container

[@kimo6194]

Prantik Samaddar ... dude, looks like you're the poor one who can't afford a modern haircut. yo, the 80's called! they said they want their hair back!😂

[@bushhomestead]

Good to see more shipping container construction, Currently building a shipping container house ourselves :)

[@Tom-dx1tv]

damn, shipping container homes were invented to get away from landlords and mortgages, and now both those negative aspects caught up with the innovation. :( Thats life though.

[@jackhasselhoff1021]

@@ATF.California Thanos got raped until his retnas bled

[@andrewe.7907]

Love these houses. Truthfully I could put two together and live a comfortable life. Of course government will stand in the way of this. They need to get their taste. These containers just stack up at these ports too. They could be the answer for creating so much affordable housing that's sturdy.

[@buildyourcargohouse1244]

Andrew Esposito Checkout this cargocontainerhome101.com SOCIAL MEDIA & NETWORKING FOR YOUR CARGO CONTAINER HOMES. SEARCH and FIND LOCAL HELP that you need for building your cargo container home at a minimal cost. Post your project and learn from others. The owner-builder will document the construction activities with videos organized by logical categories, e.g., foundation-footings, welding, plumbing, electrical, insulation, windows, potable water storage [including a cistern), roofing, paint, etc., making for easy access and finding solutions to issues. This is all intended to encourage networking amongst people interested in reusing cargo shipping containers as "green" alternatives to traditional housing and build a cargo container house.

[@ChroniusNightmare]

Andrew Esposito They could also be housing for homeless. The possibilities can be many if you're open to suggestion. Hopefully down the road we will see more of these outstanding structures and people will have a little more tolerance over creativity.

[@4Realkevv]

Andrew E. Exactly n solar

[@robstevenson6930]

I've been wanting one for a while now...

[@thatlovelydancerIlao]

I agree. Government is to tricky

[@MakeMeThinkAgain]

Nobody ever talks about how these could be a good idea in earthquake, tornado, and hurricane country. Just building a house around a container secured to the ground could make them much more durable than normal construction.

[@RealEllenDeGeneres]

Not really. These containers are very rigid and fitted tightly together. Taller structures are designed in a way that they actually wobble, which helps disperse the energy from earthquakes. When you have a rigid structure, all of the energy is going to be focused on the weakest point. Which in this case, would probably be the foundation due to all the weight bearing on it.

[@excalipoor]

Always love watching your videos regarding innovative ideas to have an affordable living space.

[@koyonnaanizkatzi]

I can't stop admiring the vision of thinking outside the box.

[@kenttheboomer721]

Or in this case, INSIDE the box.

[@tjhaverland4276]

doctrine of hatred YUP! Me too! 🤔 😎😎😎

[@F-J.]

Container box 😁

[@dtwach6820]

We been doing this in kenya for more thsn 15 years 🤣🤣🤣..stores,offices,homes,

[@nozmoking1]

What gets me is the lack of structural safety precedence or data. Surely shipping and transportation companies as well as the container manufacturers would have mountains of data regarding the structural and fire-sustaining properties of the containers that could be extrapolated and applied to construction use...

[@mintymiller5841]

Christian Salvati did a marvelous job, It was nice to see Kristen Dirksen come to New Haven to film another tiny house video, on a bit grander style.

[@Sheilamaizi]

I live in a condo in Delray Beach, Florida. My place seems to be made with cheap materials. The windows are old and the frames bent. You can't get to the outside to clean them. One of the drawers is falling apart. What I like about the containers and tiny homes is the quality behind them. You can tell the quality of these homes and the care that goes into them. I hope that doesn't change. Of course my condo is about twenty five years old or more!!! Thanks Kirsten, for all the videos that you take. They are awesome!!!

[@offason]

it wouldn't surprise me if this became trendy among people with good enough economy to buy a normal house.. but as a solution to the problem of the homeless this would be a lot better than nothing.

[@andrewe.7907]

Do you mean pack homeless in them and ship them overseas?

[@offason]

=) no!

[@woodsprout]

Andrew Esposito ...to your country? Actually, joking about exporting homeless people does not fix local problems of poverty.

