Premier Box Shipping Containers

Based in Caloundra, Queensland, Spencer Ives drives the growth and development of the shipping container company Premier Box Shipping Containers, working with new customers looking for new or used shipping containers for sale or hire.

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Shipping Containers for Hire & Sale. Premier Box provides high quality container solutions, at a great price, throughout Queensland

Special circumstances call for specialised containers, and there are a number of shipping container modifications that have become standard in the industry. These modified container styles cater to cargo that needs to be loaded from the top, oversized cargo, oddly-shaped cargo, and cargo comprised of free running material.

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10ft Shipping Containers

The most common shipping container sizes are the 20ft (6m) and 40ft (12m) containers. You've probably seen these being utilised on work sites or for domestic storage.  

Increasing demand for shipping containers has also given rise to the 10ft container. The smaller container offers the same great benefits as its larger cousins – weather resistance, durability, strength and versatility – but with a smaller footprint.   

The smaller container needed to be 10ft so that existing methods of transport could be utilised. After all, one of the main draw cards of the shipping container is its ease of transportation and relocation. Container ships, railway wagons and container chassis secure 20ft shipping containers using four locking pins in each corner, so it made sense for this new smaller shipping container to be half the size at 10ft. This way 2 x 10ft shipping containers can be locked together and transported (empty) efficiently and safely.

Today’s new 10ft shipping container is built using exactly the same methods and materials as the 20ft shipping container, which is used internationally. Because of this, they are extremely tough, hardwearing, vermin proof and watertight. They are also available in the same configurations as 20ft shipping containers, meaning you have a choice of standard height, high cube and pallet wide containers.

Space isn't always a luxury, so the 10ft container really comes to the party when extra storage space is needed in a squeeze. They function perfectly on work sites for storing tools, at schools for storing sports equipment, or at home as a garden or work shed. 

At Premier Box we have standard height, high cube and pallet wide 10’ shipping containers available for sale and hire. 

10' SHIPPING CONTAINER TYPICAL SPECIFICATIONS

External length - 3,100 mm External width - 2,435 mm External height - 2,591 mm Internal length - 2,980 mm Internal width - 2,330 mm Internal height - 2,350 mm Door Opening height - 2,275 mm Door Opening width - 2,340 mm CAPACITY Tare (approx) - 1,200 kg Cubic Capacity - 15.4 m3

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Shipping Containers Perfect for Temporary Storage

Found yourself short on storage space in the lead up to Christmas? Many businesses do. Additional stock arrives for the busy holiday period or you take on more staff and, suddenly, there's no room left! The good news is that shipping containers are perfect for temporary storage. They are cost effective, sturdy, clean and, best of all, they can be delivered to your site with only a day's notice!

Standard shipping containers easily and securely store extra inventory, seasonal items, promotional materials, equipment, documents and archives. Need cold storage? Refrigerated containers will do the job nicely, and in the heat of summer, they are essential for perishable goods such as food and fresh produce. Got extra staff? Modified shipping containers provide extra office space for personnel with plenty of room for desks, chairs and office equipment.

Shipping containers’ ease of transport and mobility means that goods can be stored either onsite or offsite, or relocated to another area quickly and efficiently, allowing for flexibility that you just don’t get with permanent warehouses, storage facilities or offices. With short-term hire agreements available, shipping container rental is often far more convenient and cost effective than constructing a temporary warehouse or signing a lease on a building that extends longer than required.

A shipping container’s construction means that a wide range of products can be stored safely and securely. Their strong, corrosion resistant steel bodies offer protection against the elements. They are watertight, ventilated and vermin proof, and when you hire from Premier Box, they are also fitted with a lock box to ensure your valuable goods remain secure. Shipping containers allow for easy loading and unloading, sitting directly on the ground, and modifications are available meaning shelves and ramps can be added when needed.

When businesses choose to work with Premier Box, they are dealing with shipping container professionals who understand what it takes to meet storage shortages at this time of year. Premier Box offers immediate delivery of the highest quality containers across Australia, and are experts at ensuring their clients’ needs are met. Call Premier Box on 1800 601 194 to discuss your requirements, or get a quote online. 

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New Shipping Container Depot in Narangba Queensland NOW OPEN!

Premier Box Shipping Containers is excited to announce the opening of their new depot in Narangba, conveniently located just 25 minutes north of Brisbane and 15 minutes south of Caboolture.

The new depot in Narangba is Premier Box's first retail outlet for customers in South East Queensland, and allows customers to inspect shipping containers onsite before buying or hiring. Friendly and knowledgable staff are on hand to discuss requirements, answer questions and assist in arranging delivery.

In addition to Premier Box's range of quality new and used shipping containers, the depot will also offer onsite storage facilities. A shipping container’s construction means that a wide range of products can be stored safely and securely, and their strong, corrosion resistant steel bodies offer protection against the elements. They are watertight, ventilated and vermin proof, and when you hire with Premier Box, they are also fitted with a lock box to ensure your valuable goods remain secure.

If you are outside the Narangba area and require temporary storage solutions, shipping containers can also be delivered to your home or work site. Premier Box offers immediate delivery in most areas of Australia.

