As businesses grow, their workspaces need to adapt too. One of the latest trends in office design is using shipping containers. Originally made to transport goods around the world, these containers are now being repurposed into creative and practical office spaces.
Whether you’re using one container or combining several, shipping container offices are an eco-friendly and affordable solution for modern businesses. Here’s a look at how you can turn a shipping container into an office and why it might be the right choice for you.
What Is a Shipping Container Office?
A shipping container office is created by repurposing a strong shipping container, designed to handle tough conditions, making it ideal for use as a workspace. These containers are made from Corten steel, which is known for being durable and resistant to rust. The most common sizes are 20ft and 40ft, but there are also high cube containers, which are taller and offer more space.
A basic shipping container office includes a steel frame, insulated walls, windows, and a door. With some creativity and smart design, these containers can be turned into stylish and practical offices.
Why Choose a Shipping Container Office?
There are several reasons why a shipping container office could be a great choice for your business:
- Sustainability and Eco-friendliness: Using a shipping container helps reduce waste and is an environmentally friendly choice. Reusing materials also lowers the carbon footprint compared to building a new office from scratch.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Shipping containers are usually much cheaper than traditional office buildings. Since the basic structure already exists, you save money on materials and labor. Plus, because these offices are smaller, the overall cost is lower.
- Flexibility and Mobility: Shipping container offices are portable. You can move them to a different location if your business grows or changes. You can even stack multiple containers to create more space without building an entirely new structure.
- Modern Design Possibilities: Although they start as simple containers, shipping containers offer many possibilities for modern and creative office designs. With the right modifications, you can turn a basic container into a stylish and functional workspace.
Creative Shipping Container Office Design Ideas
Here are some ideas to make your shipping container office stand out:
- Single Container Offices: A single shipping container is perfect for smaller businesses, freelancers, or remote workers. With the right changes, it can hold a desk, shelves, and even a small meeting area. This makes it a great choice for a modular office setup.
- Multi-Container Offices: If you need more space, you can connect multiple shipping containers to create a larger office. This allows you to design separate rooms for meetings, storage, or relaxation. It’s perfect for businesses that need more room or want to create mobile offices that can move as needed.
- Container Offices with Outdoor Space: To make the most of your container office, consider adding outdoor space like a small patio or garden. This gives employees a place to relax and adds to the overall look of your office. You can even turn it into ground-level offices that feel open and inviting.
- Incorporating Natural Light and Ventilation: Shipping containers can sometimes feel dark and stuffy, but with well-placed windows, skylights, and proper ventilation, you can make the office feel brighter and fresher. Adding solar panels is also a great way to make your office more eco-friendly and energy-efficient.
- Interior Design and Furniture Ideas: When setting up the inside of your shipping container office, think about using space-saving furniture like fold-out desks, stackable chairs, and shelves. Light colors and minimalist decor can help keep the space feeling open and welcoming. This is ideal for creating a modern, functional modular office.
Real-World Examples of Shipping Container Offices
Here are two innovative examples of shipping container offices that showcase how these structures can be creatively transformed into functional and sustainable workspaces.
The Startup Village in Amsterdam is a co-working space made entirely from shipping containers, located at the Amsterdam Science Park. It offers 150 workspaces, meeting rooms, coffee bars, and an outdoor courtyard for events. The containers, ranging from 20 to 40 feet long, are arranged in different layouts.
Designed for startups, the space includes large windows for natural light, insulation with infrared heating for cold days, and plants around the area, including green roofs. Built with sustainability in mind, it uses recyclable materials and removable foundations and was created in partnership with Green Art Solutions for its eco-friendly features.
The Tokyo Stack is an office and gallery built from two matte black shipping containers on a small street corner in Tokyo. Architect Tomokazu Hayawaka divided one 40-foot container in half and placed the other on top, creating three separate spaces and a small courtyard with seating and plants. Sliding glass and hatch doors let in plenty of natural light, and the interiors are lined with wood to meet Japanese building rules.
The second-floor container holds a small conference room. Steel cables support the structure to protect it from earthquakes. The bold black exterior contrasts with the bright interior, making this container office a new center for art and design in the area’s growing art scene.
Conclusion
Shipping container office design provides an affordable, eco-friendly, and modern option for businesses in need of workspaces. With creative ideas and careful planning, you can turn a basic shipping container into a functional and stylish office. Whether you need just one container or a larger space made from several, the possibilities are endless. If you’re looking for an innovative way to set up your office, a shipping container could be the perfect choice.
Transform Your Workspace with SuperBox's Shipping Container Offices
SuperBox offers high-quality shipping containers and expert modifications to create functional office spaces. Whether you need a single container or a larger custom setup, our cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions are designed to fit your needs. Our team will work with you to design a workspace that’s both efficient and comfortable.
Ready to transform your space? Call 1-866-696-9269 today to discover how our shipping containers and custom designs can bring your ideal office to life!
