# Shipping Container Classrooms The Waldorf School of Orange County Gives New Meaning to Portables By Parul Rohatgi | Published 2011-09-30 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-classrooms References: [latimesblogs.latimes](http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2011/09/costa-mesa-classrooms-made-of-recycled-shipping-containers.html) & [waldorfschool](http://www.waldorfschool.com/) Kids at the Waldorf School of Orange County in Costa Mesa, California are going to green classrooms by using [recycled shipping containers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kennedy-model). Using what they call the "[e]co classroom architecture," the Waldorf School has used primarily corrugated steel containers to build classrooms, restrooms, offices, a science lab, art space, student lounge and auditorium. The project, which started in February this year, had a budget of 2 million USD and used 10,000 sq.ft of space and 32 shipping containers. These containers were pre-constructed off-site including interior framing and electrical components, and then transported and set up in the school. These school facilities are green, durable and will be used by kids from [pre-kindergarten to grade 12](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-international-school). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 59% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Recycled Material Architecture:** The use of recycled shipping containers as classrooms showcases the potential for incorporating sustainable materials in construction projects. - **Modular Construction:** The use of pre-constructed shipping containers highlights the increased adoption of modular building techniques, allowing for faster and more efficient construction processes. - **Green Education Spaces:** The development of green classrooms demonstrates the growing emphasis on creating sustainable learning environments that promote environmentally-friendly practices. ### Where This Applies - **Construction:** Construction companies can explore the opportunity to specialize in the construction of structures using recycled shipping containers and modular building techniques. - **Education:** Schools and educational institutions can consider adopting similar green classroom initiatives to provide sustainable and environmentally-conscious learning spaces for students. - **Sustainable Design:** Architectural firms and designers specializing in sustainable design can leverage the concept of using recycled materials, such as shipping containers, to create eco-friendly structures. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Woodland Education Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clearing-education-center.md) - [Nature-Promoting School Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/primary-school-1.md) - [Sustainable Colorful School designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wonderland-elementary-school.md) - [Shipping Container-Built Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kennedy-model.md) - [Culturally Rooted Schools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/african-flow-school.md) - [Tropical Timber Schools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oceana-innovation-hub-school.md) - [Blue-Toned School Makeovers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fuquiang-school.md) - [Sustainable Educational Architecture Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-educational-architecture.md) - [Cost-Effective Shipping Container Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/custom-container-living-nook.md)