Complete Buying Guide: How to Choose a Tiny House Colibri

Why consider a Tiny House Colibri?

The Tiny House Colibri is a compact dwelling that follows the tiny house concept while relying on the structure of a shipping container. It appeals to those seeking a functional, movable living space built to last, without giving up the comfort of a real home. Offered by Transport Hosni Conteneur, a Marseille-based company specialising in the sale and rental of shipping containers, it is a turnkey solution priced at €38,625.

Before committing, it is essential to understand what sets this model apart: a Corten steel structure, a 28 mm marine plywood floor, a double rear door with container locks, and ISO certification. These elements are not trivial: they determine the durability, mobility and comfort of your future tiny house. This guide walks you step by step through the selection criteria, points of caution and key stages to make your project a success.

Understanding the base: the shipping container as a structure

What is a dry container and why this choice?

The standard shipping container, often called "dry" or "dry van", is a rectangular box made of Corten steel, designed to withstand marine environments and the stresses of international transport. Its most common sizes are 20 feet (about 6.06 m long, 2.44 m wide and 2.59 m high) and 40 feet (about 12.19 m long with similar width and height). The Tiny House Colibri follows this logic: it uses a container structure as its base, giving it proven mechanical strength, watertightness and the ability to be transported by truck, container ship or train.

The ISO 668 standard defines the dimensions and masses of series 1 containers, while ISO 1496-1 specifies the requirements and tests applicable to dry freight containers. These references ensure compatibility with lifting and transport equipment used worldwide. An ISO-certified container can be handled, stacked and transported without special adaptation.

The advantages of Corten steel

The Tiny House Colibri stands out for its Corten steel structure. This steel, also known as weathering steel, develops a protective oxide layer on its surface that slows corrosion. It is commonly used in the construction of shipping containers, bridges and structures exposed to the weather. This property is a major asset for a tiny house intended to remain outdoors, whether by the sea or in the countryside.

Note, however, that Corten steel is not rustproof. It requires periodic maintenance, especially in coastal areas where sea spray accelerates oxidation. Light brushing followed by a suitable anti-rust paint treats superficial rust spots. Caution: some products prevent the formation of Corten steel's natural protective layer. It is therefore best to seek professional advice or refer to the manufacturer's recommendations.

The 28 mm marine plywood floor

The floor is made of 28 mm thick marine plywood. This material, made of wood veneers bonded with phenolic resins under heat, resists moisture and temperature variations. It provides a stable, durable surface suitable for residential or professional use. This is an important point: not all containers have such a thick floor. A thinner floor may deform under the weight of fittings and occupants.

To protect this floor, it is advisable to install a suitable floor covering: laminate flooring, tiles, linoleum or resin. Regular vacuuming or damp mopping is enough. For stains, a soft, slightly damp cloth is recommended. Avoid excess water, which could penetrate the plywood joints.

The double rear door and container locks

The double rear door, fitted with container locks, allows wide, secure access. These locks, called locking bars, are a standard feature of shipping containers: they ensure effective locking and good sealing when handled correctly. They must be lubricated periodically to ensure proper operation.

This double door already provides good natural light and practical access for interior fitting. It can be supplemented with additional openings (windows, sliding glass doors), provided the structure is reinforced.

Dimensions and weight: what to know before buying

Which size to choose: 20 feet or 40 feet?

The Tiny House Colibri can be based on a 20-foot or 40-foot container. The choice depends on your use and constraints.

• 20 feet: floor area of about 14.8 m², i.e. a studio or small one-bedroom. This is the most common and easiest format to transport. Empty weight is generally around 2.2 to 2.5 tonnes.
• 40 feet: floor area of about 29.7 m², i.e. double. It is heavier (3.5 to 4 tonnes empty) and requires a longer truck. It offers more space for a full fit-out with a separate bedroom.
• 40-foot high cube: adds about 30 cm in height, improving ceiling comfort and allowing for a mezzanine. Standard height is 2.59 m, versus 2.89 m for high cube.

For a housing project, it is often recommended to start with a 20-foot or 40-foot dry container in good condition and carry out a custom fit-out. A new (one-trip) container is more expensive than a used one, but offers better guarantees of durability and watertightness.

Weight and transport: anticipate the constraints

The empty weight of a 20-foot container is generally around 2.2 to 2.5 tonnes, and that of a 40-foot container between 3.5 and 4 tonnes. These values may vary depending on materials and interior fittings. Once fitted out, the Tiny House Colibri can reach a total weight that must be taken into account for transport and lifting.

