Why Shipping Containers Are For More Than Just Storage3998642
Shipping containers are large steel boxes commonly used for the storage and transportation of goods. Many people will be familiar with the large containers noticed on cargo ships - however 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 more efficient transport of customer products and goods because containers can be transferred from ship-to-ship with out having to reload the ships' cargo bays. They are powerful and durable to shield their contents from harsh sea conditions during transport, and it is these traits that make them appropriate for uses other than the transport of goods.
To shield goods, containers are weatherproof and resistant to rain and wind. They range in size from 8 foot to 56 foot in length making them suitable for storing a variety of products. They can be stacked on top of every 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. Common additions consist of 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 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 revolutionary uses consist of 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 as well cold or as well hot. Nevertheless, 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 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 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 simply because they last so lengthy. Shipping containers can be hired or bought from specialist suppliers.
