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What are the classifications of container houses

Admin September 16, 2026

Container houses can be classified into the following types according to different classification criteria:

Classification by structural source and construction method

  • Custom fixed container modules: Newly built according to ISO modulus, some use thinned plates or material substitutions, corner fittings can be arranged non-standardly, with a high degree of factory automation.
  • Variable container modules: Wall panels can be flipped, extended, or rotated (such as expandable shops and display boxes), usually used individually on a single floor.
  • By container body forming process: Including fully welded type (dry container type), light steel frame type, plug-in type, folding type, and fixed type.

Classification by spatial combination form

  • Single container on the ground: Suitable for independent functional scenarios such as small shops, sentry boxes, and temporary dormitories.
  • Horizontal container combination: Horizontally connect multiple containers to form large spaces such as conference rooms, exhibition halls, and homestay lobbies.
  • Vertical container stacking: Build vertical buildings such as dormitories and hotels up to 6 floors through vertical force transmission by corner fittings.
  • Staggered/cantilevered/L-shaped/U-shaped enclosure: Used for characteristic buildings such as网红民宿 (internet-famous homestays) and cafes. Cantilevered structures require diagonal bracing, and no holes are allowed in the cantilevered section.

Classification by functional use

  • Accommodation type: Worker dormitories, temporary residences, homestays, etc.
  • Office type: Project departments, construction site command centers, temporary offices, etc.
  • Commercial service type: Shops, restaurants, cafes, exhibition halls, etc.
  • Sanitary type: Temporary toilets, shower rooms, etc.
  • Special type: Medical containers, equipment containers, laboratory containers, explosion-proof/refrigerated containers, and other specialized functions.

Classification by material and mobility

  • Material: Steel (most commonly used), aluminum alloy (lightweight but high cost), composite sandwich panel containers.
  • Mobility: Fixed type (requires lifting), towable mobile type, folding transport type (compresses volume during transportation and expands quickly upon arrival at the site).