Over the past couple of years, there’s been a worldwide trend of converting container vans into all kinds of structures. Architects and designers have been engaged in a heated debate over whether container vans make good prefab material. Advocates say they’re cost-efficient, eco-friendly, and can be built quickly, while others point out that old, dented containers can be structurally unstable and coated with harmful chemicals like lead-based paint.
Whichever side of the debate you’re on, it doesn’t look like this trend is slowing down anytime soon. Here are some of the ways in which shipping containers have been creatively re-purposed.
Vessel Hostel
From the inside, this cozy hostel certainly doesn’t look like it’s made out of shipping containers.
Container Turf
Food parks have been popping up all over the metro, and one of the newest ones is Container Turf in Parañaque. The container vans fit pretty well with its playful design.
Citihub
Container vans are commonly used as affordable housing, like this all-male dormitory which has branches in Cainta, Mandaluyong, and Sta. Mesa.
A Private Home
After the destruction of Typhoon Haiyan, an elderly man had his retirement home built out of a shipping container.
B&A Group Offices
This UK-based company is definitely pleased with their unique office building.
