Site containers
Site containers are the backbone of every construction site: rugged, stackable and connectable room modules on a galvanised steel frame, used as office, break room, changing room or storage. They arrive by truck, are set down with a crane or lorry loader and are usually ready to use within hours once power is connected. Because the modules share a common grid, they can be combined into rows, courtyards or multi-storey complexes and redeployed on the next project.
Typical uses
- Site manager office with drawing storage and a meeting corner
- Break room with kitchenette for the crew
- Changing room with clean/dirty separation and drying heater for civil works
- Lockable tool and material store right next to the trade area
- First-aid room and medical station on large sites
- Break and rest rooms for seasonal workers in agriculture
- Interim workshop or plant room while a hall is being refurbished
- Base camp for civil protection, drills and major incident response
Sizes and dimensions
| Module | External approx. L × W | Floor area approx. | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 3.00 × 2.44 m | 6.2 m² | single office, store |
| 16 ft | 4.88 × 2.44 m | 10.4 m² | break room for a small crew |
| 20 ft | 6.06 × 2.44 m | 13.0 m² | crew room, site management |
| 20 ft XL | 6.06 × 3.00 m | 16.3 m² | meetings, open-plan office |
Approximate values, manufacturer-dependent. Internal height usually around 2.30–2.40 m.
✓ Advantages
- Ready to use, weatherproof and lockable
- Connectable and stackable into larger complexes
- Rent for the project duration or buy outright
- Forklift pockets and lifting eyes make relocation easy
- Standardised dimensions simplify planning and reuse
! Points to consider
- Longer-term or fixed siting usually requires a permit
- Basic versions are poorly insulated and get cold in winter
- Transport, crane and manoeuvring space add noticeable cost
- The site must be level, load-bearing and free of buried services
Equipment and options
- Insulated sandwich walls and roof
- Windows with shutters or grilles
- Electrical distribution with CEE inlet and RCD
- Electric heater or air conditioner
- Hard-wearing PVC floor
- Lifting eyes at the corners, forklift pockets
- Optional: kitchenette, WC cubicle, partition, alarm system
Price guide
- Hire 20 ft crew room
- approx. €130 – 260 / month
- Purchase used 20 ft
- approx. €3,500 – 8,000
- Transport
- usually separate, per trip approx. €200 – 800 depending on crane
Rough orientation values without guarantee; prices vary by region, condition and market.
What to look out for
- For winter sites, check insulation standard and heating output – basic versions get cold quickly.
- Make a handover record with photos; otherwise damage to floor and windows will be charged to you on return.
- Prepare the site: level, load-bearing, free of buried services, with lorry access.
- For several modules, plan a coupled complex rather than placing single containers side by side.
- For the duration of the works, site containers are procedure-free in many German states – afterwards they are not.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly is a site container ready?
Usually on the day of delivery. Once set down it is levelled and connected to site power; coupled complexes take a little longer to assemble.
Do I need a permit for a site container?
While it serves the site set-up, it is procedure-free in many German states. If it stays afterwards or stands on public land, different rules apply.
Related guides
Planning with site containers?
Compare sizes, costs and buying vs. renting in our guides.
