Sustainable Commercial Design by James & Mau and Infiniski. Completed in 2011, the Emporio shipping container deli in Talca showcases sustainable shipping container architecture. James & Mau designed the project, and Infiniski built it using five recycled shipping containers. The team prioritized strong visual identity and high energy efficiency. Renowned for shipping container architecture projects like the Manifesto House, Infiniski proved that recycled shipping container buildings can blend innovation with environmental responsibility. Located in Talca, Chile, the deli helped represent the Campo Noble brand and advanced the popularity of modular shipping container commercial buildings worldwide.
Design Concept and Visual Identity
The deli spans 150 square meters, plus 35 square meters of covered terrace. It features a single-level plan with a sales area, office, assembly room, and cold storage. The compact cubic form enhances street presence.
Designers placed a glazed surface—symbolizing an eye—within wood-framed walls, floors, and ceilings. This framing created an eyelid effect that controlled light and heat, helping preserve perishable goods. In addition, the ventilated wooden façade acts as a solar shield.
Shipping Container Architecture, Modular Construction and Sustainability Strategies
Builders used a semi-prefabricated modular construction approach. They prepared the five recycled 40-foot containers off-site and transported them to Talca. This minimized on-site disruption and reduced installation time.
The construction approach followed Infiniski’s modular principles:
- Reduced environmental footprint
- Lowered material waste
- Streamlined construction time and cost
These methods made the project ideal for small-scale commercial applications.
High-Performance Materials and Techniques
Designers implemented multiple sustainable strategies to optimize performance:
- Insulation: Recycled newspaper cellulose insulated walls.
- Interior Panels: Cellulose fiber and natural gypsum formed interior partitions.
- Structural Framework: Recycled galvanized steel supported internal structures.
- Thermal Base Insulation: Natural cork spray insulated the container bases.
- Material Reuse: Builders reused container offcuts for exterior doors and fences. Original doors became the main entry.
- Glazing and Flooring: Double glazing with air cavities improved insulation. Original 30mm plywood was polished for the floors.
- Finishes: Low-toxicity, eco-certified paints covered interior and exterior surfaces.
Each component enhanced the building’s energy performance and comfort.
Local Context and Environmental Response
Talca’s Mediterranean climate influenced the passive cooling strategy. Shaded zones and ventilated façades reduced dependency on mechanical HVAC systems.
Furthermore, the James & Mau container architecture methodology guided a site-specific design. It responded to Talca’s evolving urban fabric. The modular layout and simple geometry allowed smooth integration into the surrounding environment.
Ultimately, the Emporio deli illustrated how shipping containers could serve commerce and sustainability. It demonstrated how well modular shipping container commercial buildings can deliver functional, ecological, and visual impact in one cohesive structure.
Courtesy Of: Punta Fina
Photographs By : Antonio Corcuera, Infiniski
