Shipping containers offer a practical and safe way of transporting goods all around the world, but they can be used for so much more. Here’s 4 innovative and unusual uses for shipping containers that may just surprise you.
When you think of shipping containers, invariably you will think of huge cargo ships stacked with containers that transport goods all across the globe. With huge capacities they can house all manner of items, from cars through to an entire household.
However, one of the latest trends is putting these monster size units to other uses, so we want to take a look at some of the more unconventional uses for shipping containers that we hope will surprise and inspire you to see them in a different light.
Shipping Container Homes
It might not be your first choice, but plenty of people are putting retired shipping containers to use by creating unique and flexible housing. Made from steel, they are designed to withstand extreme weather and stacking.
And whilst insulating them can be tricky, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility and grouped together, they can be stacked and laid out to create an unusual home design layout to meet your individual needs. Just like any other home, you can have your designated living, eating and sleeping quarters in each individual container and a completely bespoke home concept.
Sizeable Storage
With most shipping containers measuring 20 or 40 foot long and 8 x 8 foot high, you’ll find that there is bags of room in a shipping container to use it for storage. Many storage facilities now offer shipping containers as storage solutions, but if you have the room at your business or home, you can even have it transported to your designated area. Storing stock, furniture or anything you don’t need couldn’t be more convenient and easy. Plus, you can have the freedom to decorate it to blend in with your surroundings.
Shipping Container Swimming Pools
Now this is just a pure stroke of genius and really thinking outside the box, as there are a number of instances where shipping containers have been converted into swimming pools. In some ways, it makes perfect sense, you have a ready-made container to fill with water. You simply need a hole to sink it into or have it partially raised above the ground for a stunning swimming platform in your back garden and with the right sealant and pool equipment, you’ve got a huge swimming pool ready to go.
Shipping Container Cafes and Shops
Another fantastic use for shipping containers is to create a flexible retail outlet. Ideal for street sellers, who want a permanent store it can offer added security and protection against the elements or undesirables and a blank space to work for endless possibilities, like the Illy shipping container café in Venice. This unit has motorised sides that come down to reveal a living room, kitchen, library and even a bathroom. Although this is an art concept design, rather than a functioning café, it still demonstrates the possibilities for retail and domestic uses for shipping containers all around the world.
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