There are projects that come along in your career that simply make you proud to be part of this industry. Jesse Mugambi's "Studio Can-V" project is definitely one of those moments for us at Almar Container Group.
When Jesse Mugambi first walked into our offices with his sketches and designs, we knew we were looking at something extraordinary. This Kenyan student studying Sustainable Design at Brighton University had already won €50,000 (Sh7.6 million) in the Mast-Jagermeister Save The Night competition, beating 300 contestants from 50 countries. Now he had detailed plans for Studio Can-V and needed our expertise to make it reality.
What struck us immediately was his passion and the thoroughness of his planning. Jesse had designed every aspect of the mobile DJ studio and nightclub, but he needed guidance on how his vision would translate using shipping containers. That's where our team stepped in – Austin Kiplagat, our engineer, worked closely with Jesse on the technical aspects, helping him understand the structural possibilities and material requirements. Grace Maina handled the administrative coordination and communications, ensuring everything moved smoothly from concept to construction.
Working on Studio Can-V has been unlike any other project we've undertaken. Yes, we specialize in storage containers and reefers for traditional applications, but this? This was about creating a space where music comes alive, and communities gather.
The technical challenges were fascinating. How do you ensure proper acoustics in a steel container? How do you create lighting systems that work for both a recording studio by day and an energetic nightclub by night? How do you make it mobile while maintaining structural integrity?
One of the most critical aspects was the soundproofing. We installed 80mm acoustic panels throughout the entire container – walls, ceiling, and even the doors. This wasn't just about keeping sound in; it was about creating the perfect acoustic environment for professional recording while ensuring the nightclub wouldn't disturb neighbouring areas when the party was in full swing.
Our team approached each challenge with the same attention to detail we bring to all our projects, but there was an extra energy in the workshop. Everyone knew they were working on something that would make headlines – and more importantly, something that would support the creative arts community in Nairobi.
What made this project truly special wasn't just the technical innovation – it was Jesse's story. Here's a young man who studied architecture at Brighton, graduated in 2020, and instead of following a conventional path, chose to chase a dream that combined his love for music, his commitment to sustainability, and his pride in his Kenyan roots.
It reminded us why we love what we do – we're not just supplying containers; we're enabling dreams and supporting local economic growth.
There's nothing quite like the moment when a custom container project comes together. Watching Jesse's face when he first stepped into the completed Studio Can-V was unforgettable. You could see years of planning, hoping, and hard work crystallizing into reality.
The space transforms seamlessly from a professional recording studio during the day to an intimate nightclub at night. The acoustic treatments, the custom lighting systems, the mobile capabilities – everything working in perfect harmony. It's functional art, really.
While Jesse's story made international news and brought well-deserved recognition to African innovation, for us it represented something deeper. It showed that when you combine vision with craftsmanship, when you match dreams with practical expertise, incredible things can happen.
The project also reinforced our belief in the versatility of shipping containers. We've always known they could be more than just storage solutions, but seeing Studio Can-V in action – packed with music lovers, serving as a hub for Nairobi's artistic community – that was proof of concept in the best way possible.
Every project teaches you something new, and Studio Can-V was no exception. We learned about acoustic engineering, about the specific needs of mobile entertainment venues, about working with renewable materials in new ways. But more than that, we learned about the power of believing in someone's vision.
Studio Can-V will definitely be a project that we will remember. Because of the human connection – working with someone who dared to dream big and had the determination to see it through.
Almar Container Group is honoured to have played a role in bringing Studio Can-V to life. Projects like these remind us that behind every container is an opportunity to make a difference.
For more information about the possibilities of fabricated containers, get in touch with us. https://almarcontainergroup.com/ke/
