Are you looking for sustainable and affordable alternatives to conventional construction? Cargotecture may be the answer for you. In keeping with the upcycling trend, cargotecture utilizes shipping containers in different architectural designs, from housing and hotels to office spaces and restaurants.
As the need for sustainable and affordable housing continues to grow, cargotecture has become one of the most popular global trends.
What Is Cargotecture?
Shipping container architecture or cargotecture is the practice of transforming ISO shipping containers into residential, office, or commercial spaces.
Shipping containers are also incredibly versatile. You can convert them into low-cost housing, luxury homes, and everything in between. They are sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective, which has contributed to their growing popularity across the globe.
Cargo-Inspired Architecture: A Brief History
Shipping containers revolutionized the transport industry in the 1950s. People then began realizing their potential beyond transport. During the Vietnam War, the military started using the containers as emergency shelters. Phillip C. Clark patented this idea to utilize one or more shipping containers to construct functional buildings in 1987. In 2003, ‘cargotecture’ began taking off.
Today, shipping containers are commonly used to crate residential and commercial spaces. As the number of abandoned shipping containers continues to increase, so does the number of upcycling projects involving them.
Why Is Cargotecture Gaining Popularity?
Today, sustainability is at the forefront of every industry, and architecture and construction are no exception. Cargotecture utilizes non-traditional raw materials for construction. It also offers a vast scope for creativity at a fraction of the cost.
Cargotecture capitalizes on the versatility of shipping containers, transforming them into almost anything, from budget homes, luxury housing, office, and commercial spaces, and emergency structures. As a result, shipping container architecture has become the go-to solution to build creative, sustainable, and cost-effective spaces.
Why Consider Using Shipping Containers?
Still hesitant about choosing cargotecture for your next project? Learn more about the benefits it offers below.
Sustainability: The Driving Force Behind Shipping Container Architecture
Sustainability is the number one selling point of shipping container architecture. Cargotecture largely excludes traditional, non-renewable building materials. Repurposing abandoned shipping containers also helps cut down on waste.
Eco-Friendly: The Future of Green Construction
Cargotecture is one of the most eco-friendly alternatives to traditional construction practices. Using scrap materials from old shipping containers in place of the resources required for conventional construction helps minimize the overall carbon footprint of the project.
Cost-Effective: Cargotecture Projects Could Save You Big Bucks!
Estimates indicate that cargotecture projects are approximately 30% cheaper than traditional construction projects. This is because used shipping containers are available at costs starting at $2,000. You can also build a decent living or commercial space at an affordable price by combining multiple shipping containers.
Time-Effective and Durable: You Won’t Believe How Quick and Easy It Is
Building a shipping container home is one of the fastest construction methods. You only need a few days (or weeks, depending on the project) to complete a cargotecture project. Shipping containers can also withstand extreme weather conditions, making them excellent for durable buildings.
Flexible: A Versatile Option
Shipping containers are versatile, allowing flexibility in the design, structure, and utility. You can construct virtually any building with the help of cargotecture.
Customizable: Get the Perfect Size, Shape, and Layout
Stacking or combining multiple shipping containers allows you to customize the size, shape, and layout of your cargotecture project. You can also customize the cargotecture project with the help of any number of internal and external elements and install doors and windows at the site of your choosing. You are only limited by your imagination while customizing your cargotecture project.
Are There Any Cons of Cargotecture?
Although there are many advantages of shipping container architecture, you should also consider the challenges involved:
- Cargotecture buildings need a robust system for temperature and humidity control. Otherwise, they can become uninhabitable.
- Obtaining permits for cargotecture can be tedious as it is still a relatively novel construction method. As a result, building codes and permits are not yet finalized.
- Installing utilities in a cargotecture building may prove to be challenging.
- The cost-effectiveness of cargotecture may disappear for larger projects, especially when considering land costs, foundation, HVAC systems, and other add-ons.
Cargotecture From Around the Globe
Here are some of the great examples of cargotecture from around the globe:
C3600 Three Story Retail, Seattle, Washington
Constructed in the aftermath of the global recession, this landmark structure was Seattle’s first cargo container-based commercial building. Built in 2009 from 12 shipping containers, the double-height retail showroom is home to a scenic gallery.
Stadium 974, Qatar
Built using 974 shipping containers, Stadium 974 is the first fully demountable stadium. The building is ready to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup.
Urban Rigger, Denmark
Nine shipping containers are stacked circularly on a floating platform in Copenhagen harbor to create a floating students’ hall of residence.
Joy 98, India
Conceptualized and built within two months, the marketing office for Joy 98 can be moved from site to site.
Starbucks, Taiwan
This unique Starbucks coffee shop has stacked 29 shipping containers to create an unforgettable experience for its customers.
Conclusion
Cargotecture is fast becoming one of the most popular global trends for sustainable and cost-effective construction projects. You can quickly create a unique cargotecture project to suit your needs at a fraction of the cost of a conventional construction project.
If you’ve decided that cargotecture is for you, you can start your project by purchasing used shipping containers from different vendors. Have a temporary project? You can also rent a container for your needs. Start your sustainable construction journey today with cargotecture.
FAQs
- How Are Shipping Containers Used in Architecture?
You can arrange, stack, or combine shipping containers in any layout according to your needs. You can also make cut-outs for doors and windows in the containers as required.
- How Can I Build a Cargotecture?
You will need to meet with a professional specializing in cargotecture to design a structure suitable for your needs. You will also need to check with local authorities for permits and regulations for shipping container architecture. Once you receive the necessary permissions, you can contact shipping container vendors and start your construction project.