From the Blog: - More Storage Space, FAST! - Use a Shipping Container While You're Renovating

Shipping container modifications will also be available at the Narangba depot and staff will be on hand to speak with you about your requirements.

Through modification and customisation, shipping containers can be transformed into:

• Accommodation Units • Toilet & Shower Blocks • Lunch Rooms • Mobile Kitchens • Site Offices • Power Plant Rooms • Portable Workshops • Specialised Equipment Storage • Dangerous Goods & Chemical Storage • Cold Storage Rooms

See some examples of shipping container modifications and cargotecture on our blog: - Shipping Container House Wins Major Architecture Award - Sunshine Coast - Shipping Container Swimming Pools - A Holiday Home with a Difference - Top 8 Shipping Container Homes - Shipping Container Coffee Shop - Urban Agriculture and Shipping Containers - Why Your Next Site Office Should be a Shipping Container

Getting Here The depot in Narangba is only 2 minutes off the M1, located at 13-15 Helium Street, Narangba QLD 4504.

Heading north on M1, take exit 142 - Deception Bay Road towards Burpengary. Merge onto New Settlement Rd, then turn left onto Old Gympie Rd. Take the first left onto Helium St.

Heading south on M1, take exit 142 - Deception Bay Road towards Narangba. Turn right onto Deception Bay Road, then left onto Old Gympie Rd. Take the first left onto Helium St.

The team at Premier Box Shipping Containers looks forward to seeing you at the Narangba depot soon! We are open Monday to Friday, 8am - 5pm.

Can't get to the depot? We can still help! Call us on 1800 601 194 or request a quote online now.

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Brisbane's Shipping Container Food Market a Hit with Locals

Brisbane's Eat Street Market at Hamilton Wharf brings together a vibrant mix of international cuisines, home wares and textiles, live music, produce, bars and galleries. We visited the market on Friday night, which was rumoured to be the busiest night yet in Eat Street's short history, and we were amazed by the atmosphere and aromas floating from the mini-restaurants. The chefs are said to be the 'best of the best' in Brisbane, and our taste buds were delighted by what was on offer. The hardest part was making a selection as every food stall looked and smelled amazing. Eat Street is an absolute food-lover's paradise.

Despite the incredible food and the great live music, what really impressed us was the use of over 50 shipping containers in the construction of Eat Street. Most vendors worked out of modified shipping containers fit-out with everything they needed to create their masterpieces. The overall design of Eat Street is very industrial due to heavy use of shipping containers, yet the atmosphere remains extremely relaxed and intimate with fairy lights strung across the sky and sitting areas made of old crates, barrels and astroturf.

The creators of Eat Street have fused international elements in an artful way, and the result is quite unique.

Eat Street's Peter Hackworth says, "I have always wanted to recreate the hustle and bustle of the fabulous food markets of Asia, where you can experience the most fantastic regional dishes for next to nothing; with the fun, energy, exotic flavours, wafts of wonderful aromas and noise in Brisbane,” 

“We are bringing EAT STREET to the Hamilton Wharf with our own style! Young musicians; warehouse pallets for seating, damn good food at a great price; ‘Eat Street’ will become the hot destination in Brisbane – there’s just nothing else like it.”

Launched in November 2013, Eat Street is Brisbane's only shipping container-based market and is proving to be a massive hit. It is exciting to see cargotecture gaining ground in our own backyard. Refurbished and modified shipping containers not only add an industrial edge to projects such as Eat Street, they also demonstrate what can be done with these versatile steel boxes that are often left to sit unused in ports indefinitely.

If you've been considering buying a new or used shipping container for your next project, speak to the shipping container professionals at Premier Box Shipping Containers. They can supply you with a shipping container that meets your needs and speak to you about modifications and refurbishment options. Premier Box also offers immediate delivery to most areas in Australia! Request a quote online now or call 1800 601 194.

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Shipping Container House Wins Major Architecture Award - Sunshine Coast

In July last year, the Sunshine Coast Daily ran an article on Buddina residents' outrage over a local architect's plan to build a home office out of shipping containers. The home-based office and its architect, John Robertson, become the centre of a controversial debate around the use of shipping containers for construction in residential areas. Deputy mayor Chris Thompson stated at the time, "we do not want people living in shipping containers in our suburbs."

An overwhelming influx of support for shipping container use in residential areas followed. Forward-thinking residents recognise the environmental benefits and opportunities for architectural innovation brought about by using shipping containers, and whole heartedly embrace the re-use of these steel boxes. See what they had to say here.

Now, John Robertson's 'Beach Box Buddina' has won a major award at the Australian Institute of Architects' 2014 Queensland Regional Architecture Awards for the Sunshine Coast, announced earlier this month in Noosa.

Selected for the Gabriel Poole Award for Building of the Year, the Beach Box utilises shipping containers to provide a "robust and cost effective opportunity to re-engage with the beach culture and mixed use zoning of Buddina". The jury praised the design further by stating:

The grouping provides separate private zones with pop outs for greater internal widths, linking with decks and courtyards and a simple skillion roof over entry referencing modest beach house vernacular. This playful use of containers, engages simple yet appropriate interiors and integration with the landscape. However, its power lies in the way it engages with the street and greater public domain through blurred internal/external and public/private boundaries, street furniture and through its honest and engaging presentation.

