Campervan Conversion:
2021 - The Lockdown Build
Ultimately my objective was to design a functional space tailored to serve my needs and interests. I aimed to maximise; storage volume, kitchen workspace, desk size, bed width, build quality, and subsystem accessibility (for maintenance and repair). Another objective was to include features present in larger van builds such as an outdoor sofa, a warm shower, a monitor for remote working and a safe.
With the goal of creating a space I could live and work in, I began conceptualising the layout with the following must have features; full width sofa/bed, full width kitchen, and a large desk. Existing designs were studied to understand the relative performance of each while considering these main features.
In essence, the solution was to have a full-width bed slide over the full-width, “C” shaped kitchen work surface. This gives the user a huge amount of kitchen work space as well as a sofa/bed arrangement easily wide enough for two. This use of space has been made possible by neglecting the need for legally seatbelted seats. The additional kitchen workspace allows for a large sink, a 50L fresh water tank, a 40L fridge and a modular cooking unit that houses a twin stove. A sophisticated electrical system has been fitted with 3 methods of charging. Other features include a large desk with a monitor mount, an outdoor shower, a safe and a multifunctional bed configuration.
Modular Hob Unit
A-Frame Sofabed
I successfully designed and built a campervan I can live and work in. It outperforms the commercially available VW California in multiple areas such as bed width (23%), storage space (40%) and kitchen counter space (300%). It includes unique features such as a multifunctional bed, a modular hob unit, surfboard storage and a laptop safe.
I lived and worked in this camper van, “Addy the Advocate”, throughout 2021, escaping the effects of a global pandemic. During this time, Hoc Product Design Limited was founded.