An underground shipping container home is a type of alternative housing that uses recycled shipping containers as the main structure and buries them underground. Underground shipping container homes have many benefits, such as:
They are recycled and readily available. There are millions of shipping containers around the world, but only a small fraction of them are in use. The rest are either discarded or stored in ports, taking up space and wasting resources. By repurposing shipping containers into homes, you can help reduce waste and save money.
They are modular and flexible. You can easily customize your underground shipping container home to suit your needs and preferences. You can add windows, doors, insulation, plumbing, electricity, and other amenities to make your underground shipping container home more comfortable and functional. You can also arrange your containers in different ways to create different layouts and designs. The possibilities are endless.
They are durable and safe. Shipping containers are made of steel, which is a strong and resilient material. They can withstand earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, and floods, as long as they are properly designed and secured. They can also resist pests, mold, and corrosion, as long as they are properly insulated and maintained.
They are energy-efficient and temperature-stable. Underground shipping container homes are naturally insulated by the soil, which keeps them cool in summer and warm in winter. They also have less surface area exposed to the outside, which means they lose less heat or cool air through the walls, roof, and floor. They can also use renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or geothermal heat pumps, to power their homes.
They are private and quiet. Underground shipping container homes are hidden from the view and noise of the outside world. They can provide you with a peaceful and secluded living environment, where you can enjoy your privacy and tranquility.
In this article, we will show you how to build an underground shipping container home. We will also share some examples of amazing underground shipping container home designs that have been built around the world.
How to Build an Underground Shipping Container Home
There are many steps involved in building an underground shipping container home, but here are some of the most important ones:
Choose a Quality Shipping Container
The first step to building an underground shipping container home is to choose a quality shipping container. Not all shipping containers are created equal. Some are older, rustier, and more damaged than others. These containers may offer less thermal protection and structural integrity, and may require more repairs and maintenance.
Therefore, you should look for shipping containers that are in good condition and have minimal wear and tear. Ideally, you should choose containers that have only completed one or two trips, and have not been exposed to harsh chemicals or saltwater. You can inspect the containers yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
You should also consider the size and type of the container. Depending on your needs and budget, you may want to choose a 20-foot or a 40-foot container, or a combination of both. You may also want to choose a high-cube container, which has an extra foot of height, giving you more space and flexibility.
Dig a Hole and Prepare the Foundation
The next step to building an underground shipping container home is to dig a hole and prepare the foundation. You need to dig a hole that is big enough to fit your containers and deep enough to cover them with soil. You also need to make sure that the soil is stable and well-drained, and that there are no underground utilities or water sources that could interfere with your project.
You also need to prepare the foundation for your containers, which will support them and prevent them from sinking or shifting. You can use concrete, gravel, or steel beams to create a solid and level base for your containers. You also need to reinforce the foundation with rebar, anchors, or bolts to secure your containers to the ground.
Place and Connect Your Containers
The next step to building an underground shipping container home is to place and connect your containers. You need to use a crane, a truck, or a forklift to lift and lower your containers into the hole. You also need to align and level your containers, and make sure that they are properly spaced and oriented.
You also need to connect your containers, which will make them stronger and more stable. You can use welding, bolting, or clamping to join your containers together. You also need to cut and frame the openings for your windows, doors, and passageways, and seal the gaps and edges with caulk or foam.
Insulate and Waterproof Your Containers
One of the most important aspects of building an underground shipping container home is to insulate and waterproof your containers. Insulation is the material that prevents heat or cool air from escaping or entering your home. It helps you maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home, regardless of the weather outside.
Waterproofing is the process of making your containers resistant to water and moisture, which can cause rust, mold, and damage. It helps you protect your containers from corrosion and leakage, and keep your home dry and healthy.
There are many types of insulation and waterproofing that you can use for your underground shipping container home, such as spray foam, fiberglass, wool, or panels. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the cost, performance, durability, and environmental impact. You should do some research and compare the different options before choosing the best one for your underground shipping container home.
You should also consider where to place the insulation and waterproofing. You can insulate and waterproof the inside or the outside of your containers, or both. Insulating and waterproofing the inside will preserve the original look of the container, but will reduce the interior space. Insulating and waterproofing the outside will protect the container from corrosion and weathering, but will require more materials and labor.
Install Utilities and Amenities
Another way to make your underground shipping container home more comfortable and functional is to install utilities and amenities. These are the systems and devices that provide you with water, electricity, heating, cooling, lighting, plumbing, and other services and features.
Some of the utilities and amenities that you should consider installing in your underground shipping container home are:
- Water system: This is the system that provides you with water for your shower, sink, and other uses. You need to connect your containers to a water source, such as a well, a tank, or a municipal line. You also need to install a pump, a filter, and a heater to regulate the water pressure, quality, and temperature. You also need to install pipes, faucets, and fixtures to distribute the water throughout your home.
- Electrical system: This is the system that provides you with electricity for your lights, appliances, and other devices. You need to connect your containers to a power source, such as a generator, a battery, or a grid. You also need to install a breaker, a meter, and a switch to control the power supply and usage. You also need to install wires, outlets, and switches to distribute the electricity throughout your home.
- Heating and cooling system: This is the system that regulates the temperature and humidity of your home. You need to install a furnace, a boiler, or a heat pump to heat your home in winter. You also need to install an air conditioner, a fan, or a vent to cool your home in summer. You also need to install ducts, vents, and thermostats to distribute the air throughout your home.
