Shipping containers are no longer used just to transport goods. They’ve become vital in modern architecture and urban design. Their durability and relative affordability have made them a DIY enthusiast’s dream come true. With more DIYers turning to their own hands to solve today’s design challenges, we increasingly see shipping containers repurposed for various uses. Here, we’ll explore 12 inventive ways to repurpose shipping containers into something more.
1. Home Office
Upwork projects that approximately 32.6 million Americans will be remote workers by 2025. With more remote workers looking for a place to escape, repurposing a shipping container into a home office can provide a quiet, functional workspace just a few steps from your home. Equipped with insulation, climate control, and lighting, a container office can be a minimalistic haven for focused work.
2. Tiny Home
Tiny homes represent a move toward simplicity and sustainability. With a designer’s touch, a shipping container can become a comfortable, compact dwelling. These homes often include a living area, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a sleeping area.
3. Pop-Up Shop
Entrepreneurs and small businesses love pop-up shops for their flexibility and low startup costs. A repurposed shipping container is the ideal pop-up store, requiring minimal changes and offering a secure, custom space that can easily be moved around.
4. Art Studio
Creatives need a place to explore their craft; a shipping container art studio provides just that. A modular shipping container allows for custom shelving, workspaces, and a layout for inspiration. Add natural light by adding studio windows or skylights.
5. Urban Garden
City dwellers are increasingly finding ways to incorporate green spaces into their lives. A container garden is a great place to start. Everything from herbs to vegetables can be grown in shipping containers.
6. Guest House
Hosting out-of-town visitors is a breeze with a shipping container guest house. Make your new guest house cozy with proper insulation, a bathroom, and a great view. These also make for perfect short-term rentals.
7. Mobile Bar or Cafe
Repurposing a shipping container into a mobile bar or cafe is an easy and affordable way to open up shop. Outfit your new container with a window, counters, and storage, and you can take your business to local festivals and events.
8. Gym
Fitness fanatics can benefit from having their own place to workout without leaving their home. Outfit your shipping container with weights, machines, and all the motivational posters you want.
9. Classroom
Host workshops and classes in a shipping container classroom. With the proper setup, you can provide your students with a comfortable and interactive environment to learn.
10. Storage Unit
Repurposing a shipping container doesn’t have to be glamorous. Shipping containers can provide a cost-effective and secure way to secure your belongings. They’re also prevalent on construction sites where temporary storage is necessary.
11. Playground
Create a playscape by cutting and joining multiple shipping containers. You can also add climbing structures, mazes, and other play areas.
12. Pool
A container pool is a fantastic way to cool off during hot months. By adding a liner and a filtration system, it’s a modern take on a backyard staple.
Why Repurpose Shipping Containers?
Repurposing shipping containers is unmatched. Here are some reasons why you should consider repurposing a shipping container.
Durability
Shipping containers are built to withstand traveling across vast oceans. This makes them an excellent choice for anyone looking to use a shipping container for personal or business use.
Security
Shipping containers are made of corten steel, which makes them inherently secure. Modifying them with locks and steel bar windows could provide the added security you and your family need.
Weather Resistant
Shipping containers were originally designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. Adding insulation, ventilation, and A/C can make your container comfortable in all climates.
Easy to Stack
Shipping containers are modular, making them easy to stack on top of one another. Whether creating a multi-level structure or a compact storage yard stacking shipping containers will help you make the best use of your space.
Low Cost of Maintenance
Once set up, shipping containers generally require minimal maintenance, reducing costs and heartache.
Made to Last
Shipping containers were made to be transported on ships and railroads and were built to withstand the harsh nature of these environments.
Conclusion
In a world where sustainable and affordable solutions are in high demand, shipping containers are a valuable and versatile resource. From trendy coffee shops and pop-up stores to unique homes, these once-simple storage units have transformed into functional and stylish structures that capture the imagination of architects, designers, and DIYers alike. The 12 inventive ways we’ve explored today highlight how far shipping container architecture has come and showcase its potential for even more innovative uses. Whether you’re an architect looking for unconventional materials or a homeowner wanting to try something new, don’t be afraid to think big – or, rather, think inside the box – because with shipping containers, anything is possible.
