Transforming shipping containers into other purposes like coffee shops and office spaces is becoming popular because of the many design possibilities. This blog discusses the benefits of repurposing shipping containers. It shows different ways to use containers creatively, with examples to inspire ideas on how to use them.
Main Factors for Repurposing Shipping Containers
Using shipping containers for modular construction of buildings is popular because they are cheap, strong, and good for the environment. These metal boxes are easy to find and cost less than usual building materials. They are sturdy enough that they can be turned into different designs of homes, offices, and shops.
Applications of Repurposed Shipping Containers
Repurposed shipping container buildings have found new life in architecture, serving as sustainable homes, offices, pop-up shops, community spaces, and many more. The following are some creative uses and examples of these containers:
Eco-Friendly Homes
Shipping containers are becoming popular for building eco-friendly, energy-efficient homes. Their strong structure, availability, and modular design make them great for durable housing.
Grillagh Water House, Northern Ireland:
Architect Patrick Bradley designed a unique home by the Grillagh River, known as Pixies Paradise, in rural Northern Ireland.
Commercial Spaces
Turning shipping containers into commercial spaces is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional buildings, offering unique, modular, and mobile options for businesses.
Created by London-based Roger Wade, Boxpark is a shopping center in Shoreditch, London. Designed by Waugh Thistleton Architects, this unique ‘pop-up mall’ is built from shipping containers and set in a former railway yard. The structure can be adapted for other unused properties when this site undergoes permanent development.
Community Projects
Shipping containers are great for community projects like schools and health clinics, offering fast, reasonable prices, and durable solutions.
CURA (Connected Units for Respiratory Ailments):
Carlo Ratti Associati created this open-source project during the COVID-19 pandemic. It started in an Italian hospital at the beginning of the crisis. Italy benefited from this initiative that turned shipping containers into “plug-in” ICUs. This quickly deployed solution helped expand emergency facilities, easing the burden on healthcare systems treating COVID-19 patients.
Urban Farming Solutions
Urban farming projects use shipping containers for their space-efficient design, particularly for hydroponic and aquaponic systems, boosting local food production and durability.
This company began in a Brooklyn parking lot in 2016. They are now partners with Gordon Food Services to create hydroponic farms across the U.S. They use shipping containers with LED lights to grow leafy greens and herbs all year, promoting local and sustainable food.
Art Galleries and Studios
Artists and groups use shipping containers as a space for studios and galleries. They often connect with the community through temporary installations or pop-up events. This also gives an additional design for the whole experience of the art gallery or studio.
Container Studio / MB Architecture:
An art studio in Amagansett, New York, was built from recycled shipping containers and features 900 sq ft of space with a double-height ceiling. It won an AIA Peconic Award and has been highlighted in many publications and design blogs. The project was for a client who needed a 700 sq ft studio near her home with a $60,000 budget. They used two shipping containers, each costing $2,500, on a 9′ foundation wall.
Emergency Housing and Shelters
Shipping containers provide quick, emergency housing during natural disasters or housing crises, offering a sustainable solution for immediate shelter needs.
‘Ex Container Project’ by Yasutaka Yoshimura Architects:
After the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, architect Yasutaka Yoshimura created affordable, high-quality shelters from shipping containers for disaster relief. These modular units were first used in the ‘Bayside Marina Hotel’ project. They now come with pre-made interiors and exteriors and can be used as permanent homes.
Leisure and Recreation
Shipping containers can be turned into pool houses, saunas, and retreats with creativity, showing how versatile they are.
This company transforms old shipping containers into ready-to-install backyard pools. Used in architectural projects, these containers get a new life as swimming pools and hot tubs.
Conclusion
Using shipping containers in new ways offers many creative and eco-friendly solutions, such as homes, shops, community projects, and urban farms. Their strong build, reasonably priced, and environmental benefits make them a great choice for sustainable living and design. As this trend grows, we’ll likely see even more creative uses for shipping containers, helping to build a greener and smarter future.
On-Site Storage Solutions
Do you need durable and cost-effective storage? At On-Site Storage Solutions, we provide great options for shipping containers that you can use for repurposing projects.
Choose from our selection of new or refurbished shipping containers for high-quality, ready-to-use options. Satisfaction is guaranteed when you choose us for your container needs. Talk to our experts and call us at (888) 977-9085 today!
