NapCap is a container home created by a team who have spent years working in field operations in challenging locations. After much time spent in flimsy prefabs or tents – neither comfortable or safe considering the high-risk environments – they saw a gap in the market that needed to be filled.
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This lead them to create NapCap: a full turnkey solution offering a secure, comfortable, custom-made accommodation container that could be ‘home away from home’ for those spending long stints operating remotely. They were created with the likes of Military, Private Security, NGO’s, O&G, Mining Exploration and Logistical service support organisations in mind. Ideal for challenging locations, the beauty of NapCap is that they can be used anywhere in the world.
Here are the Enigma Smart Site Services team’s tips on what to look for when choosing your container accommodation:
Does your provider have options that fit your field operation? NapCap is our Executive Model and is our standard offering, a bespoke built certified high-end container designed for living and working. This is built standard in a 40ft container format split into two 20ft living units. This allows for a rapid build process and reduction of costs with logistics. NapCap does not stop there: we provide modular solutions from containerised kitchens, laundry units, water and waste water units, multiple design sleeping and accommodation options. NapCap also produce a mobile plug-and-play transformer container that provides clients with expandable working space from offices, schools, Command and Control centres and disaster relief mobile offices.
Many container homes are shipped as flat packs and then put up on site. There are benefits to this model but Prefabs can be flimsy, and we wanted our containers to withstand the test of time. NapCap was designed with remote field operations in mind: locations which often come with challenges, from extreme weather to security risks. They’re made out of welded steel by skilled shipbuilders and are certified to ISO :. Unlike some accommodation containers on the market they are built new.
Some field operations last for years – but what happens when your project is complete and it’s time to move on to the next? Ideally, you want the investment of your accommodation to move with you. The container element, combined with the quality of the build, means that NapCap can be moved multiple times without being compromised.
Container homes have many benefits but it’s still a confined space, so look for a unit that has maximised the space through design. NapCap offers a steel protected shell with a double bed, sofa, desk, fixed data Internet connections and cupboard space, as well as an en-suite bathroom all in a 20-foot container. Nifty storage design, including under bed-drawers and extra storage within the sofa, shows the level of thought that has gone into the design.
You like the look of the container but has it been trialled successfully in a challenging location? NapCap was designed by a team who have also spent many months living in the product in Mogadishu – a high-risk location that is hot, windy and has very corrosive nature due to being close to the ocean. At Chelsea Village (our hotel that hosts 150 guests from the humanitarian and development communities, security industries and Tier 1 service support companies) NapCap has been a great success.
Working far from home doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be disconnected. The Executive NapCap model comes with flat-screen tvs and is set up to be connected to WiFi.
Working in Africa where the temperatures soar? Or perhaps, you’re in a location where you battle with strong winds or high humidity? Wherever your based, your container home should be comfortable all year round. Check your unit is properly insulated and sealed. NapCap is built to withstand a variety of weather conditions as well as extreme temperature differences (ranging from -25°C to 50°C) and comes with air-conditioning units.
What are your safety requirements and have these been taken into consideration you’re your choice of container? NapCap has been designed with safety and security paramount to its functionality, due to the location of our camp in Mogadishu. This is not a shipping container but a steel container that is built from new. Windows have blast curtains, air-conditioning is one single unit fitted internally to prevent blast projectiles. All fixtures and fittings are ergonomically designed to be both functional and safe. Security is paramount to the design with portholes in the doors and double locks on all doors. The design is compliant with UN-MOSS standards, making them ideal for hostile environments, remote working camps, disaster relief and refugee camps.
How easy is your chosen container accommodation to install? NapCap was designed with speed of installation in mind, with simple water and waste water connections with a central control panel for access, to electrical and plumbing operations. With the capability of being stacked two high, NapCaps come with interlocks to provide a quick and fast installation process. With pre-work civils completed, an experienced construction team would have a facility rapidly erected in days.
You’ve got your container home to your required location – but what do you do if an element needs to be replaced? It’s important that your product is supported. NapCap has been designed to ensure that products can be supported in the field. All equipment is European Specification, spare packs can be supported and shipped globally. Our units meet ISO certification standards inclusive of European build standards.
The number one mistake people make when choosing a container house is selecting the wrong one.
That might sound pretty simple, but it can lead to a cascade of issues: the container doesn’t fit your project requirements, you find yourself dealing with insulation problems you weren’t expecting, or you’re hit with costly delays because you didn’t plan properly. Any of these pitfalls can change what should be an exciting project into a massive hassle. There are real problems you could run into, but the good news is, you can avoid them.
By understanding the key factors involved in choosing the right container house, you can keep away from these common mistakes and make your investment turn into a successful, exciting project full of nothing but satisfaction.
