Mumbai Family Reused Shipping Containers to Create Affordable Eco-Friendly Home
In the bustling city of Mumbai, the Pardiwala family has embraced creativity and sustainability to construct a unique vacation home. This innovative abode, known as the Orange Box Project, stands as a testament to eco-friendly living. Crafted from a repurposed shipping container, their house in the affluent Cuff Parade represents a synthesis of modern living and environmental consciousness.
Traveling to the serene hills of Zirad, Alibaug, one finds this container-turned-vacation-home that merges with nature to offer a tranquil retreat from the rain-soaked cityscape. Spearheaded by architect Mishal Pardiwala, the transformation of a mere container into an affordable sustainable residence underscores a movement towards integrating eco-friendly solutions in Indian home design.
Refined Residences from Reclaimed Containers in India
Comprehensive Guide to Crafting a Container Abode
The innovative use of idle steel shipping containers has led to the creation of a unique holiday home in the scenic village of Zirad. Overlooking a prominent high point, the Pardiwala siblings have repurposed these sturdy structures to fashion a sustainable and affordable retreat.
Perched atop a slight elevation, their venture involves transforming containers, each with a width of 8 feet and length of 40 feet, into cozy living spaces. Covering an acre, the “Orange Box” comprises six containers that include three bedrooms, a living area, and a kitchen. Each bedroom boasts a private balcony, merging indoor comfort with outdoor tranquility.
Project Highlights:
- Duration: Realized over two years, testing the potential of container-based construction.
- Design Features: A rooftop designed for water collection and a spacious terrace.
- Cooling Strategy: The containers are strategically positioned to exploit natural breezes, which assist in cooling the interiors without reliance on artificial air conditioning.
- Sustainable Branding: This project aligns with the sustainability ethos that the Pardiwalas advocate through their brand, TreeWear.
Building Your Own:
- Blueprints: Start with detailed plans that factor in the size and shape of containers.
- Foundation: Ensure a solid foundation that can accommodate the weight and structure of the steel containers.
- Insulation: Proper insulation is vital for climate control within the container home.
- Utilities: Integrate electrical, plumbing, and heating solutions that are compatible with the container build.
- Customization: Incorporate personal touches such as balconies, large windows, or a green rooftop.
This initiative exemplifies how a vision for sustainability can transform the mundane into the extraordinary. The project is an encouraging prototype for those interested in building a container house that balances functionality with environmental consciousness. To glean further inspiration, explore similar accomplishments that reveal the versatility and potential of constructing with reclaimed containers.