In recent years, the appeal of shipping container homes has grown, but how do they stack up against the increasingly popular tiny house on wheels? Before you commit to purchasing a shipping container home, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Here’s what you should know.
Why Consider a Shipping Container Home?
Shipping containers are robust, with a distinctive corrugated steel exterior that’s easily recognisable. They’ve made a significant impact on modern architecture for both residential and commercial buildings. With tens of millions of containers around the world, reusing and recycling them makes sense. But do they make a good option for housing?
The 40ft shipping container is the most popular size, offering 24+ square metres of living space. They are strong and durable, which makes them a tempting option for those considering alternative housing solutions.
The Drawbacks of Shipping Container Homes
While shipping container homes are intriguing, they do come with some significant drawbacks, especially when compared to a tiny home on wheels.
1. Limited Workable Space:
The standard ceiling height in Australian homes is 2.4m, often up to 3m. A shipping container’s interior height is only 2.39m, and after insulation and lining, it drops to around 2.2m. This restricted ceiling height can make the space feel cramped, unless you stack an extra container on top.
2. Refurbishment Challenges:
Shipping containers are built to withstand the rigours of ocean transport, which means they can often be bent and twisted after years of use. This “character” can make the task of converting a container into a liveable space more difficult and time-consuming. You’ll also need to properly insulate the container to regulate temperature, adding to the overall cost.
3. Heavy and Difficult to Transport:
An empty 40ft shipping container weighs 3,980kg. Once fully fitted out with internals, fixtures, and appliances, it becomes quite heavy and difficult to move. Unlike a tiny house on wheels, relocating a shipping container home isn’t as simple or cost-effective.
4. Health Concerns:
Each shipping container has a unique code that can help track its history, but you may not know what it was used to transport. There could be residual chemicals or waste products that leaked into the container’s plywood floor, posing potential health risks. Additionally, shipping containers are coated with a protective paint to shield them from saltwater, which isn’t ideal for long-term human habitation.
Tiny House on Wheels: A Flexible and Sustainable Alternative
Tiny houses on wheels offer several advantages over shipping container homes, especially when it comes to flexibility, design, and ease of transport.
1. Versatility and Mobility:
Tiny homes on wheels can be transported by a powerful 4WD or truck, allowing you to relocate with ease. They don’t require council approval when parked on a property with an existing dwelling, saving you time, money, and hassle.
2. Customisable Space:
With ceiling heights that can reach up to 3.6m, tiny houses on wheels provide a more open and spacious feel. They offer between 20-32 square metres of living space, which can be customised to suit your lifestyle.
3. Sustainable Living:
Tiny homes on wheels are built from scratch using sustainable materials, without the need for extensive refurbishment. They’re designed to be energy-efficient, with off-grid capabilities that make them an eco-friendly choice.
4. Aesthetically Pleasing:
Tiny homes on wheels are often more visually appealing than shipping container homes, blending seamlessly into their surroundings. They’re less imposing and more likely to be accepted by neighbours.
Council Planning Approvals
In Australia, any dwelling on a fixed foundation, including a shipping container home, requires council approval. However, tiny houses on wheels are classified as caravans, which means they don’t require the same level of scrutiny. This makes them a convenient option for those looking to avoid the red tape associated with traditional home builds.
Conclusion: Tiny House on Wheels vs Shipping Container Home
Both shipping container homes and tiny houses on wheels offer unique benefits, but for those seeking flexibility, sustainability, and ease of transport, a tiny home on wheels may be the better choice. Whether you’re looking for a full-time residence, a weekend retreat, or an Airbnb rental, tiny houses provide a versatile and stylish alternative to traditional housing.
If you’re considering making the move to tiny living, explore the possibilities with a tiny house on wheels and enjoy the freedom and simplicity it brings.
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