Why Shipping Container homeless shelters FAIL

November 6, 2020

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How many times have you heard this argument “There are thousands of unused shipping containers lying around the world. You can solve homelessness and housing crises if you convert them into homes.”

The idea of repurposing unused shipping containers to solve homelessness and housing crises has gained traction in England and Wales, with housing organizations embracing prefabricated modular units made of shipping containers to offer short-term subsidized accommodation to displaced individuals and families. While these shipping container projects initially seem promising as temporary shelters, they have significant drawbacks that hinder their long-term viability.

Shipping Container Projects

Several notable shipping container housing projects have been established, such as:

Richardson’s Yard in Brighton opened their 36 unit shelter in December 2013. Each unit is a single 8’x40’ container with windows on the ends.
Marston Court Housing was opened in April 2017 in Ealing, West London. It is a 34 apartment development that was manufactured, fitted and finished in 14 weeks. Each house is made of at least 2 8’x20’ containers with a cut out in the wall between them.
Another housing complex called Meath Court in Acton’s Hope Gardens was opened in December 2017. It’s a larger, 60 apartment shipping container housing complex. It also uses interconnected 8’x20’ containers for each unit.

These developments use interconnected shipping containers as building blocks to create emergency housing solutions. Companies like QED Sustainable Urban Developments have designed these projects as a “kit of parts,” where each container serves as a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, or circulation module, with all the necessary plumbing and appliances built-in. The interiors are designed for high-wear use, with robust materials like plastic paneling and durable sheet metal countertops.

However, the allure of shipping container homes fades when residents must endure prolonged stays. Reports from Anne Longfield, the Children’s Commissioner for England, highlight the negative effects of living in these cramped metal structures, especially on children. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) states that shipping containers cannot easily meet the spatial and environmental requirements for long-term living. Issues with temperature fluctuations, condensation, mold growth, and rust on exposed metal staircases pose significant challenges for inhabitants.

Is it worth reusing shipping containers?

In the quest to address homelessness compassionately, modular units are a feasible option due to their ease of construction, lower costs, and flexibility. However, the crucial question remains: Why use shipping containers? The premature recycling of new or one-time use containers with a life span of 10 to 12 years is inefficient. Instead, designing modular units with structural steel and investing in well-insulated walls made of foam, wood, or hardie board can lead to more sustainable and comfortable housing solutions.

History offers several examples of failed social housing projects that underestimated the complexity of human needs and experiences. Projects like Le Corbusier’s brutalist concrete designs, the Pruitt-Igoe housing projects, and the post-Hurricane Katrina efforts in New Orleans demonstrate the pitfalls of imposing ambitious architectural plans without fully understanding the needs of the communities they serve. Architects, designers, and planners must approach homelessness and social housing with humility, considering the input of those directly affected and acknowledging that design alone cannot solve all socio-economic problems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while shipping container homeless shelters may offer temporary relief, they fall short in providing suitable long-term solutions. Humility, community involvement, and a more nuanced understanding of individual needs are essential in tackling homelessness effectively. Rather than imposing theoretical master plans, architects and designers should prioritize practicality and human-centered approaches to create successful social housing initiatives that truly benefit those in need.