This Pune company transforms shipping containers into eco-friendly, chic homes

In India, Studio Alternatives is catering to a niche segment that is trying to merge an ecological lifestyle with comfort.

These living spaces are being created by Pune-based Studio Alternatives, whose own office in Arvi---a village 25km from Pune, is called the 'studio shed.'

On a farm at a short distance from Pune stands an unusual farmhouse. A few other buildings in and around the city are just like it, among them, a home south of Pune and another in Talegaon, a villa in Mulshi, a travelling display of heavy machinery by a multinational company and a commercial kitchen.

The primary building material of the elegant and state-of-the-art homes is discarded shipping containers. These living spaces are being created by Pune-based Studio Alternatives, whose own office in Arvi—a village 25km from Pune, is called the ‘studio shed.’ It is made from 90 per cent reclaimed material including shipping containers.
The company’s aim is to reduce the carbon footprint of the farmhouses by creating tiny home concepts and using as many reclaimed materials.

The office, like the houses the company creates, reflects the experiences of the founders— Dhara Kabaria and Sonali Phadke. Kabaria attended the School of Interior Design, CEPT Ahmedabad, and the Kent Institute of Art and Design, Rochester, UK, while Phadke is an engineer and an alumnus of The Ecological Society, Pune. She is also a resource person for a number of environment projects and surveys.

According to a study by the UN Environment Programme in 2022, “Despite an increase in energy efficiency investment and lower energy intensity, the building and construction sector’s energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions have rebounded from the Covid-19 pandemic to an all-time high.” In Europe, the buildings sector represented 40 per cent of the continent’s energy demand– 80 per cent of which came from fossil fuel.

In India, Studio Alternatives is catering to a niche segment that is trying to merge an ecological lifestyle with comfort. “Our clients vary by age group, from very young people to couples who are in their mid-or late 60s. There is one unifying outlook among them. They are people who love outdoors and are looking for a home that is smart and sustainable. They don’t want to go through the hassle of building a very elaborate conventional house. They prefer to be comfortable and with nature,” says Kabaria.

A Studio Alternatives house might begin life as a shipping container but they are insulated, have wall cladding, polish and other finishes to make them habitable. The houses stand on stilts or columns, further reducing the stress on earth.

“One of the important factors is that these houses have an afterlife. If a person does not need the house any more, the containers can be taken apart and sent for recycling,” says Kabaria.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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