Six Unique Uses For Shipping Containers | Innovative Uses For Cargo Containers

Did you ever think cargo containers can be used for something other than to carry cargo? Well! Some people obviously did. It may not sound mainstream but architects have taken artistic liberty with cargo boxes as well. Cargotecture is the reuse of cargo containers for architectural purposes. The term ‘cargotecture’ was first used in 2003. The creative utility of freight containers stretches from modern shipping container homes, hospitality, entertainment, education, relaxation, sports, etc.

Our economy depends on trade. Every year we use millions of cargo units to trade items from one corner to another corner of the world. But what happens when a maritime container can no longer be used? What else we can reuse shipping boxes for! The boxes can be used innovatively. Let’s get to know some of the unique re-modification of metal shipping containers.

Buildings

Currently one of the most economic and popular ways of repurposing freight units is to use them for architecture, especially for buildings. Using containers to construct buildings is not new.

From commercial buildings like shopping malls to social houses to student housing communities to retirement houses steel shipping containers have been reused in different types of housing projects. 

Hospitality

Architects have manifested new and unique ideas for ‘Cargotecture’. Their brilliance has not only enabled living in cargo units but fine dining as well. They have been manifested into various ideas for the hospitality sector from hotels to food trucks to elite restaurants to cafes.

Education

Not only housing and hospitality but cargo boxes are used for schools or portable libraries. Given the comparatively cheaper building materials and less construction time, makes it very convenient to use. They can be used for portable knowledge networks to take academic opportunities to every corner of the world.

Entertainment

If containers can be converted to create housing, dining, and academic environment why can’t they accommodate entertainment? Nowadays maritime shipping containers are being used as pop-up event spaces, movie theaters, discotheques, bars, etc.

Relaxation

Architects around the world are coming up with affordable and sustainable building materials. Freight containers are great options as building materials due to the space and resilience it provides. In one of the unique usage of containers, relaxation was the key purpose. They were used for bathhouses, spas, saunas, etc.

Sports

Now that housing, hospitality, entertainment, education, relaxation all have been taken into account why not sports. Containers have proven to be great playgrounds, indoor sports facilities, and swimming pool construction around the world.

Other than the aforementioned six use cases, containers have been used in healthcare as well for constructing portable hospitals, first-aid clinics, etc. They have proved to be creative alternative options for office space, art galleries, studios, darkrooms, bridges, workshops, pop-up car showrooms, and even public toilets. In the case of natural calamity, they can be used as portable disaster shelters as well. 

Although cargo boxes provide an affordable, less time-consuming, and sustainable architectural option, building cargotecture requires special local authority permission. The world has been gradually embracing cargotecture for unique space solutions. But they come with quite a few cons as well. Cargo containers are specially furnished with paint to make them long-lasting and weather-proof which may prove to be hazardous for human health. 

If cargo units have been used for carrying toxic substances that might contaminate they can prove dangerous for human health. As freight boxes are made with steel, insulation can pop up as a challenge. If heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC) are used, that will belie the purpose of cargo box reuse. In addition, an HVAC system will take up additional space as well. 

Now that we have discussed some unique ideas for shipping containers that are being used around the world. It is critical to note shipping container reuse is not a mainstream option despite the popular global trends.