6 Creative Shipping Container Business Uses

There are almost an infinite number of ways to use shipping containers, a lot of these concerning transport, storage, and construction. However, there are increasingly imaginative and unique uses for shipping containers coming up in the world, thanks to the creative community. Because shipping containers are so versatile, those needing artistic spaces have turned to containers to create areas to express themselves, without spending excessive amounts of money or time, from an art studio to a radio station.

1. Sewing Spaces

Modifications & Accessories Needed: Electrical (PowerPoints & Supply, Lighting), Optional Air Conditioning, Optional Air Ventilation, Optional Window, Optional Desk or Shelving

A woman in Amsterdam had turned her shipping container into a clothing manufacturer business, sewing her own designs and others inside a cheap, green, durable container that has had power points added in. She also created internal walls and cabinetry, and kitchen accessories with plumbing. A long desk that stores sewing machines and makes the space a complete work from home solution.

2. Art Studio

Modifications & Accessories Needed: Optional Electrical (PowerPoints & Supply, Lighting), Optional Air Conditioning, Air Ventilation, Optional Window

Depending on the type of studio needed, an art studio can be a very open-ended area to create. A painter can probably get away with only having air ventilation spaces installed in the container, to protect them from any fumes. Electrical fit outs could be useful, but not always necessary, depending on if the container will be used during the day or night, and even then, either battery powered or mobile lighting can be used. Ways to hang canvas or paper can be easily rectified and not cost a lot to do at home, and buying the container from a reputable company like Container Traders will mean that the container will be wind and water tight, protecting any artwork inside.

3. Writing Retreat

Modifications & Accessories Needed: Electrical (PowerPoints & Supply, Lighting), Optional Air Conditioning, Optional Window and Personal Access Doors, Desk & Shelving

Perhaps the easiest space to create in our list, the writers retreat will depend mostly on the style of the writer and what they need in their workspace to relax and write properly. Generally speaking, a writer’s retreat will include at the bare minimum, an electrical fit out with power points, lighting, and air conditioning. The next step will be light – will a window benefit the writer with natural lighting? And will the writer be happy to enter their space by the original double doors, or would a personal access door or glass sliding doors speak more to the style they’re trying to create? Cost also comes into this as it does with every modification, and will usually determine where the modification has to end. Other furniture to consider would include – a desk, chairs, couches, shelving, filing, and internal walls & painting.

4. Pottery Studio

Modifications & Accessories Needed: Electrical (PowerPoints & Supply, Lighting), Optional Air Conditioning, Air Ventilation, Optional Window, Optional Desk or Shelving

Pottery is one of the oldest art forms, and something that people often indulge in as a hobby or pastime. Shipping containers make it so easy to create a space in your own backyard, and similar to the Writer’s Retreat, it will depend on the Potter and their pre-owned equipment to what modification is needed to create the area. Necessary will be the electrical fit out for power points and lighting, especially if an electrical potter’s wheel or kiln is being used. The variety of accessories or modifications that are optional depending on need are things like – shelving, flooring, insulation, fire protection, windows, access doors, internal walls and painting, and furniture like desks or cabinets for storage.

5. Photography Studio

Modifications & Accessories Needed: Internal Wall & Insulation, Internal Door, Optional Outside Door, Electrical (PowerPoints & Supply, Lighting, Red Lighting), Optional Air Conditioning, Optional Air Ventilation, Optional Desk or Shelving

With the primary need for a traditional photography studio to be a dark space, shipping containers are perfect for this space. The list of required modifications will be longer than any other though – as you will need to create an accessible room within the container to protect your images. So internal walls, insulation and internal door access (like in the image) is necessary. The other requirement would be an electrical fit out – as red lighting specifically needs to be used to make sure you don’t ruin any developing photos.

6. Musicians

Modifications & Accessories Needed: Internal Wall, Soundproofing & Insulation, Internal Door, Optional Outside Door, Electrical (PowerPoints & Supply, Lighting, Red Lighting), Optional Air Conditioning, Optional Air Ventilation, Optional Window, Optional Desk or Shelving

This encompasses most music – and radio stations. Brooklyn now have their own radio station run out of a shipping container, which aims to be as varied as possible to show the wide range of music New York has to offer. The shipping container makes the radio station super friendly and be part of the community. The shipping container it lives in boasts many sliding timber windows, and serving window cut outs over the top to easily speak to the public. Internally the space is filled, with full electrics, flooring, walls, insulation, painting and equipment.
It should also be mentioned, that each space above would benefit from a refurbishment on the exterior if the shipping container – buffing of any dents and repainting, to make the enclosed space not only functional but more attractive on the outside too. With Container Traders, we offer containers that fit this specification perfectly!

We can also help with any modification or accessory Australia wide – simply call the friendly team on 1300 89 89 70 to find out more.