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Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Hey everyone,
I've had a hairbrained idea for some time now, and I wanted to toss it up here to hear opinions, and thoughts.
My current plan is to make a permanent exodus from California in the next few years, and in the mean time, save funds and performing reconnaissance/travel to various places to get a feel for the local climate/culture. Never fear, I will definitely will not be bringing much of any "California" with me, wherever I might end up :p
A large part of this plan will be a permanent darkroom, finally. My initial thought was having a larger outbuilding to house both my sewing shop(Stone Photo Gear) and darkroom under the same roof. Looking at these container conversions, I've been reconsidering the repurposing of a high-cube container and converting it into a dedicated darkroom building, complete with 2 sinks, shelving and counter space to house both a setup for contact printing LF negatives, and enlarging medium format negatives with a 4x5 bench top enlarger. Black and white darkroom use only. I do not require tons of space, but being 6'5" tall, the high cube's added head room would allow less of a 'cramped' feeling, in my opinion. Water hookup from a garden hose would be the source, and power would be run underground from the house. Again, no massive amount of resources required, as I would be primarily contact printing with a low wattage light bulb.
Both sides of container would be air conditioned and darkroom would be setup to have consistent air flow, as I would be building a fume hood for each sink, to minimize airborne vapors.
A 40' container would allow both a wet side and dry side, where mounting, spotting and matting could be done. It could also house a digital printer for printing color photographs(which I do quite a bit, but just thinking forward). Both sides would have an air conditioner set up as to maintain proper temperature and humidity levels.
Seeing that a single use high-cube container runs about $3-6k depending on length, this could potentially be a reasonable cost for a weather tight setup. I would install a side entrance door on the light side, most likely a sliding glass door of some sort, to allow lots of natural light into the "light" side of the container. Internally, a pocket door would separate darkroom from light room, making it light tight for loading holders when home(Harrison tent in the field).
Does this sound feasible, and/or reasonable? I'm 31 presently, and in no rush to settle down or start a family, but I am open to such if the right woman was to present herself. I'm now at the point of truly realizing a direction I want to take my life in, and that would involve traveling several months per year to photograph and when home, building gear to support other photographers/videographers work as I am now doing, as a side business.
Thanks for your time, and thoughts.
-Dan
p.s. YES, I have seen pictures of that military darkroom container posted here. Way too cramped for me, but certainly something to admire :)
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
If the water comes from a garden hose you just left out a lot of the USA that have seasons!
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bob Salomon
If the water comes from a garden hose you just left out a lot of the USA that have seasons!
:) I lived in a cabin in Northern Minnesota and dug a trench to the house for water and laid a high capacity cable for power. It was a one man job and worked to -45° F. Life was good.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Yes, it is absolutely feasible. A now passed friend had a 40' container with his professional shop,and model railroad. He began by insulating the sides and top with solid foam. He ran full power as if to the house. everything was air-conditioned and thus very comfortable. I have often wished i had the space to have a container with studio and darkroom, but have not been able to fund it. I would run water via underground PVC pipe if i were you.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Daniel Stone
Hey everyone,
I've had a hairbrained idea for some time now, and I wanted to toss it up here to hear opinions, and thoughts.
My current plan is to make a permanent exodus from California in the next few years, and in the mean time, save funds and performing reconnaissance/travel to various places to get a feel for the local climate/culture. Never fear, I will definitely will not be bringing much of any "California" with me, wherever I might end up :p
A large part of this plan will be a permanent darkroom, finally. My initial thought was having a larger outbuilding to house both my sewing shop(Stone Photo Gear) and darkroom under the same roof. Looking at these container conversions, I've been reconsidering the repurposing of a high-cube container and converting it into a dedicated darkroom building, complete with 2 sinks, shelving and counter space to house both a setup for contact printing LF negatives, and enlarging medium format negatives with a 4x5 bench top enlarger. Black and white darkroom use only. I do not require tons of space, but being 6'5" tall, the high cube's added head room would allow less of a 'cramped' feeling, in my opinion. Water hookup from a garden hose would be the source, and power would be run underground from the house. Again, no massive amount of resources required, as I would be primarily contact printing with a low wattage light bulb.
