With the continued and growing emphasis on sustainability in construction we could be on the verge of a radical shift in how we think about the current stock of buildings. The time may be coming when we stop planning for building replacement, and instead plan for building reuse. That in turn would significantly change the roles of designers and builders.
Continue reading “Finding New Buildings in the Dust of the Old”
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The housing industry has proceeded at a red-hot pace for several years running. An all-time record was set in 1998, when 886,000 new-site single family homes were sold. That represented a 10% gain from the robust total of 804,000 homes sold in 1997, and an 8.1% rise from the prior record of 819,000 units in 1977. Single-family housing construction accounted for $48 million of the total $125 million generated in the industry.
Malcom McLean, also known as “the father of containerization”, developed the metal shipping container in 1956, which revolutionized the transport of goods worldwide. Little did he know at the time, his invention would also go on to transform modern architecture.
It is possible that containers were sometimes used for other purposes than shipping, but it’s not clearly evident until the late 80s. On November 23, 1987, Phillip C. Clark filed for a United States patent described as a “Method for converting one or more steel shipping containers into a habitable building at a building site and the product thereof.” This patent, number 4854094, was granted on August 8, 1989 and the information and diagrams it contained were used as the basis for many shipping container architectural concepts.
The use of shipping containers as a building material has been growing in popularity over the past several years. They are appealing materials due to their fundamental strength and rather low expense. Container usage is also viewed as more eco-friendly than the traditional building style. Another big reason many architects and builders are choosing to use containers for their projects is the widespread availability of them. Containers have a very long life span and are being stockpiled at ports around the world, so it’s an ideal opportunity for builders to take advantage of.
A container being turned into a home at MODS
Although shipping container architecture has been around for years, it seems like it’s been more prevalent in the past few years. People worldwide have been using containers to build homes, offices, stores, advertisements, malls, hotels, and much more. 2014 showed us some great creations and it will be interesting to see what architects will create in 2015.
If you are interested in learning more about shipping container uses or if you are ready to begin creating your container dream, contact us today.
Temporary stores created from shipping containers are popping up everywhere! More commonly known as pop-up shops or pop-up stores, the pop-up phenomenon is taking the retail world by storm. Pop-up stores are being utilized by big-name retailers as well as ambitious startups. Just about every type of business from food to fashion can benefit from a pop-up store because the containers come in all different sizes and can be easily customized. They offer a great way to not only sell products, but test products, build brand awareness, test a new location, have a presence during an event, launch new products, and also increase the “hip” factor of a business. It’s also much cheaper than opening a traditional brick-and-mortar store.
If you search pop-up stores on a search engine you can see endless images of creative container and modular stores. You will also see quite a few news articles about pop-up stores, restaurants, breweries, malls, and even wedding chapels in the process of being built. You can also check out our Pinterest board to view various cool pop-up stores located all around the world.
Besides the modern appeal of shipping container architecture, there are very good reasons why using a container makes sense.
1. 100% Customizable
Not only can you choose the size, but you are completely in control of the design process to assure that it is aligned with your brand. You can have the sides fold open, add windows, add doors, connect multiple units together or stack them for vertical space. Anything you can dream of, we can build for you.
2. Mobile
Delivery is a breeze and it’s also easy to move and re-install at any location you choose.
3. Electricity & Wiring
Setting a container up with running water, electricity, and wiring it for cable and internet is also very simple. Our MODS can connect to water, waste, and electric in just a few minutes and also easily be wired for cable and internet.
4. Affordable
Pop-up stores are not usually as large as a full brick-and-mortar store, which allows costs associated to operating to be lower. Also many pop-ups are temporary allowing businesses to test the waters with new products before beginning a full-blown
5. Safe
Not only is it easy to lock up at the end of the day, but shipping containers are built to stand the test of time. Our MODS are tested for quality and both water and wind-proofed.
Pop-up auto parts store created by MODS
Shipping containers are the perfect way to create an open-concept space for your pop-up idea, whether it is a store, restaurant, or an event. MODS can be used to set up a pop-up quickly and multiple MODS can be put together for a wide variety of layouts. Contact us for more information on creating your own pop-up store.
Learn more about the tiny house movement at the first official Tiny House Jamboree to be held this summer in Colorado Springs CO. Event date is August 7th – 9th 2015. http://tinyhousejamboree.com
Once you’ve discovered tiny house living, contact us to let us design your dream “tiny” living space.
