Why Shipping Containers Are For More Than Just Storage2326478
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 - however they can be converted for a variety of surprising uses.
Also recognized 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 more efficient transport of consumer products and goods because containers can be transferred from ship-to-ship without getting 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 appropriate for uses other than the transport of goods.
To protect goods, containers are weatherproof and resistant to rain and wind. They variety 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 durable nature and variety in sizes that make them suitable for many other utilizes. Shipping containers can be used as offices, canteens, accommodation, shop rooms, changing rooms, workshops, car storage and much much more.
The process of customising a container is known as a conversion. Common additions include windows, doors, air conditioning, insulation, plumbing, electrics and shelving. Simply 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 various objective.
Large scale innovative uses 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, nicely insulated and fantastic value for money.
Another large shipping container conversion project is 'BoxPark', a shopping centre built 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 much more rapidly than a standard shopping mall.
Not all conversion projects are so large although. Shipping containers can be great worth as single permanent or temporary building solutions simply because they last so lengthy. Shipping containers can be hired or purchased from specialist suppliers.
