You’ll Never Believe Where This Family Lives

Few people ever have the opportunity to visit California’s Redwood Forest. Even fewer, though, have the opportunity to live in it. Kam Kasravi and Connie DeWitt however, have found a way to build their very own sustainable home right in the middle of the Redwoods!

The couple chose to move because they were looking for ways to “live more sustainably” and lessen their impact on the environment. So, in 2013, they contacted their architect friend David Fenster and began to research ways to construct their new home.

Eventually, they settled on using individual shipping containers. With a bit of work, they were able to transform the ordinary metal boxes into gorgeous 8×8 rooms, complete with windows and doors. They did much of the construction themselves, and as a result only spent about $50 per square foot. Pretty impressive when you consider the average sale price of a home today!

The Redwood Forest is, undeniably, a beautiful place to live. But, it is threatened by issues such as deforestation and pollution. For those who chose to live there, making sure that they protect their home is a top priority! An ounce of prevention goes a long way. By making the switch over the sustainable housing, people can save the environment while also creating a space they love.

Though their home is made out of simple shipping containers, it is certainly full of personality. An open floor plan and rustic-looking furniture makes it blend into its surrounding perfectly, and DeWitt says that sitting inside feels much the same as sitting outside!

The secret, they say, is allowing for plenty of natural light. When the home is dark, it feels much smaller than it actually is. The couple likes to keep their doors and windows open as much as possible, and only use artificial light at nighttime.

The couple has a young son who often brings friends over to spend the night in his parents’ unique house. Even though the house is small and unconventional, it easily fits the family, their friends, and their pets. Many of the couple’s friends have even expressed interest in living in a shipping container house themselves! DeWitt and Kasravi are interested in helping them achieve this goal.

Sustainable housing has gotten more and more press in recent years due to its environmental-friendliness. However, many home builders prefer to use prefabricated buildings to simplify the process. This is expensive, time-consuming, and research intensive. So, Kasravi and Dewitt have embarked on a mission to make shipping container homes more mainstream.

They have started marketing kits to help people create their own homes from shipping containers. One purchase will provide them with everything they need to get started. The couple hopes that this system will encourage others to live more sustainable lifestyles.

The couple is off to a great start! If more people take action like them, we can preserve earth’s natural beauty for years to come. So, the next time you’re moving, consider the cheap, environmentally-friendly option for shipping container homes!