Used Shipping Containers - Inspiring Uses

Used Shipping Containers – Inspiring Uses

On a global level second hand shipping containers are being put to use in innovative and inspiring ways. Globally it is estimated that there are around 700,000 used shipping containers that are unused and waiting for a new home or purpose. In recent years builders, architects and innovators have begun to put used shipping containers to use in creative ways around the world.

How are Used Shipping Containers Being Reused

Used containers are being put to use everyday in Australia and other countries as:

mobile offices

classrooms

incorporated into home design

emergency housing

student accommodation

workshops

warehouses

Apart from these more common uses, there are also some truly innovative ways in which the containers have been put to use in different ways.

Travelodge in London has recently opened their first hotel constructed from used sea containers. The company is so pleased with the result that they are already planning another hotel with the second hand shipping containers near Heathrow Airport.

Boxpark is a new shopping mall in London that has been constructed almost entirely from shipping containers. The mall is two stories high and makes use of 40 containers that have been remodelled.

Closer to home Re:Start – a new mall has recently opened in earthquake stricken Christchurch made out of 27 shipping containers.

student housing Keetwonen, used shipping containers

Innovative and affordable student accommodation has been fashioned out of used shipping containers in Keetwonen, Amsterdam. It is the largest container city in the world and since its inception in 2005 they have become one of the most popular choices for students in the area. Initially it was feared that the container student homes would be too cold, too noisy or uncomfortable for students, but the opposite has proved to be the case. They are a self-contained and very popular choice now for Dutch students and more accommodation of this type is planned in the near future.

The Nomadic Museum created to house Gregory Colbert’s Ashes and Snow photography and film exhibition was created entirely from shipping containers and has travelled around the world.