Partition Methods for Container Houses

Container houses primarily use wooden walls, glass, and light steel keel partitions to achieve functional zoning, which need to be designed in combination with insulation and waterproofing requirements.

1. Wooden Wall Partitions

Wooden walls are the most common material for partitioning container houses, especially suitable for areas requiring waterproofing and moisture resistance, such as bathrooms and kitchens. For example, in one case, a bathroom used wooden walls for partitioning and laid blue gradient tiles, which were both aesthetically pleasing and met basic waterproofing needs. When constructing wooden walls, attention should be paid to:

• Structural Fixation: The wooden frame needs to be reliably connected to the inner wall of the container, usually fixed with bolts or welding.
• Insulation Treatment: The interior of the wooden wall is filled with insulation materials such as rock wool or glass wool to enhance thermal insulation performance.
• Moisture-Proof Measures: A concrete or metal skirting board is installed at the bottom to prevent moisture penetration.

2. Glass Partitions

Glass partitions are suitable for areas requiring natural light and a sense of openness, such as between the living room and bedroom, or the kitchen and dining room. For example, in one case, glass partitions were used to divide the space, and large floor-to-ceiling windows were installed to enhance indoor brightness. Design points for glass partitions include:

• Type Selection: Priority is given to triple-glazed windows (three layers of insulated glass), which have better insulation performance than brick walls and also provide sound insulation.
• Frame Material: Aluminum alloy or thermal-break aluminum frames are lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
• Sealing Treatment: Weather-resistant sealant is used between the glass and the frame to prevent condensation water infiltration.

3. Light Steel Keel Partitions

Light steel keel partitions are suitable for spaces requiring flexible adjustment, such as offices and bedrooms. Their advantages include:

• Lightweight: Reduces the load on the container structure.
• Fast Construction: The keels are assembled on-site, and the walls are filled with gypsum board or calcium silicate board.
• Removable: Facilitates later space renovation.

4. Partition Design Considerations

1. Insulation Coordination: The partition material needs to match the overall insulation system of the container, such as filling insulation materials inside wooden walls or light steel keel partitions.
2. Waterproofing Treatment: The bottom of partitions in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas needs to be coated with a waterproof layer to prevent moisture from eroding the metal structure of the container.
3. Structural Safety: The fixation points of partitions should avoid the welds of the container to prevent damage to the main structural strength.
4. Compliance: If used as a permanent residence, it needs to comply with local building codes, such as providing structural drawings stamped by an engineer.