One of the design proposals put forth for the CrossRoads House Homeless Shelter stipulated the use of surplus cargo containers as the main structural and spatial elements. Modular, readily available on the seacoast, cost efficient, and exceptionally quick to assemble, cargo containers provided an alternate to typical wood or metal frame structures. The containers would form the bulk of the structural components, with the side partitions removed to create larger, flowing interior spaces within. This innovative design would have allowed for a cost effective, naturally lit and ventilated, and flexible building.
Completed with Driver-Ryan Architects.
Renderings of the Sketch-Up model created to demonstrate the use of cargo containers to construct the homeless shelter.
The containers lend themselves very neatly to a modular system, creating a strong exterior structure, while side panels can be removed to create large flowing interior spaces.
Due to the containers inherent structural strength, large openings can be punched through, allowing for the admission of maximum natural lighting. The sturdy and flat tops to the containers also lend themselves to the creation of a green roofing system.
In this rendered plan of a Transitional Living Quarters, the modularity and flexibility of the containers can be seen. Maintaining the strength of the frame, the walls of the container can be removed to open up the spaces within, and standard stud walls can be constructed to create more intricate divisions where necessary.
This modularity and flexibility can also be seen in section, with the containers stacking one upon each other with ease, and a transvers container creating a clerestory level to bring in additional natural light and ventilation.
