Episode 3: Salvaging is the New Forestry
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.
The Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is no longer just an extra space—it's becoming a personal retreat designed to enhance well-being and promote a healthier lifestyle. By curating your ADU with a focus on wellness, you can create a sanctuary that nurtures both body and mind. Thoughtful design choices, like incorporating natural light, calming color palettes, and lush greenery, can transform your ADU into a space that encourages relaxation, mindfulness, and rejuvenation. It’s an opportunity to craft an environment where every detail contributes to your overall sense of peace and balance.
A commitment to wellness also extends to the materials and technologies you choose for your ADU. By prioritizing sustainable and non-toxic options, such as natural hemp fabrics, organic bedding, and low-VOC paints, you can create a healthier living space that minimizes exposure to harmful chemicals. Integrating air-purifying plants, energy-efficient systems, and natural ventilation further enhances the indoor air quality, making your ADU not just a place to live, but a space that actively supports your well-being.
Your ADU can be a source of inspiration for others seeking to prioritize wellness in their own lives. By showcasing how design and sustainability can work together to create a healthier environment, your ADU becomes more than just an additional dwelling—it’s a wellness retreat that encourages mindful living. Whether it’s through a serene outdoor area for yoga, a cozy nook for reading or meditation, or a layout that promotes flow and tranquility, your ADU can serve as a model for how thoughtful design can significantly enhance well-being.
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.
James Peterson’s journey as a sculptor is as dynamic as his works. At CarbonShack, he's become a key figure, creating innovative 3D printed lights that fuse art and technology.
From an early age, James was fascinated by transforming raw materials into three-dimensional forms. "Sculpture has always been a part of my life," he reflects. This early passion laid the foundation for a career rooted in creativity and a deep connection to nature.
Before becoming a full-time sculptor, James worked in practical visual effects for feature films, an experience that sharpened his ability to bring concepts to life with precision and creativity. His time in visual effects also instilled a sense of narrative that continues to shape his sculptures.
A major turning point came when he began teaching at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) and was introduced to 3D printing. This technology allowed him to craft complex, organic forms with unmatched precision, aligning with his interest in biophilic design. His sculptures, inspired by natural patterns, often incorporate motion, lighting, and sound, creating dynamic, interactive experiences.
James’ work has been featured at Art Basel, Coachella, and for clients like Google and Meow Wolf. A standout project was a large-scale sculpture for the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, which pushed his creativity to new heights.
Since 2018, James has collaborated with Home Front Build and CarbonShack, working on public art that emphasizes collaboration with various specialists. Outside the studio, he finds inspiration in painting, drawing, camping, and films like "Moon," "Princess Bride," and the original "Star Wars."
"My art is about connecting people to nature, to each other, and to the spaces they inhabit," he says, creating environments where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
3D Printed Lighting by James Peterson for Sale
Jewel of The Sea Disc Sconce Jewel of the Sea Peanut Sconce Jewel of the Sea Ellipse Sconce