But that’s not all: in addition to their efficient housing
properties, shipping containers are also environmentally friendly, endlessly
recyclable and their repurposing involves minimal processing and insignificant carbon
and waste footprint, which is why structures made from these stackable units
have become unbelievably popular among architects and designers across the
globe.
Back to the roots: Tentative Beginnings
 |
| Source |
The concept of green homes made using shipping containers is
not entirely new: in fact, the idea of using steel intermodal containers dates
back to the late ‘80s. On November 23, 1987, inventor Phillip C. Clark filed
blueprints for U.S. patent approval, describing a “method for converting one or
more steel shipping containers into a habitable building.” Patent number 4854094 was granted
two years later, marking a milestone in the world of architecture.
Here and Spreading Fast: Major Examples
The best-known cargotecture example, Peter DeMaria’s
two-storey container home in the U.S. is the first green container structure
built in keeping with the Uniform Building Code and it set the cornerstone for
sustainable container-based housing. Another landmark example in the category,
three-storey Puma
City by New York/Napoli-based LOT-EK consists of 24 container units stacked
together to accommodate a shopping mall with a bar/lounge area and two decks.
Numerous Upsides: The Advantages of Cargo Containers in Construction
 |
| Source |
The reasons behind the growing popularity of cargotecture
are numerous: thanks to constant production, temporary use and durability,
cargo units can be obtained in any large port or outdoor storage site, and at a
highly affordable price too. Since they come as ready-made units to be
furnished after different needs and preferences, container are extremely
versatile and functional and provide weather- and vermin-proof indoor space for
a wide range of purposes.
A Pretty Penny for the Planet: Environmental Benefits
 |
| Source |
Cargo containers require minimal processing prior to use,
resulting in minimal waste and carbon dioxide footprint, which is a truly
precious eco-friendly feature in any modern structure. On top of that,
sustainable homes made from cargo containers are an ideal building platform for
other green upgrades such as solar panels to generate electricity and water
tanks to collect and filter rainfall, which makes them self-sustainable, almost
100% green and industry-independent.
The Future of Sustainable Housing: Containers as Prefab Homes
 |
| Source |
Many architects and home designers worldwide are turning to
the cargo units for inspiration to build comfy prefab houses that would be
cost-efficient, eco-friendly and durable in the long run. Shipping containers
can be customized, fitted with doors, windows, plumbing and insulation and
stacked together to create multi-story homes with internal staircase. Thanks to
their weather-proof nature, container homes have a long lifespan and can
function as either short-term or permanent accommodation.
Makeshift Offices, Worker’s Dormitories and Studios: Cargo Units in Business
 |
| Source |
Apart from their use in housing, cargo units can be outfitted
with office, store or studio equipment to serve as a conventional business
space or pop-up
shop on almost any location you can think of. In addition to that,
containers are used in a number of industries like construction, mining,
military and oil exploitation to make blocks or mobile camps and accommodate
workers employed on an off-road project. Their use as traveling venues is also
noteworthy: the units can serve as portable sales points, kiosks and ticket
offices.
Economical, functional and environmentally friendly,
sustainable structures made from cargo containers may well be the future of
both housing and business space. Now, that’s is a truly great piece of news for
everyone looking to set up a new home, studio or startup – and it’s a major
boon for the planet too.
0 comentarii:
Post a Comment