FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CONTAINER:

What types of containers are on the market?

Basically, we can distinguish between two types of containers: construction containers, known, for example, from construction sites, and shipping containers used mainly for transport by sea. The main difference between these types relates primarily to construction.
Shipping containers are designed for long-term use in harsh marine environments.

What type of steel are sea containers made of?

Marine containers are made from weathering steel of the weathering type Corten. Corten or COR-TEN steel has been specially designed and developed to minimise corrosion in the very harsh atmospheric conditions found in the marine environment.

What are the dimensions of sea containers?

The length of shipping containers is standardised according to ISO and is expressed in feet – we typically use 10”; 20”; and 40”; foot containers. In terms of height, we distinguish between standard containers and elevated containers (HC).

Inside, the heights are 2.39 m and 2.69 m respectively.
DC standard 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).

HC container with increased height (external dimensions)
20 ”;(feet) – 6.06 m (L) x 2.44 m (W) x 2.89 m (H).
40 ”;(foot) – 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 tonnes for a 20′ container; and 4 tonnes for a 40′ container;. The equipped L30 Home module weighs approximately 8-9 tonnes.

TECHNOLOGY:

How is thermal insulation and container heating solved?

Internal wall and ceiling insulation is spray-applied closed-cell polyurethane foam with a thickness of 80 to 100 mm and supplemented with mineral wool (50 mm). The technology used enables thermal bridges to be eliminated. For floor insulation, we use closed-cell polyurethane with thicknesses from 50 mm. The thermal insulation we offer has been adapted to the Central European climatic conditions.

The resulting very good thermal insulation performance of the walls and ceiling of the [U 0,18 W/(m²×K)] makes it relatively easy to maintain a certain temperature, regardless of the season. For heating the 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?

There is the possibility of a pitched or multi-pitched roof, depending on the development conditions or the local plan. It can be functional, by using extra space for a mezzanine floor, as well as visually so as 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 is. The property can grow with your needs. You will certainly appreciate this advantage if your business grows or your family expands. It is important to plan for the possibility of expanding the space as early as the initial design stage.

INVESTMENT PREPARATION:

How does the offer and order process work?

In order to prepare an initial quotation, we need a drawing with a description in which the client specifies the utility functions of the facility. It is essential to specify the setting, number of containers and expected glazing. Based on this information, we will propose one of our standard models or prepare a quote for an individual 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 years has allowed us to prepare a standard offer. We have combined the most common requirements and customer preferences to give you the opportunity to choose quickly and enjoy a proven solution.

As part of an individual project, we prepare the concept together with the client. This ranges from structural changes, to combining containers into larger structures and stacking, to unusual architecture. As part of the order, we can prepare drawings, 3D projections, visualisations and, if necessary, a construction project. Depending on your budget, basically anything is possible – we will be happy to advise you and make individual offers. We can also collaborate with a design office specified by the client.

How much does an object built from containers cost?

We can only accurately determine the prices of the objects in the standard offer. Other solutions are priced individually. However, experience shows that the average cost of adapting a container in a developer state is at the level of PLN 3,000 per square metre 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 and is therefore able to offer fair prices to all customers. If an order positively affects the purchase prices of raw materials from our suppliers, we will be able to take this into account by applying an appropriate discount.

ORDER PROCESSING AND DELIVERY:

How long does the order take?

For the standard projects on offer, the construction time is on average 8 to 12 weeks from the signing of the contract. The delivery time for other orders is agreed individually and largely depends on the scope of work commissioned. In urgent cases, shorter delivery times are possible for an additional charge.

Will I need a building permit?

According to the building law, objects up to 35 m2 (models L15, L30 and F30) do not require a building permit, but only a notification to the competent authority. For larger objects (over 35 m2), it is necessary to obtain a building permit.

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

The extent of site preparation, including foundations, depends on local conditions. In most cases, the use of stable support points (blocks, concrete slabs, footings) is sufficient, eliminating 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 of all, it must be possible for a truck to reach the unloading site. The container is transported by truck and unloaded by crane. The cost of transport depends on the place of delivery. The transport of one container on Polish territory costs at the level of 1000-3000 PLN/net. The cost of unloading depends on the price of the crane service at the location.

Container maintenance.

The containers are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment, so are extremely durable. They are made from high-strength steel and coated with specialised paints to improve their durability, so they do not require frequent maintenance.

 

Are containers exposed to condensation?

Any metal surface exposed to temperature changes is inevitably subject to condensation, but there are ways to mitigate this. Research shows that the corrugated surface of the roofs of modern containers (compared to the flat roofs of older structures) helps to prevent condensation. The roof of a modern container is curved slightly to create an upward curve, so that water is not retained. Water retaining on the container roof, lowers the temperature of the metal and causes condensation on the opposite side of the steel. Condensation is more likely to occur on second-hand containers that have depressions on the roof that favour water accumulation. This is why we recommend our customers to carry out projects based on new ‘one way’ containers.

Condensation can be a problem in any building, especially in modern buildings that are better insulated and more airtight to minimise energy loss. As a result, water vapour is trapped inside the house and becomes visible when there are differences between the outside and inside temperatures. To prevent condensation, all buildings should have efficient gravity or mechanical ventilation installed.
When using spray-applied internal insulation with polyurethane foam, condensation does not occur. This is why it is our recommended container insulation technology.

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.