Shipping Crates as Housing
By worldwise1
@worldwise1 (14885)
United States
March 27, 2009 1:58pm CST
The concept of using shipping crates for housing is not a new one, but I was surprised to learn just how much it has caught on in recent years. I'm sure that most of us have heard stories about homeless people who have resorted to using such things for shelter when there is no other option available. I think this is a good idea considering the high cost of housing and the fact that so many people have lost their homes during the economic crisis. The fly in the ointment that I see here is that, like with most good ideas, it will be exploited until the cost becomes out of reach for anyone who would want to try this approach. There was an interesting article about this concept that I read today. This type of housing can be modified to suit the preferences of the users and there exists complexes consisting entirely of this kind of structure. Have you heard of this? What do you think of the idea?
1 person likes this
9 responses
@mummymo (23706)
•
27 Mar 09
You mean the big metal shipping containers? I have never heard of this or even considered it worldwise. I guess it is an option to consider if it can be adapted. As you say though the price will probably get so high it will make it unobtainable by those who would need it. I think I will have to do more research into this subject - thanks for sparking my interest! xxxxx
3 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
29 Mar 09
I thought I had the link, mummymo, but when I tried to post it, it didn't paste, but I read the article on Yahoo News. Some of the houses were very simple but others were very tricked out.
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
29 Mar 09
Some of them, weemam, are capable of housing a family of four comfortably, and with furniture and accessories added they look much the same as ordinary housing.
1 person likes this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
27 Mar 09
I think that anything that helps helps, shipping crates are great for homeless people to get a bit of shelter away from the cold outside, I think that is a blessing
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
29 Mar 09
The photos that I saw, winterose, were modified and looked like anything but shipping crates. Many mainstream families are buying this type of home.
@moneymommy (3418)
• United States
27 Mar 09
I saw a news story on this awhile ago and the are popular in Mexico. They have one room, kitchen area and bathroom. They paint them in bright colors and there you have it a mini house.
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
29 Mar 09
I think that is a wonderful idea, moneymommy, and will provide many people with affordable housing.
@NuttyMomma (901)
• United States
27 Mar 09
you know I saw that and it looked like a good idea. they can be attractive and it seems like a good idea.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
29 Mar 09
The article I read, NuttyMomma, showed lots of photos of various styles of this type of housing. They were very impressive.
@wolfen13 (33)
• United States
27 Mar 09
I've never heard of this sort of thing. I think it makes a much more affordable way of providing housing to keep individuals from being homeless. Its always important that humans have someplace to call Home. I think something like this could be handled by cities to provide shelter type housing for homeless. It would keep them off the streets and quite possible help them get back up on there feet. Its a decent idea for sure.
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
29 Mar 09
Yes, wolfen, this could be a solution to much of the homeless problem that exists in society today.
@GardenGerty (160491)
• United States
28 Mar 09
About thirty years ago I lived in a neighborhood where the old timers told me the houses were basically just shipping crates hooked together. Just about eleven years ago, near a very large military base, I visited a "housing complex" that looked to me to be shipping crates that had plumbing, and that is about it. It is an ultimate recycling project.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
29 Mar 09
If you could see the houses from the article I read, GG, you would be amazed because they looked nothing like shipping crates.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
29 Mar 09
Yes, WW, I love this idea. I saw a show where a couple of these crates were joined by a walkway above with a pool down the middle and garden either end. It was a really beautiful home but so expensive! I was going to get one to use as a garden shed or a goat barn but was horrified at the price. Such a shame.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
29 Mar 09
It is a shame, Ms Tickle, that such an inexpensive and workable idea will end up being exploited until it is out of reach for the average person.
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
30 Mar 09
I've heard about this off and on for the last few months. I think it's a pretty cool idea. I'm all for alternative sorts of housing.
I've heard about people considering treehouses, to live in (fully fixtured, electricity, water) as well.
Personally, I'm considering the vardo approach (aka the gypsy caravan), only it'll be more modern and I'll hook it up to my scooter (whenever I get it, that is). xD
Just cheaper than a regular house and suits my love of travel.
