Two shipping containers as a workshop: create extra covered workspace

Do you already have two shipping containers on your site? You probably use them to store tools, machinery or materials. Meanwhile, the space between the containers often remains unused. By positioning the containers parallel to each other and covering the space between them, you can create a workshop.

The idea is simple. You use the containers as enclosed storage space and as the base for the shelter. Under the roof, you create space for cutting materials in a dry environment, assembly, maintenance, sorting, or loading and unloading.

So there is no need to fully convert the shipping containers into a workshop. It is precisely the combination of enclosed storage inside the containers and open workspace between them that makes this setup practical.

A covered workspace between containers is not the best solution for every situation. But if you mainly need additional workspace on a construction site, industrial site or project location, it can be a quick and practical way to make better use of the space you already have.

How does a workshop between two shipping containers work?

The basic setup consists of three parts:

1. Two shipping containers positioned parallel to each other.

2. A container shelter attached to the containers.

3. Optional front and rear walls, lighting and drainage.

The containers form the sides of the workshop. The shelter covers the space from above. The front and rear can be left open, partially enclosed or fitted with a wall and door.

When is this setup a good option?

The space between two containers can be used in many different ways. For example as:

• a work and assembly area for cutting, carpentry and assembly;

• a maintenance area for machinery and small equipment;

• a covered loading and unloading area;

• a parking area for forklifts, loaders or other equipment;

• a charging area for electric forklifts and machinery;

• a practical training or workshop area;

• a covered break and shelter area for employees.

This makes the same setup suitable as a permanent extension to your site, as well as a temporary workspace at a project location.

When is another solution more suitable?

A covered workspace between shipping containers is not the same as a fully insulated industrial building. If you need a permanent production area with heating, climate control, heavy installations, or strict requirements for noise and fire compartmentation, a permanent building may be more suitable.

For activities that generate a lot of fumes, dust, heat or exhaust gases, a shelter alone is also not sufficient. Examples include intensive welding, spray painting or running combustion engines for extended periods.

How to set up two shipping containers as a workshop

1. First determine how much clear workspace you need

The required dimensions are not determined by the length of the containers alone. More importantly, consider what needs to fit inside the workshop.

Think about:

• the number of people working there at the same time;

• the dimensions of workbenches and machinery;

• the space needed to turn or place materials;

• the width and height of vehicles;

• the required height and clearance for tipping, for example a tipper truck, loader bucket or container;

• the turning radius of a forklift or loader;

• the required walking routes;

• the space taken up by open container doors.

An empty space can quickly look large enough. Once you add workbenches, pallets, machinery and materials, there is often less clear space left than expected.

2. Choose the right position for the containers

The most common setup is two containers positioned parallel to each other, with the containers on the outside edges of the shelter. This keeps the entire space between the containers available as workspace or storage space.

You can also position the shelter further over the containers. This gives the containers themselves more protection, but it also changes the amount of clear space available underneath the shelter.

So decide in advance what matters most for your situation: maximum clear space between the containers or more protection for the containers themselves. The position of the containers ultimately determines how effectively you can use the available space.

3. Decide where the container doors should be

The position of the doors has a major impact on how the workshop works in daily use.

Doors facing inward

When the container doors open towards the workspace, you have direct access to tools and materials from inside the workshop. This is convenient when employees regularly need items stored in the containers.

Keep in mind that open doors take up space. They can block a walkway or reduce the clear width of the workshop.

Doors facing outward

With the doors on the outside, the space underneath the shelter remains as clear as possible. This is useful when you need the full width for machinery, vehicles or large materials.

The disadvantage is that employees need to walk around the containers to access the storage space.

The best direction therefore depends on the work being carried out. Direct access to storage is not always more important than keeping the workshop floor clear.

4. Choose dimensions that suit the application

Shipping containers are commonly available in lengths of approximately 6 and 12 metres. Shelters with a length of 6 or 12 metres therefore often fit naturally with setups using 20 ft or 40 ft containers.

The required width depends on how much clear space you want between the containers.

For a compact workspace with a workbench and hand tools, a relatively narrow span of 4–6 metres may be sufficient. If vehicles, large machinery or several workstations need to fit side by side, more clear width will be required, typically 8 metres or more.

Also consider the height. A setup that works well for manual assembly may be too low for a crane arm, tipping body or tall vehicle. Always measure the highest position of the equipment that will be used underneath the shelter.

5. Decide how open or enclosed the workshop should be

Not every workshop needs to be fully enclosed. An open shelter provides maximum accessibility and ventilation. However, during strong winds and driving rain, precipitation can still enter through the open ends.

Adding a rear wall provides more protection while keeping the front accessible for vehicles and materials. If you want to enclose the workspace further, you can also add a front wall with a door.

