When
you think about a shipping container, a modern house or a coffee cart are not
the first uses to come to mind! Shipping containers are no longer solely used
for their intended purpose of storing and shipping goods, but rather some
out-of-the-box thinkers have taken these corrugated steel boxes and created new
and innovative ways to use them.
Modern society calls for enlightened and exciting approaches towards old ideas and objects and a shipping container’s structure and durability offers endless possibilities.
1.
Shipping Container Homes
Shipping
containers are being turned into amazing luxury homes that could challenge any
studio apartment. The evidence is just a google search away; as are the results. Beautiful and unique homes are being made
from durable and relatively inexpensive container structures. These shipping
container homes range from add on guest rooms to three bedroom houses, and even
student housing. Keetwonwen is one such shipping container city in Amsterdam
that has been constructed which now acts as the second most popular student
housing in this busy city.
2.
Coffee Shop
A
shipping container can also be converted into a functional, portable coffee
cart that can be driven to any location or food market. It can also act a
standing coffee shop such as the trendy Chaiwella & co container café. The
Malaysian café owners used two containers and refurbished then to create the
famous, vintage styled café.
3.
Shipping Container Mall
Malls
constructed almost entirely from shipping containers are becoming increasingly
more popular. The ReStart mall created after the earthquakes that devastated
Christchurch is a vibrant and growing shipping container mall consisting of
premium fashion retailers and food caravans. Similarly the concept of a
shipping container mall can be found all over the world, like the Boxpark mall
in London and Amsterdam, as well as the SuperPier Shopping Container Complex
currently under development in New York City.
4.
Sauna Box
Castor
Design has created a self-sufficient, outdoor sauna, made within shipping
containers. It is a luxury wood burning sauna that can be installed in any
backyard for private self-pampering and can be easily relocated. They are built
into 8ft mini containers and the use of durable materials empowers them to
withstand adverse weather conditions. Each unit is unique and custom built to
suit each buyer.
5.
Swimming Pool
The
size, length and depth of a shipping container is perfect to create a sleek and
modern backyard swimming pool. Containers can be easily waterproofed and fitted
to give you the ideal above-ground swimming pool that can be enjoyed by the
whole family. Each pool can be styled and designed in a way that is unique to
the customer’s needs, whether that be the addition of wooden steps surrounding
the container or submarine windows along the length.
The
durability and adaptability of a shipping container means that the possible
uses are endless, and as long as there are innovative thinkers, there will
always be innovative ways to use these corrugated steel boxes.
