Are you looking for a team who specialise in container conversions for accommodation? Then you have come to the perfect place! We are Capital Containers, and alongside our work providing containers for shipping and storage, we also adapt them for a wide range of other purposes.
Our accommodation container conversions are some of the most popular that we offer, and we work with a wide range of clients. From cost-effective studio flats to fully connected modular homes, we bring comfort, security, and practicality together in one smart build.
Can Shipping Containers Be Used for Accommodation?
It might come as a surprise to see shipping containers being converted for use as accommodation, but it’s something that is becoming more and more popular! It’s amazing what you can do with such a small space, and they are proving to be a cost-effective solution for a wide range of accommodation needs. We know first-hand just how much potential a humble shipping container has, and we love to convert them for another use.
Shipping container accommodation is growing in popularity for good reason. These structures are:
- Budget-friendly
- Quick to convert
- Strong and secure
- Easy to customise
- Ideal for personal or commercial use
Whether you want a granny annexe, guest house, student housing or a compact rental unit, our container conversions for accommodation are designed with livability in mind.
Our Case Studies
We recently converted two 20ft containers into a fully functioning compact home. The unit featured:
- Lounge, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom
- Vinyl flooring and washable melamine walls
- Complete electrical, plumbing, and air conditioning installations
The result? A cosy, secure home ready for everyday living – perfect for guests or private use.
Why Choose Us?
We have our own in-house team who can design, convert, and construct not only containers but anything you may require in steel. This can be done to your own specification. It amazes us how many different uses Containers can be put to.
- In-house team with 30+ years’ experience
- Custom designs, layouts, and interiors
- Durable steel construction
- Options for 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft containers
- Proven results across residential and commercial builds
We’ve converted containers into homes, schools, offices, cafés, bars, and more. If you can imagine it, we can build it.
Your Accommodation Container Conversions Options
We love to give our customers as much choice as possible. When you choose us, you can take your pick from 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft shipping containers, and they have all been used to create amazing extra space for these builds above. From just single containers to multiple containers being connected together to make large structures and very modern-looking buildings, we will be able to meet your needs.
Talk to Us
Want to know more about container conversions accommodation? Contact us today, we’re here to help with expert advice and a friendly team ready to bring your vision to life.
Accommodation Container Conversion FAQ’s
Do I need planning permission for a shipping container home?
In many cases, container homes in the UK do not require planning permission because they’re often classed as temporary structures. However, if you plan to live in it long-term, it may be treated as a permanent dwelling, and permission could be required.
Planning rules vary depending on your local council—especially in sensitive areas like Listed Buildings, National Parks, or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Always check with your local planning authority (LPA) to confirm. You can find your local LPA here.
What are the benefits of a container home?
Container homes offer a wide range of advantages:
– Affordable and cost-effective to build
– Eco-friendly, made using recycled materials
– Fast to install and convert
– Stylish and customisable designs
– Lower maintenance and construction costs than traditional homes
What is a container home?
A container home is made from large steel shipping containers originally used for transporting goods by sea, rail, or road. These containers are strong, durable, and built to last in harsh environments.
They are often converted into homes by specialist companies and can be fully customised to match your size and style preferences. Container homes are also an eco-conscious choice, reducing the need for new building materials.
What regulations apply to container homes in the UK?
If you intend to live in a container home, it must comply with UK building regulations, such as:
– Fire safety
– Structural integrity
– Insulation and ventilation standards
To ensure full compliance, it’s recommended to work with a certified container conversion company.
When might I not need planning permission?
In your garden:
Generally, you don’t need planning permission to place a container in your garden—unless your property is in a protected area or the container covers more than half of the land surrounding the original house.
On farmland:
If you’re placing the container on unused farmland, permission may not be needed. However, converting agricultural land into residential use usually requires planning approval. Always check with your LPA.
For temporary business use:
Setting up a pop-up shop or temporary workspace using a container often doesn’t require planning permission. But if it’s a permanent business structure, you’ll likely need approval.
What’s the takeaway?
Container homes are a fast, affordable, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional housing. Planning permission may not always be necessary, but to stay compliant, always check with your local planning authority and work with a professional conversion company.
