A Shipping Container Turns Into a Backyard Architecture Studio
Built for $200,000 and lowered into place by crane, a compact cargotecture office perfectly slots into an architect’s backyard.
After working from home for over a decade, Canadian architect Randy Bens found himself in need of a little more breathing room to accommodate the growth of his New Westminster–based architecture practice. Yet rather than rent an office, Randy decided to maintain his no-commute lifestyle by transforming an industrial shipping container into RBA Studio, a cozy 350-square-foot backyard office.
RBA Studio cantilevers over its concrete foundation by seven feet, and draws utilities from Randy's 1930s residence.
Ema Peter
"The goal was to have the benefits of working from home while having an independent space for staff, a place to conduct meetings with clients and contractors, and to simply have more room to do our work," says Randy, who assessed various home-office options before deciding on cargotecture as the most cost-effective solution—not to mention the added benefits of modularity and mobility.
From his home in New Westminster, the commute to Randy's new office takes just 30 seconds.
Ema Peter
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He then settled on a rugged 40-foot-long container—purchased from Richmond–based ContainerWest Manufacturing Ltd.—that was originally designed for mining operations. After trimming the container down to 28 feet, Randy spent six months transforming the industrial container into a livable workspace.
The office has been clad in yellow cedar to comply with the city requirement that all shipping containers be clad.
Ema Peter
The window and door frames have also been built from untreated yellow cedar, which will weather to a gray patina.
Ema Peter
"The steel stairs have already taken on a full layer of rust," says Randy, who completed the container office in winter 2016.
Ema Peter
The cut end of the structure was sealed with a full-height, triple-glazed window, while vertical strips of yellow cedar were used to clad the exterior. "The container was fitted out in the supplier’s factory, and arrived on site 95-percent complete," notes Randy of the custom build, which was completed for a total cost of $200,000.
Spray foam insulation has been applied on all sides of the container. A small air conditioner helps cool the unit in summer.
Ema Peter
Inside, the office is lined in birch plywood and fitted out with a 19-foot-long bevel-edged desk made from Douglas Fir that comfortably accommodates three workstations.
The office interior features Flor carpet tiles and walls of pre-finished birch plywood.
Ema Peter
The office also includes custom shelving installed above the workspaces; a bathroom with a space-saving, all-in-one sink and toilet by Caroma; a meeting desk for visiting clients and contractors; and a kitchenette with a sink, bar fridge, and microwave.
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Herman Miller Eames Molded Plastic Side Chair
Charles and Ray Eames realized their dream to create a single-shell form over 80 years ago by making their molded chairs of fiberglass. When the environmental risks of that material became known, the Eames Molded Shell Chair (1950) was changed to polypropylene, which is 100% recyclable and has a pleasant matte texture. In 2013, Herman Miller safely brought back the fiberglass shell thanks to a new proprietary production process. Today’s fiberglass chair is made of 99% recyclable materials and covered by Herman Miller’s take-back program for environmentally sound recycling. Plus, it’s true to the original with its beloved variegated surface. Also making its debut in 2013 was the stunning Eames Molded Wood Chair, a longtime dream of the Eameses finally made possible by today’s revolutionary 3-D molding technology. The result is an elegant yet strong and durable beautiful wood shell. The collection was expanded again in 2015 to include a counter stool and barstool. Each provides just the right amount of give, with a deep seat pocket and waterfall seat edge to reduce pressure on the backs of thighs. The Molded Shell Chair is a celebration of the Eameses’ fascination with emerging materials. “The chair that Charles and Ray were designing,” says grandson Eames Demetrios, “is the chair that’s made tomorrow.” This is an authentic Eames Cahir by Herman Miller. Made in U.S.A.
ShopThe work desk spans across 19 feet with no support.
Ema Peter
The meeting table is a Nelson X-Leg with birch wrap and a white-matte laminated top paired with Eames Molded Fiberglass in Peacock Blue. The kitchenette has been finished with Matte White Thermofoil cabinetry and a Caesarstone quartz countertop.
Ema Peter
"The reaction to the project has been universal in the neighborhood and from visitors—everyone loves it," Randy says.
The floor-to-ceiling, triple-glazed wall overlooks the lawn and residence.
Ema Peter
"There is something about small buildings that most people find appealing. It has turned out to be a pleasant place to work."
RBA Studio Floor Plan and Sections
Project Credits:
Architect of Record: randy bens architect / @randybens
Builder/ General Contractor: Container West
Structural Engineer: Ennova Engineering
Landscape Design Company: Dave Demers
Interior Design: randy bens architect
Cabinetry Design/ Installation: Stickle Cabinetry
Site Works: Kliewer Brothers Construction
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