Both sides of container would be air conditioned and darkroom would be setup to have consistent air flow, as I would be building a fume hood for each sink, to minimize airborne vapors.
A 40' container would allow both a wet side and dry side, where mounting, spotting and matting could be done. It could also house a digital printer for printing color photographs(which I do quite a bit, but just thinking forward). Both sides would have an air conditioner set up as to maintain proper temperature and humidity levels.
Seeing that a single use high-cube container runs about $3-6k depending on length, this could potentially be a reasonable cost for a weather tight setup. I would install a side entrance door on the light side, most likely a sliding glass door of some sort, to allow lots of natural light into the "light" side of the container. Internally, a pocket door would separate darkroom from light room, making it light tight for loading holders when home(Harrison tent in the field).
Does this sound feasible, and/or reasonable? I'm 31 presently, and in no rush to settle down or start a family, but I am open to such if the right woman was to present herself. I'm now at the point of truly realizing a direction I want to take my life in, and that would involve traveling several months per year to photograph and when home, building gear to support other photographers/videographers work as I am now doing, as a side business.
Thanks for your time, and thoughts.
-Dan
p.s. YES, I have seen pictures of that military darkroom container posted here. Way too cramped for me, but certainly something to admire :)
Dan, I considered a container, but the fact that the surplus workshop I bought was prewired, had a A/C heater unit, and was insulated is the reason I bought it. Those things saved me all kinds of work ! At 6-5 you'd slam your head into the ceiling of my darkroom.
There is a company in Las Vegas that converts shipping containers into portable offices....I'd go on line and look for them.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Dan..go to Las Vegas Craigslist and go to "Business" and search for shipping container, There are at least 2 outfits that will customize containers for you. One has ads reading "Call Joe!" and the other is Storage on Wheels-(www.sowlv.com).
Might give you a lead.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Before shipping containers were readily available, freight trailers were sometimes converted to similar uses. Some of the many new storage sheds might cost more, but might be easier to convert. I walled off a 8x12 section of a no-longer-used chicken house for one of my darkrooms, but the ceiling was rather low. The 5x7 Elwood enlarger had to sit on the floor. The wood construction and concrete floor were sturdy and easy to modify. Instead of running water, there was walking water. I walked in with buckets or jugs of it, and walked out with more buckets of waste.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Just a few comments
My neighbor bought a small one for storage, hoping to sneak by the building code as an accessory building (no permit), but it was too large and he had to remove it.
Whenever I've been in an empty one of these things, the sound is boomy.
Check on the cost of moving such a thing and how much tilt is required to place it. If moving cost is high, consider those prefabs at Home Depot or box store of choice.
You talked about A/C, but not about heat. If you don't insulate, you will pay a lot for both. Consider one of these heat-pump deals that does both A/C and heat.
These things probably flex when you move them. I'd be worried about glass doors.
Sounds like fun, good luck.
ew
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bob Salomon
If the water comes from a garden hose you just left out a lot of the USA that have seasons!
Good thought Bob, and thanks for the reminder! Currently, the list is topping out with Tennessee and Idaho. Of course, with Idaho, I would have higher probability of heavier snowfall and cooler temps. However I still have much more "recon" to perform as I don't want to make a rushed decision in the slightest.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jac@stafford.net
:) I lived in a cabin in Northern Minnesota and dug a trench to the house for water and laid a high capacity cable for power. It was a one man job and worked to -45° F. Life was good.
I would imagine that if water were left "flowing" like some people do with pipes, it might have less tendency to freeze up.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jim Noel
Yes, it is absolutely feasible. A now passed friend had a 40' container with his professional shop, and model railroad. He began by insulating the sides and top with solid foam. He ran full power as if to the house. everything was air-conditioned and thus very comfortable. I have often wished i had the space to have a container with studio and darkroom, but have not been able to fund it. I would run water via underground PVC pipe if i were you.
