Shipping Container Uses
Shipping containers were once designed with the sole purpose of transporting goods. But over the years, the industry has found creative uses for these sturdy structures. This has resulted in an architectural boom as commercial enterprises discover ways to house everything from families to retail buildings in these long metal boxes. Manufactured in a wide variety of sizes, intermodal freight containers offer a wealth of convenience and flexibility for a number of industries.
Shipping containers are also known as intermodal freight containers. Depending on the mode of transport, the industry will often narrow down their descriptions further. A durable, closed steel box will often be referred to as a sea or ocean container, Conex box, sea can or ISO container. Regardless of its name, these containers can be moved easily from one method of transportation to another without having to unload or reload.
Refrigeration Facilities
With space becoming more and more limited as communities expand, businesses are looking for innovative ways to create bulk refrigeration facilities. Cargo containers are the perfect shape and material to store mass inventory that requires cooling solutions. Due to the wide range of container sizes available, ice plants and blast freezers can be customized to suit your needs.
A refrigeration system is directly installed into the steel structure, which is then hooked up to an external power source. The structure is also outfitted with dense foam insulation. Also known as reefers, refrigerated containers can maintain temperatures as low as -35°C.
To ensure your shipping container is modified correctly for refrigeration use, it should have the following features:
- Aluminum or stainless steel exterior with washable interior walls
- Dense foam insulation in floors, walls, ceilings, and doors
- Fire-resistant construction with rust-resistant hardware
- Forklift pockets that allow for easy transport and handling
Retail & Dining Centres
Modified shipping containers are changing the face of retail. These structures can range from barebone units with simple flip windows to fully finished retail centres with food-grade interiors and elaborate shelving features. Because shipping containers are inexpensive, weatherproof and easy to transport — businesses are using pop-up shops as a low-cost alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar structures.
Business owners like to use shipping containers as retail space because of their design flexibility. Whether it’s a multi-story shopping mall or a sprawling food court, these modular elements can be stacked and configured to suit the businesses needs. Shipping containers can be expertly modified to offer the comforts and amenities of regular buildings. They can house washrooms, kitchens, spa facilities, and even swimming pools.
Toronto’s Evergreen Brickworks features a welcome hut made from a repurposed 20-square-foot shipping container. The structure was designed and painted by architect Levitt Goodman. Many guests are delighted by the artistic rain chain that directs excess water into a barrel on the side of the hut. There is also a container cafe on the grounds nearby, aptly named The Sipping Container.
27 Boxes in Melville, Johannesburg is one of the world’s most popular retail destinations made entirely of shipping containers. The design also incorporates garden plants, rolling lawns, and brick and concrete accents for a rich and eclectic feel.
Penguin Pickups
- Created from two 40’HC ISO Shipping Containers
- Joined together on site and custom outfitted with special exterior panels and LED lights
- Unit includes a fully working washroom that is not connected to any city utilities. Unit is completely portable and uses a tank system. Can be installed
anywhere and moved any time - Unit includes a walk in cooler and a walk in freezer unit for fresh food being delivered via penguinfresh.com
- Interior is finished with a special aluminum panel and the units are fully insulated to R48 which is above some residential housing.
Self-Storage Unit
From bulky furniture to family heirlooms, shipping containers work well as self-storage units. Durable and waterproof, they are a safe and secure place to store your valuables. Shipping containers, also known as sea cans, are often repurposed into indoor and outdoor storage lockers. These lockers can be outfitted with a high-security lockbox for increased security. They often allow for drive-up access so users can avoid the inconvenience of having to enter a storage complex. Offered in a wide variety of sizes, these self-storage units are helpful for keeping:
- Household goods during a move or renovation
- Commercial goods, excess inventory, or confidential business documents
- Tools, construction materials, and other contracting equipment
- Lawn mowers, snow plows, and other seasonal gear
For optimal performance, container providers should ensure all units are climate-controlled to protect valuables from wind, rain, and snow. Many users are concerned that shipping containers suffer from condensation buildup. To solve this, storage providers can spray ceilings with a urethane spray to prevent excess moisture. The units should also be outfitted with rubber seals to keep rodents and vermin from entering the space, and additional vents to prevent sweating during seasonal changes.
