BuySellBA
Administrator
What is a container home: Here's what you need to know - La Nacion Propiedades
Source:
Qué es una casa contenedor: esto es lo que hay que saber
Este tipo de propiedades tienen sus ventajas y desventajas; conocé todo en esta nota
www.lanacion.com.ar
September 24, 2025
These types of properties have their advantages and disadvantages; learn all about them in this article
The advantages and disadvantages of living in container houses. Shutterstock
In a world seeking to become increasingly environmentally friendly , innovative proposals are emerging that combine recycling with housing solutions. This is the case with "container houses," homes built with a structure based on recycled shipping containers or shipping containers . These homes produce eco-friendly housing units that are even available on Mercado Libre.
Yes, these houses reuse the containers that travel on ships transporting merchandise, to give them a new purpose: to be the home of a person or a family .
However, industry experts warn that the container was designed to transport products on a ship, not for living in. " It's a metal shell that reflects the sun, lets water in, and accumulates heat. It's not structurally approved or verified by calculation standards, so using it as a home is not a good option ," warns Lucas Salvatore, president of Idero.
However, other industry experts, such as Dice Containers, an Argentine container home construction company , explain that many do not comply with urban planning codes, but there are some players in the sector that do. "If the container is used thin and long as it comes from the port, the minimum interior dimensions are not met. In our case, we comply with all Argentine municipal regulations , therefore, there are indeed container homes suitable for municipal use ," explains engineer José A. Vives, owner of the factory.
“Container houses” are homes that are made with a structure based on maritime containers or recycled containers.
Advantages of container houses
Now, many people wonder if it's worth buying a house that was once used as a shipping container and then converted into a home . In that sense, we should list the advantages of this technology:- First of all, their short delivery times stand out , as they can be built and completed in six months or even less.
- They are houses that have more economical values than a traditional home.
- It stands out for its resistance because it is made of steel , prepared to withstand inclement weather during sea voyages.
- It also highlights the fact that they are recycled structures , which reduce environmental pollution, since they give a second use to an existing structure that would otherwise be discarded.
- They can be transported from one place to another, so if the owner wants to move it to another place in the future, he can do so.
- It's also important to note that additional modules can be added to the original , making it possible to expand the home when needed; it also weighs less than a standard concrete or steel house.
What are the disadvantages of a container home?
Although these homes have many advantages, it is worth noting that they have some disadvantages:- First of all, those who buy a container home must forgo the option of designing their own home , as they will have to adhere to the dimensions of the module for the rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. They will also have an external aesthetic unique to shipping containers, which must be taken into account.
- On the other hand, another major challenge for these homes is that, since the containers weren't originally designed to be inhabited, they lack the necessary features to accommodate someone, such as thermal or acoustic insulation. Therefore, they will require prior adaptation work to become a home.
- Finally, one important detail is that there are housing restrictions depending on the zone (regulations established by the urban planning code of each location that determine the spaces and dimensions a house must have). In this regard, the regulations for each zone will need to be reviewed to determine whether these homes are suitable.
The container houses are movable. Dice Containers
How much does a container house cost?
Currently, listings on Mercado Libre range from $11,000,000 to $46,800,000 , and listings in dollars range from US$19,000 (15 m²) to US$108,000 (60 m² with three rooms).There are other options, as detailed by Dice Containers: a standard 90 m² house with four bedrooms and two bathrooms is selling for US$65,381. The home comes with glass wool thermal insulation, built-in electrical wiring, water connections, and more.
There are also more affordable options: a slightly smaller 60 m² container home with three bedrooms and one bathroom sells for US$44,465. Another 30 m² model with one bedroom and one bathroom sells for US$26,740. Finally, another standard model, 15 m² with one room, is offered for US$18,369.
www.buysellba.com
