Clients: The Free Store is a small grassroots 100% volunteer run not-for-profit organisation. TFS daily redistribute surplus food from 30 local cafes, bakeries and restaurants to those in need. They are based right in the heart of the city on Willis Street having re-opened in their new premises . . . a purpose-built 20-foot shipping container store.

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Timeframe: 24 months, part time

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Cost: Pro bono

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Brief: To convert a second hand shipping container into a functioning food storage and serving space. Complete with new windows and doors, lighting, bench and shelving, framing, insulation, linings and paint. All materials and labour were sourced and supplied free of charge.
Large holes were cut into the sides of the container to house a large serving window, a smaller window and a door. Box section and steel shrouds were welded in place for additional strength as well as to provide shelter for the new joinery.
A vapour barrier, cavity, and closed-cell, rigid insulation were installed to prevent condensation and create new internal walls for linings, benches, cabinets and shelving. 
Once the uPVC joinery was installed, work could begin on the exterior. Rust was removed and primed then TRITOflex spray was used ensuring that the container was fully waterproof and airtight as well as thermally insulated. TRITOflex is an environmentally friendly instant-setting liquid rubber that creates an impenetrable waterproofing membrane.
TRITOtherm was also applied. An acrylic and ceramic based thermal insulating and protective coating which reflects UV rays and dramatically reduces heat transfer through a thermal insulating barrier.
Neoprene washers and galvanised wing tek screws were used to attach the abodo wood cladding and signwork.
Internal linings, plaster/paint, and custom made benches, cabinets and shelving were all installed making the container ready for pickup and delivery. 

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Special materials:

• uPVC windows and doors

• Instant-setting sprayable waterproofing membrane

• Abodo timber cladding

• Recycled rubber flooring

• Kingspan vapour & thermal insulation

• Steel shrouds

• Powder coated signage

• Battery run internal led lighting
   

Complexity rating: Medium complexity.

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Unexpected building work: 

• The container was found to have a large concave causing water to pool on the roof. Larger ceiling framing was required to prop against and correct the issue. 

• Drilling multiple holes into the sides of the container was unexpectedly difficult and required cutting oil and multiple drill bits.

• Delivering the container to site was made extra complicated by low hanging power lines and a historically protected boundary fence. 

People involved: Project manager, builders (2), apprentice (1), labourer (1), architect (Designgroup Stapleton Elliot), graphic designer, SpaceWise (container supplier), Engineer, Crofts (container transport), TRITOflex (waterproofers), Painter, vinyl layer.

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Client feedback: Jamie brought a wealth of knowledge to the table regarding project management, appropriate materials required and creative solutions to maximise the small space we were working with. His team completed the retrofit to the highest standard - no corners were cut despite the charitable nature of the project. Jamie and his team are hard-working, professional and full to the brim with integrity.