[@JustinCrediblename]

***** true. stop joking, start shipping.

[@woodsprout]

***** To your country?

[@johnpaulvan2910]

I went to take a look at the place, it looks great like walking in a IKEA. We was curious how the inside was. The owner was very kind enough to let us. Great Job!

[@zizimugen4470]

It's truly pitiful that people think you have to follow the same expensive, inefficient means of living that we've been doing for way too long. "I paid $120,000 for my house, so you should, too!" No! I'll pay for the land, and if I want something different than what you have that doesn't cause any harm to anyone or anything, then I'll do it! Sell your place, and I'll help you to do something awesome, too! No need to compare one's self to others. It's just a setup for disappointment, especially when you see that someone else is more creative and innovative than you are.

[@theoriginalcttheoriginalct6938]

Your problem is you're too smart with too much common sense and self determination. I find your lack of desire to be a lemming unacceptable.

[@alephtav9415]

Theoriginalct Theoriginalct I love your reply....theoriginalhilarious 🤣

[@padyorkies]

Theoriginalct Theoriginalct |

[@freestates1227]

Exactly!

[@scorpiuswireless1]

Shut up

[@MonaLisa-pn9bu]

This guy's attitude and honesty are awesome. Would love to see more of his projects.

[@MonaLisa-pn9bu]

Found his fb page (thanks to the link you provided) so thank you!

[@Vmt16]

I wouldn't buy a house/apartment like that but I absolutely would rent it if it was also 20-25% cheaper on the rent.

[@DP-mi5ct]

Awesome example. I have modified containers for offices - storage and used the up to three stories. They are tanks. Never a structural worry. Will be working on homes soon. Thanks Kirsten.

[@YouTubeBlueButterflies]

I am currently homeless living out of my broke down car and can't afford an apartment not even those offering so called percentage discounts for mixed income residents! My dream is to some day have my own place!!

[@FaithandNova]

Hopefully by now things have gotten better for you

[@Eternalsfan]

sand mors What state are you in?

[@F-J.]

I hope you get what you want.

[@lilj3467]

How do you have a phone if you're homeless?

[@beautifulsoul4011]

everyone has a phone ..

[@trishs.merino8853]

Thank you sooooooo much for sharing all the information, such a treasure! I just finished the Port Management course and I'm fascinated by the idea of repurposing containers! In Brazil is a new thing then let's do it! May our almighty Father blesses your life, sir!

[@jerodlastname498]

I'd totally would live there in a heartbeat!

[@caroleastmond9064]

Nice!!! Great job, they should build some in NYC, especially in NYC 's five boroughs, what a game changer this is and can be good for so many people looking for housing in this country, this is wonderful, and very creative, again what a game changer, and just a great job!!!❤️🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@zwarst]

Economy of scale is the issue,, the container block he built was stated to be 25% at a boutique level of development, it would be 75-50% less if it was designed as pre-fab turn key product before it arrived on site yet the key is Mass Production at high volume..

[@mitchellkrouth5083]

Very nice open minded architectural design using the oversee containers door as a balcony is a real inspiration for more interesting architectural designs

[@juanlopez9017]

As a fabricter indoor ceiling sprinkler welder. It will be a good idea to have install sprinklers systems in every room in case of a fire that would be a good safety option...

[@shakaama]

Kirsten what about sound proofing. I do voice over work and i want a container office / studio. should i just forget about it?

[@Favs702]

These homes are perfect modular dwellings. I built many for the Military and DOE 25 years ago and they still look new.

[@meddlesomepriest]

The Army uses shipping containers extensively. When I was on the base in the NM desert, the bathroom and shower facilities were their own container. There were also several containers that were offices. They were relatively minimalist, but did the job well.

[@PacificPinesRanch]

Love how these were setup! We are currently building a container house ourselves on the Oregon coast. Can’t wait for move in day! 🙂

[@thomastommy1192]

I hope you guy's can make this work and keep the costs down. I would like to see you expand these from New Jersey into Delaware and Maryland. I think it would be a great thing. As long as you can keep the cost down. And in return keep the rent down. Thank you for building these apartments and interdicting them to New Jersey. btw, I live in Maryland. I would like to see you come my way with them. Thank you.