Twelve designs were recognised from the twenty-two entered, and winners will progress to the state Queensland Architecture Awards, to be announced in Brisbane on 20 June 2014.

Not far from the Sunshine Coast, Todd Miller of ZieglerBuild has been turning heads with this modern residence in Brisbane's Graceville. Built from 31 shipping containers, the impressive home boasts 3 floors, a saltwater pool, numerous outdoor spaces, an array of textures and finishes, and an abundance of windows so that indoors transitions to out, creating a dynamic living space.

This home is the largest shipping container house of its kind in Australia.

Listen to Todd talk about the home in his own words: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCk2820YhJ8

This emerging trend of using shipping containers to build homes, also referred to as cargotecture, is well and truly gaining momentum and support within communities across the country, and even the world. For more information on using shipping containers to build houses, check out these helpful articles:

Design Your Own Shipping Container Home - Getting Started A Holiday Home with a Difference - Shipping Container What You Should Know About Corten Steel Containers Top 8 Shipping Container Homes Top 8 Tips for Buying or Hiring a Shipping Container Build a Shipping Container Home

If you've been considering buying a new or used shipping container for your next project, speak to the shipping container professionals at Premier Box Shipping Containers. They can supply you with a shipping container that meets your needs and speak to you about modifications and refurbishment options. Premier Box also offers immediate delivery to most areas in Australia! Request a quote online now or call 1800 601 194.

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Shipping Container Swimming Pools

Enthusiastic up-cyclers are leading the way in alternative architecture and design by recycling used shipping containers as homes and offices, but if you're not quite ready to live in a shipping container, have you thought about swimming in one? These versatile containers can also be converted into swimming pools at a fraction of the price of a traditional pool.

A traditional swimming pool can cost anywhere from $6000 for an above ground pool to $50,000 for a fully automated in-ground pool, not to mention excavation and decking costs. A used shipping container can be sourced for around $2000 and converted into an above or below-ground pool measuring 6m long and 2.4m wide. The shipping container will need to be modified to remove the roof, but this provides flexibility with the depth of the pool, allowing for a shallow wading pool or a deeper lap pool up to 2.5m deep. It's up to you!

Shipping container swimming pools can be made water-proof through a number of methods such as lining the interior with a water-proof lining or welding and painting the interior. Regular pool filters, pumps and fixtures can be fitted to the container as well. We suggest speaking with your local pool store for suggestions.

Shipping Container Swimming Pools in the Real World

Tommy Hilfiger Denim - Bread and Butter Fashion Trade Show This fashion trade show embraced the re-use of shipping containers in a big way, turning heads not only in the world of fashion, but also in the world of cargotecture. The swimming pool, constructed out of modified shipping containers, displays glass panelling and stylish wooden trimming, complimenting the overall industrial yet contemporary look of the show.

Nagel Containerpool The Containerpool was cleverly designed as a portable pool for events and is almost entirely self sufficient. It includes a filtration system, locker room, electrical connections, and it even monitors and controls pH and chlorine levels. The container has been lined with a 1.5mm reinforced swimming pool liner and features three portholes along each side of the pool. For safety, anti-slip floor mats are used and railings surround the platform.

Container City Pool A shipping container pool in Container City, London, invites locals to take a dip. Unlike the Tommy Hilfiger Denim pool and Nagel Containerpool, this pool has been designed to appear as though it's in-ground.

Dumpster Pools Keeping in the spirit of up-cycling, US company Macro-Sea caused quite a stir in Brooklyn when they used dumpsters as swimming pools at a party. The company's president, David Belt, says that the project was created to experiment with underused space and materials, repurposing them with urban renewal in mind. Not unlike shipping containers, dumpsters are everywhere in the US, and many sit unused.

The dumpsters were cleaned, the bottoms filled with sand for padding, and then they were lined with plastic and fitted with a filtration system, just like on a regular above-ground pool. The main cost was the wooden decking and the water delivery.

Experimenting further with this idea, Macro-Sea got involved with New York's Summer Streets Program by supplying three dumpster pools for the public to enjoy.

Projects similar to Macro-Sea's could be easily duplicated using refurbished shipping containers instead of dumpsters as shipping containers are also relatively inexpensive and easy to transport.

Tough Mudder A little closer to home, last year's Tough Mudder on the Sunshine Coast used shipping containers for its infamous ice water bath obstacle, testing the strength of competitors and containers alike as thousands battled through the freezing water-filled shipping containers.

Whether you're looking to build a shipping container swimming pool for your own backyard or for an event, speak with the shipping container professionals at Premier Box Shipping Containers. They can supply you with a used shipping container and speak to you about modifications and refurbishment options. Premier Box also offers immediate delivery to most areas in Australia! Request a quote online now or call 1800 601 194.

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Design Your Own Shipping Container Home - Getting Started

Designing and building your own home using shipping containers can be a fun and financially rewarding experience. As the cost of housing and building materials continues to increase, and the concept of up-cycling is more readily embraced, people all over the world are turning to the humble shipping container to cut their building costs. Not only are shipping containers cheap, strong and durable, they also allow for interesting design opportunities, drawing the attention of architects looking to work with a less conventional material.

