Garage from a Shipping Container
Garage from a Shipping Container represents a modern, robust and flexible solution for protecting and storing cars, motorcycles, equipment or workshop equipment. It is an adaptation of one or more used or new intermodal steel containers (commonly known as “shipping containers”) for a purpose‑built structure. This concept is part of the phenomenon “kargitecture” (container architecture), where the technical properties of the container are used not only in industry but also in private construction.
The basic building element is the container, usually 20 ft (approx. 6 m) or 40 ft (approx. 12 m), made of weather‑resistant Corten steel. This ensures high durability even in extreme conditions, which together with the possibility of rapid installation is the main reason for their growing popularity.
Why a container garage?
- Rapid construction: The garage can be put into service within a few days.
- Robust construction: Steel containers are built for extreme loads (stacking, transport).
- Portability: Can be moved to another location.
- Ecological choice: Upcycling of already produced material.
- Modular expansion: Ability to connect multiple containers.
Key Technical Parameters
| Container Type | Length (m) | Width (m) | Height (m) | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 6.06 | 2.44 | 2.59 | Single‑car garage, workshop |
| 40ft Standard | 12.19 | 2.44 | 2.59 | Two‑car garage, workshop |
| 40ft High Cube | 12.19 | 2.44 | 2.89 | Garage with high ceiling |
- Container load capacity: Minimum 2.5 tonnes, typically 20–30 tonnes.
- Steel wall thickness: Usually around 1.6–2 mm (Corten B).
- Floor: Most often plywood, sometimes with moisture‑resistant surface treatment.
Selection and Inspection of the Container
- Technical condition: Check the degree of corrosion, deformations, door tightness, floor condition.
- Container origin: Ideal are the so‑called “one‑trip” containers (used only once, in perfect condition).
- Safety aspects: No penetrations, minimal dents, functional locking.
- Dimensional suitability: Be aware of the vehicle dimensions and clearance for egress.
Practical tips
- For regular daily parking of a passenger car we recommend at least two connected containers due to width.
- Before purchase always physically inspect the container, ideally accompanied by a specialist.
Foundations and Site Preparation
Container garage requires a level, solid and dry sub‑base. Choice of foundation type depends on purpose and planned mobility of the structure:
- Concrete pads: Most common choice for quick and solid footing; allow ventilation of the container’s underside and prevent corrosion.
- Reinforced concrete slab: More luxurious option, suitable for permanent solution – provides maximum moisture protection and prevents vegetation growth.
- Gravel bed: For temporary structures and easy relocation.
- Ground screws: Ecological and fast solution without need for concrete.
Important: When placed on soft ground the container may deform and doors may have trouble opening!
Building Permit and Legislation
When do you need a building permit?
According to the Czech Building Act (No. 283/2021 Sb.) the following applies:
- Minor structures (up to 40 m² built area and up to 5 m height, without residential function) – often a building notification suffices.
- Larger/complex garages or structures with utilities (electricity, water, sewage) – usually a building permit is required.
- Always must respect zoning plan, setbacks from property boundaries, and fire regulations.
Procedure:
- Visit the building office with the project and inquire about local conditions.
- Prepare project documentation (a simple drawing, site plan, material description is enough).
- Neighbour statements – required for some types of construction.
- Apply for permit/notification – the office has 30–60 days to process.
Attention: Even a mobile container placed on a plot for a longer period may be subject to a building permit!
Insulation, Ventilation and Condensation Protection
Why insulate the container garage?
- Steel conducts heat and cold – overheating in summer, freezing in winter.
- High humidity and condensation – risk of corrosion, mold and equipment damage.
- Acoustic comfort – steel walls without insulation resonate strongly.
Most common insulation systems:
| Insulation Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| PUR/PIR foam | High efficiency, seamless | Higher cost, requires professional installation |
| Mineral wool | Cheaper, readily available | Requires vapor barrier, greater thickness |
| Styrofoam (EPS) | Good thermal insulation | Flammability, lower acoustic protection |
| Sandwich panels | Integrated solution | Higher purchase price |
Wall composition (recommendation):
- Container steel wall
- Vapor barrier (condensation control)
- Insulation material (min. 5–10 cm)
- Interior cladding (OSB, plasterboard, planks)
Ventilation
- Passive vents (top and bottom)
- Roof ventilators
- Heat recovery unit (for heated workshops)
Exterior surface treatments
- Anti‑corrosion coating (regular inspection and maintenance)
- Wooden or composite cladding (improved appearance, protection against overheating)
- Green roof (mitigates thermal fluctuations, ecological option)
Garage Modifications and Equipment
Entrance doors and access
- Original container doors are robust but impractical for everyday use.
- Recommend installation of sectional, rolling or swing garage doors into side/front wall.
- When cutting an opening, the structure must be additionally reinforced with a steel frame!
Floor
- Most common waterproof plywood (thickness 28–35 mm).
- For increased durability the floor can be covered with epoxy coating, rubber or ceramic tiles.
Lighting and Electrical Installation
- We recommend LED lighting and a dedicated circuit breaker for the garage.
- Outlets with at least IP44 rating (humid environment).
- Option to connect solar panels for independent operation.
Additional equipment
- Shelves, hanging systems, workbenches
- Bicycle racks, tire holders
- Security system (alarm, cameras)
Types of Solutions and Inspiration
Single Container Garage
- Simplest solution – 20 ft container as storage or workshop.
- For regular passenger‑car parking we recommend a width of at least two containers side by side.
Double/Triple Container Garage
- Combination of 2–3 containers (width 4.8–7.2 m) for comfortable parking and workshop space.
- Reinforcement of joints and removed walls required.
Carport with Container
- Container used as storage, next to it a covered parking with a slab roof.
- Ideal for a combination of protected parking and lockable storage.
Multi‑level Solution
- Stacking containers to use land vertically.
- Upper container can be workshop, office, hobby room.
Hybrid Design
- Combination of container with wood, glass or masonry elements.
- Suitable for demanding architects and sensitive integration into the surrounding built environment.
Maintenance, Service Life and Ecological Aspects
- Service life of container garage: With proper maintenance and protection against corrosion 30–50 years.
- Maintenance: Check coatings, drainage, seal condition and foundation.
- Ecology: Upcycling the container reduces ecological footprint; green roofs or solar panels are possible.
Frequently Asked Questions and Practical Experiences
Is a container garage suitable for everyone?
- Ideal for DIYers, cottage owners, companies and developers seeking quick and robust solutions.
- Allows self‑construction or complete turnkey delivery.
What are the real customer experiences?
- “Container garage solved my motorcycle storage and workshop for a fraction of the cost of a prefabricated hall.”
- “It is necessary to insulate and ventilate well, otherwise water condenses in winter.”
- “The building office allowed me a 2×20 ft garage only as a minor structure; it could not be permanently connected to utilities.”
Financing and Prices
- Used 20 ft container: 45 000–75 000 CZK (depending on condition)
- New “one‑trip” 20 ft container: 70 000–120 000 CZK
- Transport: 5 000–20 000 CZK (depending on distance)
- Modifications (doors, insulation, electrical): 30 000–150 000 CZK depending on scope
- Turnkey garage price: from 110 000 CZK (single) to 350 000 CZK and more (double, with modifications)
Financing options
- Own funds
- Bank loan or construction savings (for permanent structures)
- Grants (for ecological upgrades, e.g., green roof, photovoltaics)
Czech Republic, Třebíč 
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