Why Shipping Containers Are For More Than Just Storage9472098
Shipping containers are large steel boxes generally used for the storage and transportation of goods. Many people will be familiar with the large containers noticed 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 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 effective transport of consumer products and goods simply because containers can be transferred from ship-to-ship with out getting to reload the ships' cargo bays. They are strong and tough to protect 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 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 variety of products. They can be stacked on top of each other and can be securely locked.
It is their durable nature and variety in sizes that make them appropriate for many other utilizes. Shipping containers can be used as offices, canteens, accommodation, store rooms, changing rooms, workshops, car storage and much more.
The process of customising a container is recognized as a conversion. Typical 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 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 objective.
Large scale revolutionary uses include a student accommodation village in Amsterdam made out of shipping containers. Keetwonen is the biggest 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 too hot. However, these fears have proved to be unfounded and the accommodation is spacious, well 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 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 although. Shipping containers can be fantastic value as single permanent or temporary building solutions simply because they last so long. Shipping containers can be hired or bought from specialist suppliers.
