Articles

Tempohousing Nigeria can build a house with 2 million Naira using shipping containers

Livin Spaces··
Home
Design Stories
Articles

UPDATE: By popular demand, we’ve attached some links to other container architecture projects we’ve featured on our site to give better understanding of just what could be achieved using containers. See at end of post)

Thanks to Tempo Housing Nigeria (THN), an arm of the Netherland based Tempo Housing Global (THG) and a leading Nigeria based project developer, your seemingly ‘ordinary’ standard ISO shipping containers can be used to construct a home on a shoe string budget of N2 000 000.

tempo-housing-6

They use a technology pioneered in Amsterdam and tailor the solution to the housing crisis in Nigeria and West Africa. THN services include provision of permanent and deployable residential housing, campsite accommodation, offices, residential and commercial housing, clinics, convenience, parks etc. Construction costs range from N50 000 – N75 000 per sqm depending on final specification and finishes.

See Also

The available ranges of cost and structures,are as follows:

  • Studio/1 bedroom – N2 000 000 – N2 500 000
  • 2 bedroom flat / bungalow – N3 500 000 – N4 500 000
  • 3bedroom flat / bungalow – N5 000 000 – N6 500 000
  • 3 bedroom terrace – N7 000 000 – N8 500 000

You can get in touch with Tempo Housing Nigeria via

Email: info@tempohousingnigeria.com, officenigeria@tempohousing.com

Mobile: +234 816 287 2870, +234 908 206 5362

tempo-housing-5


tempo-housing-6
tempo-housing-7

CONTAINER ARCHITECTURE AROUND THE WORLD

Now here are some popular container architecture projects from around the world, that would help shed some light on what can be achieved with shipping containers. First is our personal favourite, which was developed by TempoHousing Global…

KEETWONEN STUDENT HOUSING IN AMSTERDAM2343118628_3452b5d7c3_o

CONTAINER CITY IN LONDON

CONTAINER COTTAGE IN COSTA RICA

LEGSON KAYIRA PRIMARY SCHOOL IN MALAWIext5

THE PV14 HOUSE IN DALLASPV14_HouseHR4360

THE WFH CONTAINER HOUSE IN CHINA49f6aa56136689.5609a52a6dbc4

vissershock-classroom-01a

VISSERSHOCK CLASSROOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

SEED LIBRARY IN JOHANNESBURGSEED-Library-15

grillagh-water-house-01

GRILLAGH WATER HOUSE IN IRELAND

HUINNI HOUSE IN MEXICO

huiini house 02

For more, you can go here.

Show More
Tags
Livin Spaces
An online Architecture and Design platform publishing curated design content from Africa & other parts of the world.

67 Comments

  1. If you want to find solutions to Nigeria’s housing problem, that is a good thing but the cost you placed on temporary houses are as high as permanent ones and you want to sell this idea. I think you should rethink this strategy

    Reply

  2. I agree with you on this Emmanuel. I really think they should review their prices, it’s so on the very high side.

    Reply

  3. People will not be much carried away by saying “house made from container ” but will be move if it can solve their accommodation problem by placing a very lower price and not your 2m,3m even u are putting diamond inside, it does not matter, it’s still t a house from container

    Reply

      2. I’ll like to learn more about the container house. I’m thinking of moving to the country side for farming and I’ll like a comfortable low cost house.

        Reply

  4. I was impressed with the idea till I saw the prices. No way I’m paying 2 million for that. I expected the price to be cheaper.

    Reply

  5. It’s a laudable idea . . . But the bane of contention is the pricing .pls I think the pricing should be reviewed . .

    Reply

  6. 2 expensive. for the idea to see , it should be far cheaper than the conventional methods.
    I hope there is a way they will will regulate temperature inside the container home and risk 2 life as any electrical leakage will be fatal

    Reply

    1. Proper insulation, and conduit piping for electricals cater to both the regulation of temperature and the danger of electrocution respectively.

      Reply

    2. It expensive for rent but to buy it not expensive, if u looking for somethings cheap that ur option or go build a house that cost you 50million

      Reply

    3. A lot of my fellow co.cerned Nigeria has showed concern about your idea which is absolutely acceptable. However you should consider by bringing your price down if you really wants Nigerians to consider and accept your producs tech bound with idea. My candid advice to you is to reduce your price down very well, cause other rival firm with you from China and else where will come up with fair cheap and reasonable price.

      Reply

  8. Fantastic idea.

    Although the prices aren’t much different from that of normal cement brick houses. I don’t know how the forex problems have affected construction activities, but as at last year people were still quoting between 4 – 6 million naira for 3 bed bungalows. e.g. http://www.nairaland.com/2327386/3-bedroom-bungalow-project/9.

