So are the new container houses in Cuba

In an attempt to alleviate the housing crisis, the province of Las Tunas has incorporated an unconventional but increasingly popular alternative worldwide: the use of containers for the building of houses.

As explained by the Provincial Director of Housing, Héctor Rodríguez Espinosa, this is a novelty that is incorporated into the housing construction program in Las Tunas, especially in municipalities with serious housing problems such as Manatí, Puerto Padre, Jesús Menéndez, Majibacoa and the header city.

Where do containers come from?

The metal modules were not imported for the construction of houses, but arrived in the country with the necessary components for the assembly of photovoltaic solar parks, as part of the efforts of the Cuban government to increase the renewable energy capacity of the island. Once empty, they have decided to give new use.

As Rodríguez explained: «The purpose is to use the containers that bring the elements for photovoltaic solar parks, a variant that is used throughout the world to give a second and definitive use to those media.»

How these houses will be distributed

The province has 46 containers, of which:

• 18 have been assigned to the electricity company for the construction of nine homes for their workers.
• 28 will be delivered through popular councils, in coordination with delegates, community groups and local authorities.

What will these container houses in Cuba be?

The houses will be of typology 3, with dimensions ranging from 32 to 70 square meters, and will include rooms (according to the number of inhabitants), kitchen, bathroom, dining room, windows and doors to improve ventilation.

Each house will be accompanied by a plot of 150 square meters, which will allow future extensions.

On the structure, Rodríguez explained: «The homes that will have between 32, 56 and even up to 70 square meters, will have rooms, depending on the number of inhabitants, kitchen, bathroom, dining room and of course the necessary doors and windows that will also ensure more ventilation.»

Also, an additional roof will be placed on each container and antitermal elements will be used to combat the extreme heat that usually accumulates in this type of metal structures.

One of the main concerns with this new model is related to heat, but that problem will be solved with anti -clergy elements that, in addition to guaranteeing the appropriate temperature, will cover the interior walls also providing aesthetics, comfort and better finish.

Rodríguez also stressed that these homes will be anchored on concrete piles: «They will be anchored in concrete piles to prevent moisture from oxidizing the metal.»

Advantages that the authorities highlight

The authorities ensure that container houses in Cuba not only respond to an urgent need, but also offer specific advantages:

• High structural resistance thanks to its original design.
• Long duration with little maintenance.
• Lower environmental impact than other constructions.
• Faster assembly.
• Use of resources already available on the island.

A solution inspired by the world?

This type of housing is not a Cuban invention. Rodríguez insisted that the experience is based on international practices: «It is a variant that is used throughout the world to give a second and definitive use to those media.»

Despite the optimistic presentation, several independent media have indicated legitimate concerns. How to support tropical heat in a metal box? What will happen when prolonged blackouts arrive? Will promised thermal insulators really be installed?

Houses of the future or half solutions?

Container houses in Cuba, specifically in the Tunas, seem like a practical short -term response. But, without adequate supervision, they could become a new symbol of institutional abandonment and improvisation.

Meanwhile, thousands of Cuban families expect more than recycled promises.