From shipping container to purpose-built community radio station

CAUKIN Studio focuses on creating and designing spaces that are accessible to everyone, with strong emphasis on community engagement and sustainable building practices. Bringing their vision to life, we designed and delivered a vibrant community radio station from a converted shipping container within Greenwich Peninsula’s Design District.

The Design.

The design strikes a careful balance between robust functionality and architectural whimsy. Its architectural concept transforms an ordinary industrial container into a sculptural and functional broadcasting space that’s bursting with personality. It has an animated facade that features oversized illuminated eyes and a green service window mimicking a mouth to give the studio a character like presence to reflect LOOSE fm’s ethos: eclectic, experimental, ecstatic. 

THE CONVERSION PROCESS.

The project began with a 40ft High Cube One Trip container, which was modified and reduced to 30ft in length to meet the design requirements. The original cargo doors were retained, while an additional set was installed along the rear elevation to provide added security behind the main patio door entrance. A large aperture was also created in the front elevation to form the feature DJ window. 

To enhance both functionality and accessibility, sliding uPVC-framed patio doors were fitted to the rear of the unit, while double sliding uPVC-framed windows were installed on the front elevation. 

Internally, the container was fully lined and insulated to create a comfortable and practical broadcasting environment. The walls and ceiling were finished with a smooth plaster surface and painted to the client’s specification. Acoustic panels were installed around the DJ area to improve sound quality, while air conditioning was fitted to regulate temperature and increase comfort for users. To maximise internal headroom, the underside of the container floor was insulated externally, avoiding any reduction in the available internal height. 

The distinctive LOOSE.fm signage and the iconic mouth feature surrounding the DJ window were manufactured from aluminium Dibond sheet and finished with coloured vinyl wraps to achieve the desired visual impact. 

To complete the external design, we manufactured a bespoke scaffold tube framework for the container roof. This structure added visual interest to the studio while providing support for the oversized illuminated eyes, which were installed by the client’s lighting team. We also incorporated the necessary electrical connections to facilitate their installation. 

TESTIMONIAL.

Josh Peasley, CAUKIN Studio

CONCLUSION.

To ensure the project ran smoothly from start to finish, the container conversion was delivered and installed by our own experienced in-house drivers using our crane-equipped delivery trucks. by managing the logistics ourselves, we maintained full control over the process, ensuring the unit was positioned safely and was ready for the final on-site additions.

We had a key role in bringing the LOOSE FM studio to life and look forward to helping future clients turn ambitious ideas into reality through innovative container conversions. Located in Greenwich Peninsula’s Design District, LOOSE FM’s new studio stands as a fantastic examples of how shipping containers can be transformed from practical storage solutions into vibrant community spaces.