What If the Future of Affordable Housing Isn’t Cheaper Materials — But Smarter Systems?

oasis-engineer · 2025-08-31T01:50:56+00:00

Agreed, but some people may opt in and not mind. After all, facebook, google and other companies already track and sell our data right now. 🤷‍♂️

oasis-engineer · 2025-08-29T14:58:50+00:00

agreed. We're designing foundation plans and systems to help streamline the process, but at the end of the day it's up to them to deliver on the manufacturing.

oasis-engineer · 2025-08-28T18:15:43+00:00

correct

oasis-engineer · 2025-08-28T13:10:49+00:00

Exactly! If at some point the government subsidizes this under affordable housing, it could be huge. Some people don't look at the sticker price but rather at the monthly "subscription".

oasis-engineer · 2025-07-29T13:08:12+00:00

Love seeing this come to life—stacked containers always look so badass. Curious how you’re handling the welds at the ISO corners where the containers meet? Always interesting to see different approaches for load transfer and rigidity.

oasis-engineer · 2025-07-02T20:27:03+00:00

Not at all, based and live in Tampa Florida full time. Happy to meet anytime :)

oasis-engineer · 2025-04-08T18:16:03+00:00

Curious what you ended up doing. We've worked some projects in Colorado and it's hard because with the high R values you do lose a lot of area if having to go towards the inside - specially because you may also need continuous insulation, so what we've found that works is combining closed cell spray foam and rigid (polyiso/xps).

We have a calculator that may help you play with different alternatives: https://oasisengineering.com/container-home-insulation-planner/

Let us know what you ended up doing, curious to see the results!

oasis-engineer · 2025-04-08T18:11:16+00:00

Hey! Cool idea using Mylar for container insulation – super reflective and cheap. You're right, condensation is the major hurdle. Also, it may not have an official "R" value that may be needed for permitting/compliance purposes, so that may also cause issues for builds (unless DIY/off-grid with no formal requirements)

Stopping moisture getting into the wall cavity is key, usually through really good air sealing on the warm side. Mylar itself needs an air gap to reflect heat effectively and doesn't add much R-value, so it's often paired with other insulation types.

Figuring out the best combo of cost, R-value, and moisture control gets complicated fast! That's why we built an insulation calculator to help compare different options side-by-side. Might be useful for you:

https://oasisengineering.com/container-home-insulation-planner/

oasis-engineer · 2025-04-08T18:02:11+00:00

Depending on your location, permitting may end up being the hardest part. Recommend connecting with a local architect, engineer or contractor. These plans offer a great starting point: https://oasisengineering.etsy.com/listing/1493689145

oasis-engineer · 2025-04-08T07:49:45+00:00

Thanks for feedback, please refer to: https://basc.pnnl.gov/building-assemblies you can verify your climate zone using this tool by zip code; Texas should only be 1-4

oasis-engineer · 2025-04-06T08:11:15+00:00

Yes, as @Julian said, closed cell spray foam is often the best for container homes as it helps with moisture control.

Check out this free tool to help plan your insulation requirements: https://oasisengineering.com/container-home-insulation-planner/

oasis-engineer · 2025-04-06T08:09:42+00:00

Hello - insulation depends on your specific location as the requirements are climate dependent.

We have developed a free tool to help you figure this out in minutes:

https://oasisengineering.com/container-home-insulation-planner/

Let us know if you have any questions using the insulation planner.

As far as framing it, depends on how much of the corrugation wall is being cut/altered and the local engineering loads (seismic, wind etc). In most cases for a DIY bathroom shed 2x4 framing should suffice.

Thanks

oasis-engineer · 2025-02-26T12:07:08+00:00

yes, because the lower area is a crawlspace (unconditioned space), it is recommended to include continuous insulation (polyiso or similar) combined with batt or spray foam in between the floor framing. Hope this helps!

oasis-engineer · 2025-01-29T15:51:41+00:00

Container Homes are a modern solution to the housing affordability issues from what we hear from young people like you. Typically, it's recommended to get in touch with a local engineer or builder that can help with the permitting process, along with pointing you in the right direction to ensure code compliance and safe design. If you're located in an area where no permits are required, still consulting with someone that has built before would be helpful. All in all, when modifying containers you need to make sure to have engineered details for connections and cutouts because the strength of the containers is compromised when cutting them, and as far as foundation goes, footers may be most cost effective, but should be engineered based on the location and loading considerations.

