Container shelter or industrial tent: what’s the difference?

You need extra space for machines, materials or work activities. Traditional construction is unnecessary or takes too long, so you are looking for a more flexible alternative. During your search, you will probably come across both an industrial tent and a container shelter.

At first glance, these solutions may look similar. Both have a frame with a cover and can be installed relatively quickly. However, their construction is different.

What is an industrial tent?

An industrial tent, also known as a storage tent or warehouse tent, is a freestanding modular structure. It usually consists of an aluminium or steel frame with a PVC roof cover. Depending on the design, the side walls can be made of fabric, steel panels or insulated panels. Different types of doors and gates are also possible.

Because an industrial tent is freestanding, you do not need containers or existing walls to support the structure. The tent is placed on the ground and secured or ballasted in a suitable way.

What is a container shelter?

A container shelter consists of a steel structure with a cover that is installed on shipping containers or concrete walls. The containers not only form the base of the shelter, but can also be used as lockable storage space, a workshop or technical unit.

The space between the containers becomes additional covered work or storage space. The front and rear can remain open or be closed off with walls. Thanks to the modular design, the structure can later be adapted, extended, dismantled or rebuilt in a different configuration.

The main differences

1. Making use of what is already there

The biggest difference is the base of the structure.

With an industrial tent, a complete freestanding structure is installed on site. With a container shelter, containers or concrete walls are used as the supporting structure. If containers are already in place, the space between them can be covered relatively easily.

This means you make use of both the space between the containers and the storage capacity inside them. Tools, parts and valuable materials can be stored securely in the containers, while larger machines or vehicles remain under the shelter.

If you do not already have containers or concrete walls, an industrial tent may be a better fit for your situation.

2. Open workspace or enclosed structure

An industrial tent is often chosen when the entire space needs to be enclosed. For example, as a warehouse, temporary production area or storage space where goods need to be kept out of sight.

A container shelter is more focused on creating practical covered space. The front, for example, can remain completely open, allowing forklifts, trucks and machinery to move in and out easily.

With a front wall, rear wall, side wall or top wall, the shelter can be enclosed further. This provides additional protection, depending on what you need.

Do you mainly want to keep materials dry? Then a solution with a cover is often sufficient. If you need a more enclosed or insulated space, an industrial tent with insulated wall panels may be more suitable.

3. Flexibility and reuse

Both an industrial tent and a container shelter can be modular and demountable. This means both solutions can be adapted when your situation changes.

With a container shelter, this flexibility also applies to the container layout. Containers can be positioned parallel to each other, at the sides or stacked. The shelter itself can also be extended if you need more covered space later on.

If the site layout changes, the shelter can also be dismantled and rebuilt in a different location.

An industrial tent can also be extended or relocated. How easy this is depends on factors such as its size, wall configuration, anchoring and installation method.

4. Is a container shelter cheaper than an industrial tent?

That depends on the situation.

If you already have suitable containers on site and mainly need dry storage or workspace, a container shelter can be financially attractive. The containers form the base, so there is no need to install a complete freestanding structure.

If the containers still need to be purchased or you require additional walls and modifications, the price difference may become smaller.

That is why it is important to look beyond the purchase price and consider the complete solution, including:

• transport and installation;

• containers or foundations;

• anchoring;

• walls;

• insulation, if required;

• maintenance;

• dismantling and reuse;

• structural calculations and documentation.

The last point is particularly important. Do not only compare the price, but also the technical substantiation and documentation included with the structure.

All Kroftman container shelters are developed in accordance with the applicable European standard EN 13782. Every shelter also comes with the relevant technical documentation in the safety file, including structural calculations and technical drawings.

This means you know not only what the shelter costs, but also how the structure has been engineered and which documentation is included. That way, you have the necessary documents available for procurement, internal approval or a potential permit application.

Do you need a permit for both solutions?

That depends on the location, dimensions, duration of use and intended application. A structure is not automatically exempt from permit requirements just because it is temporary or demountable.

For both an industrial tent and a container shelter, rules may apply regarding the technical building activity and the local environmental plan. You can use the Permit Check in the Dutch Environment and Planning Portal to find out whether you need to apply for a permit, submit a notification or provide additional information. The local authority ultimately decides what is permitted at a specific location.

It is therefore important that your supplier can provide the required drawings and calculations if requested by the local authority or a structural engineer.

Which solution fits your situation?

An industrial tent and a container shelter basically solve the same problem: creating additional covered space quickly without immediately constructing a traditional building.

The way they do this is different.

An industrial tent is a freestanding structure. A container shelter uses containers or concrete walls that are already present or are deliberately included as part of the setup.

The best choice therefore starts with the type of space you need. If you want one large, fully enclosed space, an industrial tent may be the better option. If you want to make smarter use of existing containers and add covered work or storage space, a container shelter may be more suitable.

Not sure which setup works best for your site? Send us a photo and the required dimensions. Our product specialists will be happy to take a look with you. You can also create an initial setup yourself in our 3D configurator.