Shipping containers are used to transport everything from toys to cheese around the globe. In fact, over 90% of the world’s traded goods are carried via shipping container. In the United States where we import about 60% more goods than we export, we’re facing a disposal problem. We’re left with millions of containers each year because it is cheaper to keep the containers than to ship empty units back to reload with goods. Storage containers are stacking up in port cities around the country.

Shipping containers have been used as temporary makeshift shelters for the less fortunate individuals struck by poverty and natural disaster for decades. However, it’s in the last few years that architects and green engineers have reconsidered the shipping container to use as building blocks for residential space. Modular housing is becoming an eco-chic alternative to traditional housing and is being utilized for family homes, condos and vacation homes. Shipping containers are easily modified and can be stacked and connected for comfort and style.

These steel containers are less costly than conventional building materials. Containers can be purchased for very little money, usually less than $2,000 for a used unit. The project requires less labor and fewer resources. One of the major environmental benefits is that the containers are being recycled and aren’t ending up in landfills. Because they’re constructed to withstand stacking and heavy loads, these containers make idea frames. Each is equipped to handle harsh environments, so wind, snow, heat and ice will not affect them.

The construction process begins offsite where windows and doors are cut into the containers for easy installation. Before they are brought to the construction site they are sand blasted to remove paint, and cleaned to rid them of any chemicals or contaminants.

The containers sit on a concrete foundation, similar to traditional housing. With the use of a crane, containers can be stacked up to 25 units high. However, most housing projects involve less than four. Welding the units together takes only a few hours as only the corners of the containers need to be welded for a sturdy hold. A steel roof can be installed in an additional 2-3 hours. An entire home assembled in less than a day. As for the inside, walls are insulated before being outfitted with drywall, as steel conducts heat extremely well. Once drywall is up, the walls are paint or wallpaper ready.

Take a look at some of the most interesting shipping container residences from around the world.

1. Container City II in London via the Daily Green
2. Red Container Home in Sarasota, FL via Build Direct
3.Keetwonen Dormitory in Amsterdam via Small House Style
4. Redondo Beach House outside of Los Angeles via Daily Green
5. Guest House in San Antonio, TX via Web Ecoist

This post was written by Erie Construction. Follow Erie Construction on Twitter.