[@mikegardens]

It's exciting to see this finally reach my neighborhood of New Haven. Not so crazy about the design elements and finishes to the two structures, but appreciate his effort to make this type of building more accessible. Thanks for the video. Great work as usual... but you do get around the world!

[@XYZ-nw1dh]

How do the walls breathe? Steel walls cannot breathe, so I would expect them to suffer from damp and mould. We've already had huge problems with very damp and mouldy cheap housing in the UK since tower blocks were first built in the 60s. They caused severe sickness, especially in children and the elderly. The poor people thought they were being helped but it turned into a nightmare for them.

[@diannh2894]

Needs to breath but cant maybe by using 1 in insulation making it dry from the inside out in a way. Its hard to explain lol

[@lifeafterlifeplus599]

I designed and built homes for 30 years and I find these homes totally acceptable and quite possibly longer lasting and possibly much sturdier than conventional homes. I love the idea and the thought of easily going off grid using modern technology. I know and experienced the difficulties of presenting new forms of construction to conventional building departments for approval and it can be exasperating depending on the knowledge of the components of each building department. Great job and thanks for sharing.

[@nameofthepen]

These always make me itch to get my hands on them, and think up ways to make them less "inorganic" in aura, mostly from the outside. Things like generous-sized covered porches. Climbing vines and landscaping that softens the straight lines. Skylights. Roof gardens. I _love_ the idea of recycling these containers. And of the strength and durability of the structures. I see some comments suggesting they can't be well-insulated without losing a lot of floor space and/or ceiling height. I'm surprised. I wonder if that's really true. I have to admit he did sort of quickly "skate" over that part...

[@ggmalee1967]

nameofthepen. I saw a container home building film that portrayed a thin layer of blown in insulation that took away very little square footage;but, provided excellent insulation.

[@thearchitect817]

The design I had drawn up won’t pass. These containers have only four corners that support everything. If you cut out the ends for any reason it compromises the entire structure so in my design (4-40’) herringbone together/ it makes two wings that sprawl outward into a V or L shape. Well the center is the ends of all four containers to make a great room area. The containers are butted together in this herring bone. All the support corners need cut out so I’ll need three 17’ support trusses or load baring beans to get it to pass. Problem lies in the awkward angles they would be in when connecting to adjacent strong points. The lines are quirky and I’m at an impasse which isn’t good on the time restraints imposed. Any advice in understanding this unique design and shoring up these areas would be appreciated. This is a learning curve for me.

[@anndennis7163]

It all started with "The Boxcar Children" in 1924.

[@mikedegrazia]

Ann Dennis that's boxcar willy...he's the landlord..

[@johnliberty3647]

I have aunts and uncles who were born in abandoned Trolley cars during the Great Depression. By the time my mother was born they had a house.

[@rhill2663]

Very informative video! Regarding insulation: I used closed cell spray-foam as insulation in my own ocean containers and it is very effective. Then used it in my van on ceilings and walls before paneling. How about the container wall structures? Did you use 2"x4" wood or metal studs?

[@sisbrawny]

This made me feel better after that tsunami boat house video. These guys actually know how to build and understand it.

[@timkeith9122]

sisbrawny that is cool

[@robsanchez5742]

The Navy purchased from England around 1988 a barge stacked with cargo box housing like this. The English military used it for troop housing in the Falkland Islands. The Philadelphia Ship yard updated it with AC window units and more. It too was used for housing sailors while their ships were repaired. I have seen it on the Jersey side of the Delaware River just above Walt Whitman Bridge.

[@farthammer7126]

All i want in life is a damn container home hahah

[@tunisjobs9677]

I\'m not sure but ,if anyone else wants to discover cargo container homes plans try Wiltapar Container Home Secrets (should be on google have a look ) ? Ive heard some super things about it and my mate got excellent results with it.

[@melonierodriguez8979]

Lincoln David your not alone❤️

[@neslenea8130]

Facts

[@MrCanigou]

I love the voice - sound - silence balance and the overall cutting of your vids which are also nice building jobs.

[@shuway9422]

what about the containers sweating? Never talked about what they do to protect the inside from sweating and creating mold

[@Martin199320]

Coat it.

