Shipping Container Buildings | Frequently Asked Questions

• 1- HCD Hybrid houses are made from shipping containers. How would you control corrosion? 

A shipping container is a special, non-corrosive Corten steel; then, when coated with appropriate primer , it becomes virtually rust proof and also prevents fungi, mold and is highly antiseptic.

• 2- Sri Lanka being a tropical country close to the equator, is very hot and humid. How would a hybrid house made from shipping containers control the temperature?

The 8mm thick insulation fixed to the internal panel which is further covered with internal cladding. The insulation increases the thermal efficiency and ensures room temperature. Moreover shipping containers have ventilation points. These are also being effectively used to reduce the heat within the container.

• 3- How could the hybrid shipping container house be protected from lightning and thunder?

During lighting shipping containers act as a Faraday cage by distributing the electrostatic charges around the exterior of the house structure. As a result there will be no harm on the people living inside the house.  Protection is more than a conventional house since the whole structure is double earthed.

• 4- How a Shipping Container Constructed?

ISO Standerd containers are designed to withstand the rigors of marine transportation and are constructed with a high tensile steel rigid framework, with corrugated steel walls and doors. The floors are 28mm marine ply that is both rot and vermin proof, mounted on steel cross members. Standard containers have double doors fitted at one end, retained by 4 full height locking bars all fitted with lockable handles.

• 5- What is the durability of the house?

Shipping Containers have the strongest structure compared to wood, concrete or normal steel buildings and also it has a shelf life of over 20 years in the rough weather conditions during sea transportation. Containers when used for housing construction shall result in extension of its shelf life due to static environment and other conditions. Hybrid Cargotecture Development provide lifetime warranty on all its products subject to maintenance.

• 6- How will the HCD house be protected from termites?

The house is completely termite free because the structure of the house is made out of steel and the interior cladding is done using gypsum boards which are resistant to termite attacks.

• 7- How many floors higher can it be built?
  

The HCD Hybrid Building designs can be made up to 3 floors high without reinforcement and 6 floors higher with reinforcement. As we all know in a cargo vessel containers are stacked up to 8 levels with cargo inside.

• 8- How can you move the house?

First the house will have to be de-assembled into movable parts and transported to the required location using proper utility vehicles.

• 9- Why does it take less time to construct?

It takes less time to construct because we use shipping containers itself for the structure of the house and it is just the matter of adding the additional components to make it a complete house. Also our team of expert employees have been in this business for over a decade and are highly professional and experienced.

• 10- How safe is it against theft?
  

Hybrid functions just as any other conventional house. However it is much safer than a normal house. The walls of the house are entirely made out of steel and a thief cannot break through it unless he tries to cut the wall which requires heavy machinery. If the client requires more safety through the windows we are able to use Special glasses or fix grills as well.

• 11- Can it be insured?

Yes the house can be insured just as a normal conventional house.
How should the maintenance be done?
The house needs to be maintained properly just as any other house. If a client needs such assistance they can sign a maintenance agreement with our company to make sure the necessary actions are taken on time to increase the durability of the house.

• 12- How to get electricity and water?

Electricity and water supply can be obtained from the respective authorities without any problems through standard application process. HCD can provide necessary plans and technical details if required by the authorities. The client shall bear the cost of these utilities and undertake to provide it along with the land.

• 13- What about the foundation of the house?

There is no need to spend a large sum of money on putting the foundation like it is done for a conventional house since it only requires four corner posts to anchor a container.

• 14- How will the waste water be disposed?

The owner should do the necessary ground preparation to place the septic tanks to dispose the waste from the kitchen sink and the toilets and the pipe connections from the house will be connected to the tanks during the construction process