Zilt, a startup specializing in research and development in the rapidly growing aquaculture sector, approached us with a unique and ambitious project.
Their goal was to create a large-scale, temperature-controlled laboratory inside an existing warehouse. What made this project particularly special was the decision to use repurposed refrigerated containers as the foundation of the entire structure. While this presented several challenges, it also offered numerous advantages.
Refrigerated containers proved to be the perfect choice due to their built-in insulation, which is essential for maintaining stable temperatures. Additionally, since the lab would work extensively with seawater, the containers' high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel and aluminum were ideal for the environment.
Another key aspect was sustainability. Using second-hand containers contributed to a more circular and eco-friendly approach, aligning with the project's vision.
In our workshop, we carefully modified the refrigerated containers to meet the lab's specific needs. This involved:
By strategically arranging the containers, we created spacious working environments. The largest lab area consists of three 40ft refrigerated containers, resulting in an impressive 86.4 m² workspace.
A crucial part of the project was designing a reliable water supply and drainage system. To accommodate this, we left ample space beneath the containers for easy installation of piping. Additionally, flat rack containers were used to place water reservoirs on the roofs of the refrigerated units. These heavy-duty containers can support up to 32 tons, ensuring a steady water supply for the lab.
After weeks of modifications and structural enhancements, one final challenge remained: precisely positioning the containers inside the warehouse. With a low ceiling and limited maneuvering space, every movement had to be executed with millimeter precision. Using a combination of crane trucks, forklifts, and our custom-built wheel system, we successfully positioned all 16 containers in just three days.
Our custom-developed swivel wheels proved invaluable, allowing just two people to move containers weighing up to 4.5 tons.
Today, research is already underway in the fully operational container lab. This facility is filled with potential and promises to play a significant role in advancing the aquaculturesector.
We wish the Zilt team great success with this groundbreaking project. It’s inspiring to see how a combination of repurposed refrigerated containers, sustainability, and innovation can lead to truly transformative results.
