Categories of Container Houses

Container houses can be classified into various categories based on their structural origin, construction method, spatial configuration, functional use, and material mobility:

I. Classification by Structural Origin and Construction Method

1. Custom Fixed Box Modules: Newly constructed according to ISO modulus, using reduced-thickness plates or material substitutions, with non-standard corner fittings arrangements. Highly industrialized with strong structural stability.
2. Variable Box Modules: Wall panels can be flipped, extended, or rotated (e.g., expandable shops, display boxes). Typically used singly on one floor, offering high flexibility but limited load-bearing capacity.
3. Integrally Welded Type: Factory-welded as a whole, with direct load paths and strong resistance to deformation, suitable for frequent lifting and moving.
4. Light Steel Keel Type: Uses cold-formed thin-walled light steel keels as the load-bearing structure, with walls filled with insulation materials. The appearance and layout can be flexibly customized.
5. Plug-in, Foldable, and Fixed Types: Enable rapid assembly through standardized connectors or folding designs, with high installation efficiency.

II. Classification by Spatial Configuration

1. Single Box Landing: Used independently, such as for small shops, guard posts, and temporary dormitories.
2. Horizontal Box Assembly: Spaces are connected horizontally, used for conference rooms, exhibition halls, and homestay lobbies.
3. Vertical Box Stacking: Achieves multi-story stacking through vertical load transfer via corner fittings (e.g., 6-story dormitories, hotels).
4. Staggered/Cantilevered/L-shaped/U-shaped Enclosures: Create creative spaces like网红 (internet-famous) homestays and cafes through special layouts. Cantilevered structures require diagonal bracing and prohibit hole drilling.

III. Classification by Functional Use

1. Accommodation Type: Construction site dormitories, temporary apartments, etc.
2. Office Type: Project department offices, mobile police stations.
3. Commercial Service Type: Mobile shops, pop-up stores, exhibition booths.
4. Sanitary Type: Eco-friendly public toilets, shower rooms.
5. Special Function Type: Medical boxes, equipment boxes, laboratory boxes, explosion-proof/refrigerated boxes, equipped with special structures like insulation layers and fire-resistant materials.

IV. Classification by Material and Mobility

1. Material: Steel (most common), aluminum alloy (lightweight but costly), composite sandwich panel boxes (good thermal insulation).
2. Mobility: Fixed type (requires lifting), towable mobile type (can be towed), foldable transport type (easy for transportation).