August 31, 2021

CARGOTECTURE: BOX TO BUILDING

-MISHTI MADAN

As the construction industry continues to evolve and adapt to eco-friendly techniques like green buildings, there is a push for more sustainable materials and thrust to reduce and reuse waste. One trend that is pushing the limits of design — “Cargotecture”. It refers to the practice of reusing shipping cargo containers to create dwellings. Since, they’re made from strong metal and aluminum, shipping containers can form a nearly indestructible home. Moreover, they’re plentiful and cheap to buy, shipping containers can keep housing costs low. This type of Architecture aims to create some architectural spaces that hosts different functions & human activities, not only on the scale of an individual building but also on a larger scale that can help in creating a quick or sometimes temporary solution for a building or a group of buildings that are structurally stable & safe, environment friendly, with very high capabilities of achieving aesthetic values that can be utilized by people.

Shipping containers have been integrated into the construction of commercial and residential structures in Europe and Asia for years especially around port areas. In crowded Amsterdam, for instance, these once-orphaned, and abundant, containers have provided much-needed low-income and student housing. They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and we don’t disagree. From emergency shelters for soldiers to housing for densely populated cities, container architecture has helped fill a pressing need for affordable, sustainable structures.

In 2006, Peter De Maria a Californian architect designed the first shipping container home in the US. Known as the Redondo Beach House, the home was approved under the national Uniform Building Code and was completed in 2007. This was the first real shipping container home. Since then, we’ve seen shipping container homes popping up all over the world!

THE REDONDO BEACH HOUSE

With its presence in New York, Cape Town and Tokyo, Cargotecture is making its presence felt in India too. From first container structure at Ramamurthy Nagar, Bengaluru to Aam Admi Mohalla clinic, Delhi, this technology is now being experimented by the ultra-rich and High Net worth Individuals. This is trending in cities like Ahmedabad, Ananthapura, Mumbai, Raipur, Bangalore, Surat, Hyderabad, Patan, Barmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Mt Abu. This concept attracts clients from several segments such as companies dealing with oil and gas, renewable energy, pharma, engineering as well as wealthy individuals looking for different layouts.

FIRST CONTAINER HOME BUILT IN BENGALURU, INDIA

Now, talking about pros and cons, cargo-homes are durable, cost-effective and customizable. They can be more cost-effective than traditional housing. They’re quick to construct and are modular. They are immensely useful for remote locations where construction is expensive or not possible. They are eco-friendly, as they are re-purposed into homes instead of being melted down. They are also virtually indestructible. And since they’re easy to build, they have been boon during the time of Covid-19. Not only in Singapore or Wuhan, these cargo-based structures have been used in India as well. Delhi-based architecture firm converted shipping containers into makeshift hospitals to meet coronavirus need. The idea was modelled at providing a community-oriented and patient-directed installation that aimed to deliver comprehensive, culturally competent, high-quality primary health care services. Since shipping containers are made of steels, they can withstand extreme weather conditions, earthquakes, tough terrain and security threats. The interiors of containers were insulated which can help in the installation of temperature control devices in extreme conditions. The firm also claimed that a container also helps in controlling the spread of bacteria, fungi and viruses.

FIRST CONTAINER BUILT HOSPITAL IN WUHAN,CHINA

MOHALLA CLINIC BUILT IN DELHI

But as it is said that a coin has two faces, container homes have some disadvantages too. Shipping containers are large steel boxes meaning that they absorb and transmit heat and cold very well, thus leading to problem of controlling temperature inside. Since mostly shipping containers are old and nearing the end-of-life span, these used containers tend to rust quickly because they have been scratched or dented while serving their primary function. Because of the specific rectangular form of the storage unit, many things will need to be customized to be able to fit. This includes insulation, HVAC, plumbing, electricity, and possibly furniture.

There’s no doubt that shipping containers make an important part of the housing future. We can only expect more innovative and creative design solutions. As for the future homeowners, they will be pleased with the price and the flexibility these properties carry. A shipping container home simplifies the design and build process. That can mean a faster road to a move-in ready home. Still, it’s a new frontier as far as building goes. Building with an unfamiliar material can make the process unpredictable, but with the right planning and design, a shipping container home can make sense for a new homeowner.