Chongming Container House Design

The design of container houses in Chongming requires a comprehensive consideration of modularity, structural safety, functional suitability, and compliance, combined with personalized needs and site conditions for customized design. The following elaborates from three aspects: design principles, case references, and common issues with solutions:

I. Design Principles

1. Modular Combination: The core advantage of container houses lies in modular design, which can form different spatial forms through the splicing and stacking of single or multiple containers. For example, the reception and exhibition center of the Aulanda Tribe in Chongming, Shanghai, adopts a multi-container combination, breaking the monotony through offset and rotation while utilizing containers to enclose a 'courtyard space' to enhance spatial hierarchy.
2. Structural Safety: It is necessary to select container specifications according to international standards (e.g., a 20-foot container can bear 25 tons, and a 40-foot container can bear 45 tons) and fix the containers through welding, corner fittings connection, or high-strength bolts to ensure structural stability. During renovation, it is necessary to consider seismic and wind resistance performance, especially to avoid safety hazards such as unauthorized wiring or illegal use of liquefied petroleum gas cylinders.
3. Functional Suitability: Adjust the internal layout according to the usage scenario (e.g., residential, office, or commercial space). A single container is suitable for small residences or studios, while multiple containers can be divided into functional areas such as bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens through modular design. For example, a three-story duplex container residence in Chongming achieves spatial expansion through vertical stacking to meet family living needs.

II. Case References

1. Aulanda Tribe Project in Chongming, Shanghai: Located on an open grassland, this project resolves the isolation of containers through a multi-container combination and artistic exterior design (e.g., surface modification and color matching) while utilizing large glass windows to introduce natural light and improve the oppressive feeling of the narrow internal space.
2. Chongming Daai City Project: Its exterior design integrates the style of old Shanghai Shikumen with modern elements (e.g., transparent glass windows and green roof terraces), preserving cultural heritage while enhancing living comfort and providing a reference for the localized design of container houses.

III. Common Issues and Solutions

1. Illegal Construction Risk: Unauthorized housing renovations (e.g., installing doors and windows or water and electricity interfaces) may be identified as illegal construction. Before design, it is necessary to confirm land nature and planning permits and avoid using containers of unknown origin (e.g., second-hand containers possibly from Fangcang hospitals).
2. Cramped Space: Alleviate it by optimizing the internal layout (e.g., adopting an open design and utilizing vertical space) or combining it with outdoor extension areas (e.g., terraces and courtyards). For example, a project in Chongming transforms the enclosed area of containers into a leisure courtyard through 'positive and negative space' design.
3. Environmental Adaptability: In response to the humid and windy climate characteristics of the Chongming area, it is necessary to strengthen the moisture-proof treatment of containers (e.g., laying waterproof layers and using anti-corrosion materials) and fixing measures (e.g., ground anchors and wind-proof guy wires).