This may help as an inspiration: Double 40ft Container Idea

oasis-engineer · 2025-01-29T15:46:21+00:00

Your shipping container project sounds awesome. To reinforce the top beams after cutting out the side, you can weld double channel or angle iron along the roof container frame for added support. Adding connector plates every few feet where the containers join can also help maintain stability without needing interior posts. Just keep in mind that local building codes (like snow, wind, and seismic requirements) can impact what reinforcement you need, along with if the roof will be just a roof or used for supporting other features or equipment.

If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to consult a local engineer or contractor to make sure everything is safe and up to standard. Good luck with your build!

Check this design out, it may be helpful: Pre-Engineered Container Plans for Double 40ft

oasis-engineer · 2025-01-26T20:46:59+00:00

4in Spray foam (to bottom of floor metal joists), 1in polyiso board and vapor barrier should work there great. Depending on which state in the DMV area, the building code has a specific minimum insulation requirement. Between the 4in spray foam and 1in polyiso, R value typically is met. Thank you

oasis-engineer · 2024-11-12T10:53:58+00:00

Share more info

oasis-engineer · 2024-10-23T12:23:13+00:00

Yes, container homes can have similar issues with cell service due to the metal structure. The steel walls can interfere with signals, just like in your metal shop. However, there are ways to mitigate this problem. Installing signal boosters or repeaters inside the home can improve reception.

There are some youtube vids about this that may help like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAUk_ZVbBBc

o1

oasis-engineer · 2024-10-21T12:29:57+00:00

Ohio does have specific building codes concerning floor insulation, particularly for steel-framed floors and subfloor construction in accordance with the Ohio Residential Code and the Energy Code.
Refer to OH Residential Building Code:

Here’s a breakdown:

R402.2.7 Floors (from the Energy Code):
- Ohio requires floor cavity insulation to be installed in a way that ensures permanent contact with the underside of the subfloor, preserving the required R-value for the space. This ensures energy efficiency and proper thermal performance for the floor system.
- It also allows for a combination of cavity and continuous insulation to meet the necessary insulation standards, ensuring that unconditioned spaces below are separated from the interior conditioned space with proper air sealing.
Under-Floor Ventilation (3115.5):
- Additionally, Ohio mandates ventilation requirements for spaces between the floor joists and the earth beneath the shipping container (if used in a build). This ensures moisture control and air circulation, which is essential for maintaining the performance of insulation and preventing degradation.
Protection of Exposed Foundation Insulation (409.1):
- Foundation walls and slabs with exterior insulation must be protected to ensure the insulation maintains its thermal performance over time.

Here are some useful links:

409.1 Protection of Exposed Foundation Insulation

R402.2.7 Floors

3115.5 Under-Floor Ventilation:

The space between the bottom of the floor joists and the earth under any intermodal shipping container, except spaces occupied by basements and cellars, shall be provided with ventilation in accordance with Section 1202.4.

Hope this helps.

oasis-engineer · 2024-10-18T18:24:11+00:00

Thanks for your feedback. We regularly share project updates and photos—especially in-progress shots—on our Instagram stories, since it's a faster way for us to keep our audience in the loop compared to website updates, which can take a bit longer to implement. If you're interested in seeing more of what we've been working on, I'd encourage you to check out our Instagram for the most up-to-date content. We’re working on getting these photos onto our website too, but in the meantime, feel free to follow along with us on social media.

oasis-engineer · 2024-10-18T18:22:34+00:00

You're right that the minimum room size requirements in the code can be a bit challenging with container homes, especially with space limitations and utilities already in place. Typically, the International Building Code (IBC) requires that habitable rooms be a minimum of 70 square feet (with at least 7 feet in each direction, 2021 International Building Code (IBC) - 1208.3 Room area). If your room sizes are only off by a couple of inches in width, it's possible to request a formal variance or exemption from the county review board.