[@texasseastar]

Thanks for posting this. I've driven past these apartments many times going to and from Ikea and wondered what these looked like inside. I think it's a great idea, especially in a place where there is a severe lack of affordable housing and very few offerings of modern architecture. It's I-95 that can be seen in the background. The architect is also totally correct about the municipal issues - TONS of RED TAPE trying to build anything in CT. Buildings take much longer and cost much more than they need to here compared to other places.

[@agent9809]

''they'' the government could do some apartment deal / living arrangement for all the homeless in America using shipping containers !

[@RobFos]

+stephen arellano Wow - the most smartest comment on youtube. Finally someone thinking with their brain... Thank you for existing on this planet, we need more people like you. Seriously, I say that with all honesty. - It would surely solve many homeless problems. - 1 (40-foot) contain per apartment is like 250~400 SQFT I think. Its more than enough for the average single homeless person to live in. Today April 9th 2016 disabled people only get between $500~$700 dollar per month to live on. How are they suppose to pay a $1,600~3,000+ rent this day in age. Its impossible. With Utility bills, Laundry, Food, Transportation needs (specially for disabled to go to the doctor all the time). and basic internet service. If Government (they) took a container and made a small permanent apartment for each homeless person. America would solve our homeless crisis epidemic we have right now.

[@aquagamer1212]

+stephen arellano +Robert Foster While that is nice...the government doesnt care about homeless people. There's this guys whole built tiny homes for homeless people but people were complaining about them being near their homes so they took them away.

[@Jono6671]

agent NO!!!! do NOT let the government touch anything, it is the government's fault that most of the poor are poor in the first place. do some research.

[@agent9809]

very well then '' we the people ''.

[@jimmymerrill1761]

exactly... especially here down in the south, Republicans over reach and locking up the poor for any reason what so ever.

[@blunitesky123]

I live just down the street from these. It took forever for them to complete this. Wait.... are they actually finished and have tenants yet?? Wish they didn't build it practically on the highway. Where they show the row of trees in front of the containers, well, besides the baseball field, the view from those windows is exit 44 on I95 in New Haven/West Haven Ct. Can't miss that orange from the highway either. Very easy to spot. And the view from the other side is not so great either, being that they built this in a very seedy part of town. Great concept though!! Would solve a lot of problems for low income housing or housing for veterans etc. Hope to see more in the future. Wish they could have put it somewhere nicer in town. Keep up the great work.

[@fahmianugrah]

i think that would be a solution for they who live in earthquake-risk area.. no block gonna drop on your head again..

[@localtwelve1138]

Fahmi Meiwardhani

[@robsonlucena2358]

Thank you for your projects and works. I am looking into another "LEGO Apartment". I drafting some remodeling on my house on the patio, based on 3 containers of 20 ft L. Based on 3, It should be on the backyard front of the 2-storey house of 50 ft wide. On the left, 2-storey (on top of each other); and on the right side, one container on the top of the 2-storey (under pillars to hold on the top). My project should be on kind of DIY. I am an Metallurgical Engineer from Brazil, and I loved welding and production work. I am looking to find some containers so I can get a best grasp of the work I will do, and some helpers, of course. Please let me know if you can send me some insights. For sure you could do some architecture draft (permit in Miami-Dade), so I can get all the details, for an estimate. Thank you!

[@siegridthomas9674]

Sure knows what he is talking about...that's the info we need...Connecticut always slow in taking in New ideas...container homes sure would solve a lot of problems with taxes !! But the land is still to expensive in CT

[@buggymak]

My dream house !!!! One day !!! i've made plans and the only problem is the city where i live !!!! Regulations !!!!!

[@off2theright]

Check out *Steel Homes.* They come in *kits* you can assemble yourself. All *New parts*, *no engineering* to do, *easily meet local code.* If your into a *Mad max Lifestyle* you can move into a *raw container*...but make sure you *seal the floor* because they are soaked with pesticides and anti rot chemicals.

[@Sheilamaizi]

I wonder how these container homes do in electrical storms? I love them though. The insides are beautiful. It seems that you can any kind of designing in them. I have seen so many beautiful ones. Where they have more than one.

