Have you ever wondered what occasion requires you to use shipping containers with side doors?
Shipping containers with side doors are the ones that are equipped with a full opening on the left or right side.
They are difficult to make as they need additional engineering and strength required to construct side-opening doors, limiting their use in international shipping.
The doors are specifically manufactured to transport oversized cargo, which makes loading and unloading through the end doors impossible.
Examples include machinery, heavy equipment, or vehicles that require more space to fit inside the container. However, these containers are also suitable for modification.
Find out 9 great modification ideas of shipping containers with side doors, only in this article!
Contents
Open-Side Container Information
This type of container has two doors: a larger side opening and one door at the end, like a standard container door. The bi-fold function of the side doors allows for two opening sizes.
For example, on a 20-foot side-opening container, the initial hinge that swings open closest to the center of the container will create an eight-foot opening.
You can then open the other side door to create an opening nearly 20 feet wide. This is why these containers are also known as “full-side containers.”
Shipping containers with side doors offer practicality in storing or transporting cargo, as well as unique and useful modifications. They are available in various sizes, such as:
- Open side 19 feet: 19 feet x 8 feet x 8 feet 6 inches
- Open side 20 feet: 20 feet x 8 feet x 8 feet 6 inches
- Open side 20 feet High Cube: 20 feet x 8 feet x 9 feet 6 inches
- Open side 32 feet: 32 feet x 8 feet x 8 feet 6 inches
- Open side 40 feet High Cube: 40 feet x 8 feet x 9 feet 6 inches
Advantages of modifying Open-Side Containers for building
Open-side containers have many advantages, especially when compared to standard dry containers. They are:
Ease of Loading and Unloading Cargo
Open-side containers are easier to fill and empty. You can load various items into the container through the side door. They have wider and easier access, allowing for unobstructed entry, ideal for large equipment, wheelchair access, and high foot traffic for shops, galleries, and cafes.
Ease of Access to Goods
Regular containers have doors at the front or back. This makes it difficult to place items in the middle or back of the container. Open-side containers are better because you can open them from the side and access items in the middle without removing other items first.
Improved Ventilation and Natural Light
The long side opening can be replaced with glass walls, sliding or bi-fold doors, and retractable awnings. This will enhance interior comfort and reduce dependency on electric lighting.
Flexible Layout and Design
The side doors will allow you to have more open floor plans, unlike standard containers, where access is only from narrow ends. This will make any modifications and installations easier, which will lead you to have more varied modular setups like classrooms, pop-up stores, exhibition halls, and cafés with indoor-outdoor flow.
Enhanced Display or Service Function
If you want to have a container shop, the shipping containers with side doors are perfect. They can enhance the display function and serve customers directly from the side panel. This makes them ideal for retail or food businesses.
Ideal for Transportable Builds
When the side doors close, the unit becomes fully secure and mobile. This is useful for event structures, emergency response units, or seasonal businesses.
Compatibility with Other Containers
Side access simplifies container-to-container connections (corridors or breezeways). This will be easily integrated with standard or high cube containers for hybrid designs.
Ideas for Modifying Side-Door Containers into Buildings
Here are some inspirational ways to use containers with side doors to meet your building or space needs. You can adapt these ideas to your needs and intended use.
Retail Stores
The first modification of shipping containers with side doors is using them as retail space. Containers have begun to be used as retail outlets, particularly in Europe, East Asia, and the United States. The flexibility of containers as retail space is one of their best uses.
You can easily move this container-built shop to your desired location. This is an alternative container sales design option for those looking to save costs, as conventional construction and land acquisition are expensive.
The best thing about a container shop is that it can be moved to different locations for events due to its portable nature.
You can also decorate the interior and exterior of the shop with a variety of options. Add a serving counter, fold-out awning, interior shelving, and lighting to make it convenient.
Art Gallery or Exhibit Space
Add white paneling inside, track lighting, and lockable glass doors for weather protection. Then, use the open side doors as fold-out display walls.
Container Cafe & Food Stall
A pop-up cafe is one of the most interesting possibilities for modifying a side-door container cafe. These pop-up cafes are very popular in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan due to their unique and compact exteriors.
You can also turn the side door container into a food stall or mobile kitchen. The side door becomes a service hatch or customer-facing counter if you add stainless steel counters and food-safe wall panels.
Expandable Living or Office Space
Use side doors to open the interior for patios, sun decks, natural ventilation, and light. Then, add sliding glass doors behind the container doors for comfort and style.
Container Booth
Container booths are a practical solution for those seeking a compact and efficient exhibition stand. Side-opening containers have a side door, creating a spacious feel when used as an exhibition booth.
This minimalist container booth design is ideal for various marketing purposes. Modifications can be tailored to suit a company’s identity, such as furniture, household goods, fashion, property, and other showrooms.
Portable Storage
Containers with side doors are not only used for commercial purposes, but are also commonly used as portable storage. The advantage of using containers as storage is their portability, allowing them to be used in various locations.
You can also use them as a tool or equipment storage at construction sites, farms, and garages.
Mobile Library or Reading Room
Fold out the side doors to create an inviting, open-air reading space. To make a comfortable library, you can add bookshelves, bean bags, benches, solar-powered lights, and fans.
Emergency Response Unit
Side door access allows for rapid deployment of medical or rescue gear. You can customize the container with compartments, labeled racks, first aid or emergency supplies, power supply, and water hookup for field use.
Conclusion
Modifying shipping containers with side doors into buildings offers several unique advantages over standard container conversions. The doors that open along the entire long side provide enhanced access, flexibility, and design possibilities.
Buy or rent shipping containers with side doors from Tradecorp, a reliable container sales, purchase, rental, and modification service company.
Tradecorp provides modification and custom shipping container services by adding windows, doors, walls, and roof insulation.
Our experienced staff is ready to help you arrange the shipping of your container to your requested location. Fill out our quote form to buy or rent from us!
