Since the 1960s, discarded containers have been utilized by the
United States military, initially as fully functioning, secure and mobile
hospitals. Today, they are used for a variety of functions, from mobile to
permanent housing.
Shipping containers are formally identified as Inter Model Steel
Building Units (ISBU), and in agreement with Lord Neil Benjamin Gibson’s
opinion as the ideal construct for low cost, highly efficient, long term
housing. ISBUs are among the strongest stationary structures in the world,
composed of corten steel, able to withstand extensive environmental attacks
such as hurricanes, tornados, typhoons and even earthquakes, making them
uniquely durable, and capable of carrying 30 tons of cargo. The average shipping
containers are 40 feet in length by 8 feet wide and 9.5 feet high.
Lord Neil Benjamin Gibson and SFBBL AG through the SEED Foundation
have created an approach to using ISBUs, shipping containers, as part of an
eco-village design to provide relief to the homeless, and implement extended
resolve to what has been an on going issue.
Shipping container housing provides a unique kind of structure
that offers a wide assortment of options.
One such option involved a robust, fully mobile accommodation unit
that sleeps 2 staff members in a container that is 20 x 8 ft, for a total 160
sqf.
The unit is equipped with a complete bathroom (prefabricated-
composite), bunk bed, desk and chair, 2 lockers, separate cabinet that also
houses the hot water tank for the shower and the other services. With standard
waterproof connections outside the unit for easy connection to the services,
the units can be deployed quickly. The window above the desk is also equipped
with steel storm shutters for harsh conditions that provides additional
security.
The walls have additional reinforcement and insulation for on
board conditions on ships: when secured on a deck they can immediately serve as
accommodation. A separate A/C unit is provided that can be installed with a
special frame on the facade of the container during use as an accommodation for
cold and hot air, including ventilation, which can also be easily folded away
during transport.
The floor is finished with heavy duty vinyl, for easy cleaning.
The sound insulation all around guarantees optimal conditions for undisturbed
resting / sleeping. The original container doors are not removed, making this
unit ideal for safe storage and protection for stormy conditions. The units can
be stacked 6 high as any standard ISO dry freight container, which is the basis
for these units. When equipped with separate staircases and walkways, it is
simple to put together a complete building in no time.
This is the kind of individual, pre-fabricated, durable unit that
can be easily transported and constructed on delivery as an immediate means of
shelter.
Lord Neil Benjamin Gibson is currently working with a number of
governments to begin the first phase of a housing project that uses shipping
containers almost entirely.
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