Many construction workers in Hanoi have been using old shipping containers as residences while working on the building site.

Large container-homes often accommodate up to 20 workers, while smaller ones will fit between five and six people. During the winter they can work quite well as temporary shelter, but when the summer months arrive the heat inside can become oppressive.

Le Van Thuat a worker at a construction site in Me Tri Commune, Thanh Hoa Province, said, “Using shipping containers for homes is a way to cut costs, as they are cheaper than setting up tents. When we switch locations we just have to move the houses by crane."

In the past workers used water to cool the containers before going to sleep, but since some have installed insulation and even windows.

A row of container-homes in Me Tri Commune 

A small container house for 5-6 people

Inside the 'house'

Windows

Improvised insulation

Clean water