The Many Architectural Applications of Shipping Containers vol.11

Shipping containers are made to be durable. Because of their strength they are also an ideal building material that can be used to build safe homes. Actually, the safety level of shipping containers is so high that they can be used also to build prisons and shelters.

In Australia’s Victoria, the local government is establishing a prison system of 50 containers.  Victoria is an area of overcrowded prisons, and therefore containers bring an excellent solution for the problem. Australia is planning to apply the same solution in other areas as well.

Victoria’s prisons are meant for medium-security prisoners. The next question could be, taken the fact that shipping containers are as they are, how can one increase their security level? Modifying the prisons environment would be the only option. Setting up an Alcatraz style prison in the middle of an area of water area would work.  That is actually something that can also be implemented with containers.

Shipping containers, with some modifications,  can also become protective underground shelters for natural disasters or terrorist attacks. The most important modification is roofing.

Even though containers’ walls are designed to resist rough weather even in extreme conditions, most people like to bury their container bases in order to make it invisible. Still, one needs to take into consideration that the containers’ steel roofs are not made to last heavy loads. Containers are designed to lie on their four strong corners. So therefore, after digging a hole for the container one should design a frame that supports adding a gabion basket on the container. The gabion basket filled with rocks will protect the container. See original articles for more details.

Where the containers’ exterior surrounding has some limitations, the interior design is basically free for users’ own imagination. Today some containers come with a generator and bathroom solutions making the containers livable apartments.

Shipping containers, prefabricated container houses and other construction material can be purchased from Shanghai Metal Corporation. See our webpages for more information. Feel free to send us any questions through this form. Check also our social media channels for future updates.

    

Tuomas P. // SMC Editor

Continue to Chapter 12.

Pictures and Original articles: Rawlinsons.co.nz, Sourceable.net,Theage.com.au, Abc.net.au, Asiapacific.anu.edu.au, Greenbiz.com,Daily Mail, Odt.co.nz, Ttora.com, Treehugger.com, Foreign Policy Research Institute, Sourceable.net, Prepper-recources.com,Containerauction.com, Emyplanb.wordpress.com,followingfuji1.blogspot.com, Luxtica.com

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Container Observatory – The Best Place for First Date!

Shipping containers can be converted into various kinds of buildings ranging from homes to hotels. They can also be fit into their surrounding environment. A sunset observatory in South Korea’s Incheon makes a good example.

A Korean company named  AnL Studio, has created “Ocean Scope”, an observatory for enjoying the sunset and admiring the horizon in a romantic setting. The structure is built on five shipping containers that are placed on different heights. The containers are also placed on 10, 30, 50 degree angles offering visitors different points-of-view. The containers are equipped with staircases.

In South Korea, many shipping containers are used as temporary shelters in rural areas. The containers do their purpose as shelters but still, they are not harmonized with the surrounding nature. Ocean Scope is one of those examples that show how container architecture can build a dialogue with nature.

Fitting container buildings into their surroundings is a relatively easy task. Due to their simple steel structure, container houses are mainly modified by cutting and welding that are not really labour-intensive operations. Incheon’s observatory’s stair design and the positioning of containers show what can be done with welding and cutting.

Shipping containers are designed to hold heavy weight only on their four corner pillars so excess weight on them might be very damaging. Therefore, roofing is always a challenge with container buildings. Our article on containers shelters describes one roofing solution, but the observatory shows how it can be done more conveniently. The containers are put on different angles allowing rainwater and snow pour down from them. How smart!

Shipping containers are a durable material and today’s main component for affordable and sustainable architecture. We in Shanghai Metal Corporation sell this super construction material internationally. To learn more about our containers, please visit our website. Possible inquiries can be submitted through this link. Please visit our social media sites.

Tuomas P. // SMC Editor

Pictures and original articles: Inhabitat, Dezeen

    

Trendy look of stainless steel jewelry

Stainless steel has become an extremely popular choice for fashion jewelry for its resistance to tarnish and its bright, silvery finish. As it is strong enough for using on daily basis, you can’t go wrong with choosing stainless steel as the material for making jewelry. Steel and metals in general  play an important role in the creation of contemporary jewelry.

A short history of metals in jewelry making

Metals are as old as human civilization and history of jewelry making dates back thousands years. Metals were used by ancient people – Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans. The source of the word “metal” is unknown, but it is regarded that it could have come from a combination of the Greek word “metallin” and metallon (mine or metal).

Stainless steel jewelry

During last years stainless steel has found its way into fashion where it is used from necklaces to earrings. Stainless steel was invented by Harry Brearley of the Brown & Firth Research Laboratories in 1913 and developed to be impervious to staining or corrosion. Today, stainless steel is very favourite of women and men who want an industrial, street look with a touch of flash. Stainless steel may be the right choice even over precious metals.