My thoughts exactly. I don't mind wearing a jacket/sweatshirt if it gets chilly inside during cooler times of the year, in fact I would prefer it be cooler, as I'm quite hot-blooded and get to sweating quite easily :p
Reason for garden hose and extension cord for power was simply to get around permiting, as I know that some places have weird laws about stuff being considered "livable space" if it is tied to the house via power/water with a permanent setup. Versus a garden hose which is detachable. Of course, if I can bury electrical cable underground, this would be best. I don't mind hooking up a garden hose when I set up to print, as I tend to print in sessions, not just at any point and time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MrFujicaman
Dan, I considered a container, but the fact that the surplus workshop I bought was prewired, had a A/C heater unit, and was insulated is the reason I bought it. Those things saved me all kinds of work ! At 6-5 you'd slam your head into the ceiling of my darkroom.
There is a company in Las Vegas that converts shipping containers into portable offices....I'd go on line and look for them.
Sounds like a cushy setup! Ya, I bump my head quite a bit, guess that might have contributed to me being a bit hard-headed ;) I will most certainly look them up, thanks for the reference!
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Eric Woodbury
Just a few comments
My neighbor bought a small one for storage, hoping to sneak by the building code as an accessory building (no permit), but it was too large and he had to remove it.
Whenever I've been in an empty one of these things, the sound is boomy.
Check on the cost of moving such a thing and how much tilt is required to place it. If moving cost is high, consider those prefabs at Home Depot or box store of choice.
You talked about A/C, but not about heat. If you don't insulate, you will pay a lot for both. Consider one of these heat-pump deals that does both A/C and heat.
These things probably flex when you move them. I'd be worried about glass doors.
Sounds like fun, good luck.
ew
The plan would be to do any conversion work(doors, windows, plumbing, etc) once the bare container has been dropped and positioned into its final resting place. I wouldn't try and hide anything from local gov't regarding coding/use. I would be clear about what the designation of the structure would be for(not for inhabitation, just as a "workshop") so hopefully this would mitigate any possible hiccups. Especially regarding property tax assessments(one of the primary things I'm looking at, not just cost of land and cost of living). Transportation costs could most certainly be a consideration, but finding a "local" container would be ideal, but if I needed to load the container with my shop contents(sewing machines, etc) this could possibly lower shipping/moving costs as well.
I do have(and maintain) a class-a license, and drove LTL trucks for a year in 2017. Was tremendous fun, being on the road, but if I were to do it again, I know it wouldn't be beneficial to my long term health.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Idaho has cheap electricity.
You can direct bury 'gopher cable', a name for such Romex electrical cable. In Twin Falls I know the ground freezes a couple of feet some years. PEX piping can take freezing, as I understand, but not sunlight.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
I'm skeptical. Lots of great ideas here, but I would try to get ahold of something ready-made. Just sayin'
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
After having seen military surplus photo labs for sale long ago (I wanted one) built into a Scotty small trailer, I figure an old RV or trailer would be good, as they are built up inside, and are fitted for utilities already... How big would someone want??? You can always adapt...
It would be easy to move around, and if you had to, you can store it off site if you had to get it out of the way for awhile... And you shouldn't get into code issues, but maybe DMV as it is mobile...
A used one can be less than the price of a container, and you can go on location with a rolling darkroom behind you!!!
Steve K
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
I am building one among a few. There are a lot of compromises that need to be made and very costly. Sure the container is cheap, but that is about it. If you plan to have it as permanent item, I would suggest a more traditional outbuild and/or extension of the house.
If you would like to know any more please feel free to PM.
Bests,
Caleb
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3 Attachment(s)
Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Played around with some stuff in sketchup this evening just to suss things out a bit, mostly for myself. Thought I might as well share though.
-Dan
Attachment 190951
Attachment 190952
Attachment 190953
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Don't think this is really that hard to do. First, it depends on locality and what they permit (as per Eric) and they can be ultra cautious...I'd get their answer in writing. Property square footage may become a consideration whether they allow such a box (usually there is a ratio of used land - house, garage, etc. Part of their caution comes from varied places, but peeps put up all sorts of contraptions on their property, just so they can airbnb the thing :>). Ha, I almost stayed in one on the Big Island....it was a converted (short) school bus. Also, it may depend on where you may finally park, the insulation will play an important role both in heat/cold and in sound dampening. The sliding door may require a steel beam/s to strengthen the frame around it....that could be welded. I'd also bring the water or sewer into the space through the middle and from under it - preventing any possibility to freeze (where I live it has to be under ground 2ft).
