CONTAINER BOX
WORLD NEWS
In some ways, Open Your Door (出櫃) is a shop within a shop, because the Container Box is situated inside a large commercial space. Even more surprising, it's in an upscale area where rental prices are higher, so they are bucking about every retail norm in real estate.
As for their drinks, they may have the best milk tea in Nantun District (南屯區). Their service is exceptionally friendly and the owner made a special effort to help, even for foreigners who speak broken Chinese.
As for the container, it was refreshing to see how it was incorporated into a business so effortlessly unspoiled. It is the perfect example of an authentic Container Box Shop.
Sometimes simplicity is the key to design, and there's no better example than this Cargo Box Garage with a metal grate driveway ramp. We searched online to see if something like this was available for purchase, however, it was to no avail.
After closer inspection, we finally realized this was a home-made creation, which used slotted-angle shelving posts welded together on the bottom. It is also light weight, which allows for easy transport, and it prevents seepage and cracks, two common problems with concrete. Rain drainage is always important, especially in a humid environment such as Taiwan.
It is an ingenius, simple design and the owner should be applauded.
Can you give me a supersized container box roof with that burger, please? Without a doubt, this one of the largest, individual container box roofs that has ever been displayed on this site.
Supported by solid iron i-beams both in front and back, it would take a monster typhoon to bring this thing down. Also, instead of using cinder blocks, they opted to use two concrete blocks on each corner instead. Concrete blocks have more strength and resistance to weather and pressure than cinder blocks have.
Since this car dealership is only a mile from the ocean, they needed to take the frequent rain and extreme weather into account. They really put a great deal of effort in making this container box office last.
On an added note, the salespeople are friendly and have a wide selection of of great vehicles. In terms of customer service, they really have the market cornerned.
The most eye-alluring part of this current container are the I-beam and end plate supports. Set up as a dessert shop in Hsinchu, they really did an excellent job of stabilizing everything on a crooked street.
The only way this could be done was by putting strong supports to level the shop. Whenever there is an odd corner, an overhang next to a river, or a crooked street, shops always seem to gravitate towards containers as a quick solution. Which is why, time and time again, the greatest challenge always seems to be finding ways to level the box properly.
Also, if you're looking for some good dessert in Hsinchu, this is the place to go.
With cattle grazing in the field adjacent to it's front patio, this is one of the most unique Container Cafes' we have visited so far. Located in the center of Tapei National University of the Arts, TNUA Soft Ice Cream (北藝大吐納霜淇淋) feels like the hub of the student community. It's the place where everyone meets up after a long day of classes, or where you pick up a quick cup of coffee before driving the motorbike back home.
There is nothing more aluring than the faded grandeur of Cargo Art. While traversing the streets of Taichung, we have seen many examples of Cargo Box artwork that has been lost to time, either by abandoment or just sheer neglect.
(Work in progress...)
Depending on the district, some zoning codes are more favorable towards container shops than others. However, having hubcaps as foundation support has to be pushing it to the limit.
Binlang sellers have a habit of taking the easiest route when setting up their shops, so it's not surprising to see wild stuff like this. On the other hand, we think they did wonderful work on the roof and the paint job.
When visiting Huoguichawu (貨櫃茶屋) Container Tea Shop, the first thing you will notice is its unique location, at the bend between two intersections. The way the street curves, it almost leads you directly to the shop.
The second thing you will notice is the quaint charm, the unusual decor, the bizarre beauty that this shop excudes. It seems like something that evolved over time, a small statue here, a little trinket over there... somehow it grew into a weird garden of knick knacks and personal treasures.
The owner of Huoguichawu (貨櫃茶屋) is very friendly and really takes the time to help you. It's really a special kind of Tea Shop.
Probably one of the most popular uses for Cargo Boxes in Taiwan is for public restrooms. Scattered around parks, government buildings, and especially the docks, you can see them everywhere.
At first they are hard to distinguish, however, take a look at the top and you will see a hook on every corner. That's a dead give-away that it used to be loaded on the ships. It's always good to see these discarded cargo boxes be turned into something useful.
Yesterday, I was walking down the street and looking through shop windows when I came upon this incredible discovery. At first, I couldn't believe it, but after closer inspection, I realized that it was a Cargo Box Bar!
The name of the shop is the Basil Kitchen (蘿勒廚房), located in Taichung City, in an area that is surrounded by an oasis of restaurants and bars. It's a very busy street, and there's a lot of competition. That's why a lot of shops will do creative things to attract customers.
Here are some more pictures of the Amazing Cargo Box Bar at the Basil Kitchen (蘿勒廚房).
