Why Shipping Containers Are For Much more Than Just Storage917951
Shipping containers are large steel boxes commonly used for the storage and transportation of goods. Many individuals will be familiar with the large containers seen on cargo ships - however 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 without getting to reload the ships' cargo bays. They are powerful and durable to protect their contents from harsh sea conditions throughout transport, and it is these traits that make them suitable for uses other than the transport of goods.
To protect goods, containers are weatherproof and resistant to rain and wind. They range in size from eight foot to 56 foot in length making them suitable for storing a range of items. They can be stacked on top of every other and can be securely locked.
It is their tough nature and range in sizes that make them suitable for many other uses. Shipping containers can be used as offices, canteens, accommodation, shop rooms, changing rooms, workshops, vehicle storage and a lot much more.
The process of customising a container is recognized as a conversion. Typical additions consist of windows, doors, air conditioning, insulation, plumbing, electrics and shelving. Simply because containers come in different sizes and can be stacked, they can be joined with each other 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 different purpose.
Large scale innovative utilizes include a student accommodation village in Amsterdam made out of shipping containers. Keetwonen is the greatest accommodation block in the globe to be made out of shipping containers. The preconception was that the rooms would be small, impersonal and either as well cold or too hot. However, these fears have proved to be unfounded and the accommodation is spacious, well insulated and fantastic value for money.
Another 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 more rapidly than a conventional shopping mall.
Not all conversion projects are so large though. Shipping containers can be great worth as single permanent or temporary building options because they last so long. Shipping containers can be hired or bought from specialist suppliers.