One just have to be systematical, understanding when certain things need to be installed. Look at it this way, if one could create a swimming pool with a side window (no less), using one of these containers (check most recent SF Chronicle on the web), I think your project is quite doable. Good luck.
Les
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Moving to Fly Over county has a couple benefits.
Land and old houses are cheaper. Regulation is less in some places.
Now is a good time to find out where it floods...I did that 2 years ago when looking for a new old home.
Some links you may have found.
http://co-modeco.com/recycled-contai...toxic-reality/
Watch this https://youtu.be/IOl_swWAkpU
I had a custom shed made by Amish builders. There are a few advantages. They can build fast. They can put it almost anywhere easily. They will move it to a new location if you meet certain conditions. I may do that. Mine was bought from https://www.cardinalportablebuildings.com/
I matched my house paint added under floor spray foam. More windows and insulated garage door. It's very quiet inside with the 2X4 sound traps. I will build out more soon. 16X40 Garage model
No inspection, no added property tax, no code. It's a shed!
Cargo trailers can provide your necessary head room. Mine is 78" but I think it's taller inside with a finished and insulated roof and walls. http://www.legendmfginc.com/products...e-V-Nose-Cargo
I also could have gotten a container 4 miles away....
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Having done a darkroom event in a storage container, all I can say is make sure you have lots of ventilation (louvres etc) and strong a/c as it will roast you out like a thanksgiving turkey. This was a southern Ontario summer weekend.
One idea I'd explore would be to add skylights, then use appropriate gels so you'd have one huuuge safelight (after testing of course...)
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Hey Fred,
Yes indeed, PLENTY of ventilation. Since containers have doors in one end, I would use the end with loading doors for the darkroom side, so I could crack the doors open at night.
I have been researching about subterranean living, not as in a cave, but using earth to pile up around a structure to provide both thermal insulation against heat/cold, but also sound dampening.
But yes, I would need continuous airflow through the space.
One of the benefits (I see) of this rammed earth method of construction would be that I would not need to frame out internally on the darkroom side, in order to insulate the darkroom. This would add extra much needed space, not to mention save on overall build cost and long term maintenance.
This thread is mainly here to provide a conversation piece, and possibly open up another avenue of thought for others like myself who want a dedicated darkroom space, and might have some extra land to accommodate such a project.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Rammed Earth : You won’t Believe How They Build This
Marfa
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Dan...Tennessee has no state income tax. That's a plus right there. I checked Craigslist and there are several container sellers in Nashville and Chattanooga. There's also one in Newnan GA that has a picture of 2 containers welded together side to side. Several of the listings say they will customize containers. I saw 2-3 containers with side doors!
I'd avoid the Nashville area...land prices are high and climbing there. If you get out in the country, the only building code they really have in many places is about septic tanks.
Also spotted several 45' Hi-cube containers.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Here in Hamilton, a house is building with six containers side by side and stacked for a total of 3 stories. I am watching it go up; fascinating!
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MrFujicaman
Dan...Tennessee has no state income tax. That's a plus right there. I checked Craigslist and there are several container sellers in Nashville and Chattanooga. There's also one in Newnan GA that has a picture of 2 containers welded together side to side. Several of the listings say they will customize containers. I saw 2-3 containers with side doors!
I'd avoid the Nashville area...land prices are high and climbing there. If you get out in the country, the only building code they really have in many places is about septic tanks.
Also spotted several 45' Hi-cube containers.
Yes, I would definitely avoid Nashville. Having lived the majority of my life in Los Angeles, I am done with big city(even though I have been more in the eastern 'burbs' of LA). I'm done with traffic, done with high taxes(one of the reasons I like TN as you have mentioned)
-Dan
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Eric Woodbury
Idaho has cheap electricity.
