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How to Draw a Container House in SW

Admin September 15, 2026

The steps for drawing a container house using SolidWorks (SW) are as follows:


I. Preliminary Preparation

  1. Determine Design Requirements
    Clarify the purpose of the container house (such as residential or office use), its dimensions (such as 20-foot or 40-foot standard containers), and structural requirements (such as single-story or multi-story). Also, consider details such as the positions of doors and windows and the internal layout.
  2. Collect Reference Models
    Download existing SolidWorks models of containers (such as the 20-foot and 40-foot container 3D drawings provided by Aigei.com) to serve as a design foundation or reference for structural proportions.

II. Draw the Main Body of the Container

  1. Create a Basic Sketch
    • Create a new part file and select the 'Front Plane' to draw the rectangular outline of the container's base. Dimension the length and width (e.g., 6058mm × 2438mm for a 20-foot container).
    • Use the 'Extrude Boss/Base' command to generate the height of the container (the standard height is 2591mm).
  2. Add Structural Details
    • Draw rectangular outlines for doors and windows on the sides and use the 'Extrude Cut' command to hollow out the corresponding areas.
    • Use the 'Flanges' or 'Extrude Boss/Base' commands to add corner posts, crossbeams, and other reinforcing structures to ensure the model meets actual load-bearing requirements.
  3. Improve Surface Features
    • Use the 'Fillet' command to handle edges and avoid sharp corners.
    • If simulating container corrugated sheets, draw a sketch on the surface and then use the 'Extrude' or 'Sweep' command to generate corrugated textures.

III. Design the Internal Layout

  1. Divide the Space
    • Use the 'Extrude Cut' or 'Assembly' function to divide the internal area (such as bedrooms and living rooms).
    • Insert prefabricated furniture models (such as beds and tables and chairs) or draw simple geometric shapes to represent furniture through sketches.
  2. Optimize the Layout
    • Refer to the 'Assembly Layout Sketch' method. First, draw an overall layout sketch and then generate specific parts for easy later adjustments.
    • Use the 'Measure' tool to check space utilization and ensure that goods (such as furniture) are placed reasonably without interference.

IV. Generate a 3D Preview and Make Adjustments

  1. Check from Multiple Perspectives
    • Switch to the 'Isometric' view to observe the overall effect and use the 'Section View' to check the internal structure.
    • Generate engineering drawings such as top views and side views and dimension key features (such as the positions of doors and windows and floor heights).
  2. Simulate Loading Effects
    • If cargo loading is involved, import cargo models and use the 'Move Bodies' command to adjust their positions to verify whether the container space meets the requirements.
    • Refer to the functions of software such as 'Youxian Packing' to quickly generate multiple layout plans through parametric design.

V. Render and Output

  1. Add Materials and Colors
    • Assign different materials (such as metal, glass, and wood) to the container shell, doors and windows, and internal furniture to enhance realism.
  2. Render and Output
    • Use the built-in 'PhotoView 360' plugin in SolidWorks or export it to software such as KeyShot for rendering to generate high-definition renderings.
    • Output in formats such as STEP and STL for 3D printing or further processing.