Episode 8: CarbonShack Design: What Connects Us
There is no question about it. We are living in exciting times. Just this past year, 90 cities, ten counties and two states, have set targets for 100 renewable energy in the U.S. alone. Oil giants like Exxon Mobil and Shell are lobbying to advance the case for a carbon tax, solar is now cost competitive with fossil fuel powered electricity, and the Green New Deal is fundamentally changing the public’s rhetoric and confidence in climate solutions. Each day a fully decarbonized economy is looking more likely. However, the path to decarbonization is not linear.
As state and local regulations have changed to make it easier to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) their use and purpose has evolved. Where once ADUs were conceived as opportunities to create extra living space or convenient rental income — they are now been seen as a personal showcase, a statement of who you are. An ADU can be a canvas for expressing your unique taste and lifestyle choices. Whether you favor a minimalist aesthetic or a more eclectic style, your ADU can reflect your design preferences in a way that complements your main living space, yet stands on its own. Thoughtfully chosen furniture, curated art, and personalized decor can transform this compact dwelling into a true reflection of your identity.
As an emerging building type, the ADU is also a powerful platform for demonstrating a commitment to sustainable living. By integrating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies, you can turn your ADU into a model of sustainability. From solar panels on the roof to sustainable hemp fabrics for upholstery and window treatments, every detail can contribute to a reduced environmental footprint. The beauty of an ADU lies in its small scale, making it the perfect project to experiment with eco-friendly innovations and sustainable practices without overwhelming costs or complexities.
Moreover, the ADU gives you the opportunity to inspire others through your design choices. Whether it’s through the use of reclaimed wood, wellness-focused furnishings, or walls that fully open to bring nature indoors, your ADU can serve as a living example of how thoughtful design can enhance both aesthetics and well-being. As more people seek to live sustainably and intentionally, your ADU can be more than just an extra space—it can be a statement piece that inspires others to rethink their own living environments.
CarbonShack’s nature-inspired home furnishings are sustainably designed and fabricated in the Los Angeles area. Our furniture, lighting, fabric and glazed ceramic tile take their cues from the many wonders of the natural world, from chlorophyll cell structures to intricate microscopic spores, from sea kelp to mycelium. We source urban forestry lumber, natural hemp fabrics, salvaged wood, and California clay. Our designs not only bring biophilic motifs into the home, they also imbue your interiors with a tactile sense of wellness and connection to nature.