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Repurposed Shipping Containers Featuring Frosted Glass and Steel Framework Along the Trans-Siberian Railway

Author:
Mark Szoke
Repurposed Shipping Containers Featuring Frosted Glass and Steel Framework Along the Trans-Siberian Railway

Project in-detail

Repurposed shipping containers with customizable exteriors and integrated frosted glass elements create a versatile space for travelers along the Trans-Siberian Railway.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposed shipping containers provide a sustainable foundation for the structure.
02
The exterior color scheme is customizable to reflect local contextual aesthetics.
03
Frosted glass elements feature local cultural imagery to enhance user engagement.
04
Steel frameworks ensure structural integrity while allowing for flexibility in layout.
05
Modular design accommodates various functions, including retail and workspace areas.

## Overview

The Frequent Traveller project is situated along the Trans-Siberian Railway and is designed to provide a flexible and sustainable space for frequent travelers. Centered around the innovative use of shipping containers, the design aims to create multifunctional environments that are easily transportable and adaptable to various contexts. This approach emphasizes resourcefulness while addressing the need for efficient spatial use in transit landscapes.

### Adaptability and Sustainability

The project leverages shipping containers to mitigate environmental impact and enhance structural efficiency. Each container is customized in color to harmonize with its specific location, ensuring a visually integrated presence within the surrounding environment. By repurposing existing materials, the project significantly reduces carbon emissions associated with new construction. The use of containers, typically abundant at railway terminals, showcases a pragmatic solution to waste reduction while conserving resources—each 40-foot container comprises approximately 4,000 kg of steel.

The modular design allows for varied configurations tailored to site-specific requirements. This flexibility supports diverse functionalities, facilitating spaces for retail, workspace, storage, and bathroom facilities. The layout is thoughtfully arranged to promote an efficient flow of individuals, thereby optimizing limited square footage while enhancing user interaction with the environment.

### Material Selection and Construction Process

Key materials in the construction include shipping containers, steel frames, insulation, plywood, frosted glass, and corroded steel panels. The project initiates with the deconstruction of shipping containers, followed by sandblasting to prepare for repainting. An internal steel framework is created for structural integrity, which is then insulated and finished with plywood for functional durability.

The design’s emphasis on material selection not only ensures stability and thermal comfort but also integrates local cultural elements through the use of imagery on frosted glass features. This deliberation manifests in a space that is both practical and aesthetically aligned with its context. Each aspect of the construction process has been methodically planned to ensure longevity and comfort for users, facilitating a well-rounded experience for travelers.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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