You can direct bury 'gopher cable', a name for such Romex electrical cable. In Twin Falls I know the ground freezes a couple of feet some years. PEX piping can take freezing, as I understand, but not sunlight.
There is a grade of red PEX that can take sunlight. That is what my plumber uses.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
There is a type of spray insulation that can be put on externally, used on roofs, that might do the job if earth berm is not suitable.
As far as earth berm you would want some way of separating the metal from the earth, whether its a waterproofing system like for foundations or whatever. Bury the metal directly in the dirt and you could have some serious corrosion issues.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
You're only 31 once... or, at most, twice.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Daniel Stone
Yes, I would definitely avoid Nashville.
What's the Shawn Mullins lyric, LA is "kinda like Nashville with a tan"?:) I don't have any input about the shipping container idea (except to say that weather measured on the Enhanced Fujita Scale might be a non-trivial concern), but before you get locked into the concept, you might start talking to a Realtor about what's available in (lightly) zoned exurbs or light industrial areas here in Tennessee. Enough people have bought into the whole "crofting" vibe, at least here in East Tennessee, that you might be surprised what's available.
Another thought might be to talk to Tim Layton--I just know the fellow from his Web content, but it seems that he's taken his setup entirely off the grid.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Quote:
Originally Posted by
William Whitaker
You're only 31 once... or, at most, twice.
I still feel like I'm 18 most days, all I want to do is play :rolleyes:
-Dan
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CreationBear
What's the Shawn Mullins lyric, LA is "kinda like Nashville with a tan"?:) I don't have any input about the shipping container idea (except to say that weather measured on the Enhanced Fujita Scale might be a non-trivial concern), but before you get locked into the concept, you might start talking to a Realtor about what's available in (lightly) zoned exurbs or light industrial areas here in Tennessee. Enough people have bought into the whole "crofting" vibe, at least here in East Tennessee, that you might be surprised what's available.
Another thought might be to talk to Tim Layton--I just know the fellow from his Web content, but it seems that he's taken his setup entirely off the grid.
Thanks, I'll look him up. My intention is NOT "off grid" as my power requirements for my sewing shop( Stone Photo Gear) and future woodworking exploits will require more juice than solar panels can affordably provide.
I have researched generator options as well, but those require routine maintenance, and with (much) lower electricity rates in many areas of the country, I don't mind being tied to the grid.
However, rainwater collection for the drinking/washing water would be part of the end game. I don't mind being out in a more rural area, as I enjoy my 2nd amendment rights to a terrific degree(unlike my wallet, haha, hence reloading!)
-Dan
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
I'll post some of my experience in the same kind of project, have you viewed the link I gave you?
- Double the size-double the costs (volume is still low, transport, insulation, area etc)
- Insulation is nothing without ventilation
- They are designed to be light-tight (great for darkroom but not everything else)
- Everything must be designed for climate extremes regardless of climate control (this includes contents)
- If considering external insulation, shade is your best friend
- If external cladding avoid dirt (corten is great, but not that great) look for synthetic materials inert and non-permeable (weather resistant)
- If you can't let go of the dirt idea, limit it to a rooftop garden where it is most needed, able to be controlled and maintained well enough to good effect
- Burying should be avoided, ground contamination and corrosion (you know what they are coated with?) containers not designed for lateral load (unless willing to reinforce) very, very costly (to do properly) and even more regulation involved with whole process
- If you ever plan on living in it, be prepared to rip out the floor
There is probably a whole lot more, this is just at the top of my head..
Bests
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
I don't think one container is going to cut it for what you want to do. I'd use two if I were you.
I've had a passing interest in container building for a few years now since i am interested in modern architecture, though I doubt I would do one myself. I figure by the time you frame the inside you lose any real cost savings. I ran across a new channel on YouTube the other day and IIRC he is building one in Joshua Tree, so you may want to contact him. The channel is called The Modern Home Project He has some good ideas on construction.
