Building a Shipping Container Cabin – Part 2

A little while ago we posted an article about "How to Build a Container Cabin", and we're getting closer to starting construction on the shipping container cabin. The plan has changed a little as we've redefined our needs, and now we're now putting together the total costs for materials, labor, the shipping container, and the transportation to Wyoming.

The original plan called a single container with 24 bunked cots, but after some consideration we've decided to add a second container and reduce the number of cots to 22 in all. This will give the students and faculty a little extra space to stretch out in, while adding storage space in the end of one container and some recreational area at the end of the other. We're also looking into building a divider wall between each of the cots with a curtain for separating the individual quarters.

Shipping Container Cabin #1 40' standard container 1 man door 7 windows, 1'x3' 14 bunked cots (6'10"x 3'4" each) Storage Space in the rear of the container Interior walls to separate the unit into 5 rooms, with a divider wall and privacy curtain Vinyl flooring

Shipping Container Cabin #2

• 40' standard container
• 1 man door
• 7 windows, 1'x3'
• 10 bunked cots (6'10"x 3'4" each)
• Recreational space in the rear of the container, with counter tops for working/eating
• Interior walls to separate the unit into 5 rooms, with a divider wall and privacy curtain
• Vinyl flooring

The shipping containers will be pulled out of our depot in Denver, Colorado and the work will be done in the area. We're currently taking bids from local machine shops and contractors.

The windows and doors will need to be installed with frame made of steel tubing. Due to the rigidness of the container and the possible bumps during transportation, a wood window frame may allow the windows and doors to shift and be damaged. Using a custom build steel frame removes this risk of damage.

In part three of this article series we're going to publish the cost breakdown of the container cabin and the floor plan for each unit. Construction for the container cabin is on target to start in May and be completed and delivered by June 2014. If you would like to build a similar container cabin you'll have all of the information necessary, and if you need help building the unit or sourcing the materials we'll be glad to assist you.