LIVING IN A BOX
SHIPPING CONTAINER HOMES PLAN FOR CITY’S HOMELESS
NEWLY-RELEASED images have revealed what innovative shipping container homes for homeless people in Cardiff will look like.
Work is set to begin this month to set up 13 shipping container homes at the former PDSA site in Bute Street.
They will provide temporary accommodation for families until more permanent housing can be found.
There will be seven two-bedroom homes, comprising a 40ft and a 20ft container, and six onebedroom homes, made from a 40ft container.
Each will have solar panels, a sprinkler system, and private and communal amenity space for residents.
The two-bed units will have direct access to a fenced garden so children have a safe space to play, and the first-floor one-bed units will all have a roof terrace and a front door. Site preparation works are due to start this month, with the delivery of the containers scheduled for June.
The build is expected to take 20 weeks.
Cadwyn Housing Association is developing the scheme on behalf of Cardiff Council.
Kath Palmer, Cadwyn Housing’s chief executive, said: “We need to find new ways of providing safe and secure accommodation for our homeless families in Cardiff and this project provides much-needed temporary housing whilst a longer term housing solution can be found.”
The container homes have been designed so they can be moved easily to an alternative location in the future, either all together or in smaller groups to different sites.
There will be a 10-week supervised construction training programme for local people with responsibility for fitting out a complete container.
Cardiff Council also plans to set up eight more shipping container homes for homeless families at Greenfarm hostel in Ely.
Lynda Thorne, Cardiff Council cabinet member for housing and communities, said: “The council is always looking at new and innovative ways we can deliver more affordable housing for the city and these shipping containers provide us with a cost-effective solution to providing homes for those in need in the city.
“The energy-efficient homes provide us with a greater level of flexibility compared to traditional builds, as we can respond to changing demand by relocating and reusing the units elsewhere.
“I’m delighted that the start of work is imminent and look forward to seeing the new homes in the near future.”
Cadwyn has also been working with Tony King Architects, Willis Construction and Lion Containers.
Artwork by pupils at St Mary the Virgin Church in Wales Primary School can be seen on hoarding that has been erected around the site.