[@89wheatthin]

I'm gonna start a public storage business and just use these!!!! I wouldn't have to do anything to them. just done paint and line em up! cheaper, and recycling!

[@smitty2000]

89wheatthin good idea! Watch the floors seal them properly!

[@jr3141]

I don't know why, but his throaty "you noticed" was one of my favorite parts of the video. Straight to the point, haha.

[@Bamshi101]

I think they'd be much more acceptable by the community if you had a greenwall or creepers growing on the side of the building, or even hire local artists do murals idk

[@paulac875]

I saw info about this concept years ago on a show called This Old House on PBS. Shipping containers were being left in a junk place so it was thought of as a recycling concept.

[@keonbovell2847]

hi I would like to have some more technical information about the structure and support. I would like to be the first builder of a container home in my country

[@iamhope8556]

keon Bovell same here, its been a dream of mine

[@tmcbgrrl0074]

There's no point of making it complicated, when it's simple 🙌

[@daisysaelenhafstad128]

wow, impressive and inspirational. Excellent work. Greeting from Norway

[@rmwithaview8445]

What a cool guy. How does he do the "careful dance with the fire marshalls"? "Set fire to it" 👏😄

[@jacocoetzee8603]

I have just one Question, how about noise from floors above?

[@no_alias_for_me]

Very little I think, since containers only touch each other witch their corners, so there is no sound travel through the metal ceiling/floor. But thats just a guess.

[@ChutneyInc.]

It's this the hub for fair companies? Because i really appreciate the honesty placed in this video. It's real, inspiring and motivating. I pray protection and success to this humble man and you for sharing.

[@savgal1211]

30 yrs ago, in Hilton head Island ( back in the great days), we had alarge resort built from MOBILE HOMES, conneted into buildings.. Just drywalled over them!! This is NOT new.. just using cargo containers now..

[@Sheilamaizi]

This guy knows his business and knows containers!! And he will probably still be learning. Very impressive!!

[@georgewu5]

I have been doing container housing for the past 15 years since i sold my 3-br house in Westchester, NY. In my computer, I have a container housing project measured 48' x 48' in foot print, six floors of apartments with an elevator. Very interesting and colorful facades, cantilevered boxes and balconies casting shadows. interchangeable apartment sizes from 0-br to 1-br and 2-br simply by turning the door keys. George Wu, AIA ARCHITECT,NCARB 2016-8-23

[@emac11587]

georgewu5 please contact me I'm looking for an architect

[@Slot1Gamer]

What happens if you short mains power too the walls on the building? You'd essentially create an electro death box

[@tomasinacovell4293]

+Slot1Gamer I guess they must build that like they would in a ship?

[@IZRRL]

+Slot1Gamer probably the same thing that happens in a steel trailer. I remember living in a trailer as a kid where you had better make sure you didn't open the front door when you were wet. You'd get a healthy tooth chattering shock... bbbuuzzzzz.

[@johnbalzano900]

aluminum siding?

[@AndyCallumVLOG]

not sure how american wiring works but i would assume the structure would be earthed to some sort of earth spike and all circuit breakers would be rcd protected?

[@4240cameron]

+Slot1Gamer there may be rubber outlining the wall

[@Mssummer362008]

also i wish he had removed the doors to the containers and brought the patio all the way across the back and not stopped at the first container

[@SirFrancoQ]

Brilliant! All it requires is a paradigm shift, container home construction is here to stay - it’s done all across the globe with great success! Good on companies like faircompanies & sheltermode and the 1,000s of owner builders around the globe providing a fantastic, safe and durable alternative. It is true that in many countries , the local councils are making it unnecessarily difficult as they are protecting the players in the traditional bricks & mortar and timber housing construction markets!

[@dorisampofowah4298]

Very nice and amazing job! Thanks for your video!👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌👌👏👏👏👏👏

[@8iTsAT]

+Doris Ampofowah I've been researching into constructing shiping container houses and found a fantastic website at Magic Container Plans (check it out on google)

[@paulallen3405]

The potential for using shipping containers as housing and as architectural statements is mind blowing. I live in the UK where the weather can be a little unpredictable, to say the least, but there are some exceptional homes that have been built here, at both ends of the cost spectrum. If you wish to build a home using shipping containers as your main structure, then like everything in life, it pays to do your homework or employ a very clever architect to do the donkey work for you. This building method can be a very affordable way to get a truly fantastic home.

