Integrating shipping containers into a shop

CasterTroy

CasterTroy

Faster'N You
Joined
Mar 21, 2005
Location
Wallburg
Thoughts?

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I think it's kinda cool, but I think you would lose some space over just building out the exterior walls. A Connex is designed for maximum durability with mobility in mind. Just as strong or stronger exterior walls can be built much cheaper than you can buy connex's (unless you already had them on hand, in which case, run what ya brung). The crush strength on those are insane. I've seen 6 of them loaded and stacked on top of each other without a hint of buckling.
 
My first thought is "Why?", though that is generally my thought when it comes to using those containers for anything other than their original intended purpose as a standalone, enclosed container. The cheapest I've seen them is about $1500/ea, and I guarantee you they did not save $1500 in building materials by integrating it into that building. Heck, the labor to integrate them probably offset the cost of any material saved. And now that space is pretty much blocked off from the inside.
 
Why? That's sq footage of roof space you've paid for and constructed over an already sealed container? I would have stuck it off to the side of the building so I'm not wasting $ on a building built over a storage container.

They are what, 8x40? That's 320 sq ft each. Say $30-50 per foot depending on your finishes in the building, that container is costing you roughly $10k each to put a roof over it. Could just build some storage shelves there if the dedicated storage is really needed that bad for much cheaper.
 
Only purpose I really see that being useful in is if you need indoor storage for a vehicle, but also don’t want it exposed to shop contaminants/debris/flying wrenches. But even then...leave the container outside, park car inside.
 
rockcity said:
Why? That's sq footage of roof space you've paid for and constructed over an already sealed container? I would have stuck it off to the side of the building so I'm not wasting $ on a building built over a storage container.

They are what, 8x40? That's 320 sq ft each. Say $30-50 per foot depending on your finishes in the building, that container is costing you roughly $10k each to put a roof over it. Could just build some storage shelves there if the dedicated storage is really needed that bad for much cheaper.
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Agreed. About the only thing you gain is a "loft" space above them for storage, but you would still need to build a rail or something to keep OSHA happy. Would have made more sense to have them flank the building and not incorporate them into the design, just cut a pass through door.
 
rockcity said:
Why? That's sq footage of roof space you've paid for and constructed over an already sealed container? I would have stuck it off to the side of the building so I'm not wasting $ on a building built over a storage container.

They are what, 8x40? That's 320 sq ft each. Say $30-50 per foot depending on your finishes in the building, that container is costing you roughly $10k each to put a roof over it. Could just build some storage shelves there if the dedicated storage is really needed that bad for much cheaper.
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Agreed. I think you are wasting money on the interior space and concrete by putting it inside like that. Now if it was using the other wall of the connex, so that you didnt loose any floor space, that might be a different story, but at 1500-2k per, I think you could have cheaper storage. If you had a few already and wanted to put a roof between them for a pole/storage shed with dirt floor, that might make more sense.
 
paradisePWoffrd said:
Agreed. I think you are wasting money on the interior space and concrete by putting it inside like that.
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Unless there's no concrete under it. But it looks like it was placed on the slab so that kills that theory.

I saw these pics and couldn't think of one single benefit to doing it this way (other than sealed storage from whatever was taking place IN the building.....painting, blasting.....etc) but even the....cheaper to build a rated separation
 
How many paint booths are only 8' (minus a few inches) across?

That idea, other than looking unique, seems pretty dumb to me. I love the idea of repurposing containers, but not as the OP pics do.
 
I own a one and use it for very good storage....the only thing they do well quickly. As in call, next few days shows up. Fill and lock. The cost is only offset by the speed and ease of use. Incredibly easy to insulate or make into a user friendly space if you can live with the restricted size in relation to what simple building methods would yield in the same dollar range. Also without buying a one trip or inspecting exactly the unit you intend to purchase quality is a crap shoot. A friend purchased two. One was so bad the company just dropped another and said keep the first one. As a note the general smaller length units want even hold a twenty foot piece of steel stock without laying it in some angle.
 
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Seems Impractical and not cost effective if your just looking to have storage incorporated into the building. That shop would have been much better without those containers, essentially the layout I want if you add some lifts, mezzanine, and office.
 
paradisePWoffrd said:
If you had a few already and wanted to put a roof between them for a pole/storage shed with dirt floor, that might make more sense.
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I've thought about this for a while. I would love to figure out how to put trusses between 2 of these for a pole shed style building with dry storage on either side. Kinda like this, but with the trusses attached to the containers...


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I have seen them inside buildings before used for sand blasting to keep the rest of the shop clean. Still seams like a wast of space to me, just set is next to the building...
 
If you already have them then run with it. Hell, a couple staircases and you never really lost any shop floor space, could build storage areas on top of them or a lounge type place to chill in the shop, elevating the man cave area would benefit in the winter from the heat rising, would stay warmer, would need some strong fans to cool in the summer though. Maybe add a door for access from the inside of the shop. Not practical, but definitely fun and unique.
 
I've seen them like the picture two posts above as work areas for interstate construction, but I'll be damned if I'd waste the money to put one in my shop. They're not that great anyway....but if you need to pick one up, tie some of them together, roll one around, or need stands to put one up on, I know a good place to get that stuff.
 
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