Why Shipping Containers Are For More Than Just Storage487580
Shipping containers are large steel boxes commonly used for the storage and transportation of goods. Many people will be familiar with the large containers seen on cargo ships - nevertheless they can be converted for a variety of surprising uses.
Also known as intermodal freight containers, they are designed to be moved with out unloading and reloading their contents. They can be transported on cargo ships, lorries and by rail. Their use in international trade has led to much more efficient transport of consumer products and goods simply because containers can be transferred from ship-to-ship with out having to reload the ships' cargo bays. They are powerful and durable to shield their contents from harsh sea conditions throughout transport, and it is these characteristics that make them suitable for uses other than the transport of goods.
To shield goods, containers are weatherproof and resistant to rain and wind. They range in size from 8 foot to 56 foot in length making them appropriate for storing a variety of products. They can be stacked on top of every other and can be securely locked.
It is their durable nature and range in sizes that make them appropriate for many other uses. Shipping containers can be used as offices, canteens, accommodation, shop rooms, altering rooms, workshops, vehicle storage and a lot much more.
The procedure of customising a container is known as a conversion. Common additions include windows, doors, air conditioning, insulation, plumbing, electrics and shelving. Simply because containers come in various sizes and can be stacked, they can be joined together to create custom size buildings with multi-levels joined by internal or external staircases. Side doors or curtains, roller shutters, ramps, generators and humidity controls can be added to give the container a various purpose.
Large scale innovative uses consist of a student accommodation village in Amsterdam made out of shipping containers. Keetwonen is the biggest accommodation block in the globe to be made out of shipping containers. The preconception was that the rooms would be small, impersonal and either too cold or too hot. However, these fears have proved to be unfounded and the accommodation is spacious, well insulated and great value for money.
An additional large shipping container conversion project is 'BoxPark', a shopping centre built from containers in London. The development costs are low so these savings can be passed on to the shop tenants. It can also be constructed far much more rapidly than a standard shopping mall.
Not all conversion projects are so large though. Shipping containers can be fantastic value as single permanent or temporary building options because they last so lengthy. Shipping containers can be hired or purchased from specialist suppliers.
