Container House Customization: Configuration, Materials and Fit-Out Options

Two container houses with the same external dimensions can differ by a factor of three in price. The difference is configuration: panel core, glazing, fit-out level and electrical scope. This guide lists the decisions that should be fixed before production starts, because most of them cannot be changed afterwards.

Decisions to Fix Before Production

Panel Core Selection

• EPS — the most economical core, widely used for mild and warm climates.
• Rock wool — non-combustible core used where fire performance is a requirement, such as kitchens and multi-unit buildings.
• Glass wool — good thermal performance with fire resistance, common in accommodation units.
• PU — the best thermal performance per millimetre, suited to cold climates and refrigeration-adjacent applications.

Fit-Out Levels

1. Shell — frame, panels, floors, doors, windows and basic wiring. The buyer completes the interior.
2. Semi-finished — shell plus partitions, ceiling, floor finish and electrical outlets installed.
3. Turnkey — complete with bathroom, kitchenette, air conditioning provision, lighting and furniture if required.

Appearance and Branding

Exterior colour, cladding and signage can be specified for brand or site consistency. For rental and hospitality operators, a consistent exterior finish across a fleet of units has a direct effect on how the accommodation is perceived and priced. Internal finishes — wall colour, floor tone and joinery style — should be agreed from physical samples rather than screens.

What Cannot Be Changed Later

• Frame size and structural grade
• Panel core type and thickness
• Position of doors and windows in the structural panels
• Voltage and wiring layout
• Floor level and structural openings for plumbing

Frequently Asked Questions