Eco-Friendly Montessori School Built with Shipping Containers

For Montessori La Milpa in Ensenada, Mexico, constructing a school was about more than just creating a space for learning. It was about embodying their commitment to sustainability and teaching students the importance of environmental responsibility. By building their campus with shipping containers, the school demonstrated how eco-friendly practices could be integrated into everyday life.

Founded in 2010, Montessori La Milpa educates children aged one to six, with plans for an elementary classroom. The school’s commitment to the environment is evident in its rainwater harvesting system, composting toilets, and recycling initiatives, which involve the entire community.

Why Montessori La Milpa Chose Shipping Containers

Located near a port with abundant shipping container storage facilities, the school’s founder, Fernando Saldain, saw an opportunity to align the school’s architecture with its environmental philosophy. Inspired by container homes he had seen online, Saldain worked with an architect to design a school that was cost-effective, durable, and environmentally responsible.

Shipping containers were chosen over other materials like adobe or bricks for several reasons. Containers offered similar costs to traditional cinder block construction but provided greater long-term durability and reduced maintenance needs. Reusing containers also aligned with the school’s ethos of repurposing materials.

Challenges and Rewards of Building with Containers

Construction of the school began in June 2010, with classes starting just three months later in two completed classrooms. Despite tight deadlines, the process went smoothly, with only minor adjustments needed along the way.

One of the most memorable moments was seeing the first container lifted into place, marking the beginning of a unique architectural journey. The construction involved multiple crews working simultaneously, from pouring foundations to insulating walls.

However, there were unexpected challenges. Delays in building permits and discovering weaker container beams than anticipated required creative solutions, such as reinforcing certain areas with steel beams.

Eco-Friendly Features of the Container School

The innovative design of the school prioritised energy efficiency and sustainability. Insulation was achieved using packed straw between the interior walls, held with chicken wire and finished with adobe plaster. This natural insulation provided excellent temperature regulation.

Exterior roofs made from recycled corrugated metal created an air gap to improve ventilation, while large windows allowed for natural light and airflow. Located near the coastline, the school also benefitted from cool breezes that helped keep classrooms comfortable.

Cost Breakdown of the Montessori La Milpa Project

The total cost of the Montessori La Milpa campus was approximately $285,000 USD, broken down as follows:

Land: $50,000
Containers: $50,000
Foundations: $40,000
Cistern: $25,000
Woodworking: $50,000
Fencing: $20,000
Electric and plumbing: $15,000
Steel work: $12,000
Concrete flooring: $12,000
Miscellaneous: $10,000

This cost-effective approach demonstrated how container construction could achieve quality and sustainability within a reasonable budget.

Lessons Learned from Building with Containers

While the project was a success, Saldain noted a few key takeaways. Not all containers are created equal; some require additional reinforcement if their internal walls are removed. Planning for these contingencies is crucial to avoid delays or unexpected costs.

Another lesson was the ease of maintenance and durability of container structures. With no need for external paint or additional flooring, containers provided a low-maintenance solution ideal for a busy school environment.

Expanding Eco-Centric Education at Montessori La Milpa

Since its completion, Montessori La Milpa has grown into a vibrant learning community. The school’s eco-friendly philosophy extends beyond its architecture, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship among students and their families.

Today, the school offers education for children up to age twelve and remains committed to providing high-quality, environmentally conscious instruction. Montessori La Milpa stands as an inspiring example of how innovative design and sustainability can work hand in hand to shape the future of education.