A shipping container is a robust, affordable and transportable shell – and therefore the ideal basis for a conversion project. On this page you will find ideas for shipping container conversions, an assessment of effort and costs per trade, and how to put your project into practice. Coin Container organises the conversion for you.
Would you rather not carry out the conversion yourself? Container conversion as a service – process, examples and a quote from Coin Container.
Which container to use as the base?
For conversions intended for occupancy, we almost always recommend the High Cube (40 or 20 ft): After 5–8 cm of interior insulation, enough standing height remains. For large openings, an Open Side container is practical because the long side is already open. Used containers are sufficient as a base; where appearance matters, a One-way containeris worth it. Dimensions at a glance: Container dimensions and sizes.
10 conversion ideas at a glance
- Site office or garden office – insulation, windows, electricity, heating. Effort: medium.
- Workshop or hobby room – electricity, lighting, workbench, large door if needed. Effort: low–medium.
- Storage room with shelving – shelving, ventilation, lighting. Effort: low.
- Tiny house / living module – full insulation, plumbing, kitchen, windows, permit. Effort: high.
- Sauna – insulation, wood cladding, stove, electrics. Effort: medium–high.
- Pool or equipment container – waterproofing, equipment room, electrics. Effort: medium–high.
- Mobile sales or bar container – serving hatch, counter, cooling equipment, CEE power supply. Effort: medium.
- Exhibition or trade fair container – coating, lighting, display areas. Effort: medium.
- Lounge or break room – insulation, windows, heating, plumbing connection. Effort: medium.
- Emergency shelter – insulation, windows, plumbing, several modules coupled together. Effort: high.
Effort and costs – the trades
| Trade | Effort | drives up costs when … |
|---|---|---|
| insulation | medium | habitable room (GEG requirements), thermal bridges at the frame |
| Electrical | low–medium | many circuits, three-phase power, inspection required |
| Plumbing | high | water and wastewater connection, boiler, frost protection |
| Windows / doors | medium | many or large openings, frame reinforcement |
| Floor structure | low–medium | replacing the old floor, floor structure with insulation |
| Coating / paint | low–medium | inside and outside, custom colour, large surface area |
We state specific prices in the quote – they depend heavily on the fit-out standard.
Order of work during the fit-out
Cut openings and reinforce frames → rough electrical installation → insulation → vapour barrier → cladding → interior fit-out (floor, walls, services). If you insulate before the rough installation, you will have to tear the insulation open again.
Don't forget the permit
Above a certain size, or for permanent use where people stay in the unit, a building permit is required. Check this early: Shipping container building permit.
Insulating containers
Insulation determines the indoor climate and heating costs – and it is the point where most DIY conversions fail. Material comparison and layer structure: Insulating containers.
Conversion by a specialist company
Coin Container coordinates the entire conversion – from the idea through the design to delivery. You get the purchase and modification from one supplier. More on this: Container conversion and modification.
Your conversion project
Describe your idea to us – we will tell you which container fits and what is possible. Request a quote · Next: Painting containers · Residential container · Container guide
Frequently asked questions
Which container is suitable as a basis for a conversion?
For conversions where people will stay inside, usually the High Cube, because there is still enough headroom to stand after 5 to 8 cm of interior insulation. For large openings, an Open Side container is a good choice.
Do you carry out the conversion yourself?
Yes, Coin Container organises the conversion for you.
What conversion ideas are there?
Ten examples, from garden or construction site offices to workshops, storage, tiny houses and saunas, through to bar or trade fair containers. The effort ranges from low (storage) to high (living module).
Completed conversions with photos: Container projects & case studies. More ideas for use: Ideas & inspiration.
Last updated: 21 September 2026 · Editor: Coin Container Team, Hamburg