Shipping Container Bathrooms and Laundries: Is It Possible?

A growing family looking to add a second bathroom to their house. An old home that doesn’t have a dedicated laundry, where clothes are currently washed in the garage. A remote mine site that needs shared wet areas for FIFO workers.

The reasons for wanting a simple, functional and cost-effective bathroom or laundry are many and varied. And a wet area shipping container conversion can deliver just that, in quick time, at the right price.

Shipping containers: the perfect foundation for a wet area

An ideal solution for both residential or commercial properties, container-based bathrooms and laundries can be far cheaper and every bit as durable as traditional wet areas.

As their name suggests, shipping containers are designed to keep their contents protected in ocean-going conditions. They are built to be wind and watertight – a design feature that can keep moisture in as effectively as it keeps it out.

Shipping containers are cheap, readily available, ultra-durable and easy to customise. They can be placed anywhere with level, stable ground, and can be easily transported if you move, or resold if you no longer need them.

But this conversion project isn’t without its challenges, and you need to know what you’re getting into before you take the project on. So let’s break down shipping container bathroom and laundry conversions in a little more detail.

Plumbing and drainage requirements

As with any wet area build, your first consideration needs to be ‘where will the water go?’

Most shipping containers will require a raised or false floor that offers enough room for drainage pipes, particularly P-traps. This makes high cube containers – 300mm taller than standard – a popular choice for wet areas.

You also need to decide whether you’ll connect to mains water and sewerage or opt for on-site water storage and septic systems. On remote sites this isn’t a choice at all. For connected sites in built-up areas, you’ll need to weight up:

• The upfront and ongoing costs of each option.
• The respective upkeep (minimal for mains, but you’ll need to empty a septic tank and keep tabs on off-grid water supply levels).
• Whether your container will be a temporary or permanent installation.

Insulation, ventilation and waterproofing

Drains won’t take care of all the moisture. While a shipping container’s corten steel construction is designed to develop a protective layer of rust, it will still gradually weaken if it’s constantly exposed to moisture.

The main challenge is dealing with the steam and humidity generated by showers and dryers. Active shipping container ventilation, in the form of powered exhaust fans, is the most effective solution.

Another key issue is the hot box effect, where temperature changes can cause container walls to ‘sweat’ – moisture that can eventually lead to rust. The answer is to sandwich shipping container insulation between the exterior and interior walls.

To further contain moisture, the interior should be fully waterproofed. Install durable waterproof flooring and use PVC panels or acrylic liners on the walls and ceiling. Tiles can crack if the container is moved, so should only be used in permanent installations.

DIY vs professional conversion

You might be considering a DIY container conversion as a more cost-effective option, but keep in mind that this work demands a lot of specialist skills and specialist tools, and if you place value on your time, a professional conversion may actually turn out cheaper.

• DIY: Suitable for internal fit-outs (fittings, cabinetry, painting) but risky for structural modifications, and not an option for compliant plumbing or electrical work.
• Professional: High quality, fully compliant work is completed efficiently, but you may have to pay a little more for the pleasure.

No matter which option you choose, or whether it’s a residential or commercial conversion, you’ll need the help of a licensed plumber and electrician to ensure your build is compliant with AS/NZS 3500 and AS/NZS 3000.

Need help? At shipping-containers.com.au we’ve built a sprawling network of carefully vetted modification partners that can bring your bathroom or laundry conversion to life.

Compact layout and design tips

While a wide range of shipping container sizes are available, the two standard options are 20ft (with 13.8m² of floorspace) and 40ft (28.1m² of floorspace).

Such compact footprints demand creativity in terms of layout and interior design. Ideas to maximise the use of space within your laundry or bathroom conversion include:

• The European laundry: Save floor space by placing the washer and dryer side-by-side under a benchtop or stacked within a cabinet.
• The wet room: Forgoing shower screens and carefully sealing the whole container for an open shower layout that makes the 2.3m width feel less narrow.
• Vertical storage: Choosing a taller high cube container that allows you to raise the floor for plumbing, and gives you more vertical storage space.
• Wall-to-wall mirrors: Large mirrors can visually double the interior width and increase the often low levels of natural light within a container.

Ready to start your container bathroom or laundry conversion?

We’re here to help. At shipping-containers.com.au we’re a 100% independent platform that offers all the expert advice you need. We help you identify the ideal container for your situation, then we connect you with local, vetted suppliers and modification partners who can deliver.

Start your shipping container journey today