Introduction: From discarded shipping containers to sustainable sanctuaries, Architect Dhara Kabaria of Studio Alternatives is redefining design through upcycling. Driven by a passion for extending the life of materials, her work blends creativity with conscience crafting eco-friendly, movable spaces that challenge norms and champion a circular future in architecture.
What motivated you to pursue this field and how did your journey lead to incorporating Studio Alternatives with a focus on upcycling and innovative design?
My master’s research topic was ‘Alternative use of materials in Design’. This course changed my perspective about the life of materials and how extending their life is possible and important for our environment. This course finally led me to start Studio Alternatives, where we focus on the concept of creative reuse.
“Sustainability shouldn’t be seasonal — it must be part of every decision we make.”
How has your educational background influenced your shift from your original field to designing movable projects and upcycling shipping containers?
As mentioned above, my master’s research topic led me to the founding of Studio Alternatives with a focus towards work on various interior and architectural solutions from discarded materials. Used shipping containers are also discarded from their original intended use (i.e. shipping) and hence we see it as reclaimed material.
Who has influenced your style, and how have their signature elements shaped your memorable container architecture projects, especially the pivotal ones in your career?
We do not have a very specific style that we follow throughout our projects. Having said that, thought-provoking, functional and simple to manage spaces have always been the focus of our work. In addition to shipping containers, we always encourage and explore the use of other reclaimed materials like old doors, windows, packaging-wood, fabric scrap, etc., in interiors that we create.
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Upcycling 101 with Studio Alternatives
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As woman in the field, what challenges have you faced and how have these experiences shaped your growth and unique perspectives?
This is a very niche area of work, and the process is unconventional. Hence anyone who works in this field will have to face a certain level of difficulty – be it either man or woman. Through experimentation and research, we have figured out our own methods and procedures which enable us in creating complex joineries in our design and detailing. Transport and installation of a readymade structure is always a challenge due to the unorganised nature of the transport and labour industry in our country. Other than that, as woman, I have always got a lot of respect from the skilled workforce which majorly consists of men in the fabrication and construction industry.
How has your work evolved from furniture design to container architecture, and how does the use of steel and container homes contribute advantages over traditional construction?
While exploring the concept of creative reuse or upcycling, it was ideal to start with smaller solutions such as furniture and interior elements. The shipping container part was in fact a happy coincidence wherein a project came to us just at the juncture where we were looking to take on bigger aspects in reuse. The farm house project created in a 40 ft container turned out to be hugely successful and we were overwhelmed by the number of individuals interested in this concept. This led us to set up a separate vertical in our business to work on ready-to-install living spaces made from discarded shipping containers.
Why It Matters:
As India targets net-zero and greener cities, voices like Dhara Kabaria’s are shaping a new narrative where architecture isn’t just about building spaces – but building responsibly. Her work inspires a new generation to think beyond the blueprint.
How do you advocate for container homes, promote upcycling as a mainstream lifestyle, and integrate reclaimed materials and other sustainable practices to make your structures unique and innovative?
Shipping container homes, specifically farm houses are a sustainable way of building and living. Firstly, we are using reclaimed containers as main building blocks, secondly, we do not have to make large plinths as the installation only requires a minimum number of footings. This avoids the need for extensive disturbance of the soil at the installation site. Thirdly, the complete structure, retains value even at the end of its life as it can be recycled, instead of ending up as debris like in the case of traditional construction. We are also working towards minimising the use of chemical-based joints and are promoting more mechanical joints in our design, which in turn are easier to disassemble for recycling after they complete their useful life. Our expertise in Integrating reclaimed materials in interiors and décor of our spaces, adds the finishing touch and gives our clients fascinating narratives to advocate the concept that they too believe in.
Highlight the process of transforming shipping containers into livable spaces, from acquisition to completion, and how do you ensure these spaces remain comfortable in extreme climates like Maharashtra’s heat?
The first step is the acquisition of discarded shipping containers from JNPT or other ports. We have a network of trusted vendors who deal with selling of these containers and who also give us the right information about the containers and their condition. Once purchased and transported to our studio, we inspect, repair and rust-treat them. Consequent to that is the major step of fabrication work which includes various modifications as per requirement of the design. Insulation is used on all the surfaces to tackle temperature variances. We would not propose any living space solutions without adequate insulation. We also give a lot of importance towards creating ample ventilation in all our spaces. After this, the process is very similar to the execution of any other interior design project. We the layout various services like electrical and plumbing, installation of flooring and wall cladding etc. The last step is the painting, to achieve desired level of finish and the fixing of doors and windows.
After making the space ready at our workshop, our major attention would be towards planning the installation. We give this part of the project equal importance as given to designing and executing the space itself. As we work with trucks and crane operators who are more often than not new to installing containers, we need to be very precise in joining multiple containers and cannot afford any room for error.
What challenges have you faced in acquiring, designing, and convincing clients about container homes in India, and how do you envision the future of sustainable design and the use of reclaimed materials in this field?
Our first step in our effort to acquire clientele is awareness, when we started, we did not have many references available in India for container architecture. It took us lot of time and effort to make people aware of this concept. But today there is already awareness amongst the general public. Nowadays everyone understands readymade structures and container spaces. We have also seen more and more individuals showing interest in reclaimed solutions, but definitely it is a niche market.
Describe the emerging trends or technologies shaping architecture, particularly in container architecture and sustainable design in India.
Container architecture is gaining greater popularity over the last five years more than in the previous times. We are seeing a trend developing in ready-made structures that is slowly moving towards dry construction instead of traditional wet construction, which is a very sustainable approach for the future. This kind of construction would also give us an opportunity to look into after-life use of our building structures.
Elaborate on the advice you would give to aspiring designers passionate about sustainability and upcycling.
Sustainability should be part of all our designs and projects and not to be practiced as a once in a while concept. It should be part of every decision we make. Upcycling as a concept is not very main stream as of now, due to the processes it follows, but it has huge potential. We would recommend more designers to pursue this concept, especially in mainstream solutions.
Dhara’s Tip for Emerging Designers:
“Start experimenting. Upcycling doesn’t begin with grand projects — it begins with asking, ‘What can I reuse today?’ Sustainability isn’t an aesthetic; it’s a mindset.”
If given the chance to switch your field of work, which category would you prefer to design for and why?
I don’t think I would ever like to switch my field of work. I love doing what I do, and it gives me the passion to continue, as it is my staunch belief that what we are doing makes sense, not only for the present, but also for the future.
