Can You Bury a Shipping Container? Truth About Underground Use

Can you really bury a shipping container underground?

The short answer is yes, provided you’ve got the right equipment, expertise, and a site that can handle the installation.

If you tick all those boxes, the more pertinent question is should you bury a shipping container underground?

In this guide we’ll explore the pros, cons and realities of underground container installations, and the engineering considerations you should be aware of before choosing this path.

Why bury a shipping container?

First things first: in what situations might you consider burying a shipping container? Examples include:

• Underground homes: Great for areas that experience extreme temperatures.
• Basements: Add extra square metreage to your home out of nothing.
• Underground shelters: A protected, concealed place for safety during dangerous events.
• Container pools: Make the pool easily accessible by placing the lip at ground level.
• Cellar/cool storage: Natural insulation keeps the space at an ideal temperature for storing wine.
• Hydroponic/aquaponic setups: Water can be gravity-fed to the plants below.

Now that we know the whats, let’s look at the whys.

Pros of burying a shipping container

There are a number of compelling benefits to placing a container underground, whether partially or completely. These include:

• Natural insulation: Temperatures underground stay very stable – dig a metre or two down and they are roughly equal to the average annual air temperature of the area, which in Australia is typically 18-25C (depending on region).
• Security and protection: From secure storage to storm shelters to panic rooms, underground builds offer excellent protection from cyclones, intruders and more.
• Space savings: Smaller properties that lack a huge footprint can create usable space out of nothing by placing a container beneath a backyard or building.
• Strength and longevity: Shipping containers are super durable, and if they’re properly prepared (treated, reinforced) they can comfortably last decades underground.

Cons of burying a shipping container

Burying a shipping container isn’t right for every situation, and can have some disadvantages:

• High cost: Between excavation and the reinforcement, waterproofing and general preparation of the container, underground installations demand significant upfront investment.
• Risk of collapse: The investment in reinforcement is critical, as containers can buckle under the pressure of soil, particularly when buried deep.
• Maintenance challenges: Again, preparation is key, but you’ll always need to be on the lookout for issues like rust, buckling and water leakage, and fix them as quickly as possible.
• Light and ventilation: Natural light and fresh air can be tricky (but not impossible) to access.
• Permission and insurance: You may face hurdles with local authorities and insurers.

The shipping container burial process

Having weighed up the pros and cons of burying a shipping container, you’ll have a clearer idea of whether burial is the right installation choice for you. If it is, here’s how the process plays out:

1. Site selection: Choose your location, check soil stability, drainage and local regulations.
2. Excavation: Dig a hole larger than the container – allow space for reinforcement, drainage and insulation.
3. Base preparation: Lay a compacted gravel or concrete foundation to support the container and stop it from sinking or moving.
4. Container modification: Reinforce walls, add waterproofing, insulation, vents, power and drainage points where needed.
5. Placement: Use heavy lifting equipment to lower the container into the hole.
6. Backfilling: Fill the space around the container with soil, evenly distributing the pressure.
7. Drainage and waterproofing: Install protective coatings, drains and sump pumps to stop water accumulating in, on or around the container.
8. Final adjustments: Add access points (doors, hatches), and landscape over or around the submerged container.

Alternative installation options

Completely burying a container is a significant undertaking, and one that you may feel is beyond you. There are however some alternative installation options that can deliver similar results:

• Partially buried containers: A popular option for container pools, semi-buried containers enjoy partial protection and insulation.
• Earth-sheltered designs: Natural hollows, forest clearings and the base of a cliff or rocky outcrop can provide a container with protection without the need for excavation.
• Built-up landscaping: Rather than excavating, you could add soil around the container and cover it in grass, plants or landscaping.
• Thick insulation/cladding: You can get similar levels of climate control and protection by adding external cladding or thick insulation to an above-ground container.

In short, there are a number of compelling reasons to bury a shipping container underground, you just need to be prepared for the serious engineering and significant investment such a project requires.

If you’re ready to go ahead with a container burial, we’re ready to help.

Get in touch with our expert team today.

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