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The neighbourhood of Western Hill in St. Catharines is about become the first neighbourhood in Niagara to welcome a shipping container home. Shipping containers are not a new concept, they are used around the world for affordable housing.
The innovative Aduvo Inc.
St. Catharines native Mike Chaytor saw his vision to bring this concept home to Niagara a decade ago. Since then, he has created a company called Aduvo Inc., which is based exclusively on the shipping container homes concept.
Mike Chaytor’s first shipping container home is currently under construction in St. Catharines' Western Hill neighbourhood, with occupation to occur between late summer and early fall. His brother will be the owner of this specific home, however it will stand as a showpiece for future development of similar projects. Mike’s company owns two acres of land off Queenston Street in St. Catharines and plans for this parcel to become the first shipping container complex in Niagara. Mike's vision sees a 50-unit complex created solely from these shipping containers.
Cargotecture
This may seem like a new concept, however the trend of “cargotecture” originally comes from Europe where shipping containers have been integrated in the construction of commercial and residential structures for decades.
Examples of shipping container uses worldwide are:
- Population dense Amsterdam where they have been used for low-income and student housing
- South Africa where they are used as individual mobile schoolhouses
- Upscale retail shops like On Pier 57 in New York City
The low start-up cost and high availability of the containers makes it an attractive venture, however it takes time and diligent detail to transform a steel box into a habitable office, commercial space or cabin.
Cottage potential
The shipping container housing movement could transfer into the vacation industry. It entirely plausible for individuals to convert containers into small, low-maintenance cottages. This version of simple living would be especially attractive to people who spend their time outdoors and don’t require elaborate vacation living space.
Unique building opportunities are happening across the Niagara Region. If you are interested in knowing the value of your Niagara property or if you want to learn more about future development opportunities in Niagara, connect with a Niagara real estate appraiser today.
