Old containers seldom go to that great recycling place in the sky, it seems – they get repurposed into funky homes, offices and storage facilities.It is estimated that fewer than a third of the 17 million containers in the global pool are in use at any time.This leaves millions of containers available for repurposing. An example of what can be done is Gauteng-based Speedspace, which recently converted six metre (20 foot) containers into six individual secure tool stores for a mine. A 12-metre (40 foot) container was insulated and converted to function as a comfortable office for the workshop manager overseeing the tool stores.In another project, a customer based in a rural area required a safe and secure retail store.A 12m container fitted with shutter doors offered the solution. One of the main advantages of using structures made from converted containers is that they are quick.Offices, storage spaces, clinics, schoolrooms, ablution facilities, workshops and accommodation units can be on site and operational within 10 to 15 days, according to the manufacturers.This is due to the other main advantage – the freight industry is geared to carry standard-sized containers. They can be moved anywhere that container–handling equipment can reach. This mobility also means that they can be moved once the job is done, or the facility needs to be reconfigured.Container conversions are being marketed as green alternatives to conventional building.A converted container office weighs much less than the bricks, cement and reinforcing that go into a standard building. If properly designed, it will also be better insulated.
INSERT: Offices can be on site and operational within 10 to 15 days.