Why Shipping Containers Are For More Than Just Storage7221969
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 customer products and goods simply because containers can be transferred from ship-to-ship without getting to reload the ships' cargo bays. They are strong and tough to shield their contents from harsh sea conditions during transport, and it is these traits that make them appropriate for utilizes other than the transport of goods.
To shield 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 uses. Shipping containers can be used as offices, canteens, accommodation, shop rooms, changing rooms, workshops, vehicle 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. Because containers come in various sizes and can be stacked, they can be joined with each other 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 utilizes 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 too hot. Nevertheless, 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 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 because they last so lengthy. Shipping containers can be hired or purchased from specialist suppliers.