One thing I would do is make the building large enough that i could walk into the darkroom from the other space. Build a light trap so you can eliminate doors going into the darkroom. You could even get around A/C if you do that depending on where you live. Just increase the airflow and keep a window/door open in your office/workspace area.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
You might look into a quonset hut sometimes they sell cheap
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Greg Davis
If you decide to move to Kentucky instead, let me know. I’m in central KY. Cheapest cost of living of the places I’ve moved around to. There is income tax (low), but sales tax is a lot lower than TN.
Kentucky is on the "to go and experience" list for sure. Building Stone Photo Gear into an entity that can operate nearly anywhere is the goal, as I want to work from "home". So having the freedom(eventually) to choose where I go will be nice.
Will reach out when I come through though!
-Dan
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Dan...a thought-
Have you considered mobile offices or surplus portable classrooms? I've seen several mobile offices on Craigslist about 24' by 32' for like $1200-1500 with working Heat/AC units.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Insulation, insulation, and more insulation. Those things become ovens in the summer and refrigerators in the winter. If you are putting a sliding door in the side there will need to be some structural stuff done unless you get one of the side opening containers. A friend has one of these for a small work shop. It works well for this after a LOT of insulation. If it were me I would look for one of the mentioned surplus offices. At least it would already be wired and probably insulated well.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Another thought. How about utilizing the space above a 2-car garage ? Under most codes adding second floor there (for specific purpose) would give plenty of room to insulate and you would have at least 500 sf of space.
Les
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Hey guys,
Good points all round, thank your for the thoughts.
While watching(for the millionth time it seems) the video(below) of Edward Weston (darkroom starting at 20:00 mark), I look at his darkroom and think "he had very little, but created so much from it". I want to do that. Minimize equipment so I can maximize my time spent in the darkroom. I enjoy the simplicity of contact printing. Simply a lightbulb, a negative, and trays of chemistry. Simple. I like simple, although I am currently de-cluttering my life in multiple ways so I can achieve less stuff holding me back.
However, I enjoy the handhold-ability of medium format, so I would like to include an enlarger inside the darkroom space(according to my sketchup drawing, this would be feasible space-wise). But only one enlarger, and adequate vertical storage shelving under counters and sinks to hold chemistry and darkroom equipment when not in use.
With the container, keeping it painted(to prevent rust) isn't a problem for me, heck changing the outside color might be a funky thing to do from time to time! Building up earth around the container was certainly an idea, but again, I'm not a the point of even having moved to a place yet, much less have the funds available for such a project. This is simply to have a lighthearted discussion, get the juices flowing and maybe spark some ideas for other people to glean off of :)
-Dan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4aE2f07ON4
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Daniel Stone
Very cool.
We have a duplex with a side yard, and it's occurred to me to build a work area/darkroom in a tiny-house structure in the side yard. In my town, zoning is favorable (vs. an out-building). (Not sure about the difference in price between a tiny-house and a container?) With a tiny-house structure, and I assume with a shipping container, it can easily be moved to a different location, should one happen to relocate.
There's a lot to be accomplished with good design and layout. In my "tiny" 6'x8' darkroom w/a 48" sink, I can print up to 16x20 photographs and enlarge up to 8x10 negatives. :)
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Leszek Vogt
Another thought. How about utilizing the space above a 2-car garage ? Under most codes adding second floor there (for specific purpose) would give plenty of room to insulate and you would have at least 500 sf of space.
Les
This is what I've done in my current circumstances. My darkroom was built in an alcove by adding a wall with a door in the center, and I've sectioned off a space on one side of our two-car garage for a print-preparation area, with a dry-mount press, Logen matte cutter, etc.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
You need to think about an awning/tent/solar screens to get away from the heat from the direct sun on your tin box.
Otherwise your tin box turns in to an oven.
Shade is even more important than insulation - unless you are thinking of living in Minnesota each winter.
Let us know how you get on with the practicalities of it.
Thanks
Martin
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
A garden hose will get water into your box, then what? Drains? Holding tanks ? Sewer?
