The possibilities of ‘cargotecture’ Transformed shipping containers have been in demand all over the world for decades. They have been used as clinics, offices, storage facilities, libraries, apartments, student quarters and other meeting spaces. In this article, Umnyama Ikhaya shares with us their philosophy behind this alternative building technology and how it can be used in a creative and socially uplifting way - as a very real affordable housing option. U mnyama Ikhaya, which means ‘rainbow homes,’ specializes in modular building, using shipping containers that measure: 12,19m L x 2,44m W x 2,9m H. These ISO containers are also called HQ or HC (short for high cube because they stand slightly taller than a standard container), ISBU, inter- modal shipping containers, cargo containers, C-Blox, and conex boxes. According to John Venter, Director of Umnyama Ikhaya, their modular building method can be applied to all aspects of society, from low- and medium-cost options to premium-cost products – both on and off the grid. It is fully customizable and can be used to construct everything from an outside room, shop, apartment block or entire township, to an upmarket house. All permanent structures will be delivered and fixed to a foundation at all times, and the possibilities are endless. “Modular building is the sensible choice,” Venter says. The company’s main focus in bringing their product to the market is towards off-grid, green living that integrates solar, wind, green growing walls, waterless toilets, rainwater harvesting systems, smokeless stoves, etc. “You dream it, and we will build it. No challenge is too big or small. The beauty of this building form is its simplicity,” Venter states. COSTING When it comes to cost, Venter explains that container prices vary from R20,000 for a second-hand container, to about R52,000 for a once-used shipping container. Brand new shipping containers sell for about R62,000. Venter is firm that Umnyama Ikhaya will only be using the high cube shipping containers as building blocks, due to their added height. MARCH - APRIL 2016 ALTERNATIVE BUILDING TECHNOLOGY Sketch and renderings: © Grow Architecture