Old Container Refitted into Residential Housing

Old containers can be refitted into residential housing, and there are already multiple successful cases for reference.

I. Basic Renovation Steps

1. Structural Reinforcement and Foundation Treatment: As temporary buildings, containers require a foundation to ensure stability. For example, use a jack to lift the container and place stones underneath, or secure it with concrete pouring. If stacking multiple layers (such as stacking two standard containers in a B&B case), additional reinforcement of the connection points is necessary to prevent structural deformation.
2. Internal Framework Construction: The internal space of a container is narrow, so a supporting structure needs to be built using wooden beams or steel frames. For example, build wooden frames inside as partitions or ceiling supports, or assemble frames to create corridor roofs and walls, providing a foundation for subsequent renovations.
3. Functional Zoning Design: Divide the space according to needs. For example, a two-bedroom, one-living-room wedding house uses a lift-up bed to switch between the living room and bedroom; a B&B separates the open kitchen and dining area from the master bedroom and bathroom, and uses the space under a suspended container to form a sunshade corridor.

II. Key Performance Optimization

1. Thermal and Sound Insulation Treatment: The metal material of containers has strong thermal conductivity, so sound and thermal insulation materials (such as polyurethane foam) need to be sprayed, or wooden boards and rock wool boards laid to enhance thermal insulation. For example, after spraying materials in the wedding house case, the indoor temperature fluctuations significantly decreased.
2. Ventilation and Lighting Improvement: Containers are originally designed without natural ventilation, so doors and windows need to be modified. For example, install floor-to-ceiling windows at the door to increase lighting, drill holes on the top as ventilation openings for range hoods; or install roof windows to improve air circulation.
3. Waterproof and Moisture-Proof Measures: Install eaves on the roof to prevent rainwater penetration, lay waterproof boards (such as PVC boards) on the walls, and create a waterproof layer on the ground while raising the foundation to avoid water accumulation. For example, in a luxury loft case, part of the top frame was cut off and remade to ensure smooth drainage.

III. Personalized Functional Expansion

1. Efficient Space Utilization: Use collapsible furniture (such as collapsible stools) or multifunctional designs (such as lift-up beds and folding tables) to improve space utilization. For example, in the wedding house, the bed is lifted up during the day to serve as a living room and lowered at night for sleeping.
2. Outdoor Space Extension: Expand the living experience by transforming flat roofs into terraces or using the space under suspended containers to form sunshade corridors. For example, in a B&B case, a 138-square-meter indoor space is paired with an equally sized outdoor area, enhancing leisure functions.
3. Mechanical System Integration: Design hidden mechanical rooms (such as equipment rooms with laundry functions) or achieve special needs through customized containers. For example, the B&B integrates laundry functions into the kitchen and dining area to keep the space tidy.