17 Apr Is There Still a Role for Prefabricated Buildings in the Twenty-First Century?

Events like the Gold Rush and the Second World War led to a vast demand for prefabricated buildings, but are they still relevant today? The short answer is, “more than ever”. Historically, they were introduced as an emergency measure. They offered a means to provide inexpensive accommodation for prospectors in the Klondike and people rendered homeless by the Blitz in Britain that was quick and easy to erect.

Despite being considered a temporary solution, many of those wartime British “prefabs” continued to house families for decades, and some are still occupied today. Their durability, low cost, and ease of assembly have led to a steadily growing demand for similar structures today. However, the modern solution is to construct modular buildings from converted shipping containers rather than sticking with the wartime concept of aluminium or steel frameworks and asbestos or wooden walls, creating many more roles for them today.

Shipping Containers  offer a Versatile Starting Point for Prefabricated Buildings

While rising house prices and high interest rates have sparked an increased demand for this far cheaper alternative, the possible uses for converted shipping containers are not limited to affordable housing, nor are they restricted to single-storey dwellings. When employing this modular approach to construction, building duplex homes and multi-storey apartment blocks is equally cost-effective and quick. Let’s examine some of the other ways in which these metal storage vessels can be repurposed.

• Retail Outlets

These prefabricated structures are an ideal option for the budding entrepreneur on a limited budget who needs an inexpensive kiosk, storefront, or spaza shop assembled and functional within days rather than months.

• Office Space

These units can be an excellent option for construction and mining companies as they can be easily transported to a new site whenever the need arises. They can be furnished as sales or site offices or even call centres.

• Classrooms

Despite the importance of education, government funding remains seriously inadequate. This versatile building option can provide a much-needed classroom, laboratory, library, or even an entire school – a lifeline for educators and pupils, especially in deprived rural areas.

• Disaster Relief

Train crashes, fires, collapsed buildings, and natural disasters are a fact of life, and when they occur, emergency services often need a local operational base. Converted shipping containers can act as medical or ops centres and be transported on a flatbed truck to wherever help is needed.

Prefabricated Buildings Open Endless Possibilities

Need an ablution block, community centre, a long-term storage solution, or somewhere to garage your classic cars? Whatever your need, we at Absolute Containers have the expertise, experience, and resources to develop a solution. Why not complete our contact form and tell us what you need?