In this blog, we’ll be exploring shipping container conversions, and whether they are the ultimate solution in eco-friendly upcycling.
Everyone knows the importance of protecting the environment and conserving resources. When we need more space for living, working and/or leisure, however, it’s not always easy to find a solution without impacting our surroundings.
Extending our home or office requires plenty of resources, as does moving into or building a bigger space. That perhaps helps explain why, in recent years, many people have chosen another way to create the extra space that they need.
A shipping container conversion is often a quicker, more cost-effective and eco-friendly option than a new-build or extension. With so many different kinds of spaces into which a container can be converted, it’s no wonder this form of upcycling is becoming so popular.
Breathing new life into a used 20ft or 40ft shipping container can give you the extra space you need without having to start a building project from scratch.
These big and sturdy steel boxes provide units that can be put to all kinds of uses and have been proving their versatility for many years now. They give you the chance to choose where everything goes, including the windows and doors, and you get to decide on the furnishings, fittings and everything else you need inside and outside your new space.
Standard shipping containers are 8ft wide – which could be perfect for what you need. But these big steel boxes can be joined together side by side to create much bigger spaces up to 32ft wide, so the sky’s the limit (and yes, you can even have a skylight in your container).
Containers can also be stacked on top of each other and connected by an interior or exterior staircase, for multi-level magnificence!
The exterior of your container can be painted to reflect your brand colours if you’re using it for business or to blend in with or stand out from your surroundings. You can even apply decals to make the design of your space really pop. Converting the top of your container into a green/living roof is yet another way a shipping container can be upcycled in an environmentally friendly way.
We’ve seen and helped people upcycle shipping containers into all kinds of wonderful new spaces. Here’s just a small selection of some of the more popular uses:
Pop-Up Shop Or Cafe: If you’re running a shop or eatery, you can go mobile and ensure your business is in the best area to attract customers all year round, thanks to the portability of converted shipping containers.
Office: When you need more desk space but don’t want to move your office or build an extension, converting a shipping container is a great option.
Classroom Or Changing Room: Put that spare space in your school grounds to good use by installing a shipping container that’s converted into a new, secure classroom. Or get those modern sports-changing facilities you’ve always wanted by opting for a container that’s fitted out with showers, sinks and WCs.
Bird Hide: Paint the outside of a container in colours that will camouflage it, cut viewing slots in the walls, install a kitchenette and you’ll have a cosy place from which you can observe wildlife without disturbing it, and make yourself a cup of tea or coffee while you’re at it. And how about creating a living roof on top of your hide to make your space even more environmentally friendly?
Portable Gym: It’s not just the environment that a shipping container can look after. Convert yours into a home fitness room, and you’ll have space for all your gym equipment to help you look after yourself. Maybe install a TV to watch while you’re on the treadmill, a fridge to store all your refreshing drinks, and how about a big window so you can enjoy the views of your garden?
A New Room At Home: Shipping containers are so versatile, that they can become a kitchen, dining area, living room, bedroom, bathroom, laundry, play area, and even your new garden shed.
A Whole New Home: If you’ve got the space, joining a few converted containers together can create entirely new living accommodations that you might want to let out as a holiday rental.
Here at Upminster Containers, we can help you upcycle shipping containers to create new spaces with fresh purposes. We’ve been leading the way in shipping container conversions for more than fifty years and during that time have shown customers how versatile, secure and durable containers can be.
Firstly, let us know what you need your new space for, and how you want it to look. One of our designers will bring your vision to life, creating a 3D image of how your converted container could look. You can make as many alterations to the design as you like until you’ve got the perfect space for your needs.
Once the plans are signed off, we’ll schedule factory time to construct your converted shipping container to your precise specifications. We’ll fit out the inside and design the outside, so it matches what you’ve asked for. Every stage of the build process will see us use the most eco-friendly materials and production processes we can.
We’re happy to help you get your chosen site ready for your converted container if you need us to. Otherwise, we’ll deliver your unit to your location on an agreed date.
If your converted container needs power or plumbing, we can put you in touch with trade professionals who will get your unit connected to electricity and water supplies.
However you want us to convert a container, our team of skilled designers, carpenters, fabricators, welders and electricians at Upminster are ready to help. Our engineering expertise also means that if you have a specific design or unique requirement, we’ll use our crafting skills and project management experience to give you the shipping container conversion you need.
Considering embarking on a shipping container conversion project? Contact us today at 01708 225350.
