Workshops and Shipping Containers

Started by retiredmarine, August 22, 2018, 07:01:16 AM

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retiredmarine

Anyone ever integrated a shipping container into the design of their workshop/garage/barn?  I don't want to use the container AS the workshop but more of as integrated storage. Like building the shop next to it and having it share the shop roof so I can open a door and walk into the shipping container (the door would be cut into the side, not the end door).  I'm thinking if I used half of the container for shelved storage I could save a lot of space in my workshop.  The other half of the container could be used as drive in storage for a lawn tractor, 4 wheeler, etc.

Dave Sparks

Sounds like a good use. I have over the years used them as power centers for Offgrid homes. I can install and test all the gear, solar panels, Gen-set and array mounting stored inside and shipped to my client. Some places need a mini-split to cool them. Your roof over the top will help alot!

You may want to insulate it also. Good Luck
"we go where the power lines don't"


MountainDon

Cool idea for solar design, testing and shipping Dave.

I have a friend who has 2 cargo containers adjacent to a barn/workshop. One for tool and equipment storage and the other for tractor and ATV, etc.  That seems to work well. Placing them under a pitched roof helps with summer heat too.
Just because something has been done and has not failed, doesn't mean it is good design.

schiada

#3
I have a 20' set up for my tractor storage and a covered work area inside and out. Big thing was being able to lock everything up. I will post photos when I get home. Also make sure the city/county is ok with it. My county was not. d* But I did it anyways.





retiredmarine

"Does the state, county, or any other gov body have any say in my building practices?" yup that was one of the questions on my list when picking property. The answer had to be NO


retiredmarine

OK lets take a look at this.  30' container next to a 30'X20' workshop (wood construction).  The workshop will go on a slab and one of it's "wing" will cover the shipping container.  The idea is that the door leading into the shipping container will give me access to storage.  Should I use the container as a wall and build off of it? or just build it snug against it? Think using it as a wall will effect the insulation value? I'm not insulating the container.



Don_P

I think you could pour a floor and frame that area cheaper and more useable?

retiredmarine

Don,

So your saying build the shop snug next to the container?

BassLakeBucki

He is saying skip the container. You can stick build the extension/lean-to for less and have it be more usable. The containers value is in the security/fireproof it can provide. I also wonder if you would need a second form of egress (another door out).


retiredmarine

If that's the case then I'm hard pressed to understand how I could build that size of a secure storage location as cheap as I can get the container $2,100 including delivery.  As for the additional door out of the container, Austin Powers said it best "I too like to live dangerously" lol Thoughts?

NathanS

If the lean-to section uses the main structure for bracing, meaning you could use posts, then strapping and siding...that is going to be cheaper than $2100. If you pour a slab and stick frame that whole area, with windows and doors etc... yes it may come out to more than that.

If you sit the container right on the ground you are not going to want to connect it to the main workshop, as it will likely move with the seasons.


retiredmarine

Nathan,

I think the container would be a bit more secure than any material bolted/nailed to the post to create the same space, but your right that would be cheaper.  I think I'll just put the container next to the building and work out a shared or paired door from the shop into it. I'm still going to cover it with one wing but maybe I'll put posts in the ground on the other side so the roof isn't sitting right on top of the container.

Schiada.. great pictures! The door frames look very nice!

MountainDon

I have a friend who has two containers inside what was the milking wing of the old barn he has. He says it looks nicer that way but he has the "vault-like" security of the steel container.
Just because something has been done and has not failed, doesn't mean it is good design.

retiredmarine




retiredmarine

OK so I'm going to set the container next to the workshop and open a door up on the side that will go right into it to access the container for storage.  Since I'll be sitting the container before the construction of the workshop I'm wondering what to place the container on in the beginning.  I'm not goign to have a crane so poured individual footers is out - not to mention I'd rather not create a space under the container for animals. I was thinking of placing it on crushed stone then when I got ready to build the shop next to it I could just pour the slab up to the edge.  I could go with railroad ties but I still have the problem of space under the container and then setteling. Thoughts?

azgreg

If you're pouring a slab anyways why not make it big enough for the workshop and container?

retiredmarine

That's a lot of concrete just to sit a container on.

DaveOrr

Quote from: retiredmarine on December 13, 2018, 11:17:11 AM
That's a lot of concrete just to sit a container on.

It would also be a good foundation for those posts that hold the roof up.
Dave's Arctic Cabin: www.anglersparadise.ca

retiredmarine

Agreed. But if the shop next to it is on a concrete pad then the roof will be well supported. 


NathanS

I was thinking the same thing as Greg. It is at least worth figuring out what the cost and labor difference is.

At a minimum I think you should scrape away the top soil and lay down a couple inches of stone. After that you just would need to extend the forms another 8-10 feet, and probably an extra 2-3 yards of concrete.

firefox

What about just a partial slab. Just don't pour the center portion. this would keep out the animals. just have crushed rock in the center portion.
Bruce & Robbie
MVPA 23824

MountainDon

A partial, perimeter only slab sounds like a good compromise.
Just because something has been done and has not failed, doesn't mean it is good design.

Mike 870

Have you guys seen this?  This guy uses the big open bay as his workshop and lives in part of the shipping containers.  He put spancrete over the top and built a castle, pretty wild.

https://youtu.be/OFybIy8JEKM?list=PLgUGfzMeW6jJJia9BkDj1xOn9CQn3c9-W

Playlist

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgUGfzMeW6jJJia9BkDj1xOn9CQn3c9-W

NathanS

Quote from: Mike 870 on December 14, 2018, 02:49:11 PM
Have you guys seen this?  This guy uses the big open bay as his workshop and lives in part of the shipping containers.  He put spancrete over the top and built a castle, pretty wild.

https://youtu.be/OFybIy8JEKM?list=PLgUGfzMeW6jJJia9BkDj1xOn9CQn3c9-W

Playlist

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgUGfzMeW6jJJia9BkDj1xOn9CQn3c9-W

Yeah I really like his videos. He is awesome with those machines. He also must not sleep!