A Vision for Modular Container Structures in Rural Europe. Located on a historic estate in Guimarães, Portugal, this innovative recycled shipping container building showcases rural container architecture in Europe. Real estate manager Arthur Carvalho led the project at Quinta da Cancela 1720, transforming recycled containers into a highly functional, modular container structure.
Arthur originally sought to expand storage for the estate’s operations. However, his concept evolved into a more ambitious plan: to create a recycled shipping container building that could serve as a flexible, sustainable facility. The result now supports events, tourism, and agriculture while blending into the wooded landscape.
Design Process and Construction Approach
The building consists of two 40-foot high cube shipping containers and two halves of another 40-foot unit. As a recycled shipping container Portugal project, it was built in collaboration with local subcontractors who managed all phases:
- Concrete foundation work
- Placement of containers
- Cutting openings for windows and welding roof edges
- Installation of waterproofing and aluminum framing
The design emphasizes reuse and climate adaptation. Ten sheets of reclaimed double-glass windows—originally mismeasured for another site—were incorporated. Expanded clay balls insulate the roof, and the structure was sited beneath perennial shade trees to optimize seasonal solar exposure.
Key Build Features
This shipping container multi-purpose facility prioritizes both performance and sustainability. Notable features include:
- 90m² total floor area
- Lightweight roof insulation using expanded clay
- Recycled aluminum-framed windows for thermal efficiency
- Geotextile layer and concrete slabs for roof stabilization
Construction was fast and efficient. The team completed the entire shell in just seven days:
- One day for foundational carpentry and ironwork
- Half-day for concrete pouring
- Half-day for container placement
- One day for window cutting and welding
- One day for applying a waterproof membrane
- One day for window installation
- Half-day for roof treatment with geotextile and expanded clay
- One day for final painting
Use Cases and Functional Flexibility
While initially envisioned as a storage facility, the Guimarães shipping container estate project now serves several purposes:
- Semi-industrial kitchen for estate use and events
- Poolside guest support facility
- Studio space available for short-term rental
- Lounge and dining area accommodating up to 50 guests
This flexible layout underscores the advantages of modular container structures for estate and tourism operators. The structure meets the site’s evolving needs without requiring extensive land disturbance or high costs.
Sustainable and Localized Impact
The facility stands as a benchmark for recycled shipping container buildings in Portugal. Built with a budget of just €10,000 (excluding interior finishes), it demonstrates how rural container architecture in Europe can merge efficiency with environmental awareness. Its rapid construction timeline, use of local labor, and adaptive reuse approach position it as an accessible model for low-impact, high-value modular development.
Through thoughtful planning and adaptive reuse, this project extends the utility of industrial materials and enriches the functionality of a historic rural estate in Portugal.
Courtesy Of: Arthur Carvalho
Wow, I think this is the ULTIMATE recycling project. Very inspiring, I work for a company that is trying to do its part for the environment by using recycled materials to create bulk containers for use in many different industries.