Container houses VS traditional mobile homes
In recent years, more and more people are choosing to live in modular container houses, which are being used in various applications, from project campsites and office spaces to hotel apartments and entertainment facilities. What are the advantages of container houses, and why are so many people opting for this type of housing? Let’s analyze their cost-effectiveness:
1. Structural Advantages
Container houses use welded structures with galvanized steel, consisting of systems for structure, flooring, walls, and roofing. These modules are manufactured in factories and assembled on-site. They are modern, aesthetically pleasing, quick to install, easy to move and transport, and environmentally friendly. In contrast, traditional mobile homes use light steel frames and sandwich panels, which are less durable and more prone to collapse during unstable ground conditions or extreme weather.
2. Flexible Design
Container houses can be customized based on different needs, featuring modular designs that allow for vertical stacking or horizontal extensions to create personalized and spacious environments. Adjustable bases can accommodate different ground conditions. On the other hand, mobile homes have limited design flexibility and weaker performance in sealing, soundproofing, fireproofing, and insulation.
3. Performance Comparison
Container houses can withstand earthquakes up to 8 magnitudes and winds up to level 11, with a lifespan of over 20 years. They are eco-friendly and reusable. Mobile homes, however, are less durable, with an earthquake resistance of up to 7 magnitudes and wind resistance up to level 9, with a lifespan of around 8 years and limited reuse potential.
4. Simplified Foundation
Container houses require minimal foundation work and can be placed directly on the ground without additional leveling, while mobile homes need concrete foundations, which are more complex and cannot be reused.
5. Fast Installation
Container houses are quick to install, with four workers able to set up one unit in half a day. They can also be transported as whole units, ready for use once water and electricity are connected on-site. Mobile homes, on the other hand, require longer installation times (20-30 days), including foundation work, structure assembly, and utilities, which increases labor time and risk.
6. Easy Transportation
Container houses can be compressed for flat-pack transport or shipped as whole units, significantly reducing long-distance transportation costs. In contrast, mobile homes involve numerous loose materials, making transport more complicated.
7. Wide Applications
Container houses can be used for offices, accommodation, exhibition halls, guesthouses, shops, and more, providing a higher level of comfort and meeting both living and recreational needs. Mobile homes, however, are primarily used for temporary construction sites.
8. Eco-Friendly and Energy Efficient
The “factory prefabrication + on-site assembly” approach of container houses produces no construction waste on-site. After a project is completed, no debris is left behind, and the houses can be reused with zero waste, reducing environmental impact. In contrast, mobile homes cause environmental damage during installation, create more construction waste, and have a lower recycling rate.
In summary, container houses offer modular design, quick installation, long lifespan, and environmental sustainability. Their flexibility allows them to cater to various residential and commercial uses, making them a popular and cost-effective housing solution.