Category Archives: Design

Power System

Posted on January 17, 2011 by Steve

I just finished installing most of the electrical outlets and switches this past weekend, and thought it would be a good time to discuss the power system.  It’s an off-grid system, mostly out of necessity, as I’m about 2/3 of … Continue reading →

Posted in Design, Power | 10 Comments

An Alternate Design

Posted on January 10, 2011 by Steve

A reader the other day asked about reversing the middle container so the doors could be opened all the way.  I told him that many of my first designs did this, and that there was a lot going for that … Continue reading →

Posted in Design | 10 Comments

Roof Plans

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Steve

I guess the first roof related decision for a shipping container builder is whether or not to even have one.  Considering that I have three connected containers, am in Wisconsin with ~50 psf snow loads, and that the inner walls … Continue reading →

Posted in Design | 9 Comments

Foundation Plans

Posted on August 14, 2010 by Steve

The foundation is one of the few things that I needed to get professional help in designing.  I wanted to make sure it was done correctly and safely, especially when the internal walls were going to be completely removed.  After … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction, Design | 4 Comments

My Favorite Tool

Posted on August 12, 2010 by Steve

My constant companion throughout this whole process has been my favorite new tool – Google SketchUp.  In fact, I’m not really sure I would have gone through with this project if it had not been for SketchUp.  SketchUp is unquestionably … Continue reading →

Posted in Design | 4 Comments