THE PROSPECT AND CHALLENGES OF SHIPPING CONTAINER AS RESIDENTIAL UNIT: ALTERNATIVE HOUSING SOLUTION FOR ETHIOPIA.

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to understand the prospect and challenge of using shipping containers as a residential unit as an alternative housing solution for Ethiopia. The research is in the most urbanized city of the country Addis Ababa. With the perception of understanding the views held towards shipping containers as an alternative housing solution, this study set out to understand peoples’ opinions on Socio-cultural, economic, technological, and environmental aspects of shipping container housing as a solution. It also looks into the cost comparison of the unit with other construction materials (Concrete building). The type of research designs used to do the research was explanatory research design and descriptive research design. The research approach is also both qualitative and quantitative type of approach. The surveying result shows that accepting shipping container homes as an alternative is not dependent on educational background, age, or income level. According to the survey, the result rather depends on economics (affordability) and social status issues. The cost comparison done between a residential unit of the same design yet made of concrete home and shipping container shows, Container homes are more affordable than concrete homes. Regarding the result from the study, some recommendations suggested how best to deliver this shipping container alternative home regarding the socio-cultural issue stated and how the state government supporting the implementation could impact the result.