Architectural Use of Shipping Containers in Panama
In 2011, Time Magazine wrote an article exploring the architectural use of shipping containers. They spoke to the trend dubbed ‘cargotecture’, as one fueled partly by sustainability but mostly by sassy artistic sensibility. The cargotecture movement that has grown rapidly throughout North America and Europe over the last decade has been silently gaining steam in Panama.
Our close proximity to one of the busiest shipping ports in Central America, coupled with the rising cost of building materials, makes Panama a perfect candidate for cargotecture. With a building process that requires fewer resources, less labor and less time, even developers have bought in.
Homes, hotels and offices built from shipping containers can be found all along the Pacific coast, from right here in Coronado to the Azura Penninsula. These structures can be simple single container deigns, like the Coronado Residents association on story office. Or multi-story boutique hotels like Hotel El Sitio in Playa Venao.
Shipping containers can be transformed into elegant spaces that at first glance have no resemblance to a cargo box. They can also embrace their raw feature including bright colors and rippled walls.
There are several ways people acquire containers for building purposes in Panama.
Some choose to purchase the container their belongings arrived in, while others seek out major shipping companies and buy directly from them. Panama Containers y Modulos S.A. is one of the companies in Panama selling containers and prefabricated modules. Containers can be purchased in Panama new or used.
A traditional 40ft container has 67.5m2 of living space, which is bigger than some of the one-bedroom condos under construction along the Pacific coast. With the design, this space can be made suitable for a family of 4. Containers are built to withstand the elements, and are strong enough to support a green roof or several solar panels.
It’s no wonder the practice of building homes with shipping containers is gaining more popularity. It’s mobile, fast to build, space efficient, relatively inexpensive and a perfect example of a creative reclaim. It makes good sense as a vacation getaway or a beach office.
In 2011, Benjamin Garcia Saxe an acclaimed architect whose designs won the 2010 best house award at the World Architecture Festival, built a 1,000 sq ft home using two 40 foot containers. The container house, in San Jose Costa Rica was built on a budget of $40,000 and is a perfect example of simple yet stunning design.
In Amsterdam, one company has created multiple container projects to take care of student and community housing problems. And there are many more like it. Today, you can buy container housing plans and even have prefab modules shipped to your door. A search for “container housing” on the Internet will show you the surprising growth of this industry.
While the cost of shipping containers is on the rise, the cargotecture movement in Panama still seems to be largely driven by affordability. As expats continue to relocate to Panama affordable housing becomes harder to find, for both first time buyers and retirees. Container homes are definitely a good option for those looking for a creative space at an attractive price point.
