Shipping containers are a vital link in the transport of goods, and their use has been growing steadily in international trade.
But the world is moving in more than one way. Their resistant structure manufactured in steel has led to other alternative purposes to the transport and storage of dry and refrigerated cargo. They also provide interesting constructive solutions.
Shipping containers make it possible to integrate different elements such as stairs or furniture, and other installations such as sanitation, electricity and air conditioning, special plumbing, etc. This, together with the ease of transport from one place to another, has given rise to an endless number of solutions made with modified containers that we can classify into three groups:
-Containers converted for permanent residential or commercial use (in a fixed location).
-Containers converted for mobile businesses and events of an itinerant nature.
-Containers converted for industrial use, with fixed and mobile solutions.
Sea containers for architectural constructions.
Architecture with shipping containers, or cargotecture, is a modular construction technique common in Northern European countries. In Spain, the search for new designs, materials, and more sustainable forms of construction, together with the need to reduce costs and deadlines, has awakened interest in these solutions.
Another advantage is the compliance with the Technical Building Code (CTE) when required. The quality control applied to these constructions is industrial as it is a manufacturing process, with more controlled day-to-day operation.
The most common constructions with maritime containers for residential or commercial use are:
-Dwelling buildings
-Hotels
-Offices
-Gymnasiums
– Warehouses
-Storage rooms
-Swimming pools
Transformed containers for businesses and events
Transforming maritime containers into temporary facilities is a growing option due to its potential to create multi-purpose spaces that are less expensive, quick and adaptable over time.
This is the case for seasonal or temporary businesses and events. The container can be moved to another location quickly, securely, and easily, without major assembly and disassembly. During breaks, they serve as storage space until their next use, being reused with the same design or varying their layout as required.
The mobile installations most commonly used with containers are:
-Beach stands, small catering establishments.
-Art galleries or art exhibitions
-Small markets
-Commercial stands for trade fairs and exhibitions
-Pop up stores
-Stages
-Grounds.
Sea containers converted for industrial use
Shipping containers are also being converted for a multitude of applications in the energy and industrial sector. These include:
Containerised solutions for water treatment:
-Water purification (public swimming pools, among others).
-Desalination plants
-Water tanks
Containerised energy generation and storage systems:
-Generator sets
-Mobile distribution substations
-Transformers
-Battery storage
Biomass boilers and storage silos
Integration of a hydrogen plant.
One of the advantages of building with containers is that they comply with quality standards regulated by international organizations.
It is important to use certified suppliers who can guarantee the quality of the container and who have experience in maritime container conversion projects.
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