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
I have a 25' metal box truck container which I use as a workshop. It has a wooden floor which is incredibly solid with plywood interior walls but little insulation. To keep it a bit cooler in the summer months I've added a second metal roof raised about 1" above the factory top via furring strips. This air gap serves as an insulator and makes a big difference.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Martin Aislabie
You need to think about an awning/tent/solar screens to get away from the heat from the direct sun on your tin box.
Otherwise your tin box turns in to an oven.
Shade is even more important than insulation - unless you are thinking of living in Minnesota each winter.
Let us know how you get on with the practicalities of it.
Thanks
Martin
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bigdog
A garden hose will get water into your box, then what? Drains? Holding tanks ? Sewer?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
choiliefan
I have a 25' metal box truck container which I use as a workshop. It has a wooden floor which is incredibly solid with plywood interior walls but little insulation. To keep it a bit cooler in the summer months I've added a second metal roof raised about 1" above the factory top via furring strips. This air gap serves as an insulator and makes a big difference.
This thread has garnered a bit of attention, I am currently working on the same project but going into the design, engineering and practicalities of it all. If you are interested in tracking progress or just curious please follow the link;
Long-term Project: Container Studio
You will need to sign up to the forum to access it, just for those who are truly interested. I do recommend you give it a good read!
Bests
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bigdog
A garden hose will get water into your box, then what? Drains? Holding tanks ? Sewer?
My darkroom is in the back of my garage with no running water or drainage. I bring water in in jugs (distilled for processing film) and put the waste water in those same jugs for later disposal. I have an electric kettle to heat water when needed and a frozen plastic water bottle for cooling. I run a set of hoses from an outside tap (that has a filter attached) to an archival washer for prints, same hose into developing tanks for washing rollfilm. Bleaching and toning can be done outside of the darkroom. It works.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Pieter
My darkroom is in the back of my garage with no running water or drainage. I bring water in in jugs (distilled for processing film) and put the waste water in those same jugs for later disposal. I have an electric kettle to heat water when needed and a frozen plastic water bottle for cooling. I run a set of hoses from an outside tap (that has a filter attached) to an archival washer for prints, same hose into developing tanks for washing rollfilm. Bleaching and toning can be done outside of the darkroom. It works.
THIS ^^^
I know most people desire "this and that", but to be completely frank, I DO NOT. I desire less, and with less, to in turn be able to do more. Simple methodology, simple equipment. Focus on print quality, not how "advanced" it is technologically.
I could most certainly do perfectly fine with the bucket method, or plumbing a drain from the sink out into a bucket outside the container/darkroom. Of course, having a drain system would be more convenient, but since I use Amidol, that stuff lasts forever compared to Dektol.
Even if I were to install a large gravity-feed holding tank inside the container, up above the sink, hooked up to a faucet/tap, using a kettle to warm up the water if needed.
Besides, being able to make a coffee without going into the house would certainly be convenient.
Thanks for your reply.
-Dan
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Don't forget canned food, much beer, plenty of ammo, and several Swedish stewardesses...
Expect a new world on the outside when you emerge... :-0
Steve K
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
I'd wait and see what size house you rent or buy before you go down the container route. You may find that a spare bedroom suffices for a darkroom.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
After SHTF occurs they will be no emerging.
As no hidey hole will work long enough.
The planet will survive, new mutants from the depth of the oceans may evolve in a couple eons. We will not, even in the biggest bunkers.
Whistle while you work.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
LabRat
Don't forget canned food, much beer, plenty of ammo, and several Swedish stewardesses...
Expect a new world on the outside when you emerge... :-0
Steve K
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Randy Moe
After SHTF occurs they will be no emerging.
As no hidey hole will work long enough.
The planet will survive, new mutants from the depth of the oceans may evolve in a couple eons. We will not, even in the biggest bunkers.
Well I'm not hoarding food, but ammo, water filters, and azo paper :p
Quote:
Originally Posted by
faberryman
I'd wait and see what size house you rent or buy before you go down the container route. You may find that a spare bedroom suffices for a darkroom.
True, but I would like to separate the darkroom from the house.
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Re: Setting up a darkroom inside a shipping container