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A Blueprint for Better Workforce Housing: The Benefits of Shipping Container Solutions

storage container workforce housing

In industries like oil and gas, construction, agriculture, and even the military, summoning durable and comfortable housing for workers in the middle of nowhere is no small feat. Traditional housing solutions often don’t make sense because of the rugged locations and temporary nature of these projects. However, modified shipping containers are emerging as an appealing alternative to industry norms. 

Remote Workforce Housing Challenges

Creating a temporary mini civilization where no infrastructure exists, like a remote oil field or deep in the mountains of a mining operation, brings many logistical and practical challenges. Companies that relocate their workforce to no-man’s land have to contend with the following:

Extreme weather - Harsh climates call for structures that can withstand their environment, whether that’s the blistering heat of the south Texas desert or the frozen winters of Alaska. 

Limited access to materials and utilities - There are no “quick trips to Home Depot” when you’re three hours from the nearest town. Bringing in the crews and materials required for a traditional build is rarely feasible. Plus, organizations are reluctant to overcrowd already cramped and rudimentary worksites with extra people, lest they strain their limited utilities like septic or generator power.  

Frequent relocation - Depending on its purpose, a remote worksite can stay in operation for weeks or years. But whenever it is time to pack up and move on to the next endeavor, their workforce housing needs to pack up, too. Mobility is a must for such housing needs. 

Familiar Remote Workforce Housing

Mobile Homes and Trailers

Two of the more common solutions for remote workforce housing today are prefabricated mobile homes and trailers (like an RV). While these options tick the portability box, they have some serious drawbacks that cause long-term headaches. 

Limited durability - These structures are not known for their resilience in average environments, much less harsh ones. Heavy wind, scalding temperatures, high humidity, and icy winters do a number on the intentionally lightweight, often aluminum-framed buildings. 

Relocation wear and tear - Although mobile homes and trailers are designed to be transported, that doesn’t mean they do it well in high frequency. The stress of relocation on the framing, wall and roof seams, and exterior finishes results in higher maintenance costs while diminishing aesthetic appeal. 

Lower ROI - Many companies opt to rent their prefabricated homes and trailers rather than purchase them. However, rental costs are high, especially in areas where rental companies have created a monopoly for themselves. And since the structures are prone to wear and tear, customers often find themselves stuck with excess maintenance fees. 

Jack and Jill floorplan 2

Within just 320 square feet of space, modified containers can be configured into comfortable and durable workforce living areas.

Why Shipping Containers Are Ideal for Remote Workforce Housing

Modified shipping containers have several advantages over the industry norms.

Exceptional durability

Shipping containers were built to withstand the harshest conditions. Constructed from Corten steel, these containers were designed to endure trans-oceanic voyages and extreme weather. Rugged environments are where they thrive. 

Built-in mobility

Containers are made to be moved. Even after being modified into a livable space, containers won’t compromise their structural integrity with frequent relocation. They can also be moved more easily than their counterparts via crane or forklift, and they can be transported via rail, truck bed, or barge. 

Stackable

In areas with limited space, containers offer a compact solution since they’re designed to be stacked. Multi-level housing is a convenient way to save space without turning away workers because of a lack of lodgings. 

Customizable

Shipping containers can be modified extensively. Common modifications we see include jack-and-jill bathrooms, kitchenettes, security features like burglar bars, and more. 

Real Shipping Container Workforce Housing Examples

OBI Seafoods in Rural Alaska

OBI Seafoods, an Alaskan fish processing company, needed to supplement their workforce housing for seasonal employees in remote Nanek, Alaska. Traditional construction was not feasible, both for time and cost reasons, and the existing stick-built housing was falling apart. OBI opted for durable and portable containers to be modified into lodgings offsite, then shipped via rail and barge to their final destination. According to OBI, these containers are the most coveted lodgings among their workforce. 

Read the OBI Seafoods case study

U.S. Border Patrol Housing

A contractor for the Department of Homeland Security had to find mobile workforce housing that could stand up to frequent relocation and extreme temperatures along the southern United States border. We modified one 20-foot container into a bunkhouse for six, and the other two containers became a full bathroom and kitchen/living area. The steel containers offered extra security compared to mobile homes. They were made even more portable once mounted to custom chassis.  

Read the U.S. Border Patrol case study

Explore the Possibilities of Upgraded Workforce Housing

View a video walk-through of a container modified into workforce housing for a better perspective of what’s possible with modified container living spaces. 

Interested in learning more? Reach out to our team at 512-231-1010 or contact us to learn more of what’s possible with your container workforce housing needs.

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