Container- City in London- a concept which bets on recycling former containers.
The idea of living in a container could appear as tendentious, not to say controversial if we think about the awful long journeys suffered by migrants people for example, but it could also refer to this green alternative which falls within the lasting development. Container- City "s concept was born in 2000 in London.
“Where do you live? In a container, why?”
Urban Space Management, the society behind the sustainable concept, is located at Trinity Buoy Warf, on river banks. The place is particularly bright and appeals to artists and professionals who come here working in a destressed atmosphere far from the hustle and bustle of the city which is just, as the crow flies, on the opposite bank. Eric Reynolds, its director, has developed the idea of recycling former unused containers into housing.
Cheap and easy
The process is simple- shipping containers are recycled and linked together to provide prefabricated steel modules that can be combined to create housing, offices or merely studios for artists. It"s a really fast and easy construction - seven days are enough to build a module made of three containers! This kind of cheap construction also provides a beneficial aspect on rent prices in the capital where price per metre square has reached incredible proportions. Rents depend on the surface but you need between 250 pounds to 1000 pounds weekly on average, three times cheaper than for a classical house. It's even more interesting today with the housing crisis.
The visionary project is really successful between urban population since the demand for container- constructions keeps increasing. Who leaves there? Many of them are artists, the first advocates as well as professionals who want to respect environment. They are people who prefer an alternative type of housing or place of work, which could be also funky, bright, handy and could provide all the conveniences and facilities while respecting environment.
With so many advantages- Goodbye crisis!
This initiative perfectly answers to the housing crisis that London is suffering at the moment. As Sarah Hewson, Pr and Marketing Manager points it out: “ [...] we don't receive any financial support from the government”, however the society is sure of the strong support from environmental agencies and local councils which entrust it their projects of schools' or public centres' constructions. Even without any financial governmental help, they have enough support between citizens already convinced by all the positive aspects.
Indeed, minimal concrete foundations are required as the existing structure is strong and yet lightweight, so we can transport constructions easily. There is also a little noise pollution during the fast installation, and a natural ventilation, no need of air conditioning, and a photoelectric light sensitive cells. Not to forget, a thermally efficient installation thanks to a double thick insulation and a south facing glazed units. All those advantages end by convincing the most reluctant people.
And what to say of the possibility to transport his own's house or office... an absolute fantasy for many of us! Container-City or an alternative green dream.
