We’ve seen what can be done with shipping containers in the past, from tiles to temporary spaces to homes, and now North Arrow Studio, along with Hendley | Knowles Design Studio, has utilized the durable structures to create the Container Bar in Austin, Texas.
Since the city was unfamiliar with using shipping containers in construction, it took about three years to get the project completed.
The containers make for the perfect construction material as the corrugated walls and the bottom’s steel frame all serve structural purposes. Just think about all the goods they carry around when in use! When they decided to remove parts of the structure, for windows and doors, they had to add a steel post or a steel lintel to replace the steel that was removed.
The containers are stacked like building blocks with an open, double-height bar area that’s covered with corrugated metal panels.
The bar is open to the outside giving it the best of both worlds – a covered space protected from the elements but still getting to enjoy the outdoors.
By using shipping containers, the bar can easily be disassembled and moved to another location when the time comes.
The interiors of the containers each have their own personality, like this one with machined MDF covering the walls and ceiling.
Photos by Chris Perez.

8 Comments
Richard on 05.16.2014 at 15:22 PM
These colors are great and I like the idea that when your lease is up you pick up and move to the next spot.
David C. Burdick on 05.28.2014 at 00:55 AM
TRUE!
See Leyla Shams’ comment on 05.20.2014 at 10:11 AM.
Rob-l on 05.20.2014 at 00:09 AM
In Vegas they built an entire retail center out of containers. http://downtowncontainerpark.com
David C. Burdick on 05.28.2014 at 00:57 AM
Rob:
Txs. 4 the URL.
Posted 2 fb 4 all my followers w/ Tiny Homes.
Maria Carmo on 05.20.2014 at 05:47 AM
The bar was not designed to be moved to another location.
These shipping containers have structural systems, foundations, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems that would make it very difficult and economically unfeasible to relocate the entire building.
Leyla Shams on 05.20.2014 at 10:11 AM
Maria, Not true! Everything can be easily unhooked and carried away. We made sure of it from the very beginning of the design process, as it was one of the central concepts of this building.
David C. Burdick on 05.28.2014 at 00:54 AM
X-lent communication & design concept! = X-lent forethought!
Adam Aw on 02.18.2016 at 08:59 AM
I like the fact that the container’s original plywood flooring is being kept. Simple and cool design, if planned properly, this project shouldn’t take more than 6 months. Thumbs up anyway! http://www.joycontainers.com used shipping containers for sale
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