When a new construction site opens, one of the first decisions is how to build offices and living quarters. The two common options are containers and prefabricated buildings. Both are factory-made and quick to install, but they differ in duration of use, capacity and portability.
What is a container?
A container is a ready module built on a steel chassis with sandwich panel walls and roof. Electrical work and fittings are completed in the factory, and modules can be joined side by side or stacked. They serve as offices, dormitories, sanitary units, security cabins and storage.
What is a prefabricated building?
A prefab building is assembled on site from a steel frame and panels. The plan is drawn freely for the project, so large canteens, meeting halls and multi-storey dormitory blocks are easy to build.
When to choose containers
- Short projects or sites that will move several times
- Offices or dormitories needed very quickly
- Small settlements for a limited number of staff
- Units that will be reused on another site
When to choose prefab buildings
- Camps for hundreds of people
- Wide-span spaces such as canteens or sports halls
- Long projects where comfort is a priority
- Multi-storey dormitory blocks
Using both
On large sites the most efficient layout is often mixed: dormitories, canteens and administration in prefab buildings, with security cabins, site offices and sanitary units as containers. We plan such camps as part of our site mobilisation service.
Frequently asked questions
Are containers cold in winter?
With insulated panels of sufficient thickness and suitable heating, containers are comfortable in winter too.
Can prefab buildings be reused?
Yes. They can be dismantled and re-installed on another site, with damaged panels replaced.