Not just a good piece of architecture, but also a good upcycling example
Shipping containers are a perfect building unit for modular architecture
Whitaker Studio used the potential of the shipping containers as a modular building unit to create an innovative working space that is beautiful, practical and inspiring: the Joshua Tree Residence.
Since Malcolm McLean introduced the concept in the 1950s, shipping was never the same. The flexibility of those large metal boxes and the way they revolutionized the shipping industry have also inspired the building industry.
Joshua Tree Residence: a serene haven in the middle of the desert
Despite being such a beautiful and innovative building, using shipping containers as a modular building unit has been around for some time. Many architects have taken advantage of their flexibility and used them to create all types of structures.
From instant crisis shelters to awe-inspiring workplaces, shipping containers are similar to LEGO bricks, the possibilities are limitless. The name of the residence, the Joshua Tree Residence, was chosen due to the fact that the reaching out container form is similar to that of a tree.
The effect is particularly striking due to the white color and the fact that this residence is located in the middle of a desert. The serene white color of the Joshua Tree Residence is used on the inside as well.
The brightly-colored and wooden furniture adds a beautiful contrast and a breath of life to the house’s interior space. In addition to providing a spectacular form, the Joshua Residence’s many windows help frame scenes from the beautiful natural surrounding for the 12 people who use this space.
A brilliant upcycling process
Besides providing a flexible building unit, using shipping container in buildings is an upcycling process that is good for the environment in many ways. Finding a new use for those containers and using their already-existing material is definitely better than using new materials.
Reusing those containers saves tons of steel that would otherwise have been wasted. Not just is the Joshua Tree Residence a good piece of architecture, it is also a good upcycling example.
