Architects develop a prototype of a wooden shipping container

This house can move: A team of architects of the Institut für Entwerfen und Konstruieren, Abteilung Experimentelles Entwerfen und Konstruieren of Leibniz Universität Hannover has created a mobile shelter in wood construction. This "HomeBox" matches the measurement of an international standardised freight container and is designated as living space. With the help of lifting and transport means, the box is employable worldwide as it isn't attached to one locality.

A prototype is stationary on the grounds of the Fakultät für Architektur und Landschaft, Herrenhäuser Str. 8, 30419 Hannover, right across from the Herrenhäuser Gärten. Visitors are allowed to take a look at the outside of the box anytime; a visit of the interior can be arranged.

The boxes might be used temporarily as infill housing in cities. A fielding as emergency housing in displacement camps might be possible. The HomeBox is erected upright as opposed to common shipping containers. The floor area measures about 2,9 meters to 2,4 meters. Due to the unusual size, a housing emerges which is reminiscent of a small tower and therefore requires less space than the commonly used container.

The advantage of the box in comparison to the usual steel container is - apart from the low space requirements - mostly yielded because of the building material timber. Repair and maintenance of steel container is usually distinctly more expensive. Furthermore, the steel prices increase noticeably at the moment. Timber, on the other hand, is economic and as natural resource also ecofriendly. Apart from that, living between wooden walls is more comfortable and healthier as in a steel container. Wooden container are easier and cheaper to vary, adjust and alter.

Further information in German on the project as well as photos of the prototype of the HomeBox are available on the internet: www.exek.uni-hannover.de, menu item "Forschung".