It is advisable to check the maximum load allowed on the host site and to call on a professional for handling. Transporting a container tiny house is subject to abnormal load regulations if its dimensions or weight exceed authorised limits. A 20-foot container generally complies with standard road dimensions, but once fitted out, its weight may require specific permits. Using a specialised carrier, equipped with a truck with a crane or a forklift, is strongly advised. Transport Hosni Conteneur, with its experience in container handling, can support its clients through these procedures.

Interior fitting: insulation, ventilation and utilities

Thermal insulation: an essential step

The metal walls of a container conduct heat and cold. Without insulation, the interior can become uncomfortable in both summer and winter. Internal thermal insulation, using rigid panels or spray foam, supplemented by a vapour barrier, is essential. The vapour barrier must be installed on the warm side, i.e. inside, to prevent moisture from migrating into the insulation.

Common insulants include rock wool, glass wool, cellulose wadding or polyurethane. Each has advantages and drawbacks in terms of thermal performance, price and installation. The choice will depend on your budget and priorities (performance, ecology, ease of installation).

Ventilation: an often overlooked aspect

A well-insulated and airtight tiny house must be ventilated to remove moisture produced by cooking, the bathroom and the occupants' breathing. A mechanical ventilation system (single or double flow) is an effective solution. It can be supplemented by opening windows or vents. Without ventilation, condensation can build up, leading to mould and material degradation. It is therefore essential to include this from the design stage or during fitting.

Electrical and plumbing systems

The electrical installation must comply with current standards (NF C 15-100 for domestic installations). Water supply, wastewater disposal and heating must be planned according to use: main residence, second home, site office or tourist accommodation. Electrical and plumbing systems must be integrated before closing the partitions. It is advisable to provide accessible service ducts to facilitate future work.

Energy and water: self-sufficiency or connection?

A container tiny house can be connected to the public electricity grid, or operate self-sufficiently with solar panels, a wind turbine or a generator. Grid connection requires authorisation and the involvement of a professional. For self-sufficiency, production must be sized according to consumption: lighting, refrigerator, heating, water pump, electronic devices. A photovoltaic solar installation with storage batteries is a common solution.

For water, connection to the public network is possible, or a rainwater harvesting system with filtration. Wastewater disposal must comply with sanitation rules: septic tank, micro-station or mains sewer connection. These technical aspects must be anticipated.

Regulations and planning: the procedures to plan

Prior declaration or building permit?

In France, installing a tiny house may require a prior declaration of works, or even a building permit depending on the surface area and duration of installation. A prior declaration of works is generally required for a floor area between 5 and 20 m². Above 20 m², a building permit is required. Floor area is calculated according to the rules of the French planning code.

Rules vary by municipality and zone (urban, agricultural, protected). It is recommended to contact your town hall's planning department before any project. For a tiny house on wheels, the regulations may differ: it is sometimes treated as a caravan or mobile leisure home, which involves other constraints.

Construction standards and energy performance

If the tiny house is intended for habitation, it must comply with the safety, accessibility and energy performance standards applicable to dwellings, depending on its purpose. The RE 2020 environmental regulation applies to new builds, but its application to tiny houses may vary. Here too, professional support is recommended.

Transport and permits

A container tiny house can be transported by various means. The most common is the container truck, equipped with a chassis that allows loading and unloading. For long distances, rail or sea transport may be considered, especially if the tiny house must cross a sea or ocean. In this case, the same rules as for a standard container apply: the container must be ISO-certified and comply with safety standards (stacking, lashing, weight).

Abnormal load transport applies to convoys whose dimensions or weight exceed the limits of the Highway Code. A fitted-out 20-foot container may exceed 3.5 tonnes, which remains within limits for a standard heavy goods vehicle, but height and width must be checked. If exceeded, an abnormal load permit must be obtained from the competent authorities (DREAL). Transport Hosni Conteneur can direct its clients to specialised partners.

Possible uses: housing, professional, tourism

The Tiny House Colibri can be used in many ways. As a main home, it appeals for its compactness and low maintenance cost. As a second home, it offers an original, movable pied-à-terre. As a site office, it provides a secure, enclosed workspace that can be moved as the project progresses. As tourist accommodation, it meets growing demand for unusual rentals and tiny houses. Finally, it can serve as a workshop, studio, storage unit or gym. Its modularity and robustness make it a versatile solution.

