WITH the popularity of programmes such as Channel 4's Grand Designs and George Clarke's Amazing Spaces extolling the virtues of living in a container home, Pentalver based in the Port of Southampton have seen a marked increase in requests to buy containers.

Matthew Lawrenson, commerical administrator for Pentalver in Southampton, explained that in the past most of their used containers were sold to self storage companies and the like but now they are being used for everything from funky restaurants and bars to prospective home owners.

"TV shows where people have built homes out of containers have prompted more people to think of containers as a great way to build an affordable home.

"We have conversion teams based in Southampton and Cannock who insulate and clad containers so they can be habitable," he said.

"A swimming pool is probably one of the most unusual conversions undertaken and containers are now also being used to store horse tack."