Pros of stainless steel jewelry

• low reactivity – environment that contains a high chlorine or salt content can accelerate tarnishing, so it is perfect for divers, swimmer or other aquatic athletes
• resistance to tarnish 
• excellent durability

Stainless steel bracelet, ring and necklace

 

In Shanghai Metal Corporation we offer high-quality products and service for our international clients. We offer metal products as well as stainless steel. You can find more information on our website or send us inquiry and our English speaking staff will help you. You could also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LindkedIn.

Silvia M.// SMC Editor

You can read more articles written by this author here.

Credits : zales.com, ebay.com, inhabitat.com, pinterest.com, googleimages

 

Copper Pots And Pans: The Rolls-Royce of All Cookware

Cooking is not only an art but it also involves a bit of science. If you want good results, getting the right temperature and heat requires precision and experience. Therefore, to achieve these results the quality of the cookware is indispensable. Cheap quality cheap pans can ruin your food and your reputation due to uneven cooking, heat spots and burned food.

However, good quality copper pans can make a huge difference. There is a great variety of cheap cookware available on the market. But what we don’t realize is the simple fact that a one-time investment in high quality cookware will set you up for many years to come while offering functionality and a great aesthetic appeal too.

What makes copper a great cookware?

It has been a favorite amongst gastronomic experts for centuries. It has always been considered the elite of cookware, owing to its beautiful metallic sheen that gives it a beautiful appearance, and its admirable workability. Copper is known as one of the best conductors of heat. So, it gets heated up quickly and evenly. In copper bottom cookware the heat is evenly spread from the bottom to the walls and edges.

This ensures that food cooks evenly from all sides. Heat spots are unheard of in copper cookware. It is also designed to stand the test of time due to its solidity. Cheaper cookware starts to chip or crack over time and are prone to rust and it gives away too soon. High quality copper cookware can be passed from generations to generations while keeping its quality, beauty, sturdiness, durability and fuel efficiency.

Copper cookware has always been considered the Rolls-Royce of all cookware. Copper pots and pans are a great choice for any kitchen; whether you are an expert cook, or a novice conducting, this cookware can make cooking pleasurable and hassle free. The best thing is that you get control over the heat. As soon as the knob is turn off or lowered the copper cookware will respond quickly and adjust. So, you can cook food perfectly leaving nothing to luck. You seriously could not ask for anything better and more sophisticated.

As an international manufacturer and supplier for copper sheet and bronze sheet, Shanghai Metal Corporation produces slitting, edging, and oscillates winding to fit your specific copper requirements. To find out more, please visit our Website or send your inquiry here. Our English speaking personnel will be more than pleased to help you. Follow us on  LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel. Or you could try our new mobile app by scanning our QR code.

Source: onthegas.org, brookegiannetti.typepad.com, fxcuisine.com, trovatistudio.com

William P.//SMC Editor

Read more articles by this author here.

#BuildingValueAcrossTheGlobe

Shipping Container Hospitals – The Future of Saving Lives

Shipping containers can be transformed into mobile hospitals just like they can be transformed into offices, homes, hotels, theaters, nightclubs, shelters, stores or swimming pools. Because of their modularity and availability, shipping container hospitals can become true life savers in the future.

 

Container hospitals have been already set up all over the world. For instance, container clinics were needed when a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti in 2010 and a large part of the Grace Children’s hospital in the capital Port-au-Prince was demolished. Help was offered by a Massachusetts based company Containers2Clinic that send their 8 X 20 feet container to the  island to compensate the great infrastructural loss of the local hospital. (source)

 

The first shipping container clinics were invented by Michael Wawrzewski who designed the concept of Clinics in a Can in 2005. Wawrzewski was also nominated as the AAPA‘s 2005 Physician Assistant of the year for his work in developing quality, cost-effective and accessible health-care. His first clinic was assembled in Kansas and shipped to Haiti on July 2005. (source)

An example of combining health care and great design is shown by an Indonesian firm DPavilion Architects has utilized the country’s rich resource base of shipping containers and built The Contertainer, a shipping container health clinic and a library in the island of Jawa. The shipping container complex is meant to provide better quality of life for those who have little money.

Shipping containers are built according to international ISO standards and designed to be stacked and piled up in a container ship. They have also made from durable steel in order enhance their use time and to be able to handle rough weather. As the example of The Contertainer shows, even the exterior design of the mobile clinics is not limited the original appearance of containers.