The Managing Director of an architectural company on the Sunshine Coast, Mr. John Robertson, received much support from local residents when his plan to build a home-based office using 3 shipping containers was reported on by the Sunshine Coast Daily last year. Mr. Robertson stated that it was sometimes necessary to explore different methods of construction to assist costs, echoing the sentiment of many-an-architect both here and overseas. Read more about the project here.

But maybe you're not an architect. Maybe you're looking to build your own home and have decided you want to try something new and different while working within the constraints of a tight budget. Maybe you've seen a few images online of amazing homes, only to be blown away when you found out they were built from shipping containers. Maybe you thought, "I could do that!"

Here's how you get started:

GET INSPIRED!

As the cargotecture movement gains ground, there is a plethora of resources available online to help you with design ideas.

Here are some of our recommendations:

22 Most Beautiful Houses Made From Shipping Containers  Top 8 Shipping Container Homes  The 30 Most Influential Shipping Container Homes Ever Built  Cargotecture on Pinterest  Shipping Container Homes Australia  Shipping Container House Plan Book Series  Shipping Container Home Floor Plan Examples 

PLANNING AND PREPARATION

Now that you've got some ideas about what's achievable with shipping containers, it's time to consider some other important factors. Planning and preparation is key to successfully building your home, in terms of structural stability, but also in terms of budget, functionality, timeframe, ongoing costs and council approval.

Space and Functionality Get clear on what you want from your home. How many bedrooms will it have? Have many bathrooms? Do you want to incorporate an outdoor area? How many levels will it be? Shipping containers can be arranged in a wide variety of configurations, so how much space you need and what the space will be used for will determine how many containers you need and how they will be placed.

Budgeting Unexpected expenses are typical for constructions costs and professional fees, even when you've planned well, but doing your homework and sticking to a budget can minimise the damage. Make a list of all the professional services you may require and make some phone calls to get an idea of cost. Of course at this stage you will only get ball-park figures, but getting a rough idea of costs will enable you to create a loose budget.

You may wish to contact: - Land surveyors - Civil Engineers (storm water management, grading, septic) - Structural Engineers - Architects - Mechanical Engineers - Potential contractors and builders - Shipping container re-sellers

Having modifications done to containers on-site can be costly, so investigate your options for having modifications completed off-site.

It is also wise to know the relevant codes you will have to contend with. Speak to your local building/planning department and find out if there are any planning or zoning restrictions, maximum square footage for buildings or height limitations. Get a list of what drawings, permits and inspections, including fees, will be required. Find out what drawings will need to be professionally stamped. As the building/planning department will review drawings for conformance, issue permits and conduct inspections, this is a good place to start in your planning.

Positioning of the Building

When thinking about the building's positioning and orientation, consider the following:

- Review site and soil bearing capacity. - Think about grade, existing landscaping, potential views, proximity to easements/site boundaries and roads. - Build on flat areas where suitable to avoid grading or excavation. - Take advantage of existing greenery to reduce wind chill and heat loss in winter or to create shade in summer.

The positioning of the building can have a big impact on energy efficiency and ongoing heating and cooling costs. Take advantage of the sun's path to reduce energy consumption in winter and summer.

Create a Floor Plan and Site Layout

Once you've decided how many rooms you want (bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices, living areas) determine the rough area of each and start sketching! There are plenty of resources online for shipping container home floor plans. Here's one to get you started:

Once you've completed some layouts you're happy with, you can use 3D modeling software to bring your design to life and get a better idea of how your new home will look. Take a look at this YouTube video demonstrating one software package available:

http://youtu.be/adxIJ7h_ExI

If you're somewhat computer literate, this can be a really fun way of visualising your design.

SOURCING SUPPLIERS

When sourcing suppliers, remember that this unique, innovative building is going to be your home. Build it to last and work with suppliers you trust to deliver excellent service and a top quality product.

For quality shipping containers and reliable, personal service, speak with Premier Box Shipping Containers. To request a quote for shipping containers online, click here, or call 1800 601 194 to discuss your requirements and receive advice from a true shipping container professional. And remember, Premier Box offers immediate delivery to most areas in Australia!

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Shipping Containers and the Christchurch Re-Build

Shipping containers are playing a major part in the recovery of Christchurch and can be seen everywhere as the city continues to be re-built following the 6.3 earthquake that struck on 22 February 2011 which changed the city and surrounding suburbs and the lives of everyone who live there forever.

On a recent trip to Christchurch we parked the car in Manchester Street (one of the main streets) and walked around what is now left of the city - empty sites where once stood heritage buildings, piles of rubble, construction gangs, cranes AND shipping containers!

Initially it had a very sombre feel but as we walked further into the city the atmosphere changed as we found ourselves in the Cashel Mall - a brightly coloured shopping precinct made from shipping containers and abuzz with lunch time shoppers and diners. Known as the Re-Start Project and featured in a previous blog (Christchurch Shipping Container Shopping Mall - 11/07/2012), this was completed eight months after the earthquake and intended to be a temporary shopping mall to help boost the morale of Christchurch residents.

The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust provided an interest-free loan of $3.36 million to the Re-Start Project enabling the retail hub of shipping containers to open in time for the busy pre-Christmas shopping period and now three Christmas' later the shops are busy with both locals and tourists and it was hard to find a seat in the food court for a coffee!

