Upcycling Intermodal Containers for
Cold Weather Micro Housing
CONCEPT DESIGN FOR NUNAVUT’S HOUSING SHORTAGE
Background
Proper housing is inaccessible to nearly one-third of the world population, making housing a priority for planners and government alike. In a Canadian context, a rapidly growing population are indigenous peoples. Based on 2010 to 2011 data by Stats Canada, the total fertility rate (children per woman) for aboriginal populations were much higher compared to a non-aboriginal peoples. Inuit populations in particular had the highest total fertility rate at 2.8. Despite this, providing housing for Inuit communities has been notoriously difficult to implement in Nunavut’s harsh and remote environment. Material costs are high, as goods need to be shipped vast distances, and the frigid temperatures mean only a slim window every year is open to deliver ship-borne supplies.
Concerning this problem, this concept design proposes a housing solution for Inuit communities via the upcycling of cargo containers. This design utilizes standard 10 ft and 20 ft ISO intermodal containers to be repurposed into housing, in combination with conventional construction techniques. The design features 3 bedrooms, a combined living area, dining area, kitchen and bathroom, with capacity for a family of 4 (envisioned for a couple and two children).
The hope is that by using these ISO containers to carry construction materials and furniture while in transport and re-purposing the external shell, costs can be lowered for more affordable housing in the remote north. The result may be an affordable, utilitarian, and aesthetic housing solution where individuals can raise the next generation of Nunavut’s residents.
Pictured below, a size comparison of 10, 20, and 40 ft containers (left) and the configuration used for this design (right).
Design Precedents
Cargo container housing as an affordable accommodation solution is not a new idea, and the Canadian Government is already pursuing prototypes to test the feasibility of these houses for indigenous populations. Atira Property Management for example has already constructed numerous pilot houses in Vancouver for indigenous peoples with plans to expand to both Alberta and Nunavut.
Other notable examples include Makivik Corporation and the Kativik Municipal Housing Bureau, who have unveiled prototype designs for indigenous housing in the north. Their design, created by architect Alain Fournier, features amenities suited for the Inuit way of life and culture.
For instance, a heated and non-heated porch for both gear storage and meat preservation. A large kitchen is also provided for communal events, and a movable kitchen island is included to create floor-wide cutting boards to butcher large game. In addition to this, their design uses innovative heating exchange systems to provide low-cost energy efficiency within the home, making it more affordable to maintain. The result is an aesthetically pleasing, utilitarian structure that meets the needs of the Inuit community and culture, which many aspects this design draws upon.
As space is at a premium, inspiration was also drawn from van-dwelling style furniture, where extra storage space is fitted wherever the opportunity allows, such as both above and below sleeping quarters. Student dormitories were also looked at, in particular a unique “s-style” bunk bed design by architecture firm Vardehaugen AS that both saves space and provides privacy in tight conditions.
Exterior Features
Given the frigid conditions, the dwelling features 1 ft thick walls for added insulation and heat retention. Additionally, windows are kept to a minimum where possible to balance heat loss and sunlight absorption.
Like many houses in northern environments, the design sits on pile foundations, which are better suited to deal with snowfall that may accumulate on the sides of the building. Additionally, deep pile foundations are excellent for long term durability as climate change may mean the permafrost will likely shift. Utilities are also run underneath the crawl space of the house for this reason.
1 ft eaves overhang the edges of the house, reducing snowfall that collects along the walls of the building. Where the porch is located, coverage is provided by the roof so users can sit outside while remaining protected from snowfall. To further facilitate this, the porch railing features tightly faceted planks to protect the porch from strong winds, reducing windchill.
Lastly, the red colouration and low roof contour were chosen to better fit in with already existing housing in Nunavut communities. Despite being made of ISO containers, this design will blend in with the existing built form.
Interior Features
Like Fournier’s design, a cold porch and warm porch are included. When entering the dwelling the user first comes into the unheated cold porch, which is used for gear storage and meat preservation. It then transtions to the interior warm porch, which allows for cold-weather clothing storage.
As space is at a premium, the living area, dining and kitchen are combined into one space. These three areas can, therefore, be re-arranged to suit a multitude of purposes depending on the situation.
Hidden on the side of the dining area are the laundry and drying machine, in addition to the water heater. The water heater is a tankless design, to reduce the energy costs of keeping a hot tank of water on standby and, most importantly, to save space.
The two children bedrooms attached to the main space features an “S-style” bunk bed, which creates two distinct rooms while offering complete privacy and space savings. Full-length drawers underneath provide ample storage for clothing.
The master bedroom is reminiscent of van-style dwellings, with wood furniture built around the bed to increase storage space. Full-length drawers underneath the bed and a closet provide ample storage.
Overview
As world populations continue to grow, container homes and micro-housing designs may be increasingly popular to meet the housing needs of future generations. This concept hopes to showcase what may be possible in the realm of housing and help inspire further solutions for disadvantaged communities.