[@not2tees]

All right, I'm subscribing - I've loved too many of your videos, I'm afraid.

[@GIguy]

Neat idea, but they look really flimsy, noisy, and too industrial. Have you encountered any problems with tinny noises between apartments, and how strong is it against harsh wind/weather? Not sure if I'd be comfortable living in a steel box. No offence, at all, I commended your unique idea, but are there any negatives to living in such a thin structure?

[@funinthesun7100]

These type of projects cost 100's of thousands of dollars and take what was a concept for cheap alternative life style into fun for the rich to play with....that said there are some true examples of ordinary people on you tube that have converted their own containers into fantastic spaces..please try to ignore the commercial hype..and stick with the true concept :)

[@cmar7016]

The problem with the cheap alternative life style is, it's totally illegal due to building codes. These guys are pushing the envelope to get shipping container construction legal. If anything we need more people to build with shipping containers. we're on the same team here.

[@colemancummings6692]

I used to see that one every day. Our family house is one block from there!

[@laurasmith9638]

Wow, can't believe you got to put these in CT. R32 that's amazing,, Ct power will hate you for that,, If this catches on more they will just make the regulations tougher,, not easier,, this is CT, their are places in CT you can't fly the American flag legally,, I just can't imagine certain towns going for this type of construction,,, This would have been a perfect solution on the 60 acres of land in New Britain,, we just built new housing on,,, oh but the right pockets wouldn't have gotten lined on that one,,,, I love this project good luck in your battle,,,

[@2coryman]

MAIN problem could be that surrounded by metal possibly creates a lot of positive charged ions which would be bad for health, that problem needs to be addressed and what about being hit by lighting

[@davidgaddy4328]

Nice efficient and it to solve the homelessness problem

[@hogan7563]

We work on the docks in Newark…we’ve always had these converted into living spaces…they take a beating and keep on going…your AC bill in the summer is gonna be high…they get very hot in the summer…they don’t breathe…except the tiny corner vent…don’t suffocate…

[@4240cameron]

i want to live there

[@jasonfifi]

i like that he was able to maintain the use of ship fittings. he mentioned that they still welded to the foundation, but i wonder if it needs to be.

[@colleenshaw3481]

I am glad to see that this builder is looking for answers to the questions of codes. I like his idea to share info so that there is a body of information that has been tested. Can I ask why you do not get engineering in on this to test the shipping crates for their capacities after they have been cut and changed form? That was one of the concerns that has to be addressed. You have an untouched container and it meets the criteria it was built for. It may or may not meet strength standards when parts have been cut out. Just because it is steel does not mean it is inheritantly strong in all instances. For example steel melts down faster in a fire if it has not been covered properly. I think that is why you have the fire martials requiring all inside walls to have a certain burn rate protection. If we take this further is it necessary to consider the burn rate of materials attached to the facade. Could they burn hot enough or long enough to cause a melt down and loose structural integrity on that end or catch inside on furnishings? So, as time goes by I would be happy to read your data on the structural integrity of the altered crates. Thanks for sharing, it is always good to learn how to re-use and rethink how we can make living more sustainable.

[@InTheFleshInc]

This is a very smart concept, think about it these cargo containers are in the unlimited amounts because they were used for a purpose & now instead of scrapping them they are repurposed, These vs. Stick built saves alot of tree processing. There are so many possibilities & positives. The coolest thing is to see he lives in containers himself. I have been wanting to see more of this and one day hope to have myself a nice container home.

[@SKYENET-zy2cn]

I thinking, why not.. there cheap and strong

[@bigbark4627]

Excellent video. The most interesting container build process I've watched on KZbin. Really good job!

[@pccchurch]

Metal housing--Must get hot and cold fast.

[@Vagabondo-fs6qu]

+peachees They were using spray foam insulation in the video.

