Facebook Tweet Help Stories Commercial Design Architect in residence Share Tweet Help How to get that work-play balance right? Adding an over-sized container fitted out as an architecture studio to your backyard is one way From the architects: Randy Bens ArchitectCompleted in the winter of 2016, this modified shipping container is our new office. The practice was formed in 2005 to focus on small, well-crafted buildings. After working in my home office with one staff member for many years, we decided to expand the practice (a little). RBA office – dusk Lifestyle is important to me and my wife, so the decision was made to expand to the back yard rather than to a remote commercial space. The goal was to have the benefits of working from home, while having an independent space for staff, a place to conduct meetings with clients and contractors, and to simply have more room to do our work. The self sufficient building contains a kitchenette, washroom, printer / network cabinet and an open studio space. The small meeting space can be configured in a number of ways, and the table can join the desk for model making. The over-sized corten steel shipping container has a fresh timber-clad facade. Rba Office – room to move RBA office plan We looked at several construction options and settled on an over-sized corten steel shipping container. These containers were designed for mining operations and are 40’ long, 11.5’ wide, and 9.5’ high. The inherent durability of the steel shell, and the ability to for us to take the structure with us when / if we relocate were two of the biggest benefits. The Rba Office is unobtrusive within the street vernacular Rba Office – window on work/play lifestyle The 350 sq ft building cantilevers over its new foundation, and pulls all the services from the old 1930’s house that shares the property. Water, sanitary, power, and data were trenched from the house to the base of the building. The container was fitted out in the supplier’s factory, and arrived on site 95% complete, Cantilevered studio draws on the adjacent home's services. The reaction to the project has been universal in the neighbourhood and from visitors - everyone loves it. There is something about small buildings that most people find appealing. It has turned out to be a pleasant place to work. Working into the evening isn't so bad when home is five steps away. Credit list Architects Randy Bens Architect Manufacturer Herman Miller, Flor, Structurlam, Studio Italia Area 350.0ft2 Location New Westminster, BC, Canada Story by: Trends Publishing Photography by: Ema Peter 10 Oct, 2018 Commercial Design Trendsideas Home kitchen bathroom commercial design Latest Post Deep in the jungle 22 Dec, 2024 Mixing it up 22 Dec, 2024 Everyday opulence 15 Dec, 2024 We know the Specialists Similar Stories