Why Shipping Containers Are For More Than Just Storage5846040
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 utilizes.
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 customer products and goods because containers can be transferred from ship-to-ship with out getting to reload the ships' cargo bays. They are powerful and tough to protect their contents from harsh sea conditions throughout transport, and it is these traits that make them appropriate for utilizes 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 appropriate for storing a range of items. They can be stacked on top of each other and can be securely locked.
It is their tough nature and variety in sizes that make them appropriate for many other utilizes. Shipping containers can be used as offices, canteens, accommodation, shop rooms, changing rooms, workshops, vehicle storage and much more.
The process of customising a container is known as a conversion. Typical additions consist of windows, doors, air conditioning, insulation, plumbing, electrics and shelving. 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 different objective.
Large scale innovative 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 as well hot. However, these fears have proved to be unfounded and the accommodation is spacious, nicely insulated and great worth for money.
Another 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 built far more quickly than a conventional shopping mall.
Not all conversion projects are so large though. Shipping containers can be great value as single permanent or temporary building solutions because they last so long. Shipping containers can be hired or bought from specialist suppliers.
