ZeroCabin is a blog about people using shipping containers for their housing solutions.

Zerocabin reports on custom modular buildings using ISO ISBU Shipping Container Architecture.  This revolutionary prefab building technique uses recycled containers to reduce costs and speed framing time. The modules are easy to transport, configurable blocks which allow novice designers greater freedom of expression.

The Zerocabin name comes from self powering, off grid capabilities which feature all the latest green tech solutions. Zerocabin is may also report on the current status of ISO shipping containers or Intermodals used in housing and other structures.  If you would like to discuss container solutions please email me:

craig at zerocabin.com            

We appreciate your interest and look forward to talking to you!   

Here are some concepts that I ran across while researching building materials:

Foundation The typical house foundation is cement. Cement production creates large amounts of CO2. So what do you do? One alternative is to use EcoCement.  This is a new more environmentally sustainable type of blended cement which incorporates reactive magnesia and wastes that is more environmentally sustainable although unproved in long. EcoCement used to make porous concretes absorbs CO2 and water from the atmosphere to set and harden. It can also be recycled back to EcoCement.

Next the actual structure. Our concept is to use shipping containers to use as the main framing of the house. This cuts down on wood used and speeds up the assembly time. Shipping containers, also called ISO Intermodel units, come in 10′ , 20′ and 40′ lengths.  Most 8′ wide by 8′ tall but you can buy extended height units which come 9′ tall interior space. Not bad for house designing.

Containers are a simple yet effective way to cut wood consumption in framing, and finishing materials can be the same as what you would expect in standard building techniques. The shell material of your house however, is naturally bug resistant, does not rot, hurricane proof when bolted down, and can be stacked 9 units high. Plenty of room for imagination.

Affordable housing is in short supply. Zerocabin proposes building inexpensive cabins that can be air lifted or transported onto rural property and be a comfortable living space for the holiday crowd.

Containers don’t have to look like boxes. They can be trendy and affordable, with or without “the look.” Containers are steel boxes which are suitable for habitation are stacked high, sitting in ports around the country, waiting for re-purposing.

In fact, the biggest hurdle in having one may be getting used to sleeping in the same box your imported pajamas were shipped in.