Not only are retailers using shipping containers, some of the major banks have also set-up "pop-up" facilities enabling them to maintain "business-as-usual" services for the residents of Christchurch.

Getting back in the car and driving away from the city it's not long before you come across another "pop-up" shop - a local shop owner in the suburb of Addington had to relocate his convenience shop after the building that once housed his Dairy (kiwi for 7-11!) was badly damaged in the earthquake. The shop is an old brick building with a shipping container added on at one end for storage. Shipping containers are an ideal solution for temporary storage and warehousing needs - refer to our earlier blog More Storage Space, FAST! - 05/12/2012

Driving towards the beautiful coastal town of Sumner, one of the hardest hit towns, you would be forgiven for thinking you are on a busy shipping dock as shipping containers shape the landscape and line the roads forming a barrier from falling rocks and debris. Looking up the cliff-face, houses can be seen precariously perched high above the road with shipping containers stacked two high below. Made from COR-TEN steel shipping containers make the perfect barrier as COR-TEN steel is 40% stronger than regular steel.

Clearly the rebuild of Christchurch (and the nerves of its residents) will take time (we were told it is expected to take 15 years to completely repair the damaged infrastructure), but as the city shakes almost on a daily basis, authorities are finding a wide range of uses for shipping containers - protecting people and houses, propping up buildings, site offices, storage, etc and the strength and portability of a shipping container allows them to be modified to suit any application. Refer Shipping Container Modifications.

If you would like more information on how shipping containers can be modified to suit your needs or circumstances, or would like to buy or hire a shipping container, contact Premier Box Shipping Containers on 1800 601 194 or Get a Quote Online.

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Shipping Container Hotels

As you know from our previous blogs, shipping containers are being used for just about everything all around the world! Maybe you’ve slept in one!

Not just another Travelodge The Travelodge in Uxbridge, England is a 120 bedroom hotel made entirely of used shipping containers. Eighty-six containers of various sizes were bolted together onsite, the exterior completely clad, windows fitted and the end result - looks like any other luxury hotel on the street!

It is estimated that the hotel chain saved more than half a million pounds by using shipping containers rather than conventional building methods and was 40-60% faster to erect. Also because of the less complicated form of construction, costs are reduced by not having to employ specialised labour.

Shipping Container Hotel in Japan Not only does this hotel boast excellent views for its guests, it is also located on the waterfront and is an architectural masterpiece.

Made entirely from shipping containers using two stacked on top of each other for each residence, the hotel was prefabricated in Thailand and then the finished modules were loaded on to a container ship and shipped to Japan. They were randomly aligned to take advantage of the views.

The Bayside Marina Shipping Container Hotel, completed in 2009 was designed by Yasutaka Yoshimura Architects and is located in Yokohama Bay.

Boutique Shipping Container Hotel in China The Xiangxiangxiang Boutique Container Hotel is in the tourist area of Tianxia Duchenghuang in China and is made from 35 recycled shipping containers. The hotel integrates both local culture and local materials and was designed with an “incense” theme offering everything from incense-related food, to traditional incense rites and incense stoves as part of the “China Praying Festival”.

There are long windows and skylights in each shipping container to let in natural light and the interior decor and furniture make the most out of the long shapes of the containers.

Amsterdam’s Designer Hotel Due to the lack of affordable housing in the Netherlands, students have been living in homes made of shipping containers for years but now travellers to Amsterdam can access a budget designer hotel.

The hotel, citizenM Centraal is made up of 215 shipping containers welded together over five floors.

The 14 square-metre rooms have wall-to-wall windows, shower and toilet facilities and a king size bed – once inside you’d never know that you in a shipping container!

Portable Hotels - Snoozebox Snoozebox is a British owned company who has come up with another idea for shipping containers - a portable hotel system. Their modular system can be configured for 40 to over 400 rooms!

Because the shipping containers are a standard size, they can be stacked to create multi-level accommodation and can be set up anywhere within 48 hours.

Just like a conventional hotel, the shipping containers are fitted with all your creature comforts - double bed, bathroom facilities, power outlets and key card entry.

and .. Another Pop-up Hotel A mobile, pop-up hotel concept using shipping containers is “popping-up” in Belgium. Twenty-foot recycled shipping containers are being converted into a luxurious hotel rooms. Some containers are bedrooms and others are designed for eating meals or sauna rooms.

The company, Sleeping Around came up with the idea of giving the shipping containers that were laying idle at the Port of Antwerp a second life. The company says they are not only offering luxury accommodation, they are thinking green by recycling and only using ecologically responsible materials.

So as you can see shipping containers are not just being used for shipping any more. If you’ve got a project in mind, think about shipping containers as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional construction.

Contact Premier Box now and Get A Quote!

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Shipping Containers Used for Schools

All over the world recycled shipping containers are popping up as they gain popularity with architects for the construction of education facilities - their low cost and ease of use being a big factor in their decision to use shipping containers.

Urban Space Management, an organisation specialising in urban regeneration in London, was commissioned by The Environment Trust to develop a youth centre in East London’s Mile End Park and being a charity organisation, the Trust wanted something cost effective and quick to build.

The idea of using recycled shipping containers came to the Director of Urban Space Management when he saw them floating down the Thames River past his office.

