Shipping Container Modular Buildings
Easily create usable space where and when you need it with modular buildings made from shipping containers. Designed for speed, strength, and long-term use, our modular container buildings can be configured to suit offices, welfare facilities, classrooms, accommodation, and more.
Modular container buildings for flexible building solutions
By combining single or multiple containers, we can design layouts that suit everything from small standalone units to larger multi-room buildings. Each setup is planned with access, workflow, and practical use in mind, giving you a well-organised space that’s ready to work from day one.
Every modular building unit is built to order and specific to your needs, with options like:
- Single or multi-unit configurations
- Internal partition walls, multiple rooms, staircases, walkways, and external access features
- Insulation, heating and ventilation systems
- Plumbing & electrical fit-outs including sinks, toilets, full bathrooms, lighting and power points
- Windows, doors, and security upgrades
- Cladding and exterior finishes in a range of colours
- Accessible layouts and compliant facilities
Our modular shipping container building conversion process in 4 simple steps
Free consultation
Design & planning
Full conversion
Delivery & setup
Benefits of shipping container buildings
Shipping container buildings offer a smarter, more flexible alternative to traditional construction. Designed for speed, durability, and adaptability, they’re increasingly used for commercial, site, and long or short-term space requirements because of:
- Faster build times – Container buildings can be designed, built, and delivered in weeks, avoiding the long lead times and disruption of conventional construction projects.
- Lower costs – Reduced build time, efficient materials, and minimal groundwork make modular buildings a cost-effective option without sacrificing quality or performance.
- Built to last – Made from strong, weather-resistant corten steel, shipping container buildings are designed to withstand harsh conditions and stand up to everyday use.
- Fully customisable – Every modular container building is built to match how the space will be used, with layouts and features designed to suit your needs.
- Flexible & adaptable – Modular buildings can be reconfigured, expanded, or relocated as requirements change, making them ideal for both temporary and long-term use.
Why choose Universal Containers for your modular building
With over 40 years of experience in shipping containers and in-house conversion expertise, we know how to turn containers into fully functioning, high-quality buildings that are tough, practical, and built to last.
Over four decades of expertise
Everything handled in-house
Cost-effective without cutting corners
Satisfaction guarantee
Looking for a different type of space? Check out our other container conversion options
How long does it take to build a shipping container modular building?
It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the size and complexity of your building. We’ll always give you a clear timeline based on your specific design and keep you updated throughout the process.
How much does a container modular building conversion cost?
The cost of your modular building depends on the size, layout and level of finish. We’ll give you a clear, upfront quote based on your design, with no hidden extras.
Can I choose the layout and size of my modular container building?
Absolutely! Every modular building we build is custom-designed. You choose the layout, room and facility options, workspaces, lighting, power points, and any other features you need, and we’ll build it to suit.
Do I need planning permission for a container modular building?
In many cases, you may need planning permission, especially for permanent use. Planning requirements vary depending on your location and how the building will be used. Read our full guide on container planning permission to get all the information you need.
How secure is a shipping container building?
Very secure. Shipping containers are built from solid steel, and we can upgrade your building with steel personnel doors, added locks and reinforced hinges, CCTV, and other security features.
Can modular buildings be used all year?
Absolutely. Modular container buildings can be fully insulated and finished with external cladding, as well as fitted with heating and ventilation systems. This makes them comfortable, weather-resistant, and suitable for year-round use in all conditions.
Our containers in action
See some of the ways our amazing customers are using their containers.
Case StudiesDespite restricted site access, we delivered a fully insulated, light-filled container office with carefully planned glazing, heating and electrics. The finished space provides a practical, year-round working environment suited for everyday use.
Case StudiesWe built a fully functional compact coffee shop from a shipping container with doors for customer access, a roller shutter for security, a serving hatch, and a small kitchen area complete with water heater and sink.
Case StudiesIn the pursuit of enhancing their museum and workshop facility, the Locomotive Society sought a creative solution to provide a welcoming space for their members, while adhering to the historical aesthetic of their railway centric environment.
Case StudiesUniversal Containers embarked on an exciting project to enhance a garden centre’s retail experience by supplying and customising two shipping container cabins. The goal was to seamlessly link these cabins on-site and transform them into a vibrant and functional gift shop.
Case StudiesA restaurant had been operating successfully for several years. However, due to increasing demand and limited space within the restaurant premises, the owners decided to expand their operations by introducing an outdoor catering unit.
Case StudiesThe local rugby club had been using a small, outdated ticket booth that no longer met their needs. The club’s management sought a more efficient and visually appealing solution that could accommodate their growing fan base.
Case StudiesThe client, an Industrial Chemical Storage Company specialising in chemical production and storage, faced the challenge of storing hazardous chemicals on their premises while adhering to stringent health and safety regulations.
ShippingUniversal Containers take pride in continually pushing the boundaries in product development within the shipping container industry.
These 2 large 32x10ft cabins were built for a British transport company. They requested a large space to act as a welfare facility for drivers and staff in the peak district. Due to the customer’s specific requirements, one unit was not large enough so we suggested 2 units, however floor space was an issue on-siteContinue reading “32ft × 10ft Stacked Cabins”
OfficesThis particular office unit was completed for a North-West-based container hire company.
Custom Built Atex Coshh store for storing gas bottles. This unit was custom built with corrugated steel panels 20ft long x 10ft wide. It had a fully ventilated floor from galvanised steel mesh, as well as 4 aluminium louver vents in the walls. We also fitted galvanised box section racks with chains on to holdContinue reading “20×10 Gas Bottle Store”
Corrugated steel cabin 32ft x 10ft with adjustable jacklegs anti vandal steel personnel door and anti-vandal aluminium sliding windows in steel shutters. Painted externally in non-corrosive container paint in a vibrant red. Internally with walls where lined in a cost-effective melamine faced chipboard and fully insulated throughout in Rockwool. The floor had hard wearing vinylContinue reading “Corrugated 32×10 Office / Store room”
Standard shipping container transformed into a bespoke storage unit. With multiple purposes across many industries. For example, self-storage companies or engineering companies for members of staff to lock tools away when not in use. The unit was split evenly into 8 small rooms approximately 5ftx4ft each by steel partition walls for security. Each room withContinue reading “20ft Multi-Bay Unit”
10ft container conversion for an off-grid company custom built to house a very large generator. The customer wanted a unit with multiple apertures and louver vents to allow for ventilation, they wanted all openings to have cover hoods to help stop water coming in. The Universal CAD team had a meeting with the client toContinue reading “10ft Generator Housing Container”
Site AccommodationThis 40ft x 12ft custom built flat panel cabin was a container conversion project completed for Eddie Stobart’s site.
Site AccommodationWithin today’s economic climate, many of us face struggles surrounding our finances.
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