Container hospitals are the future of health care. For people in areas of low income and weak availability of health care services, setting up a pop-up clinic can be a life saver. Even in urban areas or peripheries patients do not necessarily have to be transported long distances in an ambulance because these pop-up hospitals can be placed almost anywhere. For nonprofits such as Unicef or Red Cross this solution is a must. Investing in setting up a container clinic to underdeveloped areas is a great way for businesses to show their corporate social responsibility.

Shipping containers can be purchased from Shanghai Metal Corporation. We have a large variety of shipping containers and we are also specialized shipping container prefabricated construction projects. For any details please visit our website. Please also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Tuomas P. // SMC Editor

Pictures and original articles: Marine Insight, Inhabitat, Popular Mechanics, Hospitals of Hope, Inhabitat, Get Simple Box, Container Living,  Clinic in a Can

The Test of Time

A true testament to the durability and thus desirability of a material is the legacy of the structures and constructions that are left standing as time goes by. We know that the process of galvanization increases the ability of steel to withstand the nature forces of rust and corrosion bought on by water and the elements; let us take a look at the most notable of these structures;

As with all structures maintenance is required to ensure the safety and longevity of the structure; however few materials, at this cost can boast up to and above thirty years of maintenance free use as is seen with galvanized steel. Pictured above is the Boca Channel Bridge, located in the Florida Keys. It is consistently exposed to the corrosive elements of the sea water, however over its life of 42years it has not required any maintenance due to the galvanization of the steel whereas other, non galvanized bridges in the same area have had to be completely replaced.

This durability, despite the increased initial capital investment has been shown to save money over time as this maintenance or continual painting is not required, as would be the case with a non-galvanized steel construction. A prime example of this cost is the Goldengate Bridge in San Francisco, California (picture above), where 28 full time painters are required to constantly paint the bridge as its non-galvanized steel bears the brunt of nature and its original rivets are constantly being replaced with new galvanized ones.

Shanghai Metal Corporation offers galvanized steel in a multitude of forms that can be used to satisfy the applications mentioned above. These include piping, galvanized steel coils, strips, sheets, plates, wire, pre-painted steel, roofing material (in a number of profiles) as well as steel grating.

To find out more about these products or to discuss customization and individual requirements please visit our website Here. For more updates on this and other exciting developments follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin. Or by using your smart device, scan the QR code below!

Dominick F.//SMC Editor

Sources: Steel Works, American Galvinizers Association, Golden Gate Bridge Org

Coated and Colored: Your guide to Metal Roofing

Whilst many materials can be used to provide protection as a roof for homes and other buildings such as stainless steel and galvanized steel the preferred material due to cost and durability is Galvalume. Galvalume is a patented product which is essential regular steel that has been galvanized using a 55% zinc-aluminum coating.

This can be installed unpainted in its natural appearance either in standard round corrugations or nearly any profile to suit the design and/or functions of the roof in question. It doesn’t even have to be in sheet form as straight from the factory you can order metal roofing tiles to recreate the appearance of cement or terracotta tiles but with the durability and flexibility of Galvalume steel.

 But the beauty of this product is the array of prepainted colours that are available which can really enhance the aesthetics of your home; we have chosen some examples to illustrate the unique nature of this product.  The colored finish is actually powder coated and baked on to the steel coil, adding another layer of protection to the inner steel which is why this is one of the most durable products to use ; after being tested for effectiveness in both coastal locations and even the Australian desert this product has proven its effectiveness.

As a licensed supplier of Galvalume materials SMC is able to offer this product either in coils or sheets (in any profile) and either painted or with the natural metallic appearance. Should you have any queries, request or customizations please do not hesitate to visit our website Here. For more updates on this and other exciting developments follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin. Or by using your smart device, scan the QR code below!

 

Dominick F.//SMC Editor

Sources: Colorbond; Industrial Galvinizers Corp.; Galvalume

The Solution for Overcrowded Prisons – Container Jails

Shipping containers are made to be durable. Because of their strength they are also an ideal building material that can be used to build safe homes. Actually, the safety level of shipping containers is so high that they can be used also to build prisons.

In Australia’s Victoria, the local government is establishing a prison system made out of containers. The plan is to set up 50 containers for a hundred prisoners until Christmas. Victoria is an area of overcrowded prisons, and therefore containers bring an excellent solution for the problem. Australia is also planning to apply the same solution in other areas as well.

Victoria’s prisons are meant for medium-security prisoners. The next question could be, taken the fact that shipping containers are as they are, how can one increase their security level? Modifying the prisons environment would be the only option. Setting up an Alcatraz style prison in the middle of an area of water area would work.  That is actually something that can be implemented with containers.

