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Small Cabin Forum / Cabin Construction / 1 Bedroom Conex
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catfishhoward
Member
# Posted: 26 Jan 2018 19:05 - Edited by: catfishhoward
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I designed this conex home for me to build in N. Florida in the furture it will be a 1 bedroom using 3 conexs 40' long.

Since I have to idea how to build one of these does anything look obviously wrong. I will be staying in the house during strong storms maybe even hurricanes so I'm a little worried about cutting to much metal walls out.
3_Conex_house_1.jpg
3_Conex_house_1.jpg


rockies
Member
# Posted: 26 Jan 2018 19:52
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It would be helpful to show us exactly what a "Conex" looks like.

Your layout plan looks pretty good. Where do you plan on eating? If you're only going to be eating at the pass through countertop bear in mind that your stools will protrude into your hallway. I would scrap the pass through counter and use a small round table with 2 chairs for eating and have extra folding chairs available for guests. If you used a sectional sofa in the lower left living room corner you'll have enough room for the table and chairs. Change the kitchen door to an outswing so it doesn't interfere with the fridge door. As to the side kitchen countertop you may want to consider including a tall pantry cabinet next to the hallway opening (keep the countertop between that and the stove and put open shelves above the counter.

I think your big closet is too big. Divide the closet in half vertically and give yourself a coat closet by the living room door and make the other side the bedroom closet The wall that the TV is on should also align with the kitchen wall opposite.

Get rid of the smaller closet in the bedroom and put in a smaller 2'x2' linen closet and turn the desk sideways to run along the right bedroom wall.

All in all, it's pretty good.

catfishhoward
Member
# Posted: 26 Jan 2018 20:19
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Conex are the big metal shipping containers 8' W x 40' L. You can google "Conex shipping container" for pictures.

Thanks for the ideas.

darz5150
Member
# Posted: 26 Jan 2018 21:28
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Are you building above or below ground?
What are your concerns? I never built with containers. But I used to build high end race car haulers and custom living quarters.
I would think youd be good to go on your cut outs as long as you box them in with jack studs and headers, just like regular stick framing.
Good luck. And post pics if you can.

catfishhoward
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2018 07:24
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I don't have the property yet but being in Florida I would think it would be above ground.

I was concerned with cutting out 15.5' of the steel walls, could I put a 15.5 header in? Do you have to use a whole pieces of wood for the header or could I use 4 - 2x10 cut them so I don't overlap the joints (sketch attached)?
Header
Header


Cowracer
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2018 08:04
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If you buy a used conex, make sure you budget for removing and replacing the floors. They douse them with some pretty nasty pesticides which soak into the wood. Also, you need to use a certified hazardous waste facility to dispose of the old wood. You cannot legally put it in a landfill and burning it is less than a good idea.

Tim

catfishhoward
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2018 08:31 - Edited by: catfishhoward
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Cowracer, Thanks, I didn't know that.

Just
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2018 08:41
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" A whole peice of wood " yes no cuts ..

catfishhoward
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2018 09:24
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I guess I could cut a tree on site to make the header.

catfishhoward
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2018 15:40
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Would a pine or oak be best for the header? After cutting the tree down can I cut it wright away into the header or does it need to cure or dry?

rockies
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2018 18:52
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There is a program on now called "Containables" that features a couple that specialize in turning shipping containers into homes.

http://www.diynetwork.com/shows/containables

It's also a good idea to look online for articles about "mistakes" people made when doing the same thing.

https://www.containerhomeplans.org/2015/08/mistakes-to-avoid-building-a-shipping-cont ainer-home/

https://www.containerhomeplans.org/2015/04/what-i-wish-id-known-before-building-my-sh ipping-container-home/

Your cabin project is rather unique because your final design has to fit within a set boundary, namely an 8' by 40' container. You can do what you want inside but the overall size and shape is fixed. Still, you must also consider functionality.

Where do you take off muddy footwear and wet clothing when you come home in a rainstorm? How far do you have to walk through the house to put away coats and shoes? Where do all the sheets, towels, cleaning supplies go?

In considering your plan it is quite good to begin with, but you'll make it far more functional if you divide that large closet down the middle into a closet for the front door, a bedroom closet and I would also consider adding a third small closet facing into the hallway right behind the TV. That could be your broom closet.

A good source of information on creating small functional house is available in a series of books by Sarah Susanka called "The Not So Bog House". You can get them at the library.

http://www.notsobighouse.com/

Ontario lakeside
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2018 20:19
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you can coat the floors in epoxy to encase any pesticides.

catfishhoward
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2018 21:16
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Thanks,

old243
Member
# Posted: 27 Jan 2018 21:24
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Will you have a truss pitched roof over the whole house. Would expect that is the case . You do get some big rains and winds down that way. Also what foundation , supports would you have. old243

catfishhoward
Member
# Posted: 28 Jan 2018 07:26
Reply 


I planned on planting figs and avocados along the side to keep the heat off the sides and had planned on some kind of roof as well to protect the metal roof from rusting and heating up the home. I'll

I will have some kind of footing system to bring the home off the ground to prevent the bottom from rusting, soil will determine the type of footing system.

Thelar
Member
# Posted: 28 Jan 2018 20:43 - Edited by: Thelar
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Before you make too many plans. Make sure the area you are buying land at will allow for shipping container building. My brother owns land in Orlando and has been trying to get approval for almost 2 years. They have spent thousands of dollars working with architects at the direction of the code department, but they never approve his request. They ask for this change or that change which requires them to go back to the architect. Good luck.

catfishhoward
Member
# Posted: 29 Jan 2018 06:41
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Thanks for the heads up.

Gary O
Member
# Posted: 29 Jan 2018 09:18
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Just a note on my experience.

I have found that our sea container is excellent

...for storage

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