Sometimes I daydream about the pancake cones they make at Dadaocheng Dock, embeded with cream and covered with a variety of delicious toppings. The shop that makes these treats of wonder is called I Love Bow (我愛豹豹) and they have been a staple of the Pier5 market since its inception.
It's such an amazing feeling to be standing next to the water eating your favorite treat. Watching the boats go by and letting the ocean breeze blow through your hair. It really is a cool destination for any one looking for a place to chill.
On a stroll in Hongshulin, we came across a fascinating Cargo Box Office that tickled our imagination. It appeared as if the box fell into disarray, possibly for several years, and it was now being used for storage. However, at one time, perhaps the owner opened a small Cargo Shop or provided a service for local residents.
Whatever the purpose, it seems a shame that it can't be put to better use. It appears in good enough shape to be a binlung shop or even a local cafe'. With a little elbow grease and some paint, this could be fixed up like new. With a little imagination, it could be used for almost anything.
Last weekend, I found myself in Cargo Box Heaven, and there were stevedore angels floating around me. Then I realized, it wasn't heaven, I was in the Mitsui Outlet Mall Food Court. It really was an enjoyable experience, seeing the entire area serving food in themed Cargo Boxes.
With limited options to eat in the center of National Taiwan Sports University (NTSU), the Millimetre Cafe' (毫米咖啡) is an oasis for a remote area filled with campus buildings and resident dorms. Just to be able to enjoy a special place to unwind after a grueling day of lectures and studying must be a godsend to students and faculty alike.
The thing we enjoy the most about the Millimetre Cafe' are the scenic views of trees and nature from every area of the shop. There are several parks within walking distance, and it's a nice romantic area for couples to visit.
Need a few extra feet of square footage? Just turn those container doors into walls, and presto, now there's the extra motorbike parking area you wanted. When it comes to re-using those shipping boxes, there are no rules in construction. Everything they taught in carpentry school goes right out the window!
In addition to the container door/walls, they also added a spiral door in the front. Usually, this is for either parking or a small shop. Also, they incorporated the container into the rest of the building and extended the box in the back.
On the 3rd stop of the Tamsui LRT (Danjin Denggong Station), there is a hidden gem that very few know about. It is called The Maverick Cubano, and it's a magical place. And the design on the Cargo Box Kitchen is a work of art.
Car washes are the perfect place to utilize a container office, especially for a business with low overhead. This particular office has all the necessary amenities, such as running water, electricity, air conditioning, and ample windows.
It's a fairly large container, so the owner probably frequents the location often. Plus, they have two boxes, side by side, so it may even double as living quarters.
It's fairly common to see Container Box Offices in Paid Parking Lots these days, especially around Taipei City. They're inexpensive, easy to move, and they serve a vital management function.
This particular parking lot is over in Linkou District, close to the MRT Station and an upscale shopping mall. It has all the basic amenities, such as air condtioning, electric, outside lights, as well as the necessary security. Considering that it's only a parking lot container office, they put considerable work into it.
So, hat's off to whoever designed this Container Office, it's quite decent.
There appear to be three essential ingredients for a Car Dealership in Taipei; an empty parking lot, plenty of cars, and a container box office. We have seen this formula play out again and again, and for this type of business, it makes plenty of sense.
Containers are easily accessible, simple to move, and relatively cheap, especially on an island. It seems that any car dealership close to the ocean will always make use of Container Offices.
What made this car dealership extra special is that they also had a Container Box Log Cabin, which was something we've never seen before. 
Here is a photo gallery showing the various angles of both Container Box Offices that were being used at this particular location.
If there are a bunch of Container Boxes sitting in your company's parking lot, you might as well make use of them. Stack a few of them together, add a door and a couple of windows, and voilà... you have the perfect office!!
It's amazing what you can do with a container box and a dream. The other day, we saw a small cafe' in the most desolate of locations, yet it had the warmth, charm, and beauty of any coffee shop we've ever seen.
Subcategories
Cargo Box Research
This is where we learn about the history of Cargo Box Building, how it grew in certain communities, and where it is headed in the future.
Cargo Box Homes
This is where we discuss the use of Cargo Box Containers being used in the structure and building of Homes.
Cargo Box Shops
These are where we discuss the use of Cargo Box Containers with various shops, vendors, and cafes'.
Cargo Box Restaurants
This is where we discuss the use of Cargo Box Containers being used in the structure and building of Restaurants.
Cargo Box Offices
This is where we discuss the use of Cargo Box Containers being used in the structure and building of Offices.
Cargo Box Structures
This is where we discuss the use of Cargo Box Containers for various types of structures, whether it is as a shed, garage, or a general purpose facility.
Cargo Box News
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