Sector-specific use cases are numerous. In construction, the container tiny house serves as a site base for teams: changing rooms, canteen, works management office. In tourism, it allows the creation of unusual accommodation, guest rooms or gîtes, with controlled investment. In events, it can serve as a stand, ticket office, dressing room or technical room. In agriculture, it provides shelter for equipment, a packing room or a direct sales space. In the medical or humanitarian sector, it can be fitted out as a consultation room, infirmary or screening centre. Finally, for individuals, it is an alternative housing solution, a garden office, an artist's studio or a studio for a relative.

Comparing the Tiny House Colibri with other solutions

20-foot vs 40-foot vs high cube container

Comparing the Tiny House Colibri with other container sizes and types helps make an informed choice. The 20-foot container is the most common and easiest to transport. It offers a floor area of about 14.8 m², corresponding to a studio or small one-bedroom. The 40-foot container offers about 29.7 m², i.e. double, but is heavier and requires a longer truck. The 40-foot high cube adds about 30 cm in height, improving ceiling comfort and allowing for a mezzanine.

Other container types: open top, flat rack, reefer

The open top container has a removable roof, useful for loading bulky items, but it is less watertight. The flat rack has no side walls: it is reserved for transporting out-of-gauge loads and is not suitable for habitable fit-out. The reefer container is insulated and equipped with a refrigeration unit: it can be converted, but its original insulation is designed for transporting perishable goods, not for housing. Finally, a new (one-trip) container is more expensive than a used one, but offers better guarantees of durability and watertightness.

Tiny house on wheels vs container tiny house

The tiny house on wheels is generally lighter and easier to move, but offers a shorter lifespan and limited weather resistance. The container tiny house, like the Colibri, offers greater robustness, better security and the ability to be stacked or transported over long distances. However, it is heavier and requires suitable lifting equipment. The choice will depend on your desired mobility and expected lifespan.

Budget and return on investment

The Tiny House Colibri is offered at €38,625. This price positions it as a turnkey solution compared with traditional construction. It may vary depending on fit-out options, finishes and equipment chosen. It is advisable to request a detailed quote to know exactly what is included.

To assess the return on investment, consider:

• Acquisition cost (purchase price, transport, fit-out).
• Installation costs (earthworks, foundations, connections).
• Local taxes (property tax, development tax depending on the case).
• Savings compared with rent or traditional construction.
• Potential resale value, which depends on condition and location.

In tourism, a tiny house can generate rental income. In the professional sector, it can reduce the cost of renting offices or site facilities. For an individual, it can be a durable, movable asset.

Points of caution before buying

When buying a container tiny house, several points of caution deserve attention. First, the condition of the original container: a new (one-trip) or lightly used container presents less risk of corrosion than one that has travelled extensively. Second, the quality of insulation and interior finishes: poor insulation can lead to moisture and energy consumption problems. Also check the compliance of electrical and plumbing installations, as well as the possible presence of chemical treatments on the floor wood. Some containers have been treated with insecticides or fungicides; it is prudent to find out about these treatments and favour healthy materials.

Finally, it is essential to find out about local planning regulations. In France, installing a tiny house may require a prior declaration of works, or even a building permit depending on the surface area and duration of installation. Rules vary by municipality and zone (urban, agricultural, protected). It is recommended to contact your town hall's planning department before any project.

Maintenance and durability: what to plan for

Maintaining a container tiny house is relatively simple. The condition of the paint on the exterior walls should be checked regularly. Spot repairs with a suitable anti-rust paint prevent corrosion. Door and opening seals must be checked and replaced if necessary. The marine plywood floor can be cleaned with gentle products; aggressive solvents are not recommended. Container locks must be lubricated periodically to ensure proper operation. Finally, an annual visual inspection of the structure, welds and fixings helps detect any weak points.

The roof, often made of the container's top wall, should be inspected twice a year, ideally before winter and after the rainy season. Check for water pooling, the condition of welds and any moss or lichen. Gentle cleaning with clean water and soap is usually enough. Rainwater outlets, if any, must be kept clear.

Conclusion: making your Tiny House Colibri project a success

The Tiny House Colibri is much more than a fitted-out container. It is a housing or professional space solution that combines mobility, durability and customisation. Its price of €38,625 makes it accessible for a turnkey project. Before starting, it is advisable to clearly define your use, check local constraints and seek support from container and construction professionals. Transport Hosni Conteneur, in Marseille, puts its expertise at the service of its clients to advise them on container choice, transport and fit-out.

In short, to choose your Tiny House Colibri, ask yourself the right questions: what surface area do I need? What use? What budget? What planning constraints? Once these answers are clear, you can place your order with complete peace of mind.