Compact Living
Studio or guest unit |
15–30 m²
161–323 ft² |
One standard module, approximately 20 or 40 ft long, depending on the layout. |
Prioritize thermal bridging control, daylight, acoustic privacy, and efficient space planning. |
Use continuous insulation where possible and insulate the floor, walls, and roof as a complete thermal envelope. Final R-values should follow the local energy code. |
Small heat-pump system with independent heating and cooling; use mechanical exhaust in the bathroom and kitchen. |
Level, well-drained ground with a code-compliant pier, strip, slab, or other engineered foundation. |
Plan furniture, storage, plumbing, electrical outlets, and door swings before selecting the module width. |
Family Residence
One- to three-bedroom home |
45–100 m²
484–1,076 ft² |
Two or more modules joined side by side or end to end. |
Balance solar orientation, cross-ventilation, insulation, moisture control, and usable outdoor space. |
Use a continuous air barrier, sealed service penetrations, insulated connection joints, and properly detailed vapor control appropriate to the climate. |
High-efficiency heat pump, balanced ventilation where required, and separate bathroom and cooking exhaust. |
Foundation design must account for soil bearing capacity, drainage, local frost depth, seismic conditions, and wind exposure. |
Confirm that the combined modules can be transported, lifted, connected, and inspected on the selected site. |
Hot and Humid Climate
Coastal, tropical, or subtropical locations |
Any size; prioritize shaded, well-ventilated layouts. |
Modules arranged to create shaded verandas, breezeways, or protected outdoor circulation. |
Solar heat gain, humidity, mold prevention, heavy rainfall, corrosion, and hurricane or cyclone exposure may be critical. |
Use reflective roofing, exterior shading, sealed insulation, and moisture-resistant interior finishes. Avoid trapping humid air inside wall assemblies. |
Right-sized air conditioning with humidity control; continuous bathroom and kitchen exhaust; consider whole-house dehumidification where needed. |
Raise the structure above site drainage levels where flooding is possible. Use corrosion-resistant connectors and protect steel from moisture. |
Specify impact-resistant openings and roof-to-wall connections when required by the local wind code. |
Cold Climate
Snow, freezing temperatures, or long heating seasons |
30–120 m²
323–1,292 ft² |
One or more modules with a compact plan to reduce exterior surface area and heat loss. |
Heating demand, freeze protection, snow loads, ice dams, air leakage, and condensation control. |
Use high-performance roof, wall, and floor insulation; provide a continuous air barrier and carefully sealed service penetrations. |
Cold-climate heat pump or another code-approved heating system; use heat-recovery ventilation when appropriate. |
Design foundations below the local frost depth or use an approved frost-protected system. Verify structural snow-load capacity. |
Protect water lines from freezing and provide safe roof drainage, snow-shedding, and maintenance access. |
Hot and Dry Climate
Arid or desert regions |
30–100 m²
323–1,076 ft² |
Modules oriented for controlled solar exposure, shaded courtyards, and nighttime ventilation. |
High daytime temperatures, intense solar radiation, large temperature swings, dust, and limited water availability. |
Use a reflective roof, exterior shading, sufficient roof insulation, airtight construction, and thermally efficient windows. |
High-efficiency cooling with programmable controls; use filtered ventilation and avoid relying on unfiltered open-air circulation in dusty areas. |
Provide stable foundations and site grading that directs occasional intense rainfall away from the building. |
Choose durable exterior coatings, low-water landscaping, and fixtures that reduce water consumption. |
High Wind or Coastal Site
Exposed, storm-prone, or salt-air locations |
Any size; simpler roof forms are generally easier to engineer. |
Compact modules with minimal exposed projections and carefully engineered module-to-module connections. |
Wind pressure, uplift, flying debris, salt corrosion, storm surge, and driving rain. |
Use a continuous weather-resistant barrier and seal all openings against wind-driven rain. |
Secure outdoor HVAC equipment against wind uplift and use corrosion-resistant external components. |
Foundation anchorage must be engineered for local wind uplift and lateral loads. Elevate the structure where flood risk requires it. |
Verify roof, wall, window, door, anchorage, and connection ratings against the applicable local wind and flood regulations. |
Wet or Flood-Prone Site
Heavy rainfall, river, or coastal flood area |
30–120 m²
323–1,292 ft² |
Modules raised above expected flood levels where required, with services located above vulnerable zones. |
Flood depth, fast-moving water, saturated soil, humidity, drainage, and post-flood drying. |
Use moisture-tolerant assemblies, durable flooring, protected insulation, and details that allow rapid inspection and drying. |
Install HVAC and electrical equipment above the required elevation; use controlled ventilation to reduce residual moisture. |
Obtain a site-specific flood assessment and use an engineered elevated foundation or other approved flood-resilient system. |
Do not treat a shipping container’s original cargo-floor construction as automatically suitable for flood exposure or permanent occupancy. |
Remote or Off-Grid Use
Cabin, field office, or seasonal retreat |
10–60 m²
108–646 ft² |
One compact module or two modules separated by a covered outdoor area. |
Access, water supply, wastewater treatment, energy storage, weather exposure, and maintenance logistics. |
Prioritize a well-sealed, highly insulated envelope to reduce generator, battery, or renewable-energy demand. |
Use efficient heat-pump equipment where practical; provide filtered fresh-air ventilation and carbon-monoxide monitoring when combustion appliances exist. |
Confirm road access, crane access, soil conditions, water storage, wastewater treatment, and emergency access before ordering. |
Size solar generation, batteries, backup power, water storage, and wastewater systems from measured or realistic demand. |
Office or Classroom
Work, training, or education space |
20–80 m²
215–861 ft² |
One large module or several modules joined to create flexible rooms and circulation. |
Fresh-air rates, glare control, acoustic comfort, thermal stability, accessibility, and occupant density. |
Use insulation and interior linings that support acoustic control as well as thermal performance. |
Provide demand-controlled ventilation where appropriate, quiet HVAC equipment, and adequate filtration. |
Meet local requirements for accessible routes, ramps, exits, fire separation, occupant loads, and emergency lighting. |
Plan data cabling, power distribution, lighting levels, window glare, furniture layouts, and future reconfiguration. |
Temporary Construction or Relief Unit
Short-term accommodation or site facility |
12–50 m²
129–538 ft² |
Transportable single modules or grouped units with demountable connections. |
Rapid installation, repeated relocation, weather resistance, sanitation, and maintenance access. |
Use durable, repairable insulation and finishes that can withstand repeated transport and frequent cleaning. |
Self-contained heating and cooling with simple controls; provide reliable ventilation for occupied rooms and wet areas. |
Use an approved temporary foundation or support system and verify lifting points, transport restraints, and utility connections. |
Confirm the permit period, fire safety requirements, emergency exits, sanitation provisions, and accessibility obligations. |
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