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www.spotongmag.co.za
HOMES AND SPAZA
SHOPS REINVENTED Why converted shipping containers outperform bricks and mortar By Natalie Kinsley
T
hroughout Europe and the US – and now Africa – shipping containers have entered the spotlight.
These containers hold huge value and, once converted into modular units, serve proudly as affordable and durable spaza shops, homes and living units, offices, garages, student accommodation, mobile clinics, creches, coffee shops, mobile mine compounds and many more applications. In South Africa, the traditional method of building homes with bricks, cement and mortar will probably always be with us, but with the desperate shortage in the housing and retail markets – and in space in general, for garages, storage, business and offices – an alternative way of building has taken the world by storm!
Durable and require little maintenance Shipping containers are built to withstand severe ocean conditions. They are watertight and airtight because of the high-value cargo they would traditionally carry and are designed to last in extreme environments for many years. In a home environment and stable climate, these structures can last for generations and require very little maintenance. In fact, because of their sturdiness, the cost of maintenance is at least 80% less than conventional brick and mortar construction. The modular units are constructed as a “monocoque” unit, meaning they are sealed units that cannot be penetrated by water or smoke. The material used to construct them is 1.9mm corrugated corten steel (or weathering steel), which requires no painting. The frame, cargo doors and
cross members are also made from the same hightensile corten steel. Spotong spoke to Chic Berkhout from Rebirth Modular Trends, an expert in the field who specialises in converting these containers into complete, functioning units, kitted out with plumbing and electrics, ready for delivery. The internal cladding used comprises two steel chromadek sheets filled with 40mm thick Rockwool, which is a rock-based mineral fibre insulation. “This provides excellent insulation qualities in both extreme heat and cold conditions,” he said, adding that the ceilings are made of rigid Isoboard secured to a suspended ceiling grid, and the outside walls are cladded with magnesium fibre boards. This greatly helps with insulation and also gives the units a more traditional appearance.
