Project features

The project

Pure Water International undertook the retrofit of two shipping containers to house innovative modular water treatment systems. One, a 40-foot container in Scotland, accommodates a water treatment plant and a heat recovery system. The other, a 20-foot container in the Caribbean, houses a water treatment plant alongside batteries for a solar farm powering the off-grid system.

Both containers are the first of their kind, featuring best-in-class equipment and designed to operate 24/7 in very different climates. With continuous high-output machinery inside, achieving effective thermal regulation was a top priority, along with ensuring that sustainability was at the heart of the build.

Goals

• Provide consistent thermoregulation for equipment operating around the clock

• Improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact

• Use sustainable, non-toxic materials

• Ensure ease of installation in confined spaces

Why Sisalwool?

Sustainability is a core value for Pure Water International, making Sisalwool a natural choice. Manufactured from renewable, natural fibres and free from petrochemicals, Sisalwool aligns perfectly with the company’s ethos and appeals to their eco-conscious clients.

Performance was equally important. In the Caribbean container, where outside temperatures often reach the high 30s with intense humidity, Sisalwool has kept the internal temperature around 10–15°C cooler than outside, with consistent moderation day and night. In Scotland, the insulation helps to keep the container’s internal environment stable despite fluctuating outdoor temperatures.

The joiners on site were also quick to praise the product. Unlike conventional insulation, Sisalwool is non-irritating to skin, eyes and lungs, and cuts cleanly without special equipment. This meant a faster, cleaner installation process, even in the tight working conditions inside the containers.

Benefits

• Excellent thermal regulation in both hot and temperate climates

• Naturally sustainable and petrochemical-free

• Non-irritating and easy to handle, making installation faster and cleaner

• Maintains consistent operating temperatures for sensitive equipment

• Contributes to reduced energy demand and improved efficiency

Installation

In the Scotland container, a 4x2 timber frame was built on the outside of the container. Sisalwool insulation was friction-fitted into the frame, covered with a membrane, and finished with steel cladding for durability and weather protection.

In the Caribbean container, a 4x2 timber frame was constructed inside the container. Sisalwool insulation was fitted between the studs, followed by a membrane, and finished with plasterboard for a clean interior.

In both cases, insulation was installed on two sides of the container as well as the roof to ensure maximum thermal stability for the equipment within.

The result?

Two cutting-edge water treatment systems that benefit from stable internal temperatures, reduced environmental impact, and insulation that performs exceptionally well in both extreme heat and temperate climates. The project not only supports Pure Water International’s operational needs but also reinforces their commitment to sustainability and innovation.