Once in their life, shipping containers carry important cargo from one continent to another, sitting inside huge ships that cross oceans for months. These steel boxes are so tough and weather-resistant that in the 80s, people believe they can turn shipping containers into a habitable place. And they did. In recent years, there is a surge in the use of shipping containers in construction. Modern architects and designers call it cargotecture. Here are the most interesting ways these design professionals reuse shipping containers:
Tiny houses
The strength and size of shipping containers make it perfect skeleton of a tiny home. Use it to build your holiday home in the suburbs or a second residence on your backyard.
Camping cabin
Shipping containers make a good camping pod for couples who decided to travel cross country and live off the grid. Renovate it and pack all of home’s comforts inside it. Make sure that your pod is as relaxing as a hotel room.
Food truck
Shipping containers are fit for travel. The building envelope is weatherproof. Renovate it and use it as your very own travelling food truck or pop-up restaurant. It is a great idea for home cooks out there who want the world to taste their food.
Bar and restaurant
While food trucks can travel from the CBD to a state fair, bars and restaurant are stationary. If you have a good commercial space to spare and good food to share, build a restaurant and bar. Use shipping containers. It will get you free media attention that can help you jumpstart your business for free.
Stockrooms
Renovated shipping containers are perfect for businesses that need a large warehouse and a pop-up boutique/store in front. The shipping containers protect all stocks dry, protected, and secured.
Swimming pool
This one is popular in the country nowadays. The measurements of a single shipping container are perfect for above ground or inground pool. You can swim laps and submerge yourself underwater. Also, shipping containers are watertight. It can hold thousands of gallons of water without leaking (if you bought a quality shipping container).
Sauna
Shipping containers have great insulating properties. Fit it with all the finishes and equipment needed to build a sauna. You can add it to your current home or build it as your business.
Music room
The metal walls of shipping containers provide excellent acoustics. Use it to extend your home and renovate the interiors to make your private music room. Make it the best place to practice playing musical instruments (or any music you’re into).
Recording studio
Quite similar to a music room, except that it has more electronics that you use to record your music. Exert extra effort to soundproof the walls so no unwanted noise can interrupt your craft.
Gym
Fitness enthusiasts can build public and private gyms using cargo containers. If you’re interested in your own home gym, consider renovating the shipping container in your backyard. If you want to run your own fitness gym business, consider connecting a couple of shipping containers until you have enough space to fit all your equipment. Building with shipping containers costs lower and the sturdy building envelope ensures that everything within the walls is secured. We hope you liked our ideas about modified shipping containers. Understand that this isn’t an easy DIY project for everyone. Most people will need assistance to make sure the structure is properly insulated and ergonomically designed. Every cargotecture project offers a unique set of challenges and having a design professional in your team will help you surpass each one.
Liked this article? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Contact our Adelaide-based building designers for more info.
READ MORE
50 Businesses That You Can Start After Refurbishing Shipping Containers