The Mile End Youth Centre consists of two buildings which were created from seven shipping containers in 2003 and are used for classrooms - each building taking just one day to install.

Due to the success of the first two buildings on this site another building, also made from shipping containers, was custom-built to accommodate the Extreme Sports Facility also housed within the centre.

 Following on from the successful Mile End Park Youth Centre, another Youth Centre was built in 2005 in Meath Gardens which consists of two shipping containers. Because this type of project often comes with a small budget and not much space shipping containers are ideal - all the construction on the Meath Gardens Youth Centre was done off-site and craned into place. It was installed within a day so the centre was up and running with minimal disruption to the surrounding parklands.

Urban Space Management was also employed to design extensions to Morpeth School in London when more classrooms were required. The company created a new learning space by using shipping containers which were craned in over the holiday period - not only were the shipping containers quick and easy to install, they offer a cheaper alternative to conventional building, are environmentally friendly as they produce less carbon emissions and also use less energy for heating. The new container classrooms provide 2,500 sq feet of extra space and are linked to the rest of the school by a decked walkway.

More space was also needed at Cuffley School, on the outskirts of North London, and shipping containers were once again used to provide extra space for classrooms and music studios. The brightly coloured green and orange rooms are linked to the existing buildings by a covered walkway.  

In 2011, The Wardorf School of Orange County in California was the first school in the country to use shipping containers to add classrooms on its campus during the “Wardorf Expansion Project” and in the process won the city’s Green Design Award. Thirty-two shipping containers were modified off-site and then transported to the school creating four new classrooms, an art studio, a science lab, offices and an auditorium. The whole project which added 10,000 sq feet of multi-use space took only 99 days from start to finish and cost significantly less than conventional building materials.

The REALM Charter School in Berkeley, California is not your average American High School - it uses a student-centered model that features project-based learning, an emphasis on technology, research and action on concerns in the community and activities that develop emotional resiliency. The students and teachers of the REALM Charter School got together to design and build much needed classroom space.

Their Objective: “Build a beautiful, functional, inspiring classroom space for use by our fellow high school students at REALM Charter School. Ensure that the structure complies with all codes and school requirements and create an engaging indoor/outdoor space that students and staff want to own and occupy”.

Their design included using three free-standing shipping containers.

Cargo of Dreams was founded by Marius Van De Colff who has built 15 schools using shipping containers since 2007 and his latest was prepared in a Wal-Mart car park in Colorado ready to be shipped off to South Africa where it will be part of a school for 75 kids.

Shipping containers are so versatile! They can be recycled into practicable, portable, or permanent structures at much less than the cost of conventional construction materials.

Contact Premier Box Shipping Containers now on 1800 601 194 or Get A Quote

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Use a Shipping Container While You're Renovating

Are you renovating and don’t want your furniture and possessions damaged while the work is being done? Don’t risk paint being dripped on your valuable leather lounge or something being knocked against your precious china cabinet.

Rather than packing up your house and moving everything to a storage facility, have you thought about storing them onsite for the duration of the renovation?

Shipping containers make ideal temporary storage and what’s more, you can have one delivered to your home where it can remain for the length of time it takes to redecorate your house.

Hiring a shipping container is a great option to transporting all your furniture to a storage facility where there is a chance something could get damaged in transit.

Choosing to store your household items close by rather than having to travel to a storage facility is a great idea when you realise you need something that’s packed away!

Maybe you have picked out a house load of new furniture to put in your newly decorated house and worried about storing it - why not hire a shipping container so you know your furniture is safely stowed away and ready to move into your freshly decorated home once completed!

Premier Box has a dedicated fleet of shipping containers for hire all over the country so can offer speedy delivery - usually a container can be delivered within 24 hours of your order.

If you’re wondering how much you can fit into a shipping container ... Premier Box’s smallest container is 6 metres which provides 33.2 cubic metres of storage space, that’s equivalent to storing the contents of an average three bedroom house!

All Premier Box containers are fitted with a lockbox and the 6 metre shipping containers are specifically designed for secure storage. They are also vandal resistant and vermin-proof and all containers are checked on the production line for quality of construction and water tightness before being offered for hire.

Container storage is also the perfect solution for storing tools and equipment while your house is being renovated - shipping containers have corrosion resistant steel bodies offering protection from the elements. Short-term hire agreements are offered by Premier Box meaning you only have to pay for a shipping container for the duration of your project.

Shipping containers allow for easy loading and unloading as they sit directly on the ground - you just need to ensure that you have a level position to place your container, ideally on a concrete surface although wooden sleepers or concrete blocks can be used.

You can store just about anything under the sun in a shipping container!

So if you’re looking for a short-term solution to your storage problem, the Premier Box general purpose shipping container hire fleet is so adaptable that it can cover just about any challenge!

Maybe you need a place to stay while renovations are happening - with a little imagination you could transform a shipping container into alternative accommodation. Have a look at one of our earlier blogs for mobile/holiday home ideas. Moving one onto your site and converting it into a temporary home will mean you can stay close enough to be able to supervise the project and also keep an eye on security of your property. Once you see how versatile shipping containers can be and how quickly you can convert one into extra accommodation, you may want it there permanently for all your visitors!

