Introduction to a Landmark in Container Commercial Architecture. Completed in 2010, the Box Office container project in Providence, Rhode Island, redefined sustainable office design using shipping container architecture. Located on the former Harris Lumber site, this shipping container office building was developed by Truth Box, Inc. and designed by architect Joe Haskett of Distill Studio. The development transformed a vacant urban brownfield into a pioneering example of container commercial architecture.
Design Concept and Construction
The Box Office consists of 12 office and studio spaces constructed from 32 recycled shipping containers. The design incorporated 100 tons of salvaged steel that would otherwise have entered the waste stream. The project team included Distill Studio (architecture), Morris Beacon Design (civil engineering), Structures Workshop (structural engineering), and Klopfer Martin Design Group (landscape architecture). Stack Design Build managed the installation.
Developer Peter Gill Case of Truth Box Rhode Island envisioned a modular, efficient workspace that could compete with traditional office buildings. He commissioned Haskett to deliver a Class A office space with a significantly reduced environmental footprint. The design achieved this goal while maintaining affordability and adaptability.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Office Design
This shipping container office building integrates advanced energy-saving features. Each unit includes high-efficiency air-source heat pumps and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) to provide fresh air while minimizing energy loss. High-performance windows and doors reduce heat transfer, and strategically placed windows maximize natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
As a result, the Box Office consumes up to 30% less energy than a conventional office building of similar size. The structure demonstrates how sustainable office design can merge form and function while embracing upcycled materials.
Environmental Site Integration
Beyond architecture, the site itself played a critical role in the project’s green credentials. Civil engineer Jonathan Ford of Morris Beacon Design guided stormwater planning, permitting, and grading to meet both environmental and regulatory standards.
The development includes a bioretention system that captures and treats stormwater runoff. Native vegetation filters pollutants through phytoremediation. This process helps infiltrate water back into the ground, reducing strain on the local sewer system. In total, the system cuts stormwater runoff by over 65%.
The Box Office’s location between a highway, train track, and urban roadway presented acoustic and air quality challenges. The project responded with super-insulated exteriors, tight building envelopes, and material selection focused on indoor air quality. These elements ensured interior spaces remained quiet, well-ventilated, and naturally lit.
Impact and Industry Recognition
The Box Office container project in Providence has received national attention. It is frequently cited as a model for combining shipping container office buildings with sustainable design strategies. Architectural Record and other publications have featured the project, emphasizing its success in repurposing materials and revitalizing underused land.
Its innovative approach positions it as a benchmark in container commercial architecture. The project also proves that modular construction using reclaimed materials can exceed Class A performance expectations while reducing environmental impact. The collaboration between Distill Studio, Truth Box, and the broader project team resulted in a forward-thinking development that continues to inspire future builds in sustainable office design.
By integrating energy performance, recycled materials, and ecological site strategies, the Box Office project exemplifies what is possible when vision meets innovation in modern architecture.
Courtesy Of: Distill Studio
Photos By: Nat Rea and Glen Turner
