Hail to the Hive!

About 8 days ago I noticed the beginnings of a container build and politely asked the workers if I could take a few shots as I am always interested in innovative construction projects and I did a black and white post with the photos

@scubahead/container-conversion-monomad-challenge

Yesterday I revisted the post office which is next door to this construction and saw that some progress was being made but it left me wondering are they actually working from any real architectural design or just making it up as they go.

The work,en were not there for me to ask any questions as I am keen to learn a few things such as the building purpose and plans for its completion etc.

It seems the general idea was so split and separate a shipping container lengthwise and build a roof over the top creating a bigger space.

On my last visit the front and back walls had not been built and the roof had only just been started. Both of these areas have seen some progress.

I’m curious to see how they incorporate this container door into the project. Will it be made into a functional access or just made into a side wall?

It’s interesting to note they are using timber for constructing the roof which caught my eye. A similar roof over 2 containers that I saw in the Philippines had faba metal frame for the roof to create a covered area and that looked much better, stronger and just an all round better design.

The fact that timber is being used is what is making me wonder what plan is in place. Probably just trying to keep costs down but if does seem a little odd.

Now don’t get me wrong I’m all for improvise and innovate and all that but I have a few concerns about this. Notably the centre supports for the roof at the front and back of the structure are supported by the hollow block walls. These don’t seem to share the same foundation as the support on the sides from the container halves.

I would be worried if the walls subside and settle that this will warp and throw the whole roof structures integrity out. I hope this isnt the case and I’m missing something in their ‘design’.

We only have a few weeks left here and I’m hoping to revisit the site a few more times to see how it develops as it is an interesting project and I’m keen to learn its purpose also,

So I’m a little worried but a,so very interested to how it goes and I can only hope there must be a plan that addresses the concerns I’ve mentioned. If any of you architects out there on hive have any thoughts on this you’d like to share then hit me up in the comments section.