Shipping container houses, aka container houses, have become increasingly popular over the years thanks to their durability and versatility. While these containers were initially created for storage purposes and cargo, their use has evolved into the creation of trendy tiny homes as well as modern prefab homes.

Of course, living spaces aren’t the only thing container houses have a use for. Below, we’ll explore some of the most innovative uses for container houses that’ll change how you think about architecture (and potentially your next project!)

Why Container Houses?

Use-case aside, there are a few reasons why the construction industry, business owners, and homeowners are paying more attention to shipping container housing for their projects and needs. 

Those reasons include:

●Cost-effectiveness

●Short building times

●Endless customization 

●Robust architecture (they’re made from corten steel)

●Portability

●Sustainability and eco-friendliness

What’s more, container housing is incredibly versatile as its use cases go beyond living spaces to the following:

Office Spaces

For businesses embracing flexible working environments, the demand for more offsite creative offices has increased. Storage container houses can easily be converted into customizable workspaces that can be relocated and expanded. 

Container house office spaces are especially ideal for remote workstations and startups.

Mobile Clinics

Storage container houses became increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as vaccination sites and testing centers. They were placed throughout cities and towns, in large parking lots, shopping centers, and even outside of pharmacies to meet the growing health demands.

Even with the pandemic’s end, the need for healthcare is still ever prevalent, making storage container houses the perfect solution to meet those needs. They can even be used as mobile vet clinics to address the increasing demand for pet emergencies and essential services like spaying and neutering.

Emergency Housing

Having sufficient shelter is often critical During natural disasters and humanitarian crises. Pre-made container houses have become a near-perfect solution for emergency shelters thanks to their durability and quick assembly.

Pop-up Shops

Thanks to shipping container housing, entrepreneurs and business owners now have a cost-effective way to set up shop. Thanks to their portability and the fact that they’re customizable, the containers can be used as temporary pop-up shops and even long-term small boutiques. 

For example, a pop-up shop for an event can have one open side, while mainstay shops can install glass doors that create a more designer feel.

Pop-up cafes and Bars

Just like retail spaces, container houses can easily be used for hospitality-related businesses. They can be turned into food stands, cafes, craft cocktail bars, and much more. 

They can even be used as more formal restaurant spaces. This can save restaurant owners a lot of money when it comes to renting a building or space. 

Art Studios and Galleries

Artists of all kinds are intrinsically drawn to the adaptability and simplicity of shipping container houses. These containers can easily be converted into art studios for one or multiple artists as well as galleries.

What’s more, shipping container houses also act as a blank canvas that the artists and creatives can customize to add to their environment and make a statement to passersby. 

Portable Event Spaces

Any event that requires structures with three to four walls can benefit from container houses. From music festivals, theaters, and screenings to corporate gatherings and networking events — they can all benefit from the modifications and construction of shipping container housing.

Swimming Pools

Believe it or not, container houses can also be converted into swimming pools. With the correct modifications and proper pool lining, shipping container houses can become functional and very stylish swimming areas.

It’s a more affordable solution for homeowners to beat the heat as they don’t require heavy excavation. Hotel and motel businesses can benefit from them, too. 

Educational Spaces

Building traditional school structures can be incredibly expensive in many parts of the country and the world. Container housing offers a much more affordable way to provide campuses with classrooms, entire school buildings, and additional facilities.  

Gardening Sheds and Greenhouses

Shipping containers come in all sizes, and thanks to their ability to be customized with things like glass windows and doors, they can easily be converted into greenhouses and ample gardening storage.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to start a vegetable garden in their backyard or an entrepreneur establishing a hydroponic nursery, container housing can easily deliver the solutions you need.

Personal Fitness Centers

No space for a home gym? No problem! Small container houses can easily be converted into your own personal fitness center if you have enough space on your property. The same goes for pop-up gym events and various types of gym owners looking to establish their businesses without large upfront costs.

Portable Toilets

Shipping container houses actually have a long-standing history of being repurposed into luxury portable toilets. They’re much more conducive for sanitation and hygienic purposes in comparison to traditional porta-potties.

This makes them the perfect bathroom solution for special events like outdoor weddings, regular event spaces, campgrounds, and other areas where public bathrooms are a necessity.

Laboratories

Standard-sized shipping container houses are the ideal setup for laboratories used for testing. This includes laboratories for educational, medical, and scientific purposes, as the New York office of the Grimshaw Architecture Studio designed dozens of mobile testing units from container housing during the pandemic. 

They are an excellent addition to mobile clinics requiring on-site testing and examinations.

Endless Container House Possibilities

Ultimately, a container house can provide the perfect solution anywhere that four walls are needed for personal use or business. Not only are they cost-effective, but they’re solid structures that can withstand some of the harshest weather events. They’re also completely customizable, making design options virtually limitless to suit every individual need and preference.

Want to learn more about shipping container housing and prefabricated homes? Check out the other articles in our blog!