Climatic Adaptability and Energy Efficiency in European Container Houses

Container Houses (CHs), leveraging shipping containers as their fundamental structural components, are increasingly popular for various compelling reasons. This innovative architectural solution, initially offering a more cost-effective alternative to traditional constructions, especially when employing recycled containers, has been enthusiastically embraced worldwide for its ability to provide quick, affordable, and environmentally friendly housing. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the energy efficiency of shipping container homes across various European locations, focusing on their adaptability in different climatic conditions. This study stands out by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the energy efficiency of different container house configurations in thirty distinct European locations. The novel aspect of this research lies in its detailed exploration of how climatic factors, geometric variations, and solar radiation exposure distinctively affect these homes, especially in the context of temporary housing. Moreover, the development of empirical correlations to calculate the thermal loads necessary for these innovative housing solutions represents a significant contribution to the design and planning of efficient and effective housing in diverse environmental settings. Utilizing Heating Degree Days (HDD) and Cooling Degree Days (CDD) concepts, the study delves into the exploration of climatic zones, integrating HDD, CDD, and solar irradiance data for a clearer view of climatic adaptability. The research employs dynamic simulations performed with the TRNSYS software, utilizing specific hourly climatic data for each location. Different CDD calculation methodologies are proposed and evaluated, establishing a baseline temperature for comfort and examining the thermal loads for various climatic contexts and geometric configurations of container houses. The findings reveal a significant correlation between climatic classification and the specific energy needs of container houses, emphasizing the impact of regional climatic characteristics on energy efficiency, particularly in small-sized dwellings like container houses. The analysis indicates the critical importance of conscious design and adaptation to local climatic contexts to ensure maximum energy efficiency. The proposed climate characterization model based on HDD, CDD, and solar irradiance finds an effective correlation with the Köppen-Geiger classification, especially in extreme climates, offering a new perspective for urban planning and housing design. The study underscores the importance of adaptive designs in developing sustainable, resilient architecture to meet contemporary environmental and societal challenges.