Shipping containers have become more popular beyond their intended purpose. Instead of merely being used as means to transport cargo, shipping containers are being converted into homes, offices, pop-up shops, and more.
What are shipping container conversions?
Shipping container conversions involves the transformation of containers into experiential marketing campaign platforms, product launches avenues, retail stores, stands, and other purposes for marketing and event activities along with the production and building of houses, amidst several others.
There are significant shifts towards innovative and sustainable ways of living and working, and shipping container conversions are at the front of this movement. Ordinary cargo containers are getting a second lease of life by being transformed into living spaces which are more cost-effective and have an increased sense of minimalism and sustainability.
Shipping container conversions also started making their appearance in a pop-up retail space in popular areas often used for markets and farmstalls, as a shipping container café along popular hiking routes, such as those found in Cape Town, and even luxurious farm accommodation.
The “Buzz” Surrounding Shipping Container Conversions
Shipping containers are known for their strength, durability, and security. They are also renowned for being eco-friendly as they recycle existing materials and recycled shipping containers can be repurposed and the materials used for other applications.
Shipping containers and conversions are also modular, which means that they can be stored in any given available space. Container conversions are also known for expediting the building process as a result of the fact that they are prefabricated and come with the option of being infinitely customizable.
Shipping container homes, office buildings, and shops cost significantly less to build than conventional buildings. There are also many suppliers who have shipping containers for sale in and around South Africa, with Container King being a market leader in the provision of converted containers.
Most popular Shipping Container Conversions in South Africa in 2021
While there are a wide range of conversions available in South Africa, the following stand out as popular options in 2021:
- Libraries and schools in rural communities
- Housing
- Retail spaces
- Medical Clinics
Libraries and Schools
Literacy is a key component to education in addition to being crucial in fighting poverty and ensuring development in South Africa. There are many rural communities where children have truly little access to schooling and libraries, and container-as-library is a vital project which could change many lives in South African communities.
Housing
This is still one of the most prominent container conversions in the world, offering people with flexible, affordable, and versatile options. Shipping containers used for home dwellings can easily be modified to become fit for habitation with the addition of windows, doors, electrical wiring, plumbing, and more. Shipping containers can be joined to create homes that feature multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas, and kitchens, just like any modern home built with traditional materials.
Retail Space
With the world expanding and the needs of people constantly changing, there is an increased demand for retail spaces. Developments, however, can only go as fast and there are many companies that have turned to shipping container conversions to offer larger, more flexible retail spaces, especially in the most remote areas.
Medical Clinics
As a result of an increased demand for clinics, especially amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, shipping container conversions have become very handy in serving as all-encompassing medical clinics and centers where people can receive treatment.
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