One of the most important factors in the present system of things is having a place to live,
that is, a roof over our heads to shelter us from the external elements and provide a comfortable
space to relax, rest, and unwind. One company has been taking a very niche and unique approach
to designing and constructing homes that are affordable, based on the needs and size of a family,
and are built to last. From the year 1988, Carbon Dwell, a professional welder and family-owned
company, has been building custom homes and other structures using reclaimed steel shipping
containers. Why take such a unique approach? The company has the primary mission of helping
to reduce the carbon footprint of humans by building places of residence out of already existing
carbon steel. As such, acknowledging that having a place to live is one of the basic necessity of
life, Carbon Dwell is helping to provide homes that are both affordable and long-lasting, while
helping to reduce the amount of carbon being released into the earth’s atmosphere.
Carbon Dwell concentrates on building custom models, noting the company starts from
the ground up and can construct dwellings that range in size from single to a multi-generational
family home. The company can make a home from an individual shipping container that may be
approximately 160 to 320 square feet (sq. ft.) or combine several containers that would allow for
designing a much bigger structure. One of the largest buildings constructed to date is the 4000
sq. ft. home that owner Shane and his son have designed and made together, which they occupy
as their primary place of residence. Now, one of the first questions that may arise when it comes
to a container home is that of insulation, noting Carbon Dwell solves this issue using InSoFast®
insulating material that contributes to maximum comfort as well as meets all the safety standards
and requirements for commercial and residential construction. So, homes constructed by Carbon
Dwell are designed with the needs and preferences of the dwellers in mind, are comfortable, and,
most importantly, are practical and safe for living.
04 2023 – Carbon Dwell (06 2023) 2
Carbon Dwell, since its official launch in 2019, has come a long way and continues to
develop, grow, and expand on their approach to designing, building, and delivering homes to
those in need. The company acknowledges that many young adults and families have difficulty
establishing a home, so their efforts are geared toward increasing accessibility and affordability
to those considered to be low-income or underrepresented. Urban Dwell, its non-profit division,
is striving to liaise with cities to provide available land and funding, upon which the company
would take on the role of building structures that would be provided as places of residence for
the impoverished or those who would otherwise not be able afford a traditional home. The effort,
impact, and success of Carbon Dwell are all clearly evident, as the company has since then been
featured on the Denver Home and Garden Show in October 2022. The company has even begun
to expand its reach as it is now shipping custom-built container homes to states like Mississippi
and New Mexico as well as constructing full scale homes in James Town, Colorado. Ultimately,
Carbon Dwell, established on the foundation of bringing families together, proves to be a niche
company making a large impact by providing affordable, long-lasting, safe housing options as
well as helping as many as possible to have a place to call home.