Sea containers have always played an important role in cargo transportation. But did you also know that these can be used sensibly in the garden? We'll tell you how.
Do you know Malcom McLean? Certainly not, right? He was an American shipowner and transport entrepreneur who came up with the idea of shipping transport boxes in the 1950s (more about Malcom McLean here). To be precise, these were sea containers. An ingenious invention that saved the workers at the docks from the hassle of carrying boxes and sacks, thus eliminating the heavy drudgery.
The idea, once invented by a clever mind, has in recent years caused other clever minds to give some thought to the recycling of these sea containers. After all, some containers are discarded from time to time, but they are still far too good to be scrapped. But what do you do with it? Creative people get a sea container and use it sensibly in the garden. This may sound a bit strange at first, but if you look at the following ideas for recycling or upcycling the containers, you too will be amazed.
Let's just take an example: get an old sea container and convert it into a garden shed, then the sea container is not only cheaper, it can also be used more flexibly than a normal garden shed due to the many possible uses. If it's gone again at some point, you'll at least get the scrap value back.
A sea container has a number of advantages over classic garden and tool sheds, storage sheds and the like. Some people even live permanently in a sea container. See some sea container living examples here.
Here's another picture of a normal, used container that you can buy (about 850 euros/net). So here you see the sea container sort of like what it looks like, and then further down what it might look like.
Possible uses for a sea container in the garden
❖ Idea No. 1 - garden shed/workshop:
Let's get back to the idea of the garden shed. But that isreally a great idea, right? All you have to do is install a few windows and doors (possibly sliding glass doors), repaint the garden shed or clad it with wood, for example, and then set it up. You don't have to be afraid of getting wet feet in the container when it rains. After all, sea containers are usually wind and watertight.
Of course, this also applies if you convert the sea container into a small workshop. Here you can then integrate sockets, build a tool wall and store all your tools dry and safe. In this way you can create your own small space for tinkering and handicrafts, in which you can be all to yourself and, for example, pursue your hobby if there is not enough space in the house.
» Tip: If you want to set up a workshop in a sea container, you should also think about an extraction system. Because when planing, polishing or grinding, finer and coarser particles get into the air, which you breathe in.
❖ Idea 2 - Pool:
I would never have thought of that, but you can quickly build a swimming pool out of a shipping container. Simply sink the container into the ground or set it up normally and then cover it with wood, for example. All you then have to do is equip the container with the necessary pool technology. You can then take out your diving goggles and go splashing around. It's always cheaper than having a real pool built or building one yourself.
Hint:
Inform yourself beforehand from a specialist about all the pool technology you need and the best way to convert the sea container into a pool.
❖ Idea 3 - Pool House:
What goes into a pool? Of course, a pool house! Of course, this can also consist of a sea container. Simply remove part of the walls, integrate seating, washbasin and shower (both in a separate area if possible) and the small but very fine pool house is ready. If you then spice up the container with a bit of colour, you have created a real eye-catcher.
❖ Idea 4 - Storage Shed:
But a sea container doesn't have to be extensively converted to offer a useful place in the garden. For example, you can only equip a container with shelves, wall hooks and brackets and you have already created a super storage shed or a practical garden tool shed.All garden equipment such as lawnmowers, bicycles and more can be stored here. So they no longer stand around in the garage and accordingly do not take up unnecessary space.
❖ Idea 5 - Greenhouse:
If you remove the steel walls of the sea container and replace them with plastic walls, you can use the container as a great greenhouse. It is best to leave the doors in place so that you can always ventilate the greenhouse nicely. Otherwise, you can use this type of greenhouse just like any other. All you have to do here is create small beds and then fill them with soil. After that, nothing stands in the way of the joy of cultivation.