Small Container House Size Diagram

The common sizes of container houses are mainly based on international standard container specifications, including 20-foot, 40-foot, 40-foot high-cube, and 45-foot high-cube containers. The internal net dimensions vary depending on the container type, and the modified dimensions need to be determined in combination with the splicing method.

I. Internal Dimensions of International Standard Containers

The internal dimensions of commonly used dry containers (DRY CONTAINER) internationally are as follows:

• 20-foot container: The internal length is 5898mm, width is 2352mm, height is 2390mm, and the internal volume is approximately 33 cubic meters. Such containers, after modification, are suitable for single occupants or small families. For example, the prairie cottage of American homeowner Kenneth is based on a container of a similar size, covering an area of 16.6 square meters.
• 40-foot container: The internal length is 12024mm, width is 2352mm, height is 2390mm, and the internal volume is approximately 67 cubic meters. Such containers, after modification, offer more spacious interiors. For example, Guangzhou Jinge Company's case of splicing three 40-foot containers has dimensions of 11.8m×6.75m×2.8m and an available area of 80 square meters.
• 40-foot high-cube container: The height is increased to 2690mm, and the internal volume is approximately 76 cubic meters, suitable for modification projects requiring greater ceiling height.
• 45-foot high-cube container: The internal length is 13580mm, width is 2340mm, height is 2680mm, with an internal volume of 86 cubic meters and a gross cargo weight of 29 tons. It is commonly used in large modular buildings.

II. Size Changes of Container Houses After Modification

When containers are modified into houses, their sizes change due to splicing methods and functional expansions (such as patios and second-floor designs):

• Splicing Expansion: Splicing multiple containers can significantly increase the area. For example, after splicing three 40-foot containers, the dimensions reach 11.8m×6.75m with an available area of 80 square meters; in a homestay case where four 6-meter-long containers are stacked vertically, the ground floor is equipped with sanitary facilities and guest rooms, while the upper floor has four guest rooms sharing a patio.
• Ceiling Height Adjustment: The interior height of standard containers is relatively low (about 2.3-2.6 meters). During modification, the sense of space can be increased by hollowing out the floor, raising the roof, or adopting a second-floor design. For example, an 18-square-meter container adopts a small second-floor design to achieve a two-bedroom and one-living-room layout; a 15-square-meter forest cottage optimizes space through foldable furniture and an open layout.
• Functional Additions: Additional structures such as patios, solar panels, and lifting rods will change the external dimensions. For example, the 15-square-meter container cottage in the forest expands its living space by adding a patio and a roof lifting rod.