Contemporary Shipping Container Architecture
Imagine if… your next home was a shipping container
Hey there, hold on to your hat! Sure, we could chatter endlessly about how mind-blowingly talented we are or boast about our eons of collective experience that might make you feel like you've stumbled into the Hall of Fame, but let’s not bore you to tears with all that chest-thumping archi-babble. Nah, you're here for the good stuff.
We're not your run-of-the-mill architectural design studio. We're more like a funky fusion of design and construction. While we may not specialize in the creation of containers or the forging of steel, our intimacy with these containers runs deep. We've immersed ourselves in a wealth of knowledge—understanding their costs, identifying their optimal utilization, and navigating the intricate web of regulations, but most enchanting of all, we've unveiled the extraordinary versatility inherent in shipping containers.
We like to think of ourselves as the unique key that fits perfectly into the puzzle of your project. You see, enthusiasts of container construction are a rather special breed, and you, have ventured into our digital sanctuary of shipping containers.
Are you a budding artist in need of a budget-friendly, personalized studio? Or maybe you're a home owner on a quest to create a cosy nest that's all about you, with a dash of practicality. Perhaps you're a micro-business owner with a head full of dreams but no appetite for bricks and mortar. Heck, even if you're looking for a seamless journey from design to construction, we've got you covered.
Let’s talk straight—homes aren’t all cut from the same cloth (I mean literally speaking, they aren’t cut from cloth at all!). Our mission is to create housing that's easy on the pocket without sacrificing quality. Part of that mission involves ensuring the home is cost-effective to run. We make this happen by focusing on efficient design, and smart specifications, and diving deep into technology to make it all tick. Sounds good so far?
The only thing we ask is that you come to us with a soft spot for snazzy modern architecture and all things cool and contemporary in design. Ready to create some architectural wonders together?
This is an information gathering and processing phase. Before we start to design, we collect all the information about the project to use in developing the design. We will work together to identify project goals, program, site constraints, opportunities and develop the project roadmap. This includes information about the site, any existing structure(s), codes, deed restrictions, site utilities, access, budget, schedule, and spatial program.
This is where the rough shape of the building and the ideas are formed. We begin by drafting a narrative for the project, called a ‘parti’, which we’ll reference throughout the project. This seed idea is used to help us make decisions as the project becomes more detailed and better defined. It’s a rulebook of sorts. Conceptual estimates and duration timelines are also developed, along with fabricator and contractor sources.
This phase fixes all of the information about the house into a detailed set of drawings and specifications that will be used by the Contractor and/or Fabricator for pricing and construction. Think of it as an instruction manual. Before beginning, we’ll discuss whether you’d like to pursue a bid price contract or a negotiated contract; field or factory fabrication and we’ll craft the drawings and level of detail in those drawings based on those decisions.
After the contract is awarded and construction begins, we act as your agent on-site, monitor progress, review applications for payment, and ensure conformance with the contract documents. We don’t tell the contractor how to do his work; We just make sure he’s doing the things he’s contractually promised to do. Upon substantial completion of construction, we will review the work with you and verify any work to be completed or corrected by the contractor before final payment.
The discovery phase. We work together to identify project goals and programs, understand site constraints and opportunities, and form a project road map.
Budgeting the costs of design and construction is an essential first step to help you avoid surprises and frustration. We will work with you to develop the construction cost and manage the budget throughout the course of the project.
We are experts at working with local and state jurisdictions in determining the best pathway towards obtaining approval on your container project. Our goal is to make this an enjoyable process and take the burden of negotiating with building and planning officials away from you.
We are a full-service architectural practice using an assortment of digital tools and processes to develop detailed drawings, renderings, specifications, and contracts to build your custom home. With over 30 years of documentation experience and collaborative relationships with major container fabricators, we bring the necessary skill set to accomplish any task.
We work with you, the contractor, and the permitting agencies and finalize the completion and occupancy of your new home. From inspection services, warranty cataloging, and final payments to contractors and sub-contractors, we work to ensure a turn-key delivery of your custom sea container home.
As an architect, designer, developer, our job is to solve design problems and help bring your ideas to reality. We turn recycled shipping containers into tailor-made spaces - new single-family homes, new multi-family, commercial buildings, retail, urban infill, and temporary structures.
