Shipping containers have been in use for a long time. Over the years, people have also started using them for many other purposes besides shipping. Read on to find out more about the history of the custom shipping container and where everything started.
Shipping Containers Over the Years
The first custom shipping container in history to be used as a home was first recorded in 1987. This shipping container home belonged to a man named Phillip Clark. In fact, after creating the home, he then proceeded to file a patent for the idea of converting one or several shipping containers into a habitable building.
About 24 months from the application date, his patent was approved, and he is now recognized as the one responsible for the idea of converting shipping containers into living quarters. However, it is important to note that while this man is recorded as the first one to come up with this idea, there were others before him who suggested the same thing. Unfortunately, unlike him, they did not file for patents.
How Buildings Learn
How Buildings Learn is a book written by Stewart Brand. In his book, this architect expanded on the idea of converting shipping containers into office spaces. Once that book was out, the shipping container home trend started to gain a lot of traction. In 1998, Simon’s Town High School managed to finish the first-ever building to be totally built using shipping containers. This hostel accommodates 120 people.
Shipping Container Stores
Apart from using shipping containers as homes, people are also using shipping containers as stores. This trend is thought to have been started by Starbucks in 2011. The company constructed a 450-square-foot shipping container outfit in Washington, and ever since, a lot of companies have joined this trend.
Shipping Containers As Tiny Homes
This is another trend that saw the demand for shipping container dwellings rise. Several shows were launched, and they covered how shipping containers can be used in small homes. This includes shows like Tiny House, Big Living and Tiny House Hunters.
The custom shipping container is gaining a lot of popularity. People are now using these containers as shops, homes, and even hostels. If you are interested in learning more about the custom shipping container, contact IPME today.