Converting shipping containers to all manner of architectural structures isn’t a new phenomenon, however it is only in the last 15-20 years that people have been really begun exploring the possilbilities of using this resource in a permanent sense.

Architectural competition site AC - CA conceived an international competition – open to architects, graduates, engineers and students – for a vacation home constructed from shipping containers for a hypothetical site overlooking Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach.

More than 300 submissions were receieved, giving the judging panel – comprising French architect Juliette Sohier, Australian architect Jason Trisley and Danish architect Mads Møller – an unenviable task.

First place went to Czech architect Ales Javurek, with the judges saying: The elegant juxtaposition of shipping containers and horizontal timber planes creates a very simple building that reflects a very positive emotional space and experience.There is an element of surprise within this project even as it attempts to retain and stay true to the container DNA is something that excited the panel.

The interesting inter-play between the different materials of steel container and wood together with transparencies give this project a positive edge. The panel also noted the understanding of the required ventilation and the great control of natural lighting from the sun. It is simple concept where smaller spaces are used for private functions and the larger space between containers are used for public functions. It is a structure that is realistic, feasible and also blends and integrates well with the site.

Second place was won by South Korean architects Eunjin Koh and Jonghyun Kim. The judges noted: The originality of the architecture presented by this project with its uneven, rawness of the creased and wrinkled roof plane and deconstruction as a mimesis to the adjacent rugged sandstone cliff rocks results in an interesting concept.Suspending the shipping containers to create a varied and vibrant well-ordered private living space contrasting the dynamic public spaces with the container taking second priority is interesting. It is a good approach and great organisation of containers.

Third place was awarded to students Andrew Nicolle and James Moulder from Australia, whose proposal explored the use of damaged and partial containers. The judges were particularly impressed with this concept, stating: The ingenious proposition of reusing crumpled shipping containers has led to a unique solution, full of complexity that would be a joy to explore. It is an organic maze, full of playfulness and the original introduction of the container mould with the texture of the profiled metal container skin formwork. This resulted in transforming an otherwise monolithic low CO2 white concrete formwork into a series of delicate sculptural interior spaces.

The concern with regards of the use of container as ornament, the effectiveness, feasibility of such an approach without need for secondary construction was something that the panel look at. However, the complexity of the project also offers multiple points of view to the beach, coastline and ocean. This project does indeed offer food for thought on shipping container reuse and possibilities.