Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Eco Smart Hubs have compiled a series of answers to the most frequently asked questions about our residential hubs (granny flat), garden office hubs and garden studio hubs. There is no question too silly or complicated, so if you can’t find what you’re looking for, please feel free to contact us.
What types of containers are on the market?
Basically, we can distinguish two types of containers: building containers, known for example from construction sites and sea containers used mainly for sea transport. The main difference between these types mainly concerns construction. Marine containers have been designed for long-term use in harsh marine environments.
What type of steel are sea containers made of?
Sea containers are made of corten type steel with increased resistance to weather conditions. Korten or COR-TEN steel has been specially designed and developed to minimize the corrosion process in very difficult weather conditions occurring in the marine environment.
How much does a container weigh?
The gross weight of an empty container is 2.5 tonnes for a 20″ container; and 4 tonnes for a 40″ container; The equipped L30 Home module weighs approximately 8-9 tons.
How is thermal insulation and container heating solved?
The internal insulation of walls and ceilings is sprayed with closed-cell polyurethane foam with a thickness of 80 to 100 mm and supplemented with mineral wool (50 mm). The technology used eliminates thermal bridges. For floor insulation, we use closed-cell polyurethane with a thickness of 50 mm. The thermal insulation proposed by us has been adapted to the Central European climatic conditions. The very good thermal insulation parameters of walls and ceiling [U 0.18 W / (m² × K)] allow relatively easy maintenance of a certain temperature, regardless of the season. For heating objects we recommend innovative electric heaters or monobloc air conditioners with heating function.
Can the roof of a house built of containers be gabled?
It is possible to use a gable or multi-pitch roof depending on the building conditions or local plan. It can be of functional importance, by using additional surface on the entresol, as well as visual, in order to meet the administrative requirements.
Can I have a fireplace?
Yes, it is best to plan its place during the planning process and to make connections at the construction stage.
Can photovoltaic panels be installed?
We will help you claim up to €3000 on the government SEAI grant scheme to help turn your home more green with our solar installation.
Will I be able to move my home to another place?
Yes, regardless of the size of the object it is possible.
Is it possible to enlarge the surface of the house / office in the future?
Yes of course. The object can grow with your needs. You will certainly appreciate this advantage in the case of business development or family enlargement. It is important to plan the possibility of enlarging the space already at the stage of the original project.
How long does the order take?
No planning required for Eco Smart Hubs and can be set up in one day! These units can be stand alone , delivered and dropped into place and ready to go.
Will I need a building permit?
This unit could then actually allow people to put one in there garden with no planning required and earn up to 14000 tax free!
How to prepare a plot of land before delivery of a container?
The scope of land preparation, including foundations, depends on local conditions. In most cases, it is sufficient to use stable support points (blocks, concrete slabs, footings), eliminating the need for costly foundations.
Does the plot have to have media fed (water, sewage, energy)?
If we want to use the existing network, it is necessary to bring the media directly to the site of the building. We can also provide a container with its own source of energy, equipped with clean and dirty water installations within closed tanks.
Eco Smart Hubs maintenance.
Containers are designed to withstand harsh marine conditions, so they are extremely durable. They are made of high-strength steel and coated with specialist paints to improve their durability, and therefore do not require frequent maintenance.