Shipping Container Meets Stretch Tents
The classic image of a shipping container – a sturdy steel box used for global cargo transport – is undergoing a transformation. Today, they’re becoming a popular choice for creating unique and functional event spaces, often paired with a stretch tent to create a dynamic duo is redefining temporary structures.
The combination is driven by their unique aesthetics, increased functionality, and overall cost-effectiveness for temporary or pop-up structures.
The sheer number of shipping containers in existence is staggering There are over 65 million shipping containers in use worldwide, as advised on Google, but there is no real quantifiable data that can give exact numbers. Even as a guide this figure is astronomical! In 2023 a report stated that 661 containers were lost at sea in 2022.
In recent years, they’ve become a popular choice for sustainable and innovative projects. Their durability, affordability, and modular nature make them ideal for a surprising variety of uses. This raw, modern look can be further customized with vibrant paint colours or signage, creating a truly distinctive atmosphere.
The conversion of these container is becoming so vast now including things such as cafes, bars, tiny homes, offices, Airbnb’s, pop up shops and gyms are just a few creations.
In the hospitality world they are incredibly popular for short or long term use. Companies fit them out as bars and hire them out to events so all that must be done, is theme and decorate to suit, stock them up with drinks and hire the staff. They can be loaded on to the back of a lorry and sited wherever suits.
We recently had the opportunity to showcase the power of this combination firsthand. We were tasked with attaching stretch tents to two outdoor hospitality areas. In one instance, a container bar featuring two units cleverly joined in an L-shape offered a unique indoor/outdoor seating area with a breathtaking sea view. The adjoining stretch tent seamlessly extended the covered space, allowing guests to enjoy the view in comfort. In another area, a stretch tent elegantly draped over the café serving area, providing much-needed shelter for customers ordering food.
Advantage Points
- Effortless Installation: Both shipping containers and stretch tents are known for their ease of setup and breakdown, perfect for temporary events.
- Adaptability: Stretch tents come in various sizes, allowing for flexibility in design and tailoring the space to specific needs. Plus, their aesthetic appeal often surpasses traditional marquee options.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: This combination creates additional comfortable space for guests to enjoy their food and drinks, ultimately contributing to a more positive experience.
- Increased Revenue Potential: For bars or restaurants, the additional covered space allows for more customers and potentially longer operating hours.
- Stand Out from the Crowd: The unique combination of a rustic container and a stylish stretch tent canopy creates a visually striking space that makes your event stand out.
Shipping containers and stretch tents are proving to be a winning combination for temporary and pop-up structures. Their unique aesthetics, increased functionality, and cost-effectiveness make them a compelling choice for event organisers and businesses looking for creative and adaptable solutions.
