Old Container Renovation House Tutorial

Renovating an old container into a house involves steps such as planning and approval, basic renovation, space design and function realization, decoration and detail handling. Details are as follows:

I. Planning and Approval

Before renovation, it is necessary to confirm the nature and use of the land, submit an application to the local planning department, and obtain a building permit. For example, building a house on rural homestead land requires approval from the village committee and township government to ensure compliance with land use planning.

II. Basic Renovation

1. Structural Reinforcement: Check the container for rust and deformation, and weld and reinforce key nodes to ensure structural safety.
2. Thermal Insulation and Waterproofing:
   • Thermal Insulation: Use double-layer rock wool boards or polyurethane foam to fill the walls, and cover them with thermal insulation and decorative integrated panels.
   • Waterproofing: Lay waterproof membranes on the roof, apply sealant at the joints, and paint waterproof coatings on the ground.
3. Window and Door Opening: Cut window and door openings according to the design drawings, and install thermal-break aluminum windows and doors to ensure airtightness and sound insulation.

III. Space Design and Function Realization

1. Splicing and Combination: Expand the space by horizontal splicing (e.g., two 20-foot containers side by side) or vertical stacking (e.g., staggered layout on upper and lower floors) to form functional areas such as living-dining rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. For example,打通 (connecting) two containers can achieve a living-dining room integrated with two bedrooms layout.
2. Split-level Design: Stack upper and lower containers in a staggered manner, leaving a courtyard or aisle on the ground floor to improve ventilation and lighting.
3. Multi-functional Furniture: For small units, use folding beds, folding tables, and integrated cabinets to improve space utilization. For example, a 15㎡ container can use a foldable sofa bed, serving as a living room during the day and converting into a bedroom at night.

IV. Decoration and Detail Handling

1. Interior Decoration:
   • Walls: Cover with wood veneer panels or gypsum boards to hide the steel plate structure.
   • Floors: Lay wooden floors or anti-slip tiles to enhance comfort.
   • Ceilings: Install integrated ceilings with embedded lighting and ventilation equipment.
2. Water and Electricity Systems:
   • Water Supply: Connect to the municipal water supply network or build a private well, and install booster pumps and water purification equipment.
   • Power Supply: Connect to the power grid or configure a solar photovoltaic system, paired with batteries for off-grid power supply.
3. Bathroom Facilities: Reserve S-shaped drainage outlets and waterproof trays, install wall-mounted toilets and thermostatic showerheads, and supply hot water through solar or electric water heaters.

V. Personalization and Safety Optimization

1. Exterior Customization: Spray environmentally friendly paint and design附属结构 (ancillary structures) such as terraces and stairs to enhance aesthetics and practicality.
2. Safety Measures: Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and use leakage protection devices for the electrical circuit to ensure living safety.