Before
The pair designed, built and decorated the van entirely on their own from scratch, without any prior experience! Amazing!
The back of the 2008 van measures 4.3 metres, making her the second longest model in the range – and with a little work and careful planning, enough space to create a small kitchen, social area and bed!
The fully functional van was fitted solar panels, an 84 litre freshwater tank, a fridge and freezer compartment, a 100-amp lithium battery, mains hook up, arctic insulation, and a fully equipped kitchen among many other things.
After
It’s hard to imagine that you can create such a lovely, cosy living space in a mere 4.3 metres, but not only have Indie and Joel created a practical, highly functional home, it’s also lovely and cosy too! Think traditional kitchen cabinets with cup handles, tiles, wood details and plenty of storage as well as a social area.
When space is of a premium, it’s important to make use of every inch. In the kitchen, the side of the sink has been used to store washing up liquid, soap, chopping boards and utensils.
The cabinet on the far side was built by hand using plexiglass: “”The idea of a glass cabinet was inspired by the old glass pantries our parents and grandparents once had,” Indie explains, “we thought they look so beautiful. So, we created our own using plastic”.
“We wanted to create a bright light Scandinavian style interior with a bit of a farmhouse feel”, Indie tells me, “the feeling of stepping into a modern cabin in the woods. All the horizontal lines, including the countertops, ceiling and floor, are made out of dark walnut and all the vertical lines (cabinet doors, walls etc) are white”.
A wooden door gives access to the main driving compartment.
“For us, it was important that it felt like a home; somewhere peaceful”, Indie tells me, “we used warm colours to make it feel cosy and it was also important to be able to host friends – hence our big U-shaped sofa”.
At night, the table is lowered to make a platform in the middle and two mattresses are added to form a 160 x 200 cm bed with a 24 cm thick memory foam mattress. A comfortable place to wake up each day, looking out over the nature – or end the day, gazing at the stars!
In Scandinavia its customary to take your shoes off when you enter a home – and in Indie and Joel’s van it’s no different! Simple, low wooden shelves by the entrance provide storage and help to keep the entrance-way clear.
***
All in all, one INCREDIBLE project! And such a special home.
Feel like reading about a few other inspiring stories involving tiny homes this weekend?
Wishing you all a fabulous weekend, thank you so much for stopping by!
Niki
