LOT-EK uses 140 shipping containers to build residential community in johannesburg

new york- and naples-based architecture firm LOT-EK has designed a modular residential building in south africa using 140 upcycled shipping containers. situated on a triangular plot in johannesburg’s maboneng district, an area of recent urban transformation and renewal, ‘drivelines studios’ responds to the city’s desire to repopulate its downtown through new models of urban living.

all images by dave southwood

LOT-EK conceived the building’s exterior as a billboard where two separate volumes of stacked containers enclose a communal courtyard. retail spaces have been positioned along the road to the south, with the remainder of the ground floor, as well as the six storeys above, dedicated to living accommodation. the open plan studios, which vary between 300 and 600 square feet (28-56 sqm), all include an outdoor space along the courtyard-facing walkways.

the modular residential building comprises 140 shipping containers

the interior elevations are articulated by staircases, as well as the elevator tower and the bridges connecting all levels. meanwhile, open circulation paths activated by the residences spillover onto their outdoor space. the containers themselves were stacked and cut on site, before being combined to form the units. a large diagonal cut-out, from the corner to the center of each container, generates the large windows, which, in turn, creates the pattern seen on the development’s blue and green façades.

the development is located in maboneng, an area of recent urban transformation and renewal

‘drivelines studios’ responds to the city’s desire to repopulate its downtown

the architects conceived the building’s exterior as a billboard

two separate volumes of stacked containers enclose and overlook a communal courtyard

open circulation paths activated by the residences spillover onto their outdoor space

the interior elevations are articulated by staircases and bridges connecting all levels

the scheme sits on a triangular plot of land

retail spaces have been positioned along the road to the south

the project takes an active role in the revitalization of the city’s downtown

the large windows generate the pattern seen on the development’s blue and green façades

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project info:

type: residential
design: LOT-EK, ada tolla + giuseppe lignano, principals, sara valente, project architect
commission: PROPERTUITY
location: johannesburg, SA
size: 75,000 sqf / 6,968 sqm
design: 2016
completion: 2017
structural engineer: asakheni + silman
MEP: VBK engineering systems + ABBINK consulting
project management: sevenbar consulting
architect of record: anita du plessis
construction: tri-star
photography: dave southwood