- Lighting system: This is the system that provides illumination for your home. You need to install natural lighting, such as skylights or windows, to reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day. You also need to install artificial lighting, such as LED bulbs, to provide light during the night. You also need to install dimmers, sensors, and timers to adjust the light intensity and duration.
- Plumbing system: This is the system that removes the waste water and sewage from your home. You need to connect your containers to a septic tank, a sewer line, or a composting toilet. You also need to install drains, traps, and vents to prevent clogs and odors. You also need to install pipes, valves, and fittings to transport the waste water and sewage away from your home.
Decorate and Furnish Your Containers
The final step to building an underground shipping container home is to decorate and furnish your containers. This is the fun part, where you can express your creativity and personality. You can choose any style, color, and theme that you like, from rustic to modern, from cozy to spacious, from simple to luxurious.
There are some things to consider when decorating and furnishing your underground shipping container home, such as:
- The size and shape of your containers. You need to choose furniture and accessories that fit and complement your containers. You also need to arrange them in a way that maximizes the space and functionality of your containers.
- The lighting and ventilation of your containers. You need to choose colors and materials that reflect and enhance the light and air of your containers. You also need to add plants and flowers to bring some life and freshness to your containers.
- The comfort and convenience of your containers. You need to choose items that make your containers more comfortable and convenient. You also need to add personal touches and details to make your containers more homely and inviting.
Examples of Underground Shipping Container Home Designs
To inspire you, here are some examples of underground shipping container home designs that have been built around the world:
- The Earthship: This is an underground shipping container home that was built in Taos, New Mexico, by Earthship Biotecture. It uses four 40-foot containers to create a 140-square-meter living space. The containers are buried under a layer of earth and tires, which provide insulation and thermal mass. The home also has a greenhouse, a solar panel system, a wind turbine, and a rainwater harvesting system.
- The Subterra: This is an underground shipping container home that was built in Eskridge, Kansas, by Ed and Dianna Peden. It uses a 45-foot container to create a 37-square-meter living space. The container is located inside a former missile silo, which provides protection and security. The home also has a geothermal heating and cooling system, a solar panel system, and a well.
- The Hidden House: This is an underground shipping container home that was built in Melbourne, Australia, by Modscape. It uses six 40-foot containers to create a 200-square-meter living space. The containers are concealed under a layer of grass and concrete, which provide insulation and camouflage. The home also has a skylight, a fireplace, and a pool.
- The Hobbit House: This is an underground shipping container home that was built in Wales, UK, by Simon Dale. It uses a 40-foot container to create a 40-square-meter living space. The container is covered with a layer of straw and mud, which provide insulation and aesthetics. The home also has a wood stove, a solar panel system, and a spring.
- The Eco-Pod: This is an underground shipping container home that was built in Antarctica, by James & Mau. It uses a 20-foot container to create a 14-square-meter living space. The container is insulated with soy-based spray foam and has a green roof that reduces heat loss and runoff. The home also has a solar panel system, a wind turbine, and a battery bank that provide off-grid power.
Conclusion
Underground shipping container homes are a great option for anyone who wants to live in a unique and affordable home that is also eco-friendly and energy-efficient. By using recycled shipping containers as building materials and burying them underground, you can create a cozy and stable living space that is hidden from the view and noise of the outside world.
However, underground shipping container homes are not easy to build. You need to follow some steps and tips to make them more comfortable and sustainable. You need to choose a quality shipping container, dig a hole and prepare the foundation, place and connect your containers, insulate and waterproof your containers, install utilities and amenities, and decorate and furnish your containers.
By following these steps, you can build an amazing underground shipping container home that will provide you with a peaceful and green living environment. You can also check out some examples of stunning underground shipping container home designs that have been built around the world.
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about underground shipping container homes:
Q: How much does it cost to build an underground shipping container home?
A: The cost of building an underground shipping container home depends on many factors, such as the size, design, location, and features of your underground shipping container home. Generally, an underground shipping container home can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $200,000, depending on the complexity and quality of the project.
Q: How long does it take to build an underground shipping container home?
A: The time it takes to build an underground shipping container home also depends on many factors, such as the availability, delivery, and modification of the containers, the permits and regulations, and the construction process. Generally, an underground shipping container home can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to build, depending on the speed and efficiency of the project.
Q: How durable and safe are underground shipping container homes?
A: Underground shipping container homes are very durable and safe, as they are made of steel, which is a strong and resilient material. They can withstand earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, and floods, as long as they are properly designed and secured. They can also resist pests, mold, and corrosion, as long as they are properly insulated and maintained.
Q: How comfortable and livable are underground shipping container homes?
A: Underground shipping container homes are very comfortable and livable, as they can be customized and equipped with all the amenities and features that you need and want. They can have windows, doors, insulation, plumbing, electricity, heating, cooling, lighting, appliances, furniture, and decoration, just like any other home. They can also have a spacious and stylish design, as long as they are properly planned and arranged.
Q: How environmentally friendly are underground shipping container homes?
A: Underground shipping container homes are very environmentally friendly, as they use recycled materials, reduce waste, and save energy. They can also use renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, or biomass, to power their homes. They can also use water-saving and recycling systems, such as rainwater harvesting, gray water, and composting toilets, to conserve water. They can also use green roofs, gardens, and landscaping, to enhance their surroundings.