little boy raising hand in class
George No Comments

How Shipping Containers Can Be Used in Schools

How Shipping Containers Can Be Used in Schools

There are many reasons why schools may need shipping container classrooms, lunchrooms and locker rooms. Perhaps they don’t have the physical space required to accommodate their student population. Or maybe the school has recently undergone budget cuts, unexpected damage from extreme storms, or the closure of nearby schools which is forcing them to accommodate more students than they can realistically handle.

Whatever the case, administrators are now faced with reconfiguring their existing space and coming up with more creative, yet affordable, ways to meet the needs of the student population. This is why shipping container classrooms are such a great idea in communities across the country. Not only are they innovative and cost-effective, they’re a convenient way to add square footage in emergency situations.

Affordable and Transportable Solutions

Not only are these containers quick to set up and mobile, they can be modified with heating and AC depending on the season. Several can be stacked together vertically, or laid out in a line horizontally. And oftentimes, when you see the finished project, you can’t even tell that shipping containers were used to construct the extra space.

The walls of shipping containers are crafted of steel, which makes them extremely strong and durable. You’ll also save a lot of money using containers than if you were to construct a traditional building from the ground up. Implementing an environmentally friendly expansion can add thousands or even tens of thousands of square feet of classroom space.

Solutions

Portable shipping containers can offer schools storage solutions for things like sports equipment, extra classroom furniture, instruments, and laptops. They’re easy to secure and relocate, allowing elementary schools, high schools and colleges to scale up the resources that they make available to the students.

There are many ways you can modify a shipping container. You can convert them into:

  • Lockers and benches
  • Shelves
  • Overhead roll-up doors
  • Climate control
  • Custom racks for weights and athletic equipment
  • Ventilation
  • Personnel doors
  • Overhead lighting

You can utilize them for many purposes to deal with lack of space elsewhere, such as lunchrooms, classroom overflow, locker rooms, equipment sheds, garages for grounds keeping equipment like riding mowers, and school and sports field storage.

Benefits of Shipping Container Schools

There are many benefits to shipping container schools.

1. They’re Flexible

The containers can be customized off site ahead of time so they arrive ready to use for a specific purpose.

2. They’re Affordable

Shipping container schools will cost half of what traditional construction costs per square foot.

3. They Can be Put Together Fast

Shipping container builds are very time efficient, as many are pre-fabricated so they can be delivered quickly.

Rather than put up with cramped conditions in a school – something not feasible during a pandemic – it’s smart to invest in shipping container schools.

Frequently Asked Questions About Container Uses for Schools

Do shipping containers make good workshops?

They definitely do. Shipping containers are often transformed into effective workshops due to their:

  • Durability: Originally made for rough sea conditions, they withstand significant wear and tear.
  • Security: Thick steel walls provide a secure environment for valuable tools.
  • Modularity: Multiple containers can be combined to expand workshop space.
  • Portability: Easily relocatable, they suit temporary or project-based sites.
  • Cost-Efficiency: Often more affordable than constructing a traditional workshop.

Are shipping containers fire retardant?

Shipping containers themselves are not fire retardant, as they’re primarily made of steel, which can transfer heat. However, with the right internal modifications, like insulation and fire-resistant drywall, their fire resistance can be improved. Always check with local fire codes and safety regulations when adapting containers for various uses.

What is a container classroom?

A container classroom is made by converting one or more shipping containers into an educational space. These spaces are becoming popular due to their cost-effectiveness, portability, and flexibility, especially in areas requiring temporary or expandable educational facilities.

What is container licensing?

Container licensing pertains to the necessary permissions, certifications, or licenses to manufacture, sell, modify, or utilize shipping containers for specific purposes, such as housing or commercial spaces. Local and state licensing ensures containers meet specific safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Contact Aaron Supreme

Aaron Supreme would be happy to help connect you with a shipping container for school use. To get a free quote and to learn more, contact us at 800-243-0403.

interior office container
Mike Lebov No Comments

How to Set Up Your Shipping Container Office: 4 Tips

How to Set Up Your Shipping Container Office: 4 Tips

The idea of using a shipping container as an office is nothing new, but it’s certainly gained in popularity in the last year or so with more people working from home. Creating a home office out of a shopping container is ingenious – it’s affordable, mobile, and temporary if you need it to be. Plus, containers can fit in tight spaces in your backyard or even on a construction site – wherever you need to set up shop.

