Conventional Pre-Design Plan Sets are intended to be built using the Prescriptive aspects of the Residential One and Two Family Code Book from the International Code Council. Designs are set on a 2 foot module to reduce material waist and save time during construction. Designs are based on a typical set of design features I hear most clients wanting incorporated. Designs can be modified by SWBA or upon purchase may be altered by the Client as needed.
The concept here is to use surplus used Shipping Containers, also called Sea Containers or ISO Containers, as the predominant structural element of the built environment. These Containers which travel from the Far East to the United States full of product are often shipped back empty leaving a surplus of containers here in the States. These Shipping Containers are built to provide years of weather resistant, structurally sound enclosure. Dimensionally standardized they can provide a prefab building block for the construction of habitable space. Advantages to this type of construction include reduced foundation requirements, rapid rate of construction, inherent fire resistance, reduced material consumption, reduced cost, and the additional Green aspect of the adaptive reuse of a surplus commodity.
The use of shipping containers as habitable environment has been around since the 1980’s (at least). A search if the internet will field many examples of Homes and Offices constructed from containers. The concept is not original. The details have been worked out and books containing specific solutions have been published. In pursuing this concept further we have attempted to provide a complete package including all the necessary details along with an efficient functional design. The details are looked at in a big picture approach. For example: “How does the exterior paint color effect the type of insulation which may be used?”, or “where do you run your mechanical system?” Included with each design is a complete set of details with explanation to further the purchasers understanding of the finished product. When changes are made on site during construction, which they always are, a better understanding of the complete building system as specified will reduce costly mistakes. We will be available for consultation as needed throughout the construction as well.
The largest of the Container Homes, the 1600+, is designed for year round habitation. The smaller Container Homes are more likely to be solutions for a guest cottage or part time vacation home. Scott W Bartholomew Architecture is always working on new designs so please feel free to contact Scott to discuss your specific needs. A likely solution may be sitting on the drawing board right now awaiting addition to the website.
