Top 10 Ways to Transform Shipping Containers

Image Source: Pxhere

Shipping containers have proven to be incredibly versatile building structures. They can be repurposed to serve a number of everyday uses, whether it’s for business, leisure, or for the good of the community.

Architects are constantly finding new innovative ways to transform shipping containers. The possibilities of what you can create are endless. From commercial stores and multi-story homes to mini emergency hospitals, here are the 10 best ways to transform shipping containers.

Build a prefab shipping container home
Built to withstand the harshest of weather environments, shipping containers make safe and secure living spaces. They are also eco-friendly, cost-effective, relocatable, and incredibly stylish. Theses appealing factors are why so many people decide to live in shipping container homes.

Transform your shipping container into a restaurant
Pop-up restaurants are a fashionable trend in the food industry, appearing in cities and towns all over the world. Shipping containers are extensively used to build these types of restaurants due to their easy portability and storage abilities.

Create an art gallery or studio
Transforming shipping containers into art studios has become a trend amongst artists around the world. You don’t need to rent out an art studio when you can just build your very own in your backyard. Shipping containers are one of the safest and more secure spaces to store your paintings, drawings, photography, and art supplies.

Build a portable movie theatre
Mini mobile movie theatres are popping up all over the world in public spaces, many of which are constructed from shipping containers. These unique structures are a great way to diversify the arts and entertainment space of any city or town.

Convert your shipping container into a pool
This is one of the most innovative uses of shipping containers in recent times. The construction process of a container swimming pool is much more affordable and straightforward than traditional pool construction. The portability of shipping containers also makes it possible for you to bring the pool with you when you move house.

Image Source: Pixabay

Build your store out of shipping containers
Many modern day commercial establishments have been built out of shipping containers. They appeal mainly to small businesses that aren’t yet able to afford a more traditional retail space. Shipping container stores also have the benefit of drawing in more customers than a traditional stand-alone store, due to their unique and interesting look. Their portability also makes it easy to pack up and relocate your store if necessary.

Re-use your containers for office space
Shipping containers have been effectively used to solve work space issues. With some decoration, ventilation and insulation, they can make convenient little home offices. Converting shipping containers into offices is a growing trend amongst homeowners and workers around the world.

Create a portable hospital
Shipping containers are often used in developing countries as emergency hospitals or mini mobile clinics. The portability of shipping containers makes it easy for them to be shipped to countries that are in need of access to better health care. They are particularly useful in disaster zones where hospitals have been damaged or destroyed.

Convert your shipping container into a home gym
If there isn’t enough space in your house to work out and hold your gym equipment, a shipping container gym is a great alternative. The durability and strength of shipping containers also ensures that your gym equipment will be kept safe and secure.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Levine via Flickr under License

Replace old school buildings with containers
Shipping container schools are mainly used in poorer areas of the world, as authorities are always looking for cost-effective ways to replace old school buildings. Shipping containers are a great alternative to traditional building methods due to their strength and durability. They are built to last through hurricanes, earthquakes, and storms, providing the utmost safety for the students inside.

Contributed by Johanna Cider:
As an advocate for sustainable living, one of Johanna’s favourite quotes comes from Jennifer Nini: “Being green is more than just buying ‘eco’. It is an unshakable commitment to a sustainable lifestyle.” Check out more of Johanna’s work on her personal blog.