[@rhinomite5203]

I realize that this project video is over 4 years old but I am fascinated with the idea. I think that Americans, maybe even Humans, really need to look at what is important in life. This is a great alternative for living space. It is an abundant resource that has expanded into a massive surplus. I have 2 40ft containers just for my business storage. They work great and are simple to set up on the ground. The original doors are sometimes tricky, but easy to replace with anything. I have plans to build my own shop, at least, out of a few so I can turn some heads. Maybe a home of some sort later. Great video and ideas. Look up Green Jeans in Albuquerque NM, another awesome project.

[@RokuRG]

I don't see a point in it. It doesn't look so cheap to build and it's just as big as other houses... I just don't get it.

[@reivenne]

It may not look cheap to build, but it is. VERY cheap, compared to conventional building.

[@UtopianDr3ams]

saving some trees? he did say the metal last very long time!

[@iwasborntobefly]

you're recycling materials instead of sourcing new ones.

[@tockicohi7703]

Also. The USA has a massive trade deficit with China. Millions of these metal boxes are stacking up in the major shipping ports on the West Coast. The Walmart Economy has many unintended consequences.

[@kristoffslovijk666]

reivenne, it's not as cheap as you're leading on. Like he said in the video it's anywhere from 25-50% less expensive depending on what type of interior and exterior options you want. I'm in the process of building a container home and it'll run close to the cost of a typical timber framed home build when all is said and done. The biggest advantages of a container home is having the ease of getting the mass of the home in place at a reasonable price as so you can put more into your finishing work.

[@CaptainJack63]

These containers have survived hurricanes out at sea year after year. Converted to homes, they will survive a tornadoes on land. In fire fighting classes I have attended; the schools use shipping containers because they won't burn as long as they don't get two hot. Normal home furnishings won't get hot enough to burn the container which might even protect the jason containers. I hope to see more container being used to build homes. Governments need to expedite building codes to allow these homes to be build and be safe to live in.

[@donedeal725]

One problem. Thunderbolts!!

[@CaptainJack63]

+donedeal As for lightning, if you run a large wire to the ground, the home would be the safest place to be in a lighting storm. Even if it had a direct hit, everyone would be safe. Even (if properly grounded) your electronics will fair well.

[@CaptainJack63]

Fear Not God Is Faithful Your wi-fi in the home should work fine because it can bounce off the walls of the container. But while that might be an advantage, you might also get Ghosting which is a form of Reflection. As for your cellphone, you might not get a very good signal because the container. You would have to stand near a window to get good reception. Cellphones work between 900Mhz to 1.2 Ghz radio frequency depending who your cellphone provider offers. Most phones are now in the 1.2 Ghz range. Which is high enough that the radio waves can bounce off objects like buildings. That helps move the waves around corners. Disadvantage is every time the wave hits a building, it gets weaker. So cellphone companies put in little repeaters between buildings to help fix the dead spots. If you built one of these container homes and you found yourself having issue getting cell reception, there are some signal booster you can buy. The maritime community and people who live up in the mountains will use these signal boosters. They take your cellphone signal and boost up the power and resend it to an external antenna located on the roof of your boat, car or log cabin. Some units will also work with 4G/LTE internet and boost that also. Here is just one of many examples of a booster: www.wilsonamplifiers.com/weboost-drive-4g-x-marine-essentials-kit-470510-m/ As for EMP protection. Well if the containers are well grounded then you'll get some protection, but anything connected to outside antennas might get destroyed. Many boaters get zapped by lightning storms which shorts out all their radios and computers. There are ways to protect your electronics but can be very costly. There are other considerations is where you plan to get your power after an EMP strike? The grid will go down for sure. You would be left with having to install diesel generators which in time will need refueling.

[@colin101981]

Fantastic concept. What would the impact be on the container industry - will shipping and logistics companies be happy losing stock to residential use? It's such an interesting area for R&D. I suppose for those who truly object to the container look (personally I don't mind it), they could be clad in appropriate materials to blend in to the local aesthetic. Might help the housing shortage here in the UK!

[@EMan-cf8lv]

Your building without needing lumber, and that means your saving trees 🌲👍🏼 This is idea rocks. I'd put a glass house roof, and grow veggies, and fruits.