Whether you’re a real estate agent, construction foreman, or consultant, you can save a ton of money on rentals for a larger commercial space. The best part is, you get plenty of privacy from your family or other co-workers, while still maintaining a professional impression when you need to host clients.

When setting up your shipping container office, consider these four tips.

1.     Fully Equip Your Container

When you buy a basic shipping container, it will have no frills. So in order to maximize efficiency and minimize how much time and money you spend outfitting your office with what you need, order your container fully equipped with heating, cooling and electrical outlets, as well as optional features like desks, tables, shelving, and filing cabinets.  

2.     Consider Extras

Many providers offer full customization options to their clients, especially in regard to HVAC and plumbing system installation. You’ll need these if you plan to use the office year-round. In the Northeast, you know how cold it can get in the winter and how stuffy and hot it can get in the summer. HVAC is essential for a fully-functioning office that you plan to use for many hours per day. Plumbing is also essential, especially if you will be having clients in your office on a regular basis.

When outfitting just one container, a sole AC window unit may suffice, but you will need central AC  and heat if you plan to purchase a few containers and string them together.

3.     Install Large Windows

Because shipping containers are just big boxes, natural light will be hard to come by unless you make a concerted effort to add the proper lighting. This is especially important if you will be inspecting lots of blueprints, plans and other documents. Installing extra windows or larger windows will help to encourage the most natural light during the day. This will add to your overall mood as well as provide a functional purpose, and boost morale and productivity among employees.

If you need light for night time, consider installing LED lights, as they give off light without the heat. In the same vein, you’ll want to add as much ventilation as possible to circulate air and promote good indoor air quality.

4.     Increase Storage Space

Storage space in a shipping container office is pretty hard to come by, but that doesn’t mean you’re at the mercy of the small space. You can sacrifice other elements such as large tables and seating areas and install storage units and cabinets instead. This may be important to you if you store a lot of documents, equipment, and supplies. You could also add a few shelves or over-head cabinets to utilize more of your available floor space.

Frequently Asked Questions About Setting Up a Shipping Container Office

What are the benefits of shipping container offices?

Shipping container offices come with several advantages:

  • Cost-Efficiency: They’re almost always less expensive than traditional office constructions.
  • Eco-Friendly: Repurposing containers reduces waste and encourages sustainable building practices.
  • Modularity: Containers can be easily combined or reconfigured to match evolving space needs.
  • Quick Setup: With the right planning, they can be transformed faster than building a conventional office.
  • Mobility: They can be relocated, offering business location choice flexibility.

How do you make an office out of a shipping container?

To transform a shipping container into an office:

  • Planning: Design the layout, considering functionality and comfort as you work.
  • Modifications: Cut openings for doors, windows, and ventilation.
  • Insulation: Insulate walls, ceiling, and floors to regulate temperature.
  • Utilities: Install electrical, internet, and, if needed, plumbing connections.
  • Interior: Set up a workspace, seating, lighting, storage, and other necessary office elements.
  • Exterior: Paint or clad the container for aesthetics and added protection.

How much does it cost to deliver a container?

The delivery cost for a container depends on the distance, mode of transport, and our rates. On average, for local deliveries spanning 50-100 miles, costs may range from $100 to $500. Our prices may increase significantly for longer distances.

How much does it cost to transport a 20ft container?

The cost to transport a 20ft container varies depending on multiple factors, including the total distance and route complexity. For domestic road transport, prices may range from $1 to $2.50 per mile.

Contact Aaron Supreme

Here at Aaron Supreme, we offer a variety of shipping containers for office use. To get a free quote and to learn more, contact us at 800-243-0403.