Designing Inside the Box 2009

IDS WEST 2009 EXHIBITION
In 2009 IDS West challenged IDIBC members to create design concepts inside shipping containers, six teams were chosen. Rachel Clarida and myself took on the challenge and created a live / work concept for our container.

Concept: In a world that has a growing need for sustainable thinking one small idea can inspire change.  One piece of a larger concept, the container design was about showcasing locally manufactured materials & products, material reuse/salvage, energy & water efficient products/fixtures & creating an engaging and aesthetically comfortable space. The design is an attractive, verstile compact space that demonstrated containter living and working with a reduced carbon footrpint and support of local communites.

Material Inspiration: Mountain Pine Beetle Wood
Out of the devastation of 14.5 million hectares of British Columbia's forests comes denim wood, a reminder for years to come of environmental issues. Pine beetle wood comes from pine trees that have been devastated by the mountain pine beetle.
Mountain pine beetles lay eggs under the trees’ bark carrying a fungus, which leaves a blue or grey stain behind. Within a year the needles turn red and the  trees are dying or dead. Beetle-affected timber can be salvaged from the dead forests and can be used for anything from framing lumber to unique wood flooring, or panelling.  The unique look of the blue wood makes a statement of environmental conciousness.

The walls, ceiling, and flooring made use of the mountain pine beetle wood. We prepared and stained the wood panelling and stair treads ourselves as shown below.

Furnishings were donated from local businesses Lois Lane, Inform Interiors and ModernLove.  A water efficient toilet was used to demonstrate the concept of reusing grey water.
Local artistry was showcased with custom artwork by Picture Listen and long boards from Noble on display.

Noble Longboards

Toilet that reuses grey water from hand wash sink for toilet tank

Custom Artwork by Picture Listen

Salvaged track lighting from the Habitat for Humanity Restore was repurposed with retrofit LED bulbs.   LED strip lighting was used as an accent at a low level.

With a lamp life of over 100, 000 hours, up to 15 times that of an incandescent bulb, LED lighting is the way of the future.

Track Lighting with retrofit LED lamps

The exhibit was featured on the cover of the 2010 IDS West Prospectus as well as the Vancouver Sun (shown below).