The idea of floating container recreation centers is being implemented in Europe. The city of London is planning to construct a village of shipping containers on the River Thames. The 15-acre site would have 50 homes, cafes, bars and restaurants. They have also implemented some smaller scale projects in the Netherlands.

Whether it is container apartments or just tools for shipping goods, Shanghai Metal Corporation can offer the solution. We sell premium shipping containers that can be used according to clients’ preferences. To know more about our containers, please visit our website. Also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Try also downloading our mobile application by scanning the QR code below.

Tuomas P. // SMC Editor

Pictures and original articles: Rawlinsons.co.nz, Sourceable.net, Theage.com.au, Abc.net.au, Asiapacific.anu.edu.au, Greenbiz.com, Daily Mail, Odt.co.nz

5 Modern Innovative Packaging Concepts

Flexible packaging can now been seen in nearly all consumer products across the board because it provides the durability, transportability, and convenience that buyers are seeking out. Pouches, bags, and tubes come in an endless variety of shapes, sizes, and features such as stand up capabilities and resealable options. In fact, demand for pouches in the US is projected to increase 4.6 percent per year to 9.4 billion dollars in 2018, according to a new study from The Freedonia Group. By incorporating flexible packaging materials for their products, brands will be able to differentiate themselves from the rest of the market and cut transportation costs and material usage in hopes of increasing operating profits. Aluminum plays a vital role in the flexible packaging sector because it is light weight, strong, and has the ability to keep contents fresher for longer. We took a deeper look into 5 clever concepts in modern packaging: 

This two part beer crate consists of a carrying case with classic plastic handles and an aluminum base with a separate 12 bottles beer holder. The aluminum used is lightweight enough to not add much added mass and the sturdy handles allow customers to carry the case more easily.

Boring milk containers can be replaced by this innovative packaging idea. The visually appealing jug is lined with aluminum to keep the milk cold and fresher for longer. The packaging is the same dimensions as a 2 liter milk carton making it a smooth transition for customers.

Delhaize soup brings to life the principle ingredient through photo-realistic images. The packaging is not only eye-catching but allows consumers to indulge even for those with an on-the-go lifestyle. The aluminum lining creates a barrier between the contents and outside label making it safe for people to hold even when the soup is extremely hot.

Affordability and convenience were the main ideas behind offering wine by the glass in tubes. Research showed that 88% of experts acknowledge that consumers are demanding more interesting wine by the glass and are willing to spend more to have a glass of wine, rather than a bottle.

Shepherd’s Purse artisan cheeses are kept fresh in aluminum foil that can easily be resealed and disposed of once finished making it a great appetizer to bring to parties. The brand was able to cut costs by reducing the packaging material used by sticking to aluminum foil.

Shanghai Metal Corporation understands the potential in the packaging industry and offers a wide array of aluminum foil for flexible packaging. We are committed to providing value-added quality products with competitive pricing and prompt delivery. View more information on this product and more at our website here. Be sure to join the conversation in our LinkedIn Group, Facebook, and Twitter. 

Sources: The Freedobia Group and Packaging World

By: Kristie K. // SMC Editor

Is Your Phone Also Lawn Mower-Resistant?

Do you own a lawn mower? If so, you also have a way to test your phone’s durability. You might already know how.

Yahoo Tech has published an article how Samsung’s Galaxy S4 survived from getting run over by a lawn mower. Originally Samsung has promised the phone to be dust-proof and water-resistant. Luckily a “tester” also made it clear that the phone is also lawn mower-resistant.

The story told that while the user was cutting his grass and meanwhile listening to music, the phone dropped out of his pocket and found its way under the lawn mower. The phone was hit by the blade cutting off one corner. Still, the phone worked properly and continue on playing the same song.

According to iphonehacks.com website, a woman in Illinois accidentally ran over her Apple iPhone 5s with a lawn mower. The phone was crushed into pieces leaving the woman in financial despair.  In addition, she hadn’t saved her photos on any external source and thereby lost all of her photos.

The woman made a sacrifice for all the people in the world by letting everybody know that Iphone 5s is not lawn mower-proof. We can only cherish her legacy and keep our iPhones out of lawn mowers. A Twitter search reveals that this sort of an accident is not as rare as we would expect.

If, for any reason, you want to test your phone, Shanghai Metal Corporation sells some excellent lawn mowers. Our mowers are also terrific in their primary usage, aka cutting grass. To learn more about our lawn mowers, please visit our site. Please also follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Tuomas P. // SMC Editor

Original articles and pictures: Yahoo Tech, iphonehacks.com, Twitter