“Container Architecture” for low-cost, temporary and Energy saving housing design

Key words: container, low-cost, re-use, sustainable, emergency, temporary Abstract Containers, freighter dedicated components, present high potential as prefab structures to be used in the building sector, with special regards for emergency and temporary housing construction. Containers are portable, available in a consistent amount, structurally resistant and durable; furthermore they can be easily placed on the ground without special foundation works. The possible technologies to be applied in the re-use of containers have to be simple and functional, especially in case of emergency settlements. In case of temporary use not associated to emergency conditions, aesthetic, environmental features and low cost solutions, have to be considered as important requirements to be addressed. The paper, by means of specific comparison among different use of containers in existing prototype buildings and new design procedures, outlines the possible structural adaptation to achieve a new housing for a renewed life style, respecting socio-economic and environmental sustainability. The different solutions range from very simple houses, with limited modifications, to highly complex schemes, with high tech materials and plant for achieving self-sufficiency for stand alone or “off the grid” solutions. The paper also presents a real prototype container’s adaptation, whose progressive construction phases’ analysis shows several design components at the technological scale of the building.