Old shipping containers are being given a new lease on life by being converted into high-end living units.
Though it has competitors, the SA company behind the conversion believes it has the edge when it comes to adding luxury features and finishes and that its offerings are a cut above the rest.
The firm’s Eastern Cape branch will soon deliver its latest project — luxury accommodation units — to a private game reserve near Knysna.
Container structures have been around for many years and have grown in popularity because of their versatility, according to Container Homes SA chief executive Deon van Deventer.
“We started about five years ago and back then there were maybe two companies converting containers into rudimentary buildings.
“We decided to step things up a notch, adding luxury features and finishes, and turning these empty boxes into high-end homes.”
The containers are sourced through an agent who supplies the company with B-grade containers that have come to the end of their shipping life.
The containers, mostly 6m in length, are then treated and refurbished and fitted with doors, windows, electricity, plumbing, high-end fixtures and appliances.
They also comply with all SANS and NHBRC regulations.
One of the key benefits of container homes is the time frame to complete construction — Van Deventer said a three-bedroom house with all the bells and whistles took as little as three months to complete.
According to his calculations, container homes were about 15% to 20% less expensive than their brick and mortar equivalents.
“Containers are fully customisable and very modular.
“It’s like we are building Lego, but the blocks weigh six tonnes.
“We add brand-name kitchen appliances, air-conditioning, quality aluminium doors and windows — anything the client wants.
“Tiny units can cost as little as R220,000, and we are currently finishing a project with a bill of R5m.”
The company has branches in Roodepoort, Melkbosstrand and Gqeberha, where the containers are constructed, but it ships its finished products across Southern Africa.
Leonard van Wyk, who leads Container Homes SA’s Eastern Cape operations, is putting the finishing touches to units they it will be delivering to the Knysna Elephant Park within the next few days.
Each of the six units consists of two 6m containers and will have a bedroom, lounge, bathroom and kitchen, and will be used as luxury accommodation units at the park.
Each unit has a large window that will overlook a section of the park where guests can view the elephants from the comfort of their own lounge.
“We are currently finishing the fabrication part of the project and the first units will be loaded onto trucks and transported to the park during the course of the week.
“Upon arrival, we will do final installations, and we hope to do the final handover to the client by December 1,” Van Wyk said.
HeraldLIVE
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