6. Arrange the drainage

A roof keeps out most of the rain, but that water still needs somewhere to go. Without proper drainage, water can collect next to the containers or in front of the entrance.

Check the slope of the site and determine where rainwater naturally flows. Depending on the location, a gutter can help direct the water away in a controlled manner.

7. Think about lighting, power and safe use

There is usually more natural daylight underneath a shelter than inside a container. Even so, additional lighting may be necessary, especially with an enclosed rear wall or during the winter months.

Decide in advance where workbenches, machinery and power outlets will be located. This helps prevent loose extension cables from running across walking and driving routes. Electrical installations should be suitable for the environment and intended use.

Also consider the type of work you want to carry out in the space. A shelter creates a dry workspace, but it does not automatically make it suitable or safe for every activity.

Work involving fire, heat, dust, fumes, chemicals or exhaust gases may require additional measures. These risks should be assessed as part of your company’s own risk assessment and workplace safety procedures.

How is the shelter attached to the containers?

The correct attachment method depends on the type of container and where the shelter is mounted.

For standard shipping containers with a suitable top edge, mounting clamps can be used. These clamps allow the structure to be attached without drilling into or welding onto the container.

There are also solutions for attachment to the container corner castings and for containers with a different top edge. High-cube, open-side and other container types can often be used as well, but the correct attachment method should be determined for each situation.

There is a suitable attachment method for virtually every setup. Read more about the available options.

View the options

Does the structure require additional structural calculations?

Standard Kroftman shelters are structurally calculated in accordance with EN 13782. The corresponding technical drawings and calculations are included in the Buildbook.

However, there are situations in which the structure may need to be assessed further. For example when:

the containers are stacked;

• the setup will remain in place for a long period or semi-permanently;

• the location is subject to higher wind or snow loads;

• the standard configuration is modified;

• the local authority or structural engineer sets additional requirements.

The location plays an important role here. A sheltered industrial site places different demands on a structure than an exposed site near the coast.

So do not only check whether the dimensions fit. Also make sure that the calculated loads of the selected model are suitable for the location and the way the shelter will be used.

Not sure whether the standard calculations are sufficient for your situation? Read when additional structural calculations may be required.

Read more about when this may be necessary

Do you need a permit for a workshop between containers?

Whether you need a permit depends on the location, dimensions, duration of use and local regulations. The intended use of the workshop and the applicable local planning rules may also play a role.

Therefore, do not automatically assume that a temporary structure is always exempt from permit requirements.

Check the plans with your local authority in advance and use the relevant permit-checking service for your location. This will tell you whether you may need to apply for a permit, submit a notification or provide additional information.

Technical documents may be required for an application, such as:

• structural drawings;

• structural calculations;

• information on wind and snow loads;

• a site plan;

• information about the intended use and duration of installation.

A Buildbook with technical drawings and calculations is available for Kroftman’s standard shelters. This gives you technical information in advance and can be used when consulting with the local authority or a structural engineer.

How much does a workshop between two shipping containers cost?

The cost depends on the complete setup. If you already have the shipping containers, the main investment consists of the shelter, the attachment system and any additional options.

If you do not yet have containers, you will also need to take their purchase, transport and placement into account.

The total cost may include:

• the steel structure and cover;

• mounting clamps or another attachment method;

• an optional front and/or rear wall;

• a gutter, if required;

• transport;

• installation or equipment for self-assembly;

• shipping containers, if you do not already have them;

• any additional structural calculations or permit documentation.

So do not compare the price of the roof alone. Look at the cost of the complete, usable workshop.

In our 3D configurator, you can combine different dimensions, attachment methods, walls and cover options. This gives you a better idea of the possible setup and the corresponding price in advance.

Can a workshop between containers be relocated?

A container shelter has a modular construction and can be dismantled. This makes it possible to reuse the structure at another location once a project has been completed.

The containers themselves can also be moved. This makes the solution particularly suitable for companies that regularly change project locations or want to reorganise their site.

Relocating the setup does mean that the new location needs to be assessed again. Ground conditions, wind loads, the container configuration and local regulations may be different. Always check whether the existing configuration is suitable before reinstalling it at a new location.

Kroftman Quality Standard

A workshop needs to be practical, but you also want to know what the structure is based on and which technical documentation is available.

Kroftman Quality Standard:

✔ Designed in accordance with European structural standards (EN 13782)
✔ CE-compliant manufacturing (EN 1090)
✔ Independently inspected (TÜV)
✔ Fire-retardant cover (B-s1,d0)

The product page and corresponding Buildbook specify which standards, cover specifications and technical documentation apply to your configuration.

We’ve got you covered.