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Reimagining Living Spaces with Recycled Shipping Containers in Urban Community Development

Authors:
Sunkara Tanuja , Molakalapalli Hemanth , Kunapareddy Venkata Naga Sai Lakshmi Sri , Poorbi Pracheeta Sahu
Reimagining Living Spaces with Recycled Shipping Containers in Urban Community Development

Project in-detail

Utilizing repurposed shipping containers to create efficient and modular living units, the design fosters community interaction and sustainable practices for urban workers in Kolkata.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes repurposed shipping containers to minimize material waste and promote sustainability.
02
Features modular design that allows flexible configurations tailored to resident needs.
03
Incorporates community spaces to enhance social interaction among residents.
04
Integrates advanced insulation techniques for improved energy efficiency.
05
Positioned strategically near essential transportation links for easy accessibility.
The Container Dwellings project in Garden Reach, Kolkata, represents an architectural response to the housing needs of port and railway workers in an urban context. Utilizing shipping containers as the primary building material, the project emphasizes modularity, sustainability, and community integration. The design aims to provide practical living units while fostering social interaction among residents.

The project is structured around a combination of single and family-oriented dwellings, with each unit designed to maximize efficient use of space. Ground-level units consist of small single-dwelling spaces that provide essential amenities, while first-level units accommodate nuclear families with additional facilities. Shared community spaces permeate the design, encouraging collaborative living and resource sharing.

Modular Design Approach
A distinctive feature of this project is its modular design approach, which allows for flexibility in unit configurations based on user needs and site conditions. Each shipping container is repurposed, promoting an environmentally conscious practice that addresses both sustainability and economic constraints. By leveraging the inherent structural integrity of shipping containers, the architecture achieves efficiency in construction while significantly reducing environmental impact.

Community-Focused Layout
The layout of the Container Dwellings emphasizes communal interaction. Strategically placed communal dining and recreational areas serve as gathering points for residents, fostering a sense of community. By placing a priority on shared living experiences, the design encourages social support networks among the workers, an essential factor given the often isolated nature of their occupations.

Overall, the Container Dwellings project utilizes innovative architectural solutions to address pressing housing needs in a unique way. For those seeking a thorough understanding of this approach, it is recommended to explore the project presentation, which provides valuable insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that contribute to this notable undertaking.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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