Washroom Facilities
Shipping containers, sometimes referred to as Sea Can, are often repurposed into washroom facilities. Portable toilets are a necessity in areas where people tend to gather, like beaches, sporting events, and outdoor festivals. Freight containers can provide sanitary washroom facilities on short notice and in remote locations. They are ideal for large events because the setup is relatively easy and cheap. Because of their durability, container washrooms can also work as permanent fixtures.
Here are some examples of portable washrooms made from shipping containers:
- Portable Water Restroom – 20-foot shipping container has separate toilet facilities for men and women and also features a running water system
- Portable Office with Toilet – Unit offers 2-in-1 solution combining a remote office location with toilet facilities
- Sanitation Station – 40-foot shipping container houses a series of portable toilets in a trailer-like design with climate-control features
Portable Classrooms
An increasing number of schools are using shipping containers to expand their facilities. In many developing countries, there is a rising shortage of high-quality schools and not enough space to build them. Shipping containers offer a cost-efficient way to create these institutions in a manner that is modular, compact, and environmentally-friendly. These steel structures can be easily transported wherever they’re required. They can also be fully customized based on classroom size and students’ needs. Many container schools also include computer centres, libraries, and science labs.
Shipping containers can be modified to look and feel like a learning facility by:
- Painting exteriors with mural-like designs
- Hanging bright, attractive artwork in the interiors
- Installing bookshelves, tables, and other classroom fixtures
- Adding lockable doors and windows for added safety
- Installing electrical wiring for light fixtures, heating, and A/C
Bright Kid Foundation is an organization in South Africa that provides ‘instant classrooms’ made of 40-foot shipping containers. The Edutainer® is the country’s solution to the problem of inadequate educational facilities. Each portable classroom is outfitted with windows, electricity, and cheerful interiors that can hold up to 25 children. Converted containers are especially useful for building schools in remote areas of South Africa. They are delivered across the country by land, water, and rail. So far, the Bright Kid Foundation has built more than 350 Edutainers®. Over 57,000 preschool children have graduated from Edutainer® schools
Habitat for Humanity
- We provide them several free containers per year for their builds
- We have created custom units that are “half office and half donation storage” for their builds
The unit is a donation collection unit capable of simultaneously collecting donations; clothing, etc., and housing a staff member in a climate-controlled office section so they may supervise, assists, and provide information. The unit’s office section is climate controlled, lit, is insulated, and offers electrical outlets for the staff member inside. The entire container receives power from a propane fueled generator. This unit works in two way for Habitat; it provides a mobile collection point that also drives brand awareness throughout the community as it moves from home to home. They use our freight services to move this container around the community.
Offices
Modified shipping containers are also a popular solution for those people looking for a workspace. Shipping container offices have become a viable solution for those looking for home offices, temporary set-ups or even space-saving permanent options. There are many examples from around the world that express what can be done with shipping container offices and a creative outlook.
A great example from within Canada is a Vancouver construction organization that feels their offices should reflect their work. They turned to shipping containers in order to house both their head office and offices for their job sites which shift roughly every four months.
From washroom facilities to housing units, shipping containers offer a number of innovative uses. In a time of heavy consumer waste and depletion of natural resources, recycled containers could be the answer to the world’s environmental problems. Their compact and stackable nature also provides space-saving solutions for citizens and businesses alike.
For more information on modified shipping containers, please call Secure Container at 416-817-3216 or contact us here.
We offer a wide assortment of shipping containers ready for delivery, including:
10′ Shipping Container
- Exterior: 10’L x 8’W x 8’6H
- Interior: 9’3L x 7’8W x 7’10H
- Weight: Approx. 2,500 Ibs
20′ Shipping Container
- Exterior: 20’L x 8’W x 8’6H
- Interior: 19’4L x 7’8W x 7’10H
- Weight: Approx. 5,000 Ibs
40′ Shipping Container
- Exterior: 40’L x 8’W x 8’6H
- Interior: 39’5L x 7’8W x 7’10H
- Weight: Approx. 8,300 Ibs
40′ High Cube Shipping Container
- Exterior: 40’L x 8’W x 9’6H
- Interior: 39’5L x 7’8W x 8’10H
- Weight: Approx. 8,600 Ibs
45′ High Cube Shipping Container
- Exterior: 45’L x 8’W x 9’6H
- Interior: 44’4L x 7’8W x 8’10H
- Weight: Approx. 10,500 Ibs
