the structure is next to the sailing club (another MUA design) in the tbilisi reservoir, now called the tbilisi sea, which has appeared on the map since 1953. During the summer, this area is frequently visited by locals and becomes a hub of fishing and water sports activities. meanwhile, an impressive monument of zurab tsereteli adorns the site, making it an interesting project site.

all images courtesy of nakanimamasakhlisi photo lab

architectural characteristics of shipping containers

The architecture of shipping containers is an important part of MUA’s research on modern architecture. “The replacement of traditional building materials with pre-fabricated compact second-hand steel boxes and the creation of various functional spaces require intensive research and experimentation”, share it studio. this type of architecture is strongly based on the observation of materials, the investigation of potential [re]use, and daring experiments.“These practices give really interesting results”, adds the team. this form of architecture has many positive aspects – it is environmentally sustainable, suitable for reuse, cost effective and since it is “prefabricated” it requires minimal construction time.

the office container is 12 meters (40 feet) in length with the cabin taking a linear layout throughout the interior. the far edges of the container are transformed into rest areas and their ancillary functions (bathroom and storage spaces). the middle part of the container, the shared space, includes a small kitchen, an office and a living room. large sliding doors allow the interior and exterior to blend into each other, creating an open and accessible platform with sea views.

project info:

Name: MUA getaway place
architects: MUA architecture and creation of places

group project: devi kituashvili, gogiko sakvarelidze, natalia nebieridze, elene edisherashvili

site: Tbilisi, Georgia
Region: 25 m2 (269 ft2)

photography: nakanimamasakhlisi photo lab