Leah Whittemore’s unusual hair salon at Heathcote is what could be described as “self contained”.
Ms Whittemore set up her salon, My Hair Shed, a few months ago in a custom-modified shipping container attached to her home.
One side of the 20 ft (6.1 metre) long container was removed and it fits in with the house and a small building extension.
Apart from the hair salon, there is a built-in kitchen and storage.
Ms Whittemore said the idea had worked out cheaper and quicker than building a large extension.
“Also, we wanted to create something different that would stand apart from a traditional salon and give clients something to talk about,” she said.
“We saw examples of shipping containers being used on Better Homes & Gardens and Grand Designs, and decided to look into it.”
Ms Whittemore, who has worked in other salons for 11 years, decided she wanted to try and work from home after the birth of her daughter, who is 18 months.
“It is working out very well and I am getting lots of positive comments about what we have done,” she said.
Paul Hawkins, area manager for containers firm Royal Wolf Sydney, said it was one of many innovative uses by local businesses across a range of sectors.
“Containers can be easily modified and transported, are cost effective, strong and secure,” he said.
