BY LESLIE HORN
In the wake of economic challenges, environmental concerns and significant natural disasters, many industries are seeking alternative building approaches. One of these approaches has been to consider the revolutionary advances that cargo-container-based construction has made. Here are 10 reasons why this type of construction is so compelling.
1. Commercial and residential application. While traditional construction has had two distinct practices for commercial and residential buildings as well as regional differences, the container model works across both, offering a wide range of applications being used around the world in a standardized way. This includes everything from residences and multifamily units to motels and offices to pop-up shops. The containers have even been used f or schools and dormitories. In providing a solution for disasters or to help with humanitarian efforts during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, container-based construction has provided a practical solution.
2. Availability. Retired shipping containers are abundant in the U.S., with 21,000 shipping containers arriving in the country every day. Port authorities estimate that over 700,000 used shipping containers are stockpiled on prime waterfront real estate without a significant use, purpose or method for disposal. Many cargo containers originate from China and are used only on their maiden voyage overseas. Since the U.S. imports many more manufactured goods than it exports in shipping containers, most remain here, wasting precious space in our ports and landfills.
3. Protection and weather resistance. In exceeding all building and safety codes, the containers can easily withstand 150 mph winds when used in residential and commercial construction. Their design offers a level of infrastructure protection not found in traditional construction. Also, residents and tenants alike know their walls have traveled the world and have a story to tell. They”™ve seen the ocean and other countries and have stood the test of time.
4. Time and cost savings. Containers end up saving 60 percent of the framing cost and cut the time in half for construction. The savings also come from the labor that goes into the containers as well as long-term savings in terms of reduced maintenance and repair as well as energy efficiency savings.
5. Strength and durability. Strength and durability of shipping-container-based construction far exceed the traditional stick-built and most modular construction. Compared to traditional construction that uses wood, which can rot over time, the containers will experience no rot because they are made of steel. In addition, the frame can withstand severe damage in natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes.
6. Creativity and flexibility. Working with different materials and applications provides a way to think more creatively about the construction process. And, despite the fact that the containers come in pretty standard sizes, the actual possibilities are endless. The buildings provide an elegant balance of simplicity with inherent character and personalized style in each wall.
7. Environmentally responsible. Containers are much more environmentally responsible in terms of materials, many of which have been essentially recycled, as well as construction practices that do not rely on trees for materials. And the overall use once they are in use, including energy efficiencies, is also responsible.
8. Expands shelter accessibility. For developing countries as well as domestic housing markets where quality shelter is difficult to come by, the containers are providing an effective solution. With a price tag as low as $900 each, used shipping containers offer a relatively inexpensive construction medium. Even when purchased new, shipping containers rarely cost more than $6,000.
9. Mobility. Because they can be stacked on top of each other and moved quite readily, they are considered to have high mobility, which makes them more convenient than other buildings. The interlocking mechanism of the containers facilitates mobility so that structures made from them can be easily disassembled, moved and reassembled.
10. Higher profitability. With reduced costs for framing and labor and the ability to generate revenue sooner by expediting the building timeline, those utilizing such a construction approach are achieving higher profitability.
With the U.S. new construction industry desperate for ways to cut costs without undermining quality, green home construction gaining significant momentum and a growth rate from $49 billion to $140 billion (representing 20 percent of new construction) forecasted over the next five years, shipping-container-based construction is an extraordinarily well-positioned solution.
Leslie Horn is CEO of Three Squared Inc., a real estate development firm in Detroit that uses shipping containers in residential and commercial construction projects. The company”™s website is threesquaredinc.com.
