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People can’t seem to get enough of homes or living spaces made from shipping containers, and for good reason.

They’re usually far cheaper, for a start, and then there’s the added bonus of their compatibility with off-grid solutions like solar power, solar lighting, and rainwater harvesting systems.

They’re also versatile, and while the focus of container construction has centred largely on homes, they can be converted to meet myriad needs.

Over to GineersNow:

Shipping containers are built to transport goods over long distances and designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. Because they are constructed of high-quality steel, shipping containers are watertight and wind-resistant.

Also, shipping containers have stable performance over a wide range of temperatures, thanks to their superior impact, puncture, and compulsive strength.

Without further ado, here are eight creative ways to repurpose shipping containers:

Shipping Container Homes

This one is pretty obvious. The tiny home trend threw container homes into the spotlight a few years ago, and since then entire companies have sprung up dedicated to converting shipping containers into eco-friendly dream homes.

Pop-Up Kiosks

Renting a brick and mortar space to open a kiosk can be pricey. Shipping containers are ideal for pop-up kiosks, food festivals, and events, or for the small business owner looking to save some money.

Temporary Or Permanent Mobile Offices

Containers can be transformed into mobile (or permanent) offices, ideal for small business owners. They’re also great for home offices, especially if you want to take your office outside of your living space.

Mobile Clinics

When building a clinic, you want to be able to throw most of the available money into equipment, sanitation, and resources.

In more rural areas, residents often can’t wait for an entire building structure to be erected before they can access much-needed medical services. A shipping container clinic is a cost-effective quick solution to this problem.

Portable Toilets

I don’t need to explain this one. Anyone who has ever used a plastic Porta Potty can see the benefits of sturdier and more spacious container bathrooms.

Stores

Just like kiosks, container stores are more cost-effective and can be moved to different locations for events, festivals, and so on.

Schools

Much like clinics, container schools are a cheaper and more immediate way to ensure that a community’s educational needs are met.

Studios

Finally, containers make for excellent art or music studios and can be converted according to your needs. Don’t be afraid to soundproof your container studio if you’re learning a new instrument, for the wellbeing of all involved.

Here at home, South African-owned shipping logistics company Berry & Donaldson will attest to the fact that moving cargo from point A to point B is significantly more complicated than converting a container into a home.

That’s why they handle everything for importers and exporters, ensuring the safe departure and arrival of shipping containers at their destinations, wherever that destination may be.

There’s something lovely about the idea that your container home, kiosk or otherwise, has travelled the world.

[source:gineersnow]