Architecture, a second life for containers

Millions of containers remain on land each year. According to Container FAQ, of the 17 million containers transported annually, only six million are used for the transport or storage of goods. 

This means that eleven million are completely idle and unused when, although they may have exhausted their original function, they can be put to various uses, including architectural ones.

Physical characteristics of containers

It may seem new, but the Straddle3 architecture studio has been working with second- and third-hand containers since 2007-2008. As architect David Juárez explains, the qualities of Corten steel, the material of which they are made, offer, among other virtues, great resistance to corrosion.

"Structurally, it is a material designed to support very high loads, up to almost 40 tonnes, it is very efficient in its performance and it is also economical", Juárez points out. The price of a second or third-hand container, once its original use has been discarded, is around 3,500 euros.

The predetermined shape and measurements of the container (12.19 metres long x 2.44 metres wide x 2.59 metres high and 27m2) can be a limitation, although the architect explains that the most common practice is to cut them and adapt them to the needs of the project.

But Straddle3 is not alone. For example, the New York office Lot-Ek has been working with shipping containers for 25 years, taking them to unsuspected limits.

Modular architecture with containers

The use of containers as a construction element would fall within the so-called modular architecture, a system that optimises construction processes in terms of economy, speed of execution, reversibility, adaptability to different technical code requirements and environmental sustainability, recycling and upscaling.

"It depends on the architectural programme, the technical capabilities of the design and how bold you can be in manipulating and reinforcing it. This will determine whether it can be used for housing or facilities with greater or lesser success," Juárez shares.

Preparing the container for construction

Once sanitised, the container must go through several processes to prepare it for use in, for example, a house, which are not too different from the steps that must be followed in a traditional construction.

"The first thing is to be sure about its final geometry because it will determine whether we have to open windows or doors and interior connections for installations or telecommunications. Making these perforations means reinforcing the container because the material weakens," he explains.

Once the structural model obtained with calculation programmes is established, the weakened parts are strengthened with reinforcing frames so that the material recovers rigidity and strength and to be able to comply with the Technical Building Code.

"When you work with modular architecture, you usually prefabricate in the workshop and assemble on the site. You have to consider not only the static loads that the material must withstand, but also the dynamic loads resulting from its transport and subsequent handling," he says.

This process shortens construction times, because it allows you to work on the material on the one hand and prepare the site (foundations, connections) in parallel.