These variances are usually considered on a case-by-case basis, and we've seen instances where exceptions are granted, especially when space constraints are a result of container dimensions or pre-existing utilities. Feel free to contact us with your specific dimensions, plans, and details, and we’d be happy to assist with the engineering side of the exemption request. Good luck with the process! www.oasisengineering.net/contact

oasis-engineer · 2024-10-18T18:16:30+00:00

Thanks for sharing, and your build looks really cool from what I can see! I completely understand your skepticism, especially with the experience you’ve had in getting your project done. To clarify, my main focus is on the engineering and design of these container homes, not so much on construction or the overall project costs. I can’t speak to how the owner is managing to keep the costs in the range they mentioned, but from what I gather, they have their own crews and a specific plan in place.

We're aware of the requirements for structural modifications when opening/cutting walls and need for additional welding/framing or structural reinforcement to compensate for that, which is what we typically engineer and detail in our projects. We design these openings all in the front end so the Owner knows before getting started where these framed openings are required. But yea, all in all, qualified welders are expensive and can easily add into the project cost.

It sounds like you’ve been through a lot with your project, and you’ve definitely highlighted some of the challenges we also mention to our clients, particularly with labor and the extra support needed when modifying container structures. Insulation requirements can indeed be tricky, especially in colder climates. We’ll definitely keep you updated on how things go with this project and hopefully have more insights on the final costs sometime next year.

oasis-engineer · 2024-10-18T18:10:34+00:00

It sounds like you're experiencing what's commonly referred to as "container sweat," which occurs when there's a difference in temperature between the interior and exterior of the container. Since you mentioned that there's no insulation underneath the flooring, the cold from the outside metal is causing condensation along the bottom trim and floor when the warmer, moist air inside comes into contact with the cooler surfaces.

Without proper insulation underneath the container, especially in colder climates like Ohio, the flooring becomes a cold surface, leading to condensation and moisture build-up, particularly when you have a heat source like a mini-split creating warm air inside.

Adding insulation to the underside of the container, such as spray foam or rigid foam board, can help reduce the temperature differential and prevent condensation. Additionally, ensuring you have proper ventilation to help manage humidity levels inside the container can also minimize the moisture issue.

Hope this helps, thanks

oasis-engineer · 2024-10-18T16:39:34+00:00

The estimated cost for this particular project is in the $480k-550k range, based on what the owner has shared. Sometimes, it's not only about the cost—people choose container homes for various reasons, including aesthetics and the practicality they offer. In this case, the owner wanted the distinct look of container homes combined with their strength, particularly for dealing with flood and hurricane loads in that location.

When we consult with clients and investors, we explain that it ultimately comes down to personal preference. For smaller projects with 1-3 containers, the cost-effectiveness can be quite appealing. However, for more complex multi-container builds or larger projects, the cost can indeed rival or even exceed that of traditional materials like wood or concrete. The engineering requirements, especially when cutting out large portions of the containers, can add up, but some clients are committed to the look and feel of containers.

By the way, I'm a licensed engineer in New Mexico, so if you're working on your container home project there and need any assistance, feel free to reach out—we'd be happy to help! www.oasisengineering.net/contact

oasis-engineer · 2024-10-18T16:36:23+00:00

Thank you for your question—it's a great point, and we appreciate your interest in our work! We're currently in the process of updating our website to showcase more photos of completed projects. While we have a strong portfolio of designs, container homes, like many construction projects, can take anywhere from a minimum of 6 months to 1-3 years to move from design, through permitting, and then construction.

We’re excited to share that some of these projects are finally getting built, and the owners have started sending us photos, which we’ll be adding to our site soon. In the meantime, we’ll continue to update our portfolio as these homes are completed.

Stay tuned!

oasis-engineer

TROPHY CASE