DESIGN: SHIPPING CONTAINERS
rainwater harvesting systems, container- based structures can incorporate a range of environmentally friendly features to minimize their footprint. Reusing structures and building materials offers a compelling alternative to conventional design and development approaches. By repurposing existing structures and materials, builders and designers can breathe new life into neglected spaces and materials. Among the diverse strategies of reuse design, shipping container projects stand out for their affordability, versatility, and sustainability. From vibrant urban communities to innovative disaster relief solutions, the potential of container-based construction is limited only by imagination. As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, embracing the principles of adaptive reuse and “double recycling” will be essential in shaping a more resilient and sustainable built environment for future generations. •
shelters and medical facilities in crisis-stricken areas, offering temporary refuge to displaced communities. By repurposing readily available materials, these projects demonstrate the potential of adaptive reuse to address pressing social and environmental challenges. One unique example of adaptive reuse, or “double recycled,” is a project led by ekō Solutions, a modular builder. This project takes upcycled shipping container homes that were once deployed to house victims of the western Kentucky tornadoes and moves these homes to a campground. These containers have had three lives. The first was as a vessel to house goods being moved across oceans. In their second life, these shipping containers were converted into homes, creating stability during turbulent times as Kentucky communities were rebuilt after natural disasters. Finally, the very same containers have been moved to the Poplar Point Campground in Athens, Alabama, where they have been turned into unique contemporary glamping units available through Airbnb. The ease of re-outfitting and mobility of these types of container homes allow them to be used in many ways after
their initial use is no longer needed. These “double-recycled” units can be refitted for affordable housing, office, and even dining and recreational uses. ADDRESSING THE CAVEATS Although shipping container architecture offers numerous benefits, it is not without its challenges. Critics point to issues such as insulation, ventilation, and structural integrity as potential drawbacks of container-based construction. However, advances in technology and design have addressed many of these concerns, enabling building firms to create shipping container dwellings that are comfortable and sustainable. Many spaces are customizable and can include different exterior siding and facades, artistic exterior paint jobs, or the chic look of interior shiplap, sliding barn doors, concrete countertops, and custom tin ceilings. IMPACT Further, the widespread adoption of container architecture has sparked innovation in the realms of sustainability and environmentally conscious building practices. From passive solar design to
PETER RODRIGUEZ
Peter Rodriguez, president of ekō Solutions, is an operational executive with more than 20 years of experience in building cost-effective solutions for the manufacturing sector, ranging from housing, agriculture, and automotive. Rodriguez leads the overall design, build, and implementation team at ekō Solutions. He holds a master’s in business administration and general management from Troy University and a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology management from Central Michigan University.
26 | think realty magazine :: may - june 2024
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