So if you’re looking to hire a shipping container for a month, a year or even longer, Premier Box is your one-stop shop for storage containers.

Premier Box has a fleet of hire containers on standby and ready to go so call them now on 1800 601 194 or click for a quote now.

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Architect Uses Shipping Containers for Home-Based Business

Recently the Managing Director of a local architectural company sparked outrage with his next-door neighbours when he had three shipping containers delivered to his vacant suburban block in one of the Sunshine Coast’s popular beachside streets. 

An article in the Sunshine Coast Daily (Residents tell new neighbours to shape up or ship out - 9 July 2013) reported that the neighbours were angry at the Council’s decision to approve the development application which will see the three shipping containers transformed into a home-based architectural business.

Business owner John Robertson, who has lived on the Sunshine Coast all his life, is passionate about the area and the community, and assures the neighbours that the shipping containers will be virtually unrecognisable once the project is finished.

So maybe the residents at Buddina might just be pleasantly surprised at what will be revealed over the next few months! 

In the newspaper article Mr Robertson stated: “We worked with the council on this as the last thing we want to do is upset everyone in the area.”  He also said, “sometimes it was necessary to explore different methods of construction to assist costs".

The article certainly stirred up debate and received 189 comments when it was posted on Facebook, of which an overwhelming 186 of those were in favour of the project being given a chance and supporting the need to look at alternative methods of building. 

Here is what people had to say:

They look great - welcome to the future of sustainable design, well done I say and since this is a free country bring it on, save the planet. 

Ingenious use of resources. Better than ending up in some shipping container graveyard. Once they've been fixed up and decorated they look pretty good.

Innovative, low-cost, sleek design and re-using an otherwise difficult to dispose of by-product. This is the future!

Recycling at its best.....love it!

It's the way of the future. Love it.

With the cost of building rising and more people becoming eco-friendly, shipping container homes are ideal for the environmentally conscious and those looking for a cost-effective way of creating their new home.

Not only are they versatile and secure, they will outlast more conventional types of construction as shipping containers are made from corten steel so will be resistant to termites, rodents and rot. 

Shipping containers can be configured to meet your own specifications - two or more containers can be attached together or stacked on top of each other for a larger home and when finished and painted can look much more modern than neighbouring brick and tile houses. 

Houses, offices, cafés, shops, granny flats and storage sheds are just a few of the many ways shipping containers are being used. You just need to look at Christchurch and how their “Re-start Project” brought back optimism in the aftermath of the massive earthquake - chosen because they are strong and mobile, shipping containers are now home to more than 20 retailers and at first glance looking at the brightly coloured shops, you’d never guess they are made from shipping containers!

Maybe you’ll consider cargotecture when thinking about your new home or office building. Remember- shipping container buildings have a quicker construction time, offer protection against the elements and can be delivered to your block within 24 hours.

For more information, contact Premier Box Shipping Containers who will be able to supply you with the highest quality containers anywhere in Australia. Get a quote online now!

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Why Your Next Site Office Should be a Shipping Container

When a site office is needed, use a shipping container.

Shipping containers make ideal site offices. They are easily transported to your building or construction site. They are versatile, secure and strong. If keeping within budget and time restraints is important to your project, then these steel boxes are worth considering.

Available in 6m (20ft) and 12m (40ft) lengths, shipping container site offices allow plenty of room for office furniture and equipment. If more space is still needed, containers can be stacked or placed side-by-side for a multi-building solution. A number of shipping containers positioned well can prove much more cost effective than building or hiring larger buildings, particularly when transportation is involved. Also, if space is limited, stacking containers vertically can create more room without using valuable space on the ground. Once the container has served its purpose as a site office, site shed or cabin, their portability and versatility allows them to be taken to the next construction site for immediate use. 

When you choose a site office constructed from a shipping container, you are choosing strength and durability. Shipping containers are constructed with four high strength corner posts fitted with corner castings top and bottom, interconnecting rails of high tensile steel and corrugated steel side panels, roof and front wall. They have two pressed steel doors at one end which have four locking bars and are fitted with watertight rubber seals. Made from strong, corrosion-resistant Corten steel, shipping containers are fit for harsh weather conditions, and there’s no need to worry about security on your construction site as they are fully lockable and vandal-proof. If, however, extra security will give you peace of mind, have a lockbox fitted to your container before delivery. A lockbox is a metal box that is welded onto the container doors to protect the padlock from being tampered with.   

The versatility of shipping containers is constantly being explored by businesses all over the world. They are easily modified to include doors, windows, air conditioning, insulation, storage and shelving, kitchenettes and even toilets, basins and showers. This means that shipping containers can work for constructions sites, not only as site offices, but also as:

Accommodation

Ablutions

Toilet blocks

Meeting rooms

Training rooms

Lunchrooms or crib rooms

First aid centres

Storage facilities

Whatever the shipping container's use, and regardless of how long it will be on site, preparing a level foundation is a must. The foundation on which the shipping container will be placed should be planned properly to ensure stability and safety. The most popular foundation types are concrete slabs, concrete footings or wooden footings. Read more about preparing a level foundation. 

When you need to hire or purchase a shipping container for your next project, Premier Box is the supplier you can rely on for fast delivery of the highest quality containers Australia-wide. Get a quote online now!

