Steel shipping container offices? Build the workspace of your dreams.

 

Steel shipping container offices? Build the workspace of your dreams.

 

If you run a business, you know how tough it is to find the right office space. You need to be in the right neighborhood, in the right city. To attract the right talent, you also need a comfortable, beautiful, and safe working environment. The problem is, there isn’t enough office space on the market. The more crowded a city is, the tougher time you’ll have finding space. It could be years until you’re off a waiting list for a commercial space.

But you don’t have the gift of time on your side. In the business world, a couple of weeks can be a lifetime. You need to come up with another idea.

 

Enter steel shipping containers.

 

You might have heard about the tiny house trend. Because of competitive housing markets, “dream homes” are out of reach to many American consumers. So individuals have begun thinking out of the box, finding new ways to build first-time homes and investment properties. Stainless steel shipping containers are popular do their their longevity and corrosion resistance.

If you purchase the right, high-quality unit, your steel shipping container could last you for years. Just like a car, your steel shipping container will maintain its equity. If you design a space, someone else may want to buy it.

 

Even better, steel shipping containers are:

 

• Modifiable to meet your goals

• Customizable to be safe and habitable

• Able to be moved, in some cases

• Deliverable via truck

• Accessible

• Available in a variety of shapes, materials, and sizes

 

You can control your costs and invest in the level of quality that makes sense for your business. Rather than wasting time looking for office space, you can create your own. Get to business faster.

 

Practicalities.

 

As a business owner, you have a lot of considerations to keep in mind. The most important ones are your legal obligations to your employees. If your workspace isn’t safe, you could get sued. If you don’t obtain the right permits, your business may be fined or shut down.

Before you get started on a steel shipping container office space, you’ll need to consult with your city. Expect to need permits and inspection.

One place to start your research is in your city’s municipal ordinance. These documents are usually available online. If you can’t find the information you need, you may have an easier time calling your city offices or visiting in person.

You’ll also want to consult with a local structural engineer, to be on the safe side, that has worked on commercial projects like yours. If your commercial space is in a major metropolitan area, Yelp and Angie’s List are ideal resources to start your search.

 

The fun part.

 

In addition to being productive, ergonomic, and healthy, work environments need to be beautiful. You can’t just put your employees in a dark shipping container. That’s the equivalent of shoving somebody into a storage space. Given how competitive job markets are, it’s important to pay attention to decor. Here are some ideas:

 

• Fabricate your shipping container space with large windows

• Add bright or colorful lighting

• Paint walls with bright colors

• Decorate walls with art work

 

Companies can also make the process fun by encouraging employees to contribute to the decorating process. A shipping container workspace has the potential to create a strong team bonding experience.

 

Kick it up a notch.

 

When it comes to office aesthetics, every detail is important. Especially if you are an interior designer (or your company is working with one), you’ll want to check out a company called Most Modest.

Most Modest is a design studio based in San Francisco. Their team specializes in “craft inspired technology goods.” These include items like modern office supplies made of wood, marble kitchen supplies, and small space maximizing storage. The company was started by a designer who has expertise in studying the intersection of human behavior and new technology.

Fundamental to the Most Modest process is the idea that the journey defines the destination. Through extensive research, sketching, 3-D modeling and rapid prototyping, the team tests and validates potential solutions to ensure an incredible result.

Most Modest and Conexwest are teaming up to design interior commercial office spaces from shipping containers. You can get as creative as you want with your designs:

 

• Have a gym and/or shower in your office

• Make your conference space cozy and beautiful

• Save money on rent and create a one-of-a-kind production space, with artwork

 

Your office will speak for itself as the ultimate employee perk.

 

Final thoughts.

 

Human beings are creative by nature and deserve to be in spaces that nurture their talents. The right office space is important for reasons beyond aesthetics. When people are happy and relaxed, they have fun. When they have fun, work cultures become positive and attractive to new talent.

Having a well-designed, well-planned, and well-decorated office has value beyond productivity. Funny enough, a shipping container office could make the difference between an uplifting and dreary office experience.

Why take out an expensive lease on a building or suite that you’ll barely have resources to decorate. Or if you have resources, why not give your employees the comfort of a shower or space for bikes, etc.