Earlier this year, the OC Register highlighted one company's efforts to transform unused warehouse space in Santa Ana, California. Orange County based Marketing Via Postal Group, Inc. needed offices for their new warehouse and decided to reuse 10 twenty-foot shipping containers as offices and a kitchen. MVP's employees did the work and the container spaces now have porthole windows, office furniture, plants, and bathrooms/sinks.
MVP bought the containers for ~$1,000 each and configured them with windows, doors, electricity, heating, and air conditioning for ~$3,000-$4,000 each. At these prices, not only was it inexpensive to build out the offices, but MVP also recognized another benefit from energy savings.
When you heat and cool a large space like a warehouse, it can get expensive. It gets even more expensive as people fight over the thermostat. But with container offices, MVP now saves about $3,000 per month on energy costs because only the containers are heated/cooled as necessary for the users. It's a pretty smart strategy.
[+] The ultimate in office recycling by the OC Register.
Photo credits: Scott Noot.
We recently started milling wood reclaimed from the containerized shipping industry into flooring and paneling. It’s a mix of Malaysian hardwoods used to support material in the containers…it’s gorgeous. So far we’ve installed it in two locations… I think it would be fun to re-unite the wood with the containers. If anyone is interested, you can contact [email protected] or call 585-924-9970. http://www.pioneermillworks.com
This is a very neat idea. Although I’m sure getting and fixing up the containers is a lot costlier than using cubicles, the beauty of this idea is that makes warehouse space functional in a new way, and thereby reclaims property that wouldn’t ordinarily be considered for offices. (Furthermore, the warehouse space probably rents for a much lower rate than conventional office space would.)
You definitely have not priced cubicles then, even used they are very expensive!
Completely awesome. That is like the best sort of cubicle you could ever have. Spacious like an office, and everyone can have one. It makes the place feel very industrial. -Tyler
Not bad, it really does create a fine looking office. Plus the shipping container could be a good source of icebreaker, especially with a new client đŸ™‚
An excellent concept and it’s inexpensive and very easy to relocate 20′ Containers once the company expands.
[…] $3,000 and $4,000. Since the containers are only heated or cooled when necessary, MVP saves around $3,000 per month in energy […]