Shipping containers are sturdy, weather-resistant, and modular, which makes them incredibly versatile. What look like very plain metal boxes can be used in a surprising variety of ways, from the purely practical, like garden sheds or temporary offices on a building site, to highly creative art installations or impromptu performance spaces.
While at Easy Move Containers, we specialize in renting and selling containers mainly for storage purposes, we never cease to be amazed at how many creative ways people can find to use them. In this post, we’ve gathered some shipping container ideas, ranging from the functional to the more artistic and whimsical.
Whether you’re a builder, a designer, or just someone curious about the potential of shipping containers, this blog post will fire up your imagination. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and get ready to explore this collection of shipping containers ideas – from the more practical to the very creative.
Shipping Container As Residential Property
Shipping containers are surprisingly roomy inside and their modular shape makes them the ideal building blocks for new build homes. There are many examples of modern, eco-friendly properties built using second-hand containers. This video has several good examples.
Other examples of containers as residential property include:
- Guesthouse
- Vacation home
- Tiny house
- Ski lodge
- Hunting cabin
- Fishing cabin
Containers as Commercial Property
The potential uses of new or second hand shipping containers as commerciaal property are endless. Here are only a few that we have found.
- Medical clinic
- Dental clinic
- Veterinary clinic
- Pharmacy
- Laboratory
- Data center
- Server room
- Power station
- Water treatment plant
- Waste management center
- Recycling center
- Laundry facility
- Food storage facility
- Cold storage unit
- Warehouse
- Distribution Centre
- Observation deck
- Shipping terminal
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Containers as Residential or Commercial Property Extensions
Like basic building blocks, with just a little imagination and a few accessories, shipping containers can add functionality and value to any property. Here are a few of the ways resourceful people have found to use them:
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- Office space (as temporary office space, often seen on building sites)
- Retail space/permanently located or a pop-up shop
- Restaurant/cafe/bar
- Pop-up shop
- Ticket Booth
- Information Centre
- Classroom
- School or club library
- Clubroom
- Hot tub
- Game room
- Changing room
- Sauna
- Shower facility
- Restroom
- Garage/Car Port
- Patio Bar
Turn Containers into Creative Spaces
- Art studio
- Workshop
- Music studio
- Recording studio
- Stage
- Performance venue
- Festival booth
- Sound booth
- Photo booth
Shipping Container as Exhibition Space
- Trade show booth
- Exhibition space
- Art gallery
- Museum
