In recent years, glamping has emerged as a popular trend among those seeking to blend the charm of camping with the luxuries of modern living. This fusion of glamour and camping has gained traction across the UK, where festival-goers, holidaymakers, and even entrepreneurs are turning to an innovative solution: container glamping.
Repurposed shipping containers are becoming a staple at festivals, campsites, AirBnBs, and more. But what makes these structures so perfect for this purpose? Let’s explore how shipping containers are being used this festival season and what sets them apart.
Header Image Source: Host Unusual
Versatility and Transformative Design
Initially designed for transporting goods across the globe, shipping containers are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into almost any type of living space.
Their rigid, boxy structure provides a blank canvas that can be adapted to various needs and preferences. They can be outfitted with windows, doors, insulation, plumbing, and electrical systems to create a cosy, self-contained unit for glamping purposes.
Customisation Options:
Interior Layouts:
Containers can be divided into multiple rooms or kept as open-plan spaces, making them suitable for everything from a single-room retreat to a multi-room family accommodation.
Aesthetic Appeal:
The exterior can be painted, clad in wood, or decorated with plants and lights to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment or stand out as a chic, modern abode.
Furniture and Fixtures:
The interior can be fitted with high-end furnishings, kitchenettes, ensuite bathrooms, and even air conditioning or heating systems, providing all the comforts of home.
Durability and Weather Resistance
One of the primary ways shipping containers are perfect for use in this festival season is their inherent durability. Built to withstand the rigours of ocean travel, these steel structures are robust and weather-resistant, making them perfect for the unpredictable British climate.
Whether parked in a muddy festival field or perched on a windswept cliffside, containers offer sturdiness and protection that traditional tents or yurts simply cannot match.
Weatherproof Features:
Insulation: High-quality insulation can be added to ensure the container remains warm in winter and cool in summer, providing year-round comfort.
Waterproofing: Containers are naturally waterproof, but additional seals and coatings can be applied to prevent potential leaks, ensuring a dry and cosy interior during rainy spells.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Living
As environmental concerns continue rising, many people seek sustainable alternatives for their travel and leisure activities. Repurposing shipping containers for glamping aligns perfectly with this ethos. By giving these steel behemoths a second life as living spaces, we reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact of new construction.
Sustainability Benefits:
Upcycling: Transforming decommissioned shipping containers into habitable spaces reduces the need for new building materials and reduces construction waste.
Energy Efficiency: Modern container homes can be fitted with energy-efficient solar panels, LED lighting, and low-flow water fixtures, reducing their environmental footprint.
Minimal Land Impact: Containers require minimal foundation work, meaning they can be placed on sites with little to no disruption to the natural landscape, preserving the beauty of the surrounding area.
Cost-Effective Luxury
While glamping is often associated with luxury, it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Using shipping containers as the base structure for glamping units can significantly reduce construction costs compared to traditional building methods. This cost-saving can then be passed on to customers, allowing them to enjoy high-end amenities without breaking the bank.
Source: The Senior
Financial Advantages:
Affordable Construction: The basic structure of a container is already in place, which can save on material and labour costs compared to building from scratch.
Scalability: For business owners, containers offer a scalable option for expanding their glamping offerings. Additional units can be easily added as demand grows without extensive construction work.
Maintenance Savings: The durability and resilience of containers require less maintenance over time, leading to long-term savings on repair and upkeep costs.
Adaptability to Various Landscapes
Another factor that makes containers perfect for glamping is their adaptability to different landscapes. Whether nestled in a forest, overlooking a beach, or situated on a remote mountain slope, containers can be transported and installed in diverse locations easily. Their modular design allows them to be stacked, arranged, and configured to suit the site’s unique characteristics.
Enhanced Security and Privacy
Compared to traditional camping options, containers offer higher security and privacy. The solid steel walls provide a barrier against intruders, while lockable doors and windows add an extra layer of protection. This makes containers attractive for those who value peace of mind and a sense of seclusion during their glamping experience.
Privacy and Security Features:
Sound Insulation: The solid construction of containers helps to reduce noise from outside, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment.
Secure Access: Lockable doors and windows ensure guests feel safe and secure, whether in a remote location or a busy festival site.
Personal Space: Unlike traditional camping setups where tents are often packed closely together, container glamping units can be spaced apart, providing guests with their private oasis.
How Shipping Containers Are Used at Glastonbury Festival
In recent years, shipping containers have played a big part at the world-famous Glastonbury Festival, offering secure and versatile infrastructure solutions.
These sturdy containers have been utilised for various purposes, such as safe storage for equipment and supplies, ensuring that valuable items are protected from theft and weather damage. They’re also transformed into luxury accommodations, providing festival-goers with high-end sleeping quarters complete with ensuite facilities and glamping amenities.
Shipping containers also serve as dynamic spaces for performances and retail. For instance, a DJ performed inside a converted container in the Shangri-La area, showcasing their adaptability as entertainment venues4. Their ease of transport and setup makes them ideal for the festival’s temporary yet robust infrastructure needs. This innovative use of containers underscores Glastonbury’s commitment to combining practicality with creativity.
Above: Shangri-La area of Glastonbury Festival
Source: DJ Mag
Looking for Containers for Your Glamping or Festival Needs?
Discover the perfect solution with Philspace. Established in 1975, our family-run business offers a wide range of quality products, including canteens, welfare units, and used sale items that are perfect for modification.
Get in touch with us today to learn how we can support you in upgrading your festival or glamping offerings.
