From the stadium to the disaster area: the diverse international applications of container houses
Apr 14, 2025
From the stadium to the disaster area: the diverse international applications of container houses
Container houses, a building form that combines innovation and practical value, have shown their unique charm and versatility on the international stage in recent years. From temporary residences for athletes to shelters for disaster victims, container houses are changing people's perception of traditional buildings with their flexible and changeable characteristics.
At the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, the organizing committee plans to use container houses as accommodation facilities for athletes. This innovative measure not only solves the problem of high costs of traditional buildings, but also provides athletes with a comfortable and convenient living environment. The Garden Wharf at the Port of Nagoya will be transformed into a temporary community that can accommodate about 2,000 people, and the headquarters and canteens of various sports delegations will also be located here. In addition, a cruise ship moored at the Kinjo Wharf will serve as a supplement to jointly guarantee the accommodation needs of about 6,000 people. Shuttle buses will be opened between the two terminals to facilitate exchanges between athletes. During the Asian Para Games, container houses will be the only accommodation option, and will continue to be used nationwide after the event, highlighting its sustainable environmental protection concept.
In the field of disaster relief, container houses also play an important role. During the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the organizers used containers to transform into temporary houses and established a "fan village" for fans to stay. After the World Cup, these containers were reused and transported to earthquake-stricken areas in Turkey and Syria to provide emergency shelters for disaster victims. Each modified container can accommodate 4 people and is equipped with a kitchen and bathroom, which fully demonstrates the efficiency and practicality of container houses in emergency situations. Qatar said that they have provided a total of about 10,000 container houses and some camping cars to the disaster area, bringing hope and comfort to the affected people.
The wide application of container houses is not limited to sports events and disaster relief. Around the world, designers are transforming them into various creative spaces such as vacation homes, hotels, apartments and office spaces. These container buildings are not only unique in appearance, but also comfortable and stylish in interior decoration. They also have the advantages of being movable, versatile in shape, easy to install and cost-effective. Whether it is a single-box vacation home in the wilderness or a townhouse in the city, container houses provide people with a variety of living options in their unique way.
The international application of container houses not only demonstrates its innovative potential in the field of construction, but also reflects its important role in social welfare and emergency management. As a fast, economical and environmentally friendly construction solution, container houses are gradually becoming the focus of global attention, providing new ideas and directions for future construction development.