Why Shipping Containers Are For More Than Just Storage3785479
Shipping containers are large steel boxes generally used for the storage and transportation of goods. Many individuals will be familiar with the large containers seen on cargo ships - nevertheless they can be converted for a variety of surprising uses.
Also recognized as intermodal freight containers, they are designed to be moved without 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 customer products and goods simply because containers can be transferred from ship-to-ship with out having to reload the ships' cargo bays. They are strong and durable to shield their contents from harsh sea conditions during 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 variety in size from 8 foot to 56 foot in length making them appropriate for storing a range of products. They can be stacked on top of each 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, altering rooms, workshops, vehicle storage and much more.
The procedure of customising a container is recognized as a conversion. Common additions include windows, doors, air conditioning, insulation, plumbing, electrics and shelving. Simply because containers come in different sizes and can be stacked, they can be joined together to produce 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 include a student accommodation village in Amsterdam made out of shipping containers. Keetwonen is the greatest accommodation block in the world to be made out of shipping containers. The preconception was that the rooms would be small, impersonal and either too cold or as well hot. However, these fears have proved to be unfounded and the accommodation is spacious, nicely insulated and fantastic value for money.
An additional large shipping container conversion project is 'BoxPark', a shopping centre constructed from containers in London. The development expenses are low so these savings can be passed on to the shop tenants. It can also be constructed far much 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 solutions because they last so lengthy. Shipping containers can be hired or purchased from specialist suppliers.
