Shipping Container Cat Shelter Build With Steel Stud Framing and Storage
Follow along as Channing walks through a practical 20-foot shipping container modification that combines an insulated cat shelter with dry storage. This is a much simpler build than some of our larger container projects, but it is also the type of modification that many people could realistically use in a backyard, acreage, construction site, or recreational property.
One half of the container remains open for storage, while the other half is framed, insulated, and finished with several Container Modification World products.
Adding a 32-Inch Composite Man Door
One of the main upgrades is Container Modification World's 32-inch Composite Man Door.
Compared to the larger 36-inch door frame, this version has a slimmer profile with less exposed framing and more of the original container corrugation visible.
The composite door is also well insulated, making it a great option for backyard buildings, offices, cabins and other shipping container conversions where comfort matters.
Installing a Vertical Window Framing Kit
This build also features a prototype 20-inch wide by 60-inch tall Window Framing Kit.
The opening can be used with either a vertical slider window for ventilation or a picture window for more natural light. The tall rectangular shape fits the proportions of a shipping container well and provides a more residential appearance than a traditional square window.
Container Modification World is also developing a horizontal 60-inch by 20-inch version, giving builders more options for combining window layouts on future container homes and cabins.
Framing With Steel Stud Brackets
Inside the insulated half, Steel Stud Brackets are mounted directly to the container's upper 60 mm tubing.
From there, the steel stud track is installed, and the framing can be built from the ceiling down. Using steel studs keeps the framing simple and provides space for spray foam insulation behind the walls.
Closed-cell spray foam is then applied before the interior is finished with plywood.
Corner Casting Covers are also used around the upper corners of the container. In this build, plywood was added around the covers and finished with wood trim for a clean interior appearance.
Creating a Flexible Plywood Interior
Instead of drywall, the interior is lined with plywood.
Wood corner chamfer was used as baseboard, crown moulding and corner trim. This allows the plywood panels to move slightly as the shipping container flexes without creating the cracking that can occur with drywall mud and taped seams.
The result is a simple, durable interior that suits the container well.
Maximizing the Storage Side
The other half of the 20-foot container remains uninsulated dry storage.
For this area, Channing recommends adding passive ventilation to help reduce condensation when the container is closed.
Container Modification World's MSS Single Brackets can also be installed along the walls to create a modular strut system for bolt-on shelving, pipe racks and other storage accessories.
Another option is the Hanging Shelf Bracket system, which attaches to the container's existing D-rings and provides three levels of shelving without taking up valuable floor space.
This makes it possible to store everything from hockey bags and golf clubs to pallets, ATVs, and snowmobiles while keeping the container organized.
A Practical Shipping Container Modification
This cat shelter is a great example of a straightforward shipping container conversion that can serve multiple purposes.
With a partition wall, Steel Stud Brackets, Corner Casting Covers, a Composite Man Door, Window Framing Kit, and modular storage options, a basic 20-foot sea can can become an insulated room and storage building in one compact structure.
The same concept could easily be adapted into a backyard office, hunting shack, cabin, equipment room, or office and storage combination.