    Perhaps things would have changed a bit now, making the containers competitive at this rates.

    My only concern is the safety of this houses. Seeing as it is made of metal, it will be particularly vulnerable to electrical hazards. How was this potential danger contained?

    Reply

  9. Then whats is the difference. container 40ft is 400k max 700k with transportation and thats the size of a studio apartment. you are now telling me foundation and modification is another million and a half. i dont think so. its a good concept but the prices are outta range.

    Reply

    1. I assume TempoHousing Nigeria have certain materials or processes they use that take the cost up, finding a cheaper alternative may very well bring the cost down to something more within reach. Maybe in terms of insulation or finishes.

      Reply

  11. How says 4.5 can build you a finished house in this Nigeria?? Lol, are you guys high? Have you factored labour, electrical and finishing?? Are you guys seriously saying this? The cheapest any decent 2 bedroom will go for is 6-7 Million.

    Reply

  12. It’s a nice idea n would b great but has d Nigeria weather been put into consideration also d effect it may hv on pple note with d economy there is nothing temporary with Nigeria after spending dat amount it might end up been permanent!at lest it wld end omo nile wahala buy n buld but please the price should be looked into! Nice ideal! Toms up!

    Reply

  13. Micheal, are you on facebook or whatsapp? Can you add me chris Okolo. I have some questions I need to ask.

    Reply

      1. Hello house! sir Micheal, actually containers can not just shock someone if proper insulation of electricity is used. So I think pipping using Plastic method is very important

        Reply

  14. One thing I don’t see people addressing here is what land are these houses going to sit on? E.g. in Lagos, cost of land is prohibitive. If u put dat on d cost perhaps it shoots up? If on d other hand u want to build outside Lagos can these prices better the building costs there? The only way I can see this work is as a Government Mass Housing Project. There could be other ways though I just don’t know. The upside is there’ll be new usage for all the containers laying about. But it is laudable if feasible. I’ll be looking out for more info.

    Reply

    1. The keetwonen project shared above is a good example that deals with the issue you raised. Its a project with 1000 units of student housing and the developers actually leased the land from the owners for a period of 5 years with an option to renew if successful and thus far it has been renewed twice.
      From a development stand point is mitigates the cost of land seeing as you’ll only pay for the period agreed upon or possibly even have the land owner as an equity partner. I heard, but am unsure if its entirely true, that the palms shopping mall in Lekki has a similar agreement.
      This allows the developer recoup his investment and still give the land owner the option of developing his property after the contract expires seeing as the containers can be moved off the site.

      This, however, would best serve a rental development and not property for sale, but, if you think about it, decent, purpose built rental properties, especially studio flats and 1 bedroom flats are in short supply in places like Lagos.

      Reply

      1. Hi Michael , hope you are well where is your offices located ?

        We have a Hotel in Ikeja and would like to find out your availability to do a site visit.

        Regards Dirk

        Reply

  17. I agree. With 2m, 3m one can build the conventional houses using the traditional materials of cement blocks etc. The cost doesn’t make sense. It wont sell here in Nigeria. Alternative sources of anything mean “cheaper” and not the opposite. I think they should take a look at the prices again and do a review.

    Reply

  18. Great effort indeed. I’m an architect and quite conversant with Container housing globally, especially in immediate shelter. Kindly connect me to your site location in Nigeria for inspection and of course more detailed transaction.
    Many thanks to a great team work.

    Reply

  22. This is a nice idea, keep it up please. I don’t see anything bad about the prices. Soon Nigerian’s will embrace it, trust us now.

    Reply

  23. This to me is what we need here in Nigeria, considering the fact that it eliminates several quality risk factors inherent in conventional construction here in Nigeria. Also it’s not bulky and saves a lot of time when constructing. It is new here, maybe that explains the relatively high cost. However, I see competitive pricing once more developers come on board.
    Truly amazing!

    Reply

    1. I’m no structural engineer, but I’m guessing it would depend on the number of containers used for a building and all the loads that need to be taken into account, so it may just be a case of shorter piles in the case of friction piles or a faster (possibly cheaper) super structure.

      Reply

  25. It is impressive that we can replicate global innovations here in Nigeria. But your pricing makes this innovation just an option and not a solution basically. If you would set out to solve the housing problem in Nigeria, you will have to factor in the purchasing power of those people who really have the housing problem (majority of whom cannot afford 2M for a house) into your pricing strategy, else, you are just providing another option for the elite society…..and in that context, your competitive advantage will be extremely weak. #Shikenah

    Reply

    1. This is not necessarily an elite option. The average rent for an apartment not is close to about N1m per year. If you out that into consideration, you’d see it makes sense to just build something.

