Educational Adaptation of Cargo Container Design Features

Cargo container homes have become increasingly popular around the world in the last 30 years. Because cargo containers are modular in design, they can be used to create efficient, cheap homes. Repurposing cargo containers into homes is a sustainable construction practice due to the majority of the structure coming from recycled materials. Many design parameters of cargo container homes parallel those of standard home construction methodologies (cold formed steel framing/light wood framing) and from a structural standpoint, cargo containers are an effective building material. This paper aims to discuss the design parameters of cargo container home construction and an educational application of the concept. Problem-based learning (PBL) methodology was applied in order to create a discussion group. Building types were handed-out, scaled model and poster presentation were prepared by teams according to defined design parameters. Educational activity is evaluated by survey and critical points are determined to improve.