How would you build a room on a barge for instrumentation?

Hi,
My name is Isagani and I am a senior at the University of New Hampshire studying civil engineering and am working on designing a barge that will be a platform to test various styles of tidal powered turbines(Propeller type, and helical both vertical or longitudinally mounted). What I am wondering is, how would you build a room (like a shack or shed) on top of a barge that will house instrumentation, a person or two, a computer and anything else that we would want to keep out of the elements. The barge is going to be approximately 30 feet by 60 feet and the current design is looking like two HDPE pontoons will be used. What kind of materials would people use and why? I'm trying to do some initial research here and if anyone could point me in the right direction or know of a boat builder that would have any ideas, any input is welcome. Here are a couple images of what the barge may look like (we're pretty early in the design stages still). Thank you for any and all help. Also, if this is in the wrong forum, maybe you could suggest another place to post this question. I don't really have any experience in the boat building world.
Thanks,
Isagani

 

Welcome here,

all around the world, the standard 20´container (Habitable container), is used in similar applications.
That has the great advantage to add / reduce the accommodation when demand changes, or for different missions. These containers are relatively cheap, compared to the same volume made by a shipyard.

Regards
Richard

 

Why not a commercial modular building (as used on construction sites as offices,etc) and fix it down on your barge? Flexible, adaptable, cheap, re-sellable . . What's not to love?

http://www.pacvan.com/ground-level-offices

 

I'm with Apex on this one.

A 20 foot sea container, probably ready to go, maybe even used.

Toilet, heater, galley, storage, first aid, emergency gear, generator, etc.

Tom

 

Hey,
Thanks for all the input! I think that the shipping container idea is great. I was wondering if anyone had any other possible ideas. I did just mention this idea to the rest of the group and it seems to make a lot of sense though, so thank you all for the feedback.
-Isagani

 

Do´nt forget to install the locks on your platform! It´s not enough to just put them on deck.

Good luck
Richard

 

You could put a small travel trailer on it. Depending on the money available and or the time length of the project, you could buy one cheap or you might be able to borrow one. If needed, all the comforts could be there without the bother and expense of building, heating/air conditioning, seating, table, cooking, beds, toilet, doors, windows etc. When you're done roll it off or lift it off with a crane.