If you have traveled to larger cities in the past 2 or 3 years, you may have noticed that shipping containers are being used more to build things like stores, houses, bars/restaurants, and even offices. An appreciation for industrial and rustic style has been the reason for this containerized push.
In MOBLZ's home state of North Carolina, we haven't seen a lot of this yet, but there is one location called the Frontier RTP, which has been building the "Boxyard RTP" for almost a year now.
One of the benefits of using shipping containers is that the options for their usage are endless. Lately, we have been seeing clothing stores, coffee shops, bars, gyms, bike storage, restaurants, offices, hangout spaces, and even houses. People have designed extremely creative looking structures and we are excited to see some more pop up.
One way to spruce up your office amenities is to build them using containers. The younger generation likes the way they look and feel. It'll be a sure way to draw in freshly educated and eager minds!
If you are considering building with shipping containers here is some info to help get the ball rolling. Each shipping container varies in price depending upon its condition and size. They can range between 2,000 - 6,000 dollars per container; which is relatively inexpensive when you break it down per square foot. The standard size is 40 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8 feet tall. Giving you 320 square feet of space inside. They are also structured to stand up to 110 mph winds!
Depending upon the type of amenity you want to put in a shipping container you also have to think of some other expenses:
• Insulation
• Plumbing
• Flooring
• HVAC
• Assembly
• Finishing
• Windows
• Roofing
• Foundation/site preparation
However, even with the additional prep work, these containers are useful, versatile, and multipurpose. They are also relatively easy to reconfigure if you need to make changes. It's pretty tough to do that with an office building!
We look forward to seeing some of your creative amenities being put into shipping containers!