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All around the world used shipping containers are being repurposed as homes for those displaced by natural disasters, or as affordable accommodation for people disadvantaged by poverty.

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If you're looking for a holiday home with a difference then you might like to think about recycled shipping containers! Shipping containers are eco-friendly and energy saving and by turning a shipping container into a holiday home you will be contributing to the green revolution. Recycling is an innovative use of used shipping containers that would otherwise sit idle on Australia’s docks. New and used 10, 20 and 40 foot shipping containers for sale or lease, available in all major centres across Australia with best prices and service, and with immediate delivery in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide.

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Urban Agriculture, Food Production and Shipping Containers

Did you know that by 2050 more than twice as many of our current population will be living in cities or urban areas?

An increasing population needs to be fed and the world needs to create more food. Rising costs of production on traditional farms due to such things as drought or flood and increased overheads has seen many farmers struggling to keep their farms tenable or simply walking away from their land. As a result many of our ‘staples’ are not the same quality as we’ve enjoyed in the past or have dramatically increased in price.

People are looking for a viable alternative, and urban agriculture is that alternative.

What is Urban Agriculture?

Urban agriculture is the practice of growing, harvesting, cultivating, processing and distributing food in towns and cities. The most significant difference between rural and urban agriculture is that urban agriculture is integrated into the urban economic and ecological system. Crops are produced using local labour and supplied to local consumers. Typical urban resources are utilised, such as organic waste for compost and waste water for irrigation.

Why Urban Agriculture?

Urban agriculture is healthy and natural and because it is produced near the point of consumption it is a better, fresher alternative to crops that have been transported half way across the country before it gets to your table. Because more people are opting to live in cities and towns, urban agriculture is a more sustainable form of food supply for urbanites and there is much less transportation cost involved.

Food production is integral to Australia’s economic and social prosperity and important for improving both living conditions for people during climate change, and to maintain and develop businesses and employment.

How Can a Shipping Container Be Used?

Due to limited space in cities and urban areas and with increasing pollution, shipping containers are the ideal vessel to grow organic crops.

Shipping containers can be erected anywhere and cultivating crops within a controlled environment is not dependent on the climate.

Shipping containers can be fitted with tiers of growing platforms with the use of water (with added nutrients) rather than soil.

Monitors for temperature, humidity, etc can be installed and can even be remotely controlled via your iPhone! Shipping containers can also be customised to meet your needs e.g. by adding a window or a door.

What is the Benefit of Using a Shipping Container?

By ‘stacking’ rows of hydroponic crops vertically, space is used more economically. Hydroponic crops use 90% less water than traditional farms so by using only water, rather than soil, you can triple the production of traditional plants.

Due to the enclosed, controlled environment of a shipping container it is not necessary to use pesticides and there is less need for fertiliser, therefore satisfying the trend towards healthier organic food options.

There is no need for natural lighting so not having any windows does not present a problem by using a shipping container. Instead of sunlight, LED lighting (red and blue only in some instances) is used - this changes the spectrum slightly over the course of the day to stimulate different growing phases in the plants.

Shipping containers can be sited close to the end users e.g. local restaurants and blocks of apartments, so crops can go from harvest to your plate in just a matter of hours.

Seeing is Believing!

Shipping Container Greenhouse

This Urban Farm Unit (UFU) was designed by Damien Chivialle and made by using as shipping container at ground level and constructing a glasshouse on the top.

The unit can easily be moved to other locations if necessary to meet the needs of local residents.

Urban Farm Units utilising shipping containers are a way of re-thinking about the way food is produced and distributed ... read more >>

Podponics Brings Produce to the City

Podponics is a US based company who have been converting shipping containers into hydroponic farms that can be located anywhere there’s a spare bit of land. They believe that by growing crops near the point of consumption it will create a more sustainable food source for the world’s expanding population.

Currently, Podponics is mainly selling its produce to local restaurants - produced with no pesticides and recycled water ... read more >>

Looking to the Future

With the decrease in available land that is suitable for growing crops; the increase of urbanites; and the advances in technology, Urban Farm Units made from old shipping containers will certainly make an impact on urban agriculture into the future.

We’ll be seeing hydroponic farms created in old shipping containers wherever there is a vacant piece of land! Year-round locally grown food in an urban setting.

Teach Our Kids Healthier Eating Habits

What better place to teach kids about urban agriculture than in the school yard!

In August 2012 the government made a commitment to a healthy eating plan which is teaching healthy eating habits to primary school aged children all over Australia - the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden National Program which received a further $5.4 million to the already $12.8 million committed in 2008-9.

An evaluation of the program in March 2013 showed the real difference it has made to students around Australia ... read more >>

Schools which meet certain criteria for disadvantage can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to help with the establishment of garden infrastructure and to offset teacher training costs ... So come on Principals - go out and buy a shipping container and create your own Urban Farm Unit and get your students on the right track to develop skills to enjoy healthy food choices.

  Where Do I Get a Shipping Container?

Premier Box have a fleet of containers for sale or hire ready for immediate delivery to the site you’ve found to create your own Urban Farm Unit. Premier Box offers the most cost effective and efficient shipping container solutions available.

Contact them today on 1800 601 194 or get an online quote.