Neeraj Khandelwal, founder & partner, In The Box Space, talks about the unique concept of using shipping containers for hospitality and restaurant projects By Sudipta Dev
What kind of accommodation option can In the Box Space provide for the hospitality sector? Targeted at which segment?
We have been targeting mainly budget and three-four star hotels for various styles of accommodation, which includes resort style rooms to single rooms. By thinking out of the box and creatively, structurally, we can do a lot with these boxes or by using a combination of conventional building methods and boxes depending on the customer’s requirements. We are also working on the portable hotel concept, wherein hoteliers can shift the rooms to different destinations as per business demand.
What kind of response have you got from the hospitality sector? Any hospitality projects in the pipeline?
It has only been six months since we started In the Box Space and we have received a phenomenal response already from the hospitality sector. We are in touch with some of the leading names in this sector and already in talks to provide a wide range of solutions – from making a kitchen to a complete room out of these boxes. We have even proposed to make a complete hotel using shipping
containers.
How can these accommodation units provide a unique tourism experience?
We have used all these containers as site offices and temporary structures, but living out of these is relatively new in India. People like change and talk about it all the time, especially the young generation, In the Box Space looks to provide that change. Design has now shifted to more like storytelling – there is a main theme, a character that is portraying story that is how we incorporate the idea – “Each Box Has Not One, But Many Stories To Tell”
These structures would be apt for which Indian (getaway) destinations?
India is a country with many getaway destinations and smaller cities/ towns are becoming extremely popular with the youth – so providing quick and affordable housing/ accommodation for this age group is a vast market opportunity. Furthermore, often permission to build is not granted by the local bodies and this is a perfect place to use this shipping container construction.
Which segment of F&B sector do you foresee this concept becoming popular?
Although the concept can be used across various segments in F&B, we have already received a lot of interest from leading fast food companies for making restaurants. With the restaurant business becoming so competitive over the last couple of years in India, especially due to the heavy taxes that are to be paid, the industry is seeing a great shift by cutting costs, this includes online platforms for delivery services and also food trucks. In the Box Space is looking to be the next trend offering a competitive alternative method without comprising on the design and feel of a place.
What are the cost advantages of putting up these structures?
If planned well, these structures can save a lot of cost – upto 40 per cent and a lot of time. It is ideal for spaces, which are time-bound and businesses in the hospitality sector since revenue generation starts faster as building time is cut down significantly.