From the Egyptian pyramids to modular containers. The construction industry likes regular shapes. Already ancient builders built their works based on blocks and elements with repeatable dimensions. Contemporary industrial architecture has taken this regularity to a higher level. Building bigger and smaller structures using the "blocks" as they are containers modular, gives virtually unlimited possibilities for quick implementation building any purpose. The multitude of their types and the ease of connection make it possible to build a fully functional office, shop or even... hotel from scratch in a short time. How is this possible?
What's inside a modular container?
To understand the phenomenon containers modular, you need to get to know their structure at the beginning, because it is the key to the success of this solution. They are manufactured on the basis of a frame with standardized dimensions made of steel sheets. The walls of the containers are interchangeable panels of various types: door, window, or simply solid. Such panels can be placed as needed, e.g. the door can be integrated on the shorter or longer side, and the number of window panels can be changed depending on the purpose container. An important detail of the modular container systems are the pull handles used to connect them to each other.
Frame and floor - a stable solution
Aby container it was stable and stackable, its structure must be extremely durable. In good quality models, the frame is welded from cold-bent sections with a minimum thickness of 4 mm, and the columns are made of solid sections (also cold-bent). In order to strengthen the whole, they are bolted to the upper and lower frame.
In order to stiffen the entire body of the container, the floor is made of OSB boards - its thickness should be about 20-22 mm. The insulation from the ground is made of a layer of mineral wool with a vapor barrier foil, and the inside of the floor is finished with a PVC lining.
Tight walls and roof
Lightness modular containers provide walls and roof made of trapezoidal sheet. It is a durable material, and at the same time relatively light, which makes the whole structure easier to transport and allows you to put containers on top of each other. Depending on the purpose of the building, the walls can be insulated with mineral wool from 50 to even 100 mm. In addition, a vapor barrier film is used to protect against moisture. It is worth paying attention to the finish of the walls from the inside - in good quality containers, especially those intended, for example, for offices or commercial services, it is usually an elegant white laminated board.
As you know, most of the heat escapes through the roof (didn't mom say always wear a hat in winter?). That is why it is so important to insulate this part of the container. As in the case of walls, mineral wool is used, protected with a vapor barrier foil.
A window and a door to the world
Windows are an element of great importance for the functionality of the containers. Depending on the purpose of the building, there may be more or less of them. On the one hand, more window panels mean better interior lighting and better visibility around from the container. On the other hand, however, a large number of windows increase the visibility of what is happening inside for outsiders. Since the containers are placed quite low, it is easier to see inside. Regardless of the number of windows, it is important that it is a modern PVC window joinery.
As for the entrance, it is usually mounted on the short side. Such a solution often ensures better positioning of the interior of the container. Steel doors with standard dimensions of 90 × 200 cm are most often used.
Modular container and what's next?
Construction of mobile containers allows you to build extensive structures from them, both single and multi-level. You can use them to create whole, large buildings, but what can you really use them for?
Types of modular containers - Due to their intended use modular containers can be divided into several basic groups:
- construction
- office
- service
- residential
- sanitary
- warehouse
Of course, the method of using containers is limited only by the human imagination (or the requirements of the Sanepid;)), but the above list is the most popular areas of their application.
On the construction site ...
During large investments, e.g. road construction or construction of housing estates or large-area sports and commercial facilities, etc. containers can be used in many ways. They can be used as offices construction – then standard containers with window panels, nicely finished floor and walls will work best. Another popular solution is changing rooms and facilities for employees. In containers there are places where they can not only change clothes before and after their shift, but also relax during the lunch break.
Containers at construction sites They are also used as a handy storage for small construction equipment.
… And in the office
Due to the growing costs of renting office space, as well as trends in modern industrial architecture, small offices in containers are becoming more and more popular. These are unusual solutions, also quick to implement, and due to the fact that they are not permanently attached to the ground, they can be placed both outside and inside larger facilities, e.g. market halls or sports stadiums.
An interesting version office containers are so-called pavilionsin which the entire wall panels are often glazed. This gives an interesting visual effect, but it is also functional, because the office is in such a place pavilion is optimally illuminated, and despite the small area, no discomfort is felt.
Small footprint, maximum possibilities
Containers mobile, although small in size, give a wide range of use in services. In a properly configured module, you can run a clothing store, a flower shop or a beauty salon. Assembly of the container-pavilion it is simple and fast, and thus you can easily move it to another place when the need arises. Costs are also important for running a business. Container as a store or point service is an economical solution.
Apartment?
Insulated, equipped with modern windows and sanitary facilities, containers can be the answer to the needs of the construction industry socialand a perfect holiday home. Each of these options puts the cost of construction as the first criterion for choosing a solution. Modular containers are an affordable alternative, e.g. to wooden log cabins.
When it comes to broadly understood residential functions, a hotel for construction workers can even be built by combining the appropriate number of containers.
With or without a bathroom?
As you know, none sun whether a hotel cannot function without a bathroom. There are many modular sanitary containers on the market. They are equipped with toilets, showers and wash basins. They can be not only a supplement to a typical residential structure, but also a better quality alternative to the popular toi toi. Such a solution can be successfully used at construction sites, in parking lots by motorways or during festivals or sports events.
There is no end in sight
There are countless applications for modular containers. Their versatility, simple design and an appropriate price make them gaining in popularity. Good quality products are not only well finished and comfortable to use. They are also durable and long-lasting.