QUESTIONS FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Products

Container

What types of containers are on the market?

Generally speaking, we can distinguish between two types of containers: construction containers, commonly found on construction sites, for example, and shipping containers, which are used primarily for maritime transport. The main difference between these types lies primarily in their construction.
Shipping containers are designed for long-term use in the harsh marine environment.

What type of steel are sea containers made of?

Shipping containers are made of Corten steel, which offers enhanced resistance to weather conditions. Corten steel, or COR-TEN, was specifically designed and developed to minimize corrosion in the extremely harsh weather conditions found in the marine environment.

What are the dimensions of sea containers?

The length of shipping containers is standardized according to ISO and is expressed in feet—we typically use containers measuring 10''; 20''; and 40''; feet. In terms of height, we distinguish between standard containers and high-cube (HC) containers.

The interior height is 2.39 m and 2.69 m, respectively.
Standard DC container (external dimensions)
10 '';(feet) – 2.89 m (L) x 2.44 m (W) x 2.59 m (H)
20 '';(feet) – 6.06 m (L) x 2.44 m (W) x 2.59 m (H)
40 '';(feet) – 12.19 m (L) x 2.44 m (W) x 2.59 m (H)

High-cube (HC) container (external dimensions)
20''; (feet) – 6.06 m (L) x 2.44 m (W) x 2.89 m (H)
40'';(feet) – 12.19 m (L) x 2.44 m (W) x 2.89 m (H)

How much does a container weigh?

The gross weight of an empty container is 2.5 metric tons for a 20'' container and 4 metric tons for a 40'' container. A fully equipped L30 Home module weighs approximately 8–9 metric tons.

Technology

How is thermal insulation and container heating solved?

Internal insulation for walls and ceilings is applied by spraying closed-cell polyurethane foam with a thickness of 80 to 100 mm and supplemented with mineral wool (50 mm). This technology eliminates thermal bridges. For floor insulation, we use closed-cell polyurethane with a thickness of 50 mm. The thermal insulation we propose has been adapted to Central European climatic conditions.

The excellent thermal insulation performance of the walls and ceiling [U 0.18 W/(m²×K)] makes it relatively easy to maintain a specific temperature, regardless of the season. For heating these facilities, we recommend innovative electric heaters or monoblock air conditioners with a heating function.

Can the roof of a house built of containers be gabled?

Depending on the building conditions or the local zoning plan, either a gable roof or a multi-sloped roof may be used. It can serve both a functional purpose—by providing additional space for a mezzanine—and a visual one, to meet administrative requirements.

Can I have a fireplace?

Yes, it is best to plan its location during the planning process and make connections during the construction phase.

Can photovoltaic panels be installed?

Yes, Flexicube can make the necessary connections.

Will I be able to move my home to another place?

Yes, regardless of the size of the object this is possible.

Is it possible to enlarge the surface of the house / office in the future?

Of course it can. The building can grow along with your needs. You’ll certainly appreciate this advantage as your business expands or your family grows. It’s important to plan for the possibility of expanding the space as early as the initial design phase.

Investment Preparation

How does the offer and order process work?

To prepare a preliminary quote, we need a drawing with a description in which the customer specifies the functional requirements of the structure. It is essential to specify the layout, the number of containers, and the desired glazing. Based on this information, we will recommend one of our standard models or prepare a quote for a custom design.

Once the offer has been accepted and all the details have been agreed, we prepare a technical specification to ensure that the facility will be completed to your satisfaction.

What is the difference between a standard offer and an individual project?

Our know-how and experience gained over the past few years have enabled us to develop a standard product line. We have combined the most common customer requirements and preferences to make it easy for you to quickly choose a solution and enjoy a proven product.

As part of a custom project, we develop the concept together with the client. This ranges from structural modifications, to combining containers into larger structures and stacking them, all the way to creating unique architectural designs. As part of the project, we can prepare drawings, 3D renderings, visualizations, and, if necessary, construction plans. Depending on the budget, virtually anything is possible—we’re happy to advise you and provide customized quotes. We can also collaborate with a design firm of the client’s choice.

How much does an object built from containers cost?

We can only provide precise pricing for units in our standard lineup. Other solutions are priced on a case-by-case basis. However, experience shows that the average cost of renovating a container in a “developer-ready” condition is 3,000 PLN/m² net.

How should I understand the developer status?

This is the basic scope of the container adaptation including the following elements:

  • new sea container (one way);
  • structural changes to the container;
  • Spray polyurethane insulation;
  • internal wall and ceiling construction;
  • plumbing;
  • electrical installation (sockets, switches);
  • drywall construction;
  • smoothing, interior painting;
  • Window and door joinery (anthracite PVC, 3-pane package);
  • flashings;
  • exterior painting.
Will I get a discount by ordering larger quantities?

Flexicube prides itself on its operational efficiency, which allows it to offer fair prices to all customers. If an order results in lower purchase prices for raw materials from our suppliers, we will be able to pass this benefit on to you by applying an appropriate discount.

Order Fulfillment and Delivery

How long does the order take?

For our standard designs, the construction period averages 8 to 12 weeks from the signing of the contract. The completion time for other orders is determined on a case-by-case basis and depends largely on the scope of the work ordered. In urgent cases, shorter delivery times are possible for an additional fee.

Will I need a building permit?

Under building code regulations, structures with an area of up to 35 m² (models L15, L30, and F30) do not require a building permit; they only need to be reported to the appropriate authority. For larger structures (over 35 m²), a building permit is required.

How to prepare a plot of land before delivery of a container?

The scope of site preparation, including foundations, depends on local conditions. In most cases, it is sufficient to use stable support points (blocks, concrete slabs, foundation footings), which eliminate the need for costly foundations.

Does the plot have to have media fed (water, sewage, energy)?

If it is desired to use the existing network, it is necessary to bring the utilities directly to the site.
We can also supply a container with its own energy source, equipped with a clean and dirty water system as part of the closed-loop tanks.

How does the container delivery take place?

First and foremost, you must ensure that a truck can access the unloading site. The container is transported by truck and unloaded using a crane. The cost of transportation depends on the delivery location. Transporting a single container within Poland costs between 1,000 and 3,000 PLN (net). The unloading cost depends on the price of crane services at the specific location.

Container maintenance.

The containers are designed to withstand harsh marine conditions, so they are exceptionally durable. They are made of high-strength steel and coated with specialized paints to enhance their durability, so they do not require frequent maintenance.

 

Are containers exposed to condensation?

Any metal surface exposed to temperature fluctuations is inevitably subject to condensation, but there are ways to mitigate this phenomenon. Studies show that the corrugated surface of modern container roofs (compared to the flat roofs of older structures) helps prevent condensation. The roof of a modern shipping container is slightly curved upward to prevent water from pooling. Water that pools on the roof of a shipping container lowers the metal’s temperature and causes condensation to form on the opposite side of the steel. Condensation is more likely to occur in used containers, which have indentations on the roof that promote water accumulation. Therefore, we recommend that our clients carry out their projects using new “one-way” containers.

Condensation can be a problem in any building, especially in modern buildings that are better insulated and more airtight to minimize energy loss. As a result, water vapor becomes trapped inside the home and becomes visible when there are differences between the outdoor and indoor temperatures. To prevent condensation, all buildings should be equipped with efficient natural or mechanical ventilation.
When using spray-applied polyurethane foam as interior insulation, condensation does not occur. That is why this is the container insulation technology we recommend.

Are the offered facilities covered by a guarantee?

Yes, all our facilities come with a 24-month guarantee for private individuals and a 12-month guarantee for companies.