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Like I said, I’ve been doing this a while, and I’ve seen it all—the good, the bad, and things that are easy to avoid. Not only has it been great to help many of you solve those problems, but now I get to share the most important things with you that will keep you from ever running into those problems. The key is that when you choose the right container house, that doesn’t just mean you’re picking a structure. It means you’re making a choice to follow that ensures your home is durable, comfortable, and perfectly aligned with your project’s needs.
Obviously, when it comes to picking the right container house, the process can be intimidating. However, by homing in on a few key factors, you can make the best choice for your specific needs. Here are five key things to keep in mind:
The most common ones you’ll have a choice of are 20ft and 40ft container houses. The 40ft length containers are nice because they’re longer, which is going to give you more headroom and more design flexibility. To start, you’ll need to determine your square footage and how many of these guys are going to be. Are you going to do one for a small living space? Are you going to do multiple? That decision will set the stage for everything else.
A container house is more than just a structure; it’s a home that should meet your specific needs and preferences. Before you start looking at options, make a list of the must-have features you need in your container home. Consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, whether you want an open floor plan, or if large windows are essential for natural light. By focusing on these core elements, you can narrow down your options and avoid wasting time on homes that don’t align with your vision
One of the big decisions is, are you going to buy a pre-built container home that you just pick up and move in, or are you going to custom-design one? Pre-built, move-in ready homes, save you time and potentially money. However, custom-designed homes allow you to tailor every single detail so the house matches your lifestyle perfectly. You need to weigh out the best approach for your budget, time frame, and your DIY skills. If you need to get moved in quickly, buying a pre-built home might be the best decision. If you have a color vision for what you want and the resources to do it, designing your dream home is the way to go.
Insulation is a critical component of any container house, affecting both comfort and energy efficiency. Given the metal structure of shipping containers, proper insulation is essential to avoid extreme temperatures inside the home. Make sure that any container home you consider has adequate insulation for your climate. Features like spray foam insulation can make a significant difference, helping to maintain a stable indoor temperature year-round. Don’t overlook this aspect, as it will have a long-term impact on your comfort and utility bills.
If you decide to go with a custom-built container home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is what builder you choose. Do your research on potential builders, making sure they have a lot of experience in building and designing container homes. Look at their portfolio to make sure what they do is what you want, and don’t be afraid to ask them for references. A great builder won’t just build you the house you want; they’ll also help you through the things that could potentially go wrong when securing permits or making sure everything is up to local building codes.
Having laid the groundwork for pinpointing the right container house, I want to move into some additional factors that are going to take your project from just okay to “Wow.” Whether it’s maximizing natural light, making sure your home is compliant with local building codes, or you want it to be super energy-efficient, these are the additional steps you’ll need to take to get the perfect marriage of form and function.
Ensuring Compliance with Local Building Codes
One of the most overlooked things (that people don’t think about) when building a container house is making sure your house is going to meet local building codes and regulations. Different areas have different requirements, from zoning laws to structural codes, and if you don’t have the right permits, they can force you to take the house down after they’ve put it up. Start by searching to understand the codes that your area has and find an expert on container houses to guide you through the permit process to make sure your house is up to the right spec.
Common Challenges When Converting Shipping Containers into Homes
Converting shipping containers into livable homes is going to present some unique challenges, from dealing with insulation and ventilation to maintaining the structural integrity of the home. For instance, containers are made to be air-tight, which can make it to where you don’t have good indoor air quality if you don’t pay attention to the vents that bring the fresh air in. Cutting holes into the walls of windows and doors can weaken the structural integrity if you don't pay attention to how you do it. Plus, the potential for rust and corrosion with containers is far higher than traditional construction practices, especially in extremely humid climates. All of these challenges can be taken care of if you know the right people and do things to the proper standards.
Making Your Container House More Energy-Efficient
Energy efficiency is a key concern for any home, and container houses are no exception. Start by choosing high-quality insulation that’s appropriate for your climate. Double-glazed windows can help retain heat in the winter and keep it out in the summer. Solar panels are another excellent option, allowing you to harness renewable energy and reduce your reliance on the grid. Additionally, consider incorporating energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting to further reduce your energy consumption.
Picking out the right container house for your project is a process that starts with lots of planning and lots of thought. From picking the right size and features to making sure your house is properly insulated and energy-efficient, each of these steps is crucial to the success of your project. If you pay attention to the tips I’ve given you and the small details in the process, you can create a container house that not only meets all your needs but also turns out even better than what you were hoping for. Whether you’re building a little tiny cozy retreat or you’re building a great big family house, the decisions you make right now are going to shape how good that house is and how comfortable it is for you to be in.
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