Design Specifications for Small Container Houses
The design specifications for small container houses cover various aspects such as structure, space, environment, performance, renovation, enclosure, lighting, and external environment, as detailed below:
Structural Characteristics and Material Selection: Based on standard containers, commonly available in six-meter and twelve-meter lengths, the main body is constructed of steel, ensuring the integrity of the original structure while allowing for adjustments as needed. In addition to the steel main body, an insulation layer is added, typically using rock wool or glass wool; for interior decoration, lightweight and eco-friendly panels such as gypsum board and ecological wood are selected. Door and window openings require professional calculations, with the opening areas reinforced using profiled steel frames.
Spatial Planning and Functional Layout: Spatial planning is central, with two forms: single-container and multi-container combinations. Single-container designs emphasize multifunctionality, while multi-container designs create larger spaces through connections. Functional zoning should be clear, dividing areas for rest, activities, and hygiene, using lightweight partitions or soft furniture separations. Utilizing vertical space is important, with options for loft sleeping areas or elevated storage spaces.
Environmental Control Systems: Temperature regulation is designed according to climate, with enhanced insulation in cold regions and a focus on ventilation and heat insulation in hot regions. Ventilation ensures air circulation, with options for cross-ventilation windows or mechanical ventilation devices. The electrical system meets daily power needs, with circuits protected by flame-retardant conduits. Water supply and drainage are planned with reasonable pipe routing to ensure smooth water flow.
Building Physical Performance: Insulation is achieved through an interior wall insulation approach, with an insulation layer installed on the inner side of the metal wall, followed by an interior finish panel. Sound insulation is addressed by filling sound-absorbing materials between interior and exterior walls, laying elastic padding on floors, and selecting windows with sealing strips to enhance airtightness. Steel structures are treated for rust prevention, with a special protective coating applied to the outer layer.
Structural Renovation and Reinforcement: After cutting the side or end walls of the container to create door and window openings, the surrounding area is reinforced with steel beam frames. For multiple container combinations, connections are made rigid using specialized corner fittings and high-strength bolts, with the interior welded into a whole. When stacking multiple layers, the top structure of the lower layer is additionally reinforced.
Enclosure Structure and Thermal Insulation: Given the rapid heat conduction of steel container walls, an insulation layer is added inside or outside the container, commonly using rock wool panels or polyurethane foam materials. Walls are constructed with multiple layers, including, from outside to inside, decorative panels, moisture barriers, insulation layers, stud frames, and interior finish panels. The roof is equipped with a pitched roof or ventilation layer, and the floor is laid with a moisture barrier and a subfloor layer.
Lighting and Thermal Design: Large floor-to-ceiling windows, roof skylights, and glass partitions are installed to improve lighting. Interior insulation layers are added to walls and roofs, with triple-glazed windows selected to achieve warmth in winter and coolness in summer. Roof eaves or balcony sunshades protect against intense summer sunlight.
Courtyard and External Environment: The exterior facade is treated with paint spraying or themed murals to shed its industrial appearance. Containers are elevated on pile foundations to prevent moisture and insects and facilitate site leveling.
