40ft Shipping containers have become so cheap to manufacture that it has become more economically viable, in some cases at least, to leave them behind when they arrive at their destination than to return them to their place of origin.

So, the last few years have seen architects and designers re-use the steel enclosures to become buildings as they can be constructed almost anywhere, and because they are cheap, lightweight, and readily available.

The example pictured shows the Barneveld Noord Bus Station in The Netherlands designed by NL architects.  The Mover is grateful to Marcel van der Burg for the photo.

Other examples include: the ECOntainer Bridge at the Ariel Sharon Park in Israel by Yoav Messer Architects Ltd; a kiosk in Africa; an Antarctic research station; a library in Surabaya, Indonesia, and many very outlandish private homes.



Photo: Barneveld Noord Bus Station in The Netherlands. (photo by Marcel van der Burg, image courtesy of NL architects)