      Reply

    2. Their literally no good house u can build for 2mill in this current Nigeria unless u are building a one room apartment, and even if this houses will cost only 2mill many can’t still afford. And a house of 7-10 mill is not so elite because many people that are considered as they masses will or are spending that amount on rent. Elite hoses cost 50mill+

      Reply

  26. It’s a great idea and I feel the more we start to accept structures like these, the better for us all. Really, let’s be realistic… Hw much is only foundation in a place like Lagos not to talk of building projects. Its a container house means it’s lighter and easier to build even in swampy area, and d fact that it is metal means it is firm. It is used in other countries as well n it doesn’t come cheap. The more we require for cheap things the more we get substandard things. Also, the fact that it is temporary means u can restructure easily without loosing much unlike blocks. No doubt, in my opinion, this is very good idea and pricing.

    Reply

  29. Forget the name tempo housing. .this structures will last more than 25yrs. Also the building is finished with plumbing and wiring already in place..so the cost is way more cheaper than conventional cement building.if you factor in the wiring and plumbing works .the Temperature in the buildings are already reduced due to the use of insulators spray foam etc on the metal areas before cladding. I can provide more pictures of nice accommodation build with containers..

    Remember it’s a finished building they are costing not carcass. Flooring, toilet facilities, plumbing, roofing, plastering and cladding. etc just bring only your personal items and tank..shikenah

    Reply

  30. I’ll like to see more pictures of the interiors. I’ll also want to know what kind of material you use for your cladding on both the interior and exterior.can this construction be done outside Lagos?does this container house have a duration? or it can last as long as a block house?

    Reply

  31. I think the prices are quite affordable. First of all, they make use of more than one container the bigger the houses get. Secondly, the plumbing and wiring incur costs, and using cheap materials for this sort of project is fatal as the base is metal. Thirdly, the exterior is worked on as you all can see. Especially with the fluctuations with Forex recently, I’m sure it’s more expensive to build now. I hope not so much in the margin.
    What about the fittings like sinks? Are those an extra cost? Also… How are the kitchens made? I’m quite curious actually.

    Reply

  33. These ones are not yet serious. when they are they would slash down the ridiculous prices by 30%… it’s even cheaper to build with container in the USA than freaking Nigeria with these prices am seeing. Jokers…

    Reply

  34. Can i see modular pictures of some of your 3 bedroom flat bungalow and 3 bedroom terrace houses before i can make up my mind on what i want.

    Reply

  35. Which Of This Do You Care To Buy ?
    Cheap Dry 20ft 40ft 40HC new empty container shipping container used container for sale,
    New & used containers for rent or sale. Choose your own container. Custom build-out available. We deliver.
    For more information please contact
    INTERESTED? OUR YARD TO SEE MORE CABINS & CONTAINERS ”
    ✉️ Email – Cabincontainerslimited@gmail.com
    More information please contact: 08140486554
    http://wa.me/2348140486554
    Please assist to follow, like, share & comment.
    🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
    🏭Our Fabrication Yard at: Sokoto State illela to be precise.

    Reply

  36. Hello,
    Please can I see pictures of your 3-4Bedroom duplex with the total cost to build one of these Duplexes .. It’s been one of my fantasy lately and I am really looking forward to build one.
    A little brief on the insulation due our climate/hot weather in Nigeria will be appreciated. Standing by your swift response.
    Thanks immensely.

    Reply

  39. How much would it cost for a 3 bedrooms (all ensuite) and 2 sitting rooms with a tiny library and a visitor’s toilet?

    Reply

  40. How are you going to get me convinced of the safety of this temporary house that is made of metals in terms of a possible connection with electrical charges? what are the insulative materials used in the structure? It may sound ok and affordable or low priced compared to the brick house or permanent structures for how long can it stands, its best used as a temporary structure on a construction site or for outreach clinics? How good is it against heat of the sun or global warming heat?

    Reply

  41. It as always been my dream and desire to have a container constructed home, please give me details on how to contact you when am ready.

    One more thing please; do you make ready made delivery

    Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related
Previous
The Palmyra House in India by Studio Mumbai Architects
Next
Outthink Urban Planning: IBM Research Scientists in Nairobi Tackle Traffic Challenges with Garbage Trucks

FOLLOW US

Subscribe
Subscribe to stay updated on featured projects, design news and insights across Africa.

I have read and agree to the privacy policy

THE DESIGN LIST