Things are moving!
During the last couple of years we have been in discussions with many Chinese companies claiming to be competent at constructing shipping container based buildings, but we have come to the conclusion that it will continue to be difficult to find a manufacturer capable of providing us with housing modules to the standard we are looking for. Nor can we be absolutely sure that materials they would use will not be contaminated! So we feel like giving up on the Chinese. But you never know. One day we might get an email out of the blue from a Chinese factory offering to work with us to our design and at a reasonable price. Not going to hold my breath!
We are currently working with a company with factories in Malaysia and Indonesia. Our aim is to have 1 and 2 bedroom SMALLisSMART HOUSES that are constructed in a 40 ft container, and 3 and 4 bedroom SMALLERisSMARTER HOUSES that are built in 2 X 40 ft containers constructed overseas where labour is cheap, then ship them to the clients.
The SMALLisSMART HOUSE will only require 4 footings, one at each corner, then it needs to be connected to local services.
The 2 X 40 ft container 3 and 4 bedroom house will require some side panels cut out at site because they cannot be shipped with walls already cutout. Once located on site (with 8 footings), trims around the openings between the containers will have to be fitted and then the services connected.
Most people interested in container based building are very cost conscious!
We have indications that the SMALLisSMART HOUSE will cost less than $38,000 plus transport, footings and connections to services, and the 3 / 4 bedroom SMALLERisSMARTER HOUSE will cost less than $58,000 plus joining costs, footings and connections.
In February, I will visit the Malaysian factory to inspect the construction of the prototype of the SMALLisSMART HOUISE, which will become a display house in Malaysia.
The first production model will then be constructed and shipped to Australia.
As well as these two types of complete houses, we are planning to make available a number of modules that will be completely fitted out at the factory then shipped to clients sites, where openings will be cut, then the containers positioned to make up the complete custom designed buildings.
Modules may be:
Bedroom - bathroom - bedroom in a 40 ft container.
Kitchen - laundry - bathroom in a 40 ft container.
Other modules that do not require any plumbing can be placed along side plumbed modules to make double wide rooms.
Custom designed and constructed modules for specific use.
It appears nearly certain that we will be able to provide non standard size container modules. These will be shipped flat pack in open top containers. The length of each module will be less than 11.6m and the width is very flexible because floor and roof panel will stack vertically in the shipping containers for transport. These modules will be ideal for appartment blocks, hotels, motels, student accommodation, and schools.
We expect to have firm prices by the end of February 2012.