Homes aren’t just made up of bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a living space anymore. Many homeowners have chosen to add gyms, office spaces, and relaxation zones into their homes, but how do you create space for these additions?
Could a converted shipping container be the answer? Keep reading to find out more.
Are there limitations on where you can put a converted shipping container?
Like with most home renovations and additions, you may face limitations or require planning permission to create a shipping container home office, gym, or extra room.
You shouldn’t need planning permission if:
- The land is yours.
- The structure is temporary or to be used as an alternative to a garden shed.
- You do not live in an area of outstanding natural beauty, a national park, or near a listed building.
- Your converted shipping container will not affect traffic, produce excessive noise, or reduce light and privacy for your neighbours.
- It is no larger than half of the land surrounding your property.
- Is not connected to permanent utility supplies, like your gas or electricity.
It is important to note that you should always double-check with your local council prior to installing any kind of converted shipping container, as failure to comply can result in the removal of the built structure or even prosecution. For more in-depth information, we have a blog post that answers the question Do I need planning permission for a shipping container?
If you remain within the boundaries of temporary structures, a converted shipping container can provide you with the ideal solution for expanding your domestic space – no matters its usage.
What can go inside my converted shipping container?
If you decide to expand your home with a shipping container conversion, you’ll have a hard job narrowing down possible uses for your new space. Popular container conversions include:
- Shipping container gyms
- Playrooms
- Spare bedrooms
- Shipping container home offices
- Art studios and workshops
- Music rooms and recording spaces
- Salons and nail studios
- Animal grooming parlours
- And more!
The best thing about a converted shipping container is its endless versatility. Why not combine two ideas to create multiple usable spaces within your home?
Uses that work well doubled up include:
- Shipping container gyms and yoga/ Pilates studios – simply place any machinery or weights around the perimeter of the room and leave the centre clear, making an ideal spot for yoga mats!
- Playrooms and shipping container home offices – while at first, it may sound counter-intuitive, if you work a 9-5 weekday office job, chances are you won’t be in your office during the evenings and weekends – exactly when you might want to give the little ones a bit of extra space to play. Just be sure to put any paperwork securely away and hide your laptops and tablets to keep them out of the reach of sticky fingers!
- Animal grooming parlours and art spaces – with large sink units and wipeable tables needed for both, containing messy activities can be very simple.
How to design your dream converted shipping container?
Designing a new space can be tricky.
Some people find visualising spaces and layouts easy and can almost see their new shipping container room before it is crafted. While others need to be methodical and draw their design, with a labelled key and exact measurements.
And some simply don’t have a clue.
No matter which category you fall into, putting your ideas onto paper can be the best way to solidify your ideas and make sure you get everything inside that you need.
Possible ways of collating your ideas include:
- Saving images and creating mood boards.
- Drawing a floor plan with labels to identify key features.
- Taking pictures for inspiration.
- Using images or drawings of your current space.
No matter how far along in the design process you are, why not get in touch?
Here at Gap Containers, we can help you clarify your ideas with our bespoke design process, deciding on everything from which size shipping container would work best for your space, to designing key elements to include, such as shelves, rails, or supports for installations like sinks.
For more information, explore our previously converted shipping containers or reach out to our team to arrange your one-to-one consultation by calling 0870 240 9405 or sending us an email and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
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