Think Inside the Box

by Sheldon Johnston and Sara MacLennan on 03. Dec, 2007 in Canadian Real Estate

EdmcontainerhomeOk, found this article on CBC.ca today, there is a company turning cargo containers into housing. Sounds kind of crazy, but when you think about it, it seems like a pretty good idea.

There is a serious shortage of housing for workers up north. They can just put these containers on a train, plunk them down (even stack them on top of each other) and have instant, affordable, livable accommodations.

EdmkeetwonenThe containers are insulated, electrified, plumbed and after some cosmetic upgrades like walls, windows and doors you have a 6 person bunk house, for about $40,000.

It may not be the Sheraton but it’s a lot better than a tent!

In Amsterdam they created a student dorm out of 1000 containers stacked together. Pretty cool!

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16 Responses to “Think Inside the Box”

  1. Nate 03. Dec, 2007 at 2:08 pm #

    Anyone know where I can get in line for this new condo development?

  2. BearClaw 03. Dec, 2007 at 2:41 pm #

    I so want to be the marketer for this one:

    “The Crate – Ultimate in lifestyle containers. From the low $200s”

  3. dawson 03. Dec, 2007 at 5:24 pm #

    I though Canada is part of G7 not a third world country… City Tent, now Container City… nice.

  4. dawson 03. Dec, 2007 at 5:24 pm #

    I though Canada is part of G7 not a third world country… City Tent, now Container City… nice.

  5. dawson 03. Dec, 2007 at 5:24 pm #

    I though Canada is part of G7 not a third world country… City Tent, now Container City… nice.

  6. Sheldon Johnston 03. Dec, 2007 at 5:53 pm #

    I agree with you Bearclaw…Maybe their slogan could be “if the box fits, live in it” btw…nice blog you have going.

  7. BearClaw 03. Dec, 2007 at 7:20 pm #

    Or “at least you’re not renting”

  8. Fontes 03. Dec, 2007 at 7:38 pm #

    My mother-in-law is gonna love it!!!

  9. ben 03. Dec, 2007 at 7:57 pm #

    For more information on living in containers, don’t miss:

    http://www.zigloo.ca/index

  10. Greg 03. Dec, 2007 at 9:15 pm #

    Gentelman…the system that you are viewing goes also by another name…its called a CORIMAC system (if I remeber this correctly its Compartmetilized Immediate Accomadation system)…the military has been using these for over 20 years now….they are portable…stackable (UP TO 3 high)…there are tons of upgrades…such as external walkways….very easy to transport….and very very easy to setup….

    Problems with these things include – they are flamable like you would not belive….wiring is shit….and the noise level protection is none existant…you snore the whole camp hears you….

    The good thing is – its modern housing in under one day…I seen these things set up in Bosnia in one day….2 high…and voila – we had a block ready to house 200 soldiers….there are even special abolition units….so dont get to excited this stuff has been around for years….

    I really cant see him selling it to the general public….rather maybe in work kamps or places where square footage is at a premium…Fort Mcmury maybe….hmm….as for price …a CORIMAC in Bosnia went for 20K for one….so they are semi expensive…..

    Well that is my two cents for a day….

  11. Bearish on Alberta 03. Dec, 2007 at 11:50 pm #

    Perfect for Fort McMurray; a stepping stone on your way to your 570,000.00 DREAM TRAILER

  12. piccaso1881 04. Dec, 2007 at 4:09 am #

    I lived in one of those containers 30 years ago when I was back packing around the world as a 21 year old. I got a job working on a railway in the outback of Northern Queensland, Australia. Those are camp trailers, they have been around for ever.

  13. piccaso1881 04. Dec, 2007 at 4:12 am #

    Actually their not far off the 1,150 sq ft 2 story partical board, zero lot line containers builders are trying to flog as starter homes for $400,000+ in Edmonton right now. To funny!

  14. ray 04. Dec, 2007 at 9:40 am #

    My buddy bought an old container (ISO) used by the army in Bosnia. Now it’s on his lot by a lake for his camping/fishing and hunting back in Ontario. He has a genny in the back, he got a satellite dish, bunk beds, table, small stove, fridge, radio on a shelf system, etc. He got 2 windows with iron shutters against vandals, etc. Very nice. It’s roughly 8 ft wide, 7 ft tall and less than 18 ft long. 145 ft sq?If it’s good for the army and hunters and… workers in the arctic like in Tuk, it’s good for Fort Mac workers. Beats a tent up there, no????

  15. dust 04. Dec, 2007 at 4:18 pm #

    This is absolutely disgusting. What a sad state of affairs when we even have to consider having Canadians living like third world people.

    FTA”There is no reason why there shouldn’t be a few hundred of these around every city as an alternative to the high rents right now and escalating real estate prices.”

    Yes. Yes there is. Ever heard of “the projects” in the U.S.? Do you want all urban centers in Canada turned into ghettos? These crap boxes look like something you’d see in a shanty town in Sao Paulo. Who would want one of these complexes in their neighborhood or city?

    Treating people like cattle to fill so called labor shortages for these projects makes me ill.

  16. Joshua Dorkin @ BiggerPockets.com 05. Dec, 2007 at 5:12 pm #

    That’s a great idea. Very cool way to build housing and fast! Thanks for sharing.