Van Conversion Project
A Personal Project
Personal projects provide unique opportunities to explore untapped facets of our creativity, challenge ourselves outside of our comfort zones, and develop new skills that might not be directly related to our careers.
I've always been captivated by the idea of turning a simple van into a cozy home on wheels. This van conversion project involved transforming a bare, empty van into a functional space.
The Van
Renault Trafic 2 L2H1
Inside Lenght: 2800 cm
Inside Height: 1387 cm
Inside Width: 1690 cm
Total Surface: 4,7m2
Design Concept
A research and brainstorming phase led this project. We wanted the van to offer greater sleep comfort as it very important to us. The van should also include a kitchen area with a sink to provide freedom and independence while on the road. Finally, we needed storage, as much as possible.
Bed Comfort &
Storage
A key element we quickly identified was that most campervan had a comb bed in the length of the van resulting in a very limited storage area.
3 Modules Bed
To answer to both the storage space and the sleep quality we decided to create a bed area composed of 3 modules.
2 fixed modules + 1 comb bed.
Comb bed with 2 drawers underneath
Full length drawers opening from the back of the van
The Kitchen Area
Additionally, being enthusiastic cooks, we ensured we had a small but sufficient kitchen area so that we can cook whatever the conditions out there.
Design Style
We aimed to create a cabin-like atmosphere in our van. We carefully selected natural materials. To protect the wood, we used linseed oil, and for storage, we added wicker baskets. The handmade design with these natural elements has given us a result that I'm really proud of.
A Feel of
Wood Cabin
The final outcome is something I'm proud of. Even on rainy days, the inside feels like a cozy cabin – you almost forget you're in a vehicle. The wood and its natural smell create a really comfortable vibe in the van. It's wonderful.
The Ceiling
- Yakisugi
To break monotony we used the Japanese technique Yakisugi also known as Shou-sugi-ban - which consist in burning the wood on one side to make it stronger against the elements (rain, fire, UVs, mould, insects).
Perseverance and Adaptability
Undertaking the conversion of a van into a fully functional campervan was one of the most challenging project I’ve worked on but also one of the most rewarding.
Failing early and failing often.
This project allowed me to dive deeper into my product design skills. I’ve learned that failing early and failing often in product design is key. It’s key to the viability of your product and to its quality. Your ability to fail, solve the problem you’ve encountered and re-start the design process again will determine the success of your product.
Prioritising Quality Above All.
I’ve managed successfully a multitude of projects in my career, and my experience in managing them has definitely served me for this one too. However, even with all the care I put into evaluating the time it will take for each tasks, I kept falling behind schedule. It highlighted the intricate balance between time and quality. Sometimes, adjusting schedules is necessary to ensure the best results, highlighting the importance of adaptability and perseverance.
One last key lesson… there is no CTRL Z in the non digital world…
Illustrations by © Pascal Grangier
