What do container shelters look like?
Container shelters are functional and quick-to-assemble structures that are formed by stretching a steel arch frame between two rows of shipping containers or - in selected variants - on a frame that allows them to be fixed directly to the ground. This solution is an economical and robust option, with the containers acting as both foundations and storage space. The costly construction of classic foundations can thus be avoided. The roof covering made of UV-resistant and weatherproof PVC fabric with a high weight guarantees longevity and reliable protection. The whole is based on a galvanised steel structure that is corrosion-resistant and easy to install.
The modular system allows widths of up to 6 metres and gradual expansion, making the only limit to the size of the structure the available space. The height of the structure depends on the type of containers used (standard or HC) and the type of roof chosen. Its height in the central part of the structure increases in proportion to the spacing between containers - the greater the spacing, the higher the roof becomes. Depending on the configuration, the height measured from the top edge of the container or concrete block wall can range from 2 to 6 metres. The canopies can be installed both temporarily and for longer periods, and can be additionally equipped with front and rear walls or gates.
Alternatively, it is also possible to install the structure on concrete "lego" blocks. - This solution is ideal, for example, in the recycling industry, where mobility and quick adaptation are very important. At the same time, the blocks act as a solid retaining wall that allows waste to be safely stored all the way to the top. Thanks to their strength, it is possible to subsequently load the material with a loader, for example, without risking damage to the box walls. The end result is a robust, aesthetically pleasing and mobile working or storage space that can be quickly put into operation without time-consuming paperwork and earthworks.
Traditional warehouse halls - a classic in storage
Storage halls made of concrete or steel have been a reliable option in the long-term storage sector for years. Their greatest asset remains their structural durability and resistance to the passage of time. Solid walls and roofs offer the possibility of equipping the space with HVAC systems, monitoring or advanced automation, which translates into safety and comfort.
However, this classic form of storage is not without its limitations. The lead time, often lasting many months, is due to the need to obtain permits, create designs and build foundations. In contrast, the roofing between shipping containers can be erected in one to a few days, without the need for heavy equipment. Traditional halls are permanently tied to the ground, making relocation very expensive or even impossible. Containerised structures, on the other hand, can be easily dismantled and relocated to suit changing business conditions. Also, the cost of building traditional halls outweighs the investment in lightweight PVC and steel construction - a difference that is particularly noticeable. For this reason, container shelters are becoming an increasingly popular alternative, providing similar functionality but with less money and greater flexibility.
Construction and maintenance costs
When choosing between a warehouse and container shelters, one of the most important factors is cost. Canopies mounted on shipping containers require significantly lower construction costs - both in terms of materials and labour. Traditional halls require more expensive and resource-intensive raw materials, such as steel and concrete, which translates into a higher overall cost.
Equally important are the operating costs. Container structures, due to their simplicity and modular design, are easy to maintain and less costly to maintain. Traditional halls, on the other hand, require regular inspections, maintenance of installations and often repairs associated with the operation of durable components. Moreover, the adaptability of container shelters - such as expansion or relocation - allows companies to optimise costs according to current needs. It is this flexibility and lower investment threshold that makes this type of construction an attractive alternative to classic solutions for many companies. An additional advantage is the possibility of easy disassembly and resale of both the canopies and the used shipping containers, which are very popular on the secondary market. This also applies to canopies mounted on concrete blocks (ZD), which can be efficiently dismantled, packed up and moved to another location or sold as a whole. Such solutions not only provide companies with operational flexibility, but also greater financial security when investment plans change.
Flexibility and lead time
Rapid assembly is one of the biggest advantages of container shelters. In a dynamic business environment, the ability to set up this type of structure from one to a few days is of great operational importance. The modular construction allows the space to be easily adapted to current needs - either by enlarging or reducing it.
Traditional halls require considerably more time to complete - from design and approvals to building foundations and installing a permanent structure. Meanwhile, a canopy between shipping containers allows you to respond immediately to new business needs, such as a seasonal increase in stock or a change of location. The adaptability of this structure is also of practical importance in the context of relocation, especially with the use of alternative foundations in the form of concrete Lego blocks, which facilitates rapid dismantling and reassembly without major expenditure. This gives companies an operational advantage, reducing downtime and shortening the time to adapt to market changes. What's more, under Article 29(1)(12) of the Construction Law, a temporary canopy is not considered a permanently attached object, allowing it to be legally erected for up to 180 days on the basis of a notification, without the need to obtain a building permit. This legal regulation further facilitates the rapid implementation of such solutions and increases the operational flexibility of businesses.
Ecological aspects
Container shelters also stand out from an environmental perspective. Their modular and mobile form promotes the reuse of the same structure, thus reducing the need for new raw materials and the generation of construction waste. Lightweight materials - such as PVC and galvanised steel - consume less energy during production than the concrete and steel used in classic halls, and this translates into a smaller carbon footprint.
In addition, shipping containers as a base for assembly allow for the reuse of existing resources, fitting in with the idea of a closed loop economy. Alternative foundations made of Lego concrete blocks are another eco-friendly solution - they offer the possibility to easily dismantle and reuse the elements. In contrast, traditional halls require significant material and energy investment and their dismantling often generates a lot of waste. Consequently, container shelters are a greener choice that combines functionality with environmental concerns.
Applications of container shelters in various industries
Container shelters work well in sectors that require a flexible approach to storage space. Industries such as e-commerce, logistics, the assembly industry or seasonal construction value the ability to react quickly to changing conditions - and this is why they are increasingly choosing staggered canopies, between shipping containers, as a modern alternative. These types of structures allow facilities to be expanded quickly and, if necessary, dismantled or relocated.
Traditional halls, on the other hand, remain indispensable in sectors that require durability and reliability over the long term - such as heavy industry, mass production or the storage of materials requiring specialised conditions. The choice between the two solutions depends on the specifics of the business, the lead time and the available budget. For companies that focus on mobility and cost optimisation, container shelters provide an excellent balance between functionality and economy, while reducing environmental impact. What's more, these structures support environmentally friendly measures - thanks to their modular construction, they can be dismantled, reassembled and materials can be fully recycled, which fits in with the idea of a closed loop economy. It is also worth noting that, in accordance with current legislation (e.g. § 24 section 1 of the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of 7 July 2008), waste must be stored in a manner which protects it from the effects of atmospheric factors such as rain - container shelters ideally meet this requirement.
These canopies are also widely used in industry and agriculture - they can be used as aggregate boxes in concrete batching plants, coal, fertiliser or feed stores. They are also increasingly used as garages or warehouses mounted on containers, concrete blocks or the popular 'Lego blocks'. Thanks to their solid walls, it is possible, for example, to support